1980s Mary McFadden Jade Green Fortuny-Style Silk Column Gown w Long Sleeves
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 2 (US)
- Style:Delphos (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Gresham, OR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5022509062
Mary McFadden
Less could have been expected from a well-bred society girl like Mary McFadden, who stepped out of the safe confines of the haut monde to create iconic designs for evening dresses, jackets, skirts and other items inspired by ancient and ethnic cultures and traditions. Fashion, in fact, was not initially on her agenda.
“I fell into it backwards,” she told the New York Times in 1979.
Born in New York but raised on a cotton plantation in Memphis, Tennessee, McFadden spent a few months at the Traphagen School of Fashion in 1956 and moved on to study sociology and anthropology at Columbia University. Afterward, she spent a short period of time in public relations at Christian Dior during the early 1960s, but she was unsure exactly what would lie ahead for her. McFadden decided to relocate to South Africa with her first husband, who oversaw production of the De Beers mines. While there, she began to design her own clothing — tunics that featured African prints, made of silk she’d found in Madagascar — because she couldn’t find anything that suited her.
In 1970, following two divorces, McFadden returned to her native New York City and was offered a job as an editor at Vogue magazine. Her colleagues admired the sophisticated garments she made in South Africa and had been wearing to work, and the magazine staffers pleaded to feature her designs, which meant she’d need to go into business in order to make them available to readers. So, in 1973, McFadden took the jump, soon becoming known for refreshing kimono-shaped jackets and richly colored pleated dresses that evoke the freedom of a Greek chiton — a far cry from the dull routine office attire for working women at the time. A collection of jewelry followed, and in 1977, McFadden patented her “marii” fabric, a pleated synthetic charmeuse that fell “like liquid gold on the body, like Chinese silk.”
In 1976, McFadden won her first Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award, and a few years later, she entered the Coty Award Hall of Fame. While her business shuttered in the early 2000s, the beloved designer’s timeless styles endure.
Shop vintage Mary McFadden day dresses, accessories and jewelry on 1stDibs today.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Gresham, OR
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1980s Murray Arbeid - London Black Velvet Gown w Gold Sequin Leaves & CrinolineLocated in Gresham, OR1980s Murray Arbeid - London Black Velvet Gown w Gold Sequin Leaves & Crinoline: Deep V-back with puffed shoulders and tapered, zip-closure sleeves. Full skirt ball gown with heavy g...Category
1980s American Evening Gowns
- 1960s Anita Modes Chocolate Chiffon and Crepe Dress w Turkey Feather TrimBy ANITA MODESLocated in Gresham, OR1960s Anita Modes Chocolate Chiffon and Crepe Dress w Turkey Feather Trim: Fashioned for tall girls, lined décolletage with a full flourished bow at front waist. Flirty chocolate bro...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded StrapsBy Bob MackieLocated in Gresham, OR1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded Straps: This jeweled tassel adorned plunging deep V neckline and low scooped back, make a daring evening gown in a va...Category
1980s American Evening Gowns
- 1960s Emilio Pucci Silk Jersey Pastel Print Maxi Dress w Fitted Hip & BlousonBy Emilio PucciLocated in Gresham, OR1960s Emilio Pucci Silk Jersey Pastel Print Maxi Dress w Fitted Hip & Blouson Waist: Classic Pucci print in pastel purple, lavender, dove gray and pistachio feather fans. Wide concen...Category
1960s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Style Little Black Dress with Paillettes and Fox Fur TrimLocated in Gresham, OR1960s Style Little Black Dress with Paillettes and Fox Fur Trim: Norman Ambrose 1990s adaptation of a 60s Mod classic with back zipper, full lining and heavy encrusted black paillet...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
- Andrew Gn Black Silk Crepe Monastic-Styled Maxi Dress w Full Pleats & High NeckBy Andrew GnLocated in Gresham, ORAndrew Gn Black Silk Crepe Monastic-Styled Maxi Dress w Full Pleats & High Neck: This dramatic silhouette is striking in its simplicity with full body pleating from shoulder yolk an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 2018 Red Cut-Out Gown XSBy Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueenLocated in Berlin, BEALEXANDER MCQUEEN 2018 Red Cut-Out Gown Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Collection / Year: 2018 Fabric: Viscose / Silk Color: Red Size: ...Category
2010s Italian Evening Gowns
- New LANVIN Duchesse Satin Vintage Gray Long Wedding Celebrity Gown US 2 4 FR 36By Lanvin ParisLocated in Goshen, KYSize: French 36 Brand: LANVIN Color: Light Dove Gray Season: Vintage Features: Strapless sweetheart neckline Draped detail throughout Ruffle detail at side Belt at waist Long leng...Category
2010s Wedding Dresses
- Vintage 1950's Neymar Couture Duchess Satin & Beaded Gown UK 4 US 0Located in Cheltenham, GBA once in a lifetime piece, this original 1950's Neymar Couture duchess satin gown, in the most sumptuous shade of cream, showcases true craftsmanship i...Category
1950s Ball Gowns
- Vintage 1960's yellow sequin beaded cocktail dress wiggle dress UK 12 US 8Located in Cheltenham, GBThis breathtaking 1960's yellow knitted wool dress, embellished in its entirety with clear iridescent sequins, and finished with floral beaded details in yellow rocaille beads, and i...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage 1950's Pink Swirling Satin & Tulle Dress UK 6 US 2Located in Cheltenham, GBThis iconic 1950's dress, rendered in layers of pink tulle, with delicate circular satin details, is just the piece for that special occasion. The strapless cut of the dress, featu...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- Roberto Cavalli 2004 crystal maxi gownBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Annandale, VARoberto Cavalli 2004 lilac maxi gown with crystal embellishments Size 38 Gorgeous, rare dress with sexy open back and silk tail that can also b...Category
Early 2000s Italian Maxi Dress