1980s Mary McFadden Royal Blue Fortuny Pleated Size 2 / 4 Mosaic Vintage Gown
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 4 (US)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 26 in (66.04 cm)Hip: 46 in (116.84 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 58 in (147.32 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU66219202442
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: San Diego, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 1950s Size 0 Cobalt Blue Silk Damask Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Rockabilly DressLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful 1950s Size 0 cobalt blue silk damask fit n' flare sleeveless rockabilly dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a full skirt. Full metal zip...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Novelty Fruit Print Blue Multi Color Vintage 70s Stylish V Neck Wrap DressLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing late 70s novelty fruit print wrap dress ! Features a beautiful vibrant blue background. Prints of purple grapes, yellow lemons and pears, oranges and raspberries throughout. ...Category
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Blue Black Floral Print Vintage 80s Silk Dress Size 42By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing 1980s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche blue and black floral / rose print short sleeve silk dress ! Pockets at each side of the waist. Features a vibrant blue flowers and r...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Karl Lagerfeld 1980s Size 44 / US 10 Navy Blue Silk Chiffon Vintage 80s DressBy Karl LagerfeldLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful late 80s KARL LAGERFELD navy + ivory silk chiffon sleeveless dress. Features a navy body with semi sheer ivory above the bust. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye c...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Holly’s Harp Navy Blue Colorful Silk Chiffon Flapper Style Vintage DressBy Holly HarpLocated in San Diego, CAFabulous early 80s HOLLY’S HARP silk chiffon flapper style dress ! Navy blue, with shades of red, purple, green and yellow throughout. Simply slips over the head. Attached caplet dra...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- Versace Spring 2008 Runway Purple Blue Cape Back Jersey Avant Garde Dress Sz 42By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni VersaceLocated in San Diego, CASexy Spring 2008 Runway ( Look # 40 ) GIANNI VERSACE Avant Garde cape back sleeveless purple Grecian style dress! Features the perfect vibrant purp...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Vivienne Tam Blue Sheer Maxi DressBy Vivienne TamLocated in Waterford, MIBlue sheer maxi gown. Short sleeve. Lined. *Condition: excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying Flat (inches)— Shoulder to Shoulder...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gucci by Tom Ford aqua blue beaded evening dress, ss 2000By Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in London, GBGucci by Tom Ford aqua blue beaded evening dress with plunging neckline, silk lining and black leather shoulder strap with Gucci stamped metal clasp. Sp...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Paul Gaultier blue cyber dot printed lycra bodycon dress, fw 1995By Jean Paul GaultierLocated in London, GB▪ Jean Paul Gaultier cyber dot printed dress ▪ Iconic dots printed in the form of a woman, dressed in a bra and thong ▪ Skin tight fit ▪ High neck ▪ Calf-le...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli blue and purple acid wash silk halter neck maxi dress, ss 1999By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GB▪ Roberto Cavalli blue and purple silk maxi dress ▪ Acid wash print with gold glitter ▪ Scoop neck ▪ Halter ties with crystal charms ▪ Size Medium ▪ Spring-Summer 1999 ▪ 100% SilkCategory
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Verheyen London Blue Kimono in Italian Silk Satin with Faux Fur - One SizeBy Verheyen LondonLocated in London, GBThe Verheyen London Kimono is the perfect dress for evening wear or coat dress to wear with a pair of jeans and heels in the evening. Handmade in London, made with 100% Italian sil...Category
2010s Cocktail Dresses
- Mary Katrantzou Cobalt Blue Paisley Macrame Lace Overlay Geri Shift Dress MBy Mary KatrantzouLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The tailoring of this dress is definite and exquisite making it another perfect creation by Mary Katrantzou. It comes with long sleeves and a Paisley Macrame lace overlay. Make a wor...Category
2010s British Evening Dresses