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 Demi Couture Light Blue Cinderella Silk Chiffon Taffeta 3/4 Sleeves GownLocated in San Diego, CAHave your Cinderella moment in this beautiful 1950s light blue silk chiffon and taffeta evening gown dress ! Features 3/4 sleeves with a tailored bodice and full skirt. Skirt has att...Category
1950s Evening Gowns
- 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
- Deadstock 1960s Alvin Handmacher Light Blue Rhinestone Vintage 60s Skirt SuitLocated in San Diego, CAChic deadstock ( brand new with tags ) original 1960s Alvin Handmacher ( Weathervane Tailored by Handmacher ) baby blue skirt suit ! Features a tailore...Category
1960s American Skirt Suits
- 1990s Angel Sanchez Navy Blue Silk Vintage 90s Strapless Evening Gown DressBy Angel SanchezLocated in San Diego, CAStunning late 1990s ANGEL SANCHEZ Couture navy blue silk strapless mermaid evening gown ! The perfect alternative to black, this shade of navy bl...Category
1990s American Evening Gowns
- 1970s Paisley Purple Blue Green Boho Vintage Cotton Rayon 70s Maxi Halter DressLocated in San Diego, CAStylish vintage 1970s paisley halter maxi dress ! Features a paisley print with voibrant colors of purple, green, blue, pink and teal throughout. Soft co...Category
1970s American Maxi Dress
- 1980s Albert Nipon Size 10 Blue Silk Abstract Stiped Vintage 80s Belted DressBy Albert NiponLocated in San Diego, CAChic vintage 1980s ALBERT NIPON blue abstract striped print silk belted dress ! Features a pleated bodice with black brush like stripes throughout. Bishop style sleeves with buttons ...Category
1980s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage 1960's Aqua Beaded Lace Dress UK 10-12 US 6-8Located in Cheltenham, GBThis mesmerising 1960's aqua coloured dress, embellished with a pale blue overlay of floral lace, which is in turn decorated with pearlescent glass beads, iridescent sequins and pearls, is the perfect statement piece for your cocktail wardrobe. The high collared neckline is fully embellished with pearlescent glass beads and scattered pearlescent plastic beads, which set off the neckline and triangular collar feature along the top of the bodice.The simple shoulder line, sets off the sleeveless cut. The fitted bodice boasts tailored darts along the bust-line and a cinched in waistline. The elegant long-line of the skirt, is finished with a side slit along the right hand side side seam. The lace base of the dress is fully embellished with and accented by pearlescent glass beads and iridescent sequins, completing this dress in an iconic silhouette. This dress is fully like in aqua colour nylon. Label: None Measurements Of The Dress Armpit to Armpit: up to 36 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 15 inches Shoulder to Hem: 55 inches Waist: up to 30 inches Hips: up to 36 inches Fastenings: 19 inch metal zip and two hook and eyes Size: UK 10-12 US 6-8 Condition: The dress is in near perfect vintage condition. Light bead loss along the high collar edges of the dress. Light yellowing along the armpits of the dress. Light and gentle beadwork loss throughout the length of the dress . Gentle beadwork loss along the hemline. These minor details are not apparent when the dress is being worn and only noticeable upon closer inspection. Please refer to the photographs as they form part of the condition report. Fastenings: This dress fastens to the back with a 20.5 inch metal zip and a hook and eye Washing instructions: This garment should be dry cleaned Fabric: Nylon lining, glass beads, pearlescent sequins, plastic pearlised beads, lace Vintage garments have been previously worn and lovingly cared for, they may however have a blemish or two. Here at Willow Hilson...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- MARCHESA NOTTE blue SHEER FLORAL EVENING Dress 0 XSBy Marchesa NotteLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Marchesa Notte floral semi sheer dress in electric blue polyester (100%). Features long sleeves and opens with a concealed zipper and a hook at the back. Lined in nude...Category
2010s Evening Gowns
- BALMAIN blue wool crystal rhinestone embellished strap asymmetric dress FR36 SBy BalmainLocated in Hong Kong, NTBALMAIN blue wool crystal rhinestone embellished strap asymmetric dress FR36 S Reference: TGAS/B01510 Brand: Balmain Designer: Olivier Rousteing Material: Wool Color: Blue Patt...Category
2010s French Cocktail Dresses
- MARNI cobalt blue viscose raw frayed edge step hem folded back dress IT38 XSBy MarniLocated in Hong Kong, NTMARNI cobalt blue viscose raw frayed edge step hem folded back dress IT38 XS Reference: CELG/A00179 Brand: Marni Material: Viscose Color: Blue Patter...Category
2010s Cocktail Dresses
- DOLCE GABBANA dusty blue silk crepe crystal embellished dress IT36 XSBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Hong Kong, NTDOLCE GABBANA dusty blue silk crepe crystal embellished dress IT36 XS Reference: TGAS/B02035 Brand: Dolce Gabbana Material: Silk Color: Blue Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Extra ...Category
2010s Cocktail Dresses
- new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer blue print starfish belt dress IT42 MBy VersaceLocated in Hong Kong, NTnew VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer blue print starfish belt dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C00898 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: Spring Summer 2021 Material:...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses