Mary McFadden Couture Strapless Gown
View Similar Items
Mary McFadden Couture Strapless Gown
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:
- Material Notes:Pleating, Silk.
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. With a few pulls throughout.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU130610169980
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.
- 1940s Marge Riley Hand Embroidered Western SuitLocated in New York, NY1940s Marge Riley Hand Embroidered Western SuitCategory
1940s American Day Dresses
- Moschino Couture Orange Moire Silk & Black Lace Trim DressBy Moschino CoutureLocated in Los Angeles, CAResurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage orange Moschino Couture by Franco Moschino cotton rayon blend mini dress: featuring moire faille fabric, black lace trim, and cente...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Azzedine Alaïa c. 1990's Vintage Semi-Sheer Gown Maxi DressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Naples, FLAzzedine Alaïa c. 1990's Vintage Semi-Sheer Gown Maxi Dress Size MCategory
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1980s Holly’s Harp Peach Pink Tiered Long Sleeve Vintage 80s Silk Dress MediumBy Holly HarpLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful early 80s HOLLY’S HARP peach tiered long sleeve silk dress ! Signature Harp style with shoulder pads and rosette at center bust. Sleeve cuffs have button closure. Wonderful warm colors of green, yellow and purple abstracts...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- Alexandre Vauthier F/W 2018 Couture Crystal Embellished Evening Dress GownBy Alexandre VauthierLocated in Naples, FLAlexandre Vauthier F/W 2018 Couture Crystal Embellished Evening Dress Gown FR 36 Look 18 from the Fall 2018 Couture Collection. - Tangerine...Category
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Peach Evening EnsembleLocated in Alford, MA1970s custom-made gown in peach gazar with unique fringed ruffle capelet and hem border. The sleeveless dress features a U neckline and pleated matching belt that fastens in back. L...Category
1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns