Mary McFadden Silk Gown with Beading and Sequins
View Similar Items
Mary McFadden Silk Gown with Beading and Sequins
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8 - 10 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Austin, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1612449603
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.
- Roberto Cavalli Red One Shoulder Evening GownBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Austin, TXRoberto Cavalli Red One Shoulder Evening Gown 68% acetate, 32% viscose, combo 100% silk Condition: Excellent 29" bust, 27.5" waist, 26" hips...Category
Early 2000s Unknown Evening Dresses
- 1990s Jean Paul Gaultier Velvet Gown with Large Fabric BeadsBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Austin, TX1990s Jean Paul Gaultier maroon velvet evening gown with long straps and extra large fabric covered beads - 6 1/2" L x 1 1/4" W. 29" bust, 32" waist, ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
$1,260 Sale Price55% Off - S/S 2002 Gianni Versace Red Mini Dress Sheer With Black Lace TrimBy Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Austin, TXS/S 2002 Gianni Versace Red Mini Dress Sheer With Black Lace Trim Condition: Excellent Silk Blend Made in Italy SIZE: 40 Waist: 24"-27", Hips: 40"- 46", ...Category
Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses
$2,100 Sale Price40% Off - 2008 F/W Comme des Garçons Cut out Heart DressBy Comme des Garçons, Rei KawakuboLocated in Austin, TXLook #16 from the Fall 2008 collection. 2008 F/W Comme des Garçons Dress Pleated & Mesh Accents Buckle Closure Distressed undone hems and open side Bust: 29", Waist: 27", Hip: 44",...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1976 Halston Red One Shoulder GownBy HalstonLocated in Austin, TX1976 Halston red one shoulder gown as seen in Met Collection 28" bust, 26" waistm 29" hips, 57" length Condition: Excellent fits sz 2 - 6Category
1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Rare 2009 Alexander McQueen Crystal Skeleton DressBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Austin, TXRare 2009 Alexander McQueen "Natural Distinction, Un-natural Selection" Collection dress. Capped sleeves, low cut front. Wool and silk blend. Made ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Early 1940's Crimson Red Satin Evening Dress UK 10-12 US 6-8Located in Cheltenham, GBThis breathtaking early 1940's crimson satin dress, rendered in a full circle cut and tailored to perfection, is the perfect piece for that special occasion. The V shaped neckline...Category
1940s Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1960's Satin Matelasse Dress, Capelet & Shoe Set UK 12 US 8Located in Cheltenham, GBA classic silhouette rendered in a tickle me pink matelasse satin, with matching ostrich feather accents, this original 1960's dress and capelet set, completed with matching silk sho...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- Hanae Mori, Tokyo 1970 Silk Chiffon DressBy Hanae MoriLocated in Sharon, CTA beautiful 100% silk evening dress, with attached silk 'coat' by the important Japanese Fashion Designer. Abstracted floral/sea pattern in white black pinks and blue. Sash (56" lo...Category
1970s Japanese Evening Dresses
- Christian Dior John Galliano S/S 2003 Red Plunge Draped Pocket Mini DressBy John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in Chicago, ILDesigned by John Galliano for the Christian Dior spring/summer 2003 collection. Oversized design with carefully crafted sex appeal. Gathered/plunge front and plunge draped back. Over...Category
Early 2000s French Mini Dress
- Dior red asymmetrical strapless dress, FW 2000By Christian DiorLocated in London, GB“Welcome to all our Super Fly Girls” (Vogue, 2000). We are offering a Dior 2000 ss denim dress in a bright pink monogram print. The denim dress has an interest...Category
Early 2000s European Evening Dresses
- Roberto Cavalli bias cut gown, SS 2004By Roberto CavalliLocated in London, GBRoberto Cavalli bias cut gown from the SS 2004 collection. Features a feather charm. Size: Medium Condition: Very Good Material: SilkCategory
Early 2000s European Evening Dresses
$3,558 Sale Price20% Off