Magnificent Mary McFadden Floral Brocade Skirt Suit in Rust, Bronze and Gold
View Similar Items
Magnificent Mary McFadden Floral Brocade Skirt Suit in Rust, Bronze and Gold
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 10 (US)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 30 in (76.2 cm)Hip: 39 in (99.06 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 24 in (60.96 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 1348-271stDibs: LU7683421833
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.
- Vintage La Chasse Silk hiffon Dress and CoatLocated in London, GBA stunning vintage silk chiffon dress and matching coat. In a pretty blue and white print, the dress has a frill at the neckline with ribbo...Category
1960s British Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Adele Simpson Satin and Brocade EnsembleBy Adele SimpsonLocated in Alford, MALuxurious fabrics and beautiful construction define this 1960s evening skirt and blouse ensemble by Adele Simpson. The top is fashioned like a shirt, but in a rich gold satin, and ha...Category
1960s American Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- ZANDRA RHODES Metallic Raw Silk Skirt Suit with Applique Size 8By Zandra RhodesLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Zandra Rhodes skirt suit is composed of a metallic raw silk in hues of bronze to burgundy. There are applique details on the jacket as well as center front snap closures. The s...Category
20th Century English Skirt Suits
- Custom Cream & Nude Wool Cape and Skirt Ensemble Size 6-10Located in Los Angeles, CAThis custom 1960's ensemble is composed of a wonderful wool in beige, nude, and cream hues. The cape features an open style and the skirt has a center back zipper closure with center...Category
1960s American Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- 1980S EMMANUEL UNGARO Black & Gold Haute Couture Silk Lurex Matelassé EveningLocated in New York, NY1980S EMMANUEL UNGARO Black & Gold Haute Couture Silk Lurex Matelassé Evening SuitCategory
1980s Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Early Emilio Pucci two pieces skirt ensemble.circa early 1960sBy Emilio PucciLocated in London, GBEmilio Pucci, one of the first international stars of Italian fashion, was inseparable from his kaleidoscopic textiles designs. This important print however has historical relevance...Category
1960s Jamaican Suits, Outfits and Ensembles