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.
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Mary McFadden Pleated Lilac Robe or Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New Hope, PA
This ultra feminine pleated lilac robe from Mary McFadden is just stunning. The slightly raised or Empire waistline is accented with a ruffle and a left of center frog closure. Th...
Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots Schiaparelli
By Schiaparelli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots. The Robe is draped on the shoulders and close with gold metal buttons. The dress is draped o...
Vivienne Westwood FW 1991 Dressing Up Metallic Boulle Print Satin Corset England
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the F/W 1991 'Dressing Up' collection, this stunning Vivienne Westwood corset features a metallic Boulle print inspired by the mirror with Marquetry by André-Charles Boulle...
Pierre Cardin Tiny Red heart Polka dot Vintage bustier - Black lace Corset
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Sheffield, GB
Pierre Cardin circa 1990 black lace Bustier, crafted from a stretchy nylon/ elastane blended material in a delicate tiny red hearts polka dot print. USA 38B / Recomended Size UK10-1...
$501
Size: UK 6 - 8 (Small -Medium)
2000's Christian Dior by John Galliano Cream Sheer Pearl Strappy slip Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Demure 2000's Christian Dior by John Galliano slip dress featuring a Peal coloured Body and adjustable shoulder straps with sheer nude coloured mesh panel Chest. MADE IN FRANCE. R...
$721
Size: Recommended Size; UK 10
Rare A/W 1992 Dolce & Gabbana Strapless Statue of liberty Corset / Bustier Top
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Sheffield, GB
Archival A/W 1992 Vintage Dolce & Gabbana bustier. Crafted in a ‘Statue of Liberty’ style tapestry print. The garment features a boned bodice, farrier hook closure down the centr...
$529
Size: US 4-6 UK 8-10
Vintage 1930's Pink Satin Gown Lace Accents Lingerie Nightgown UK 8-10 US 4-6
Located in Nashville, TN
This elegant 1930's gown, rendered in the most classic shade of pink rayon silk, set off by cream and taupe floral lace accents, is just the piece to welcome to your lingerie collect...
$1,499
Size: 3-4 corresponds to size M-L
NEW Luxurious Olivia von Halle Blush Pink Printed Silk Dressing Gown Robe M/L
By Olivia Von Halle
Located in Switzerland, CH
A masterclass in modern at-home glamour, this Olivia von Halle silk robe delivers a show-stopping spectacle, in floor-length silk glory. This full-length silk robe delivers definitiv...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 90's Iconic Short Sleeve Checked Cropped Corset
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Milano, MILANO
90's iconic and rare checked cropped corset by Vivienne Westwood. Peak collar. Zipper closure on the back. Knot on the front. The composition is 100% cotton.
Vintage 1930s Peach Rayon Lace Bed Jacket with Ribbon Tie, US 6 UK 10
Located in Nashville, TN
This truly captivating 1930's pale peach rayon and cream lace jacket, accented by a pale peach ribbon tie, is just the perfect piece to add to your vintage collection. The V shaped ...
Josie Josie Natori 1980s Dead Stock Cream Embroidered Satin Bias Cut Slip Large
By Natori
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Josie, Josie Natori 1980s Dead Stock Cream Embroidered Satin Bias Cut Slip, marked size Large. Bias cut cream embroidered satin slip with godet panels of chiffon at the lower hem. Na...
Vintage Silk Slip
Located in London, GB
A lovely slip in a heavy silk, in a caramel colour with lace trim and stitch detail.
GIANNI VERSACE 1990s Hearts Print Terrycloth Terry Towel Bathrobe Coat Robe M
By Gianni Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
A great piece made by GIANNI VERSACE This gorgeous coat is made out of finest terrycloth fabric From one of Gianni's strongest collections in 1990s Amazi...
Mary McFadden 1980s Printed Slip Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into elegance with the Mary McFadden 1980s Printed Slip Dress – a stunning piece that encapsulates the essence of timeless beauty. This floor-length maxi dress, designed by the ...
Mary Mcfadden 1980s Printed Robe
By Mary McFadden
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Discover elegance and sophistication with the Mary McFadden 1980s Printed Robe – a true gem from a bygone era. This exquisite robe, designed by Mary McFadden, showcases timeless beau...
Mary McFadden Collection 1 Vintage Floral Abstract Kaftan One Size Fits All
By Mary McFadden
Located in Palm Desert, CA
What a amazing print! Designed by Mary McFadden for Collection 1. The fabric looks just like silk charmeuse but is actually easy care polyester. Beautifully made with black cord pipi...
Mary McFadden Aqua Goddess Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mary McFadden creates a fabulous look for lounging or hostess wear with this aqua goddess dress in her signature micro pleated fabric with an added chevr...