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 YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Oversized Wood Heart Rosary Tassel Belt Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Wood Heart Rosary Tassel Belt Necklace Measurements: Height of Heart: 2.51 inches (6.4 cm) Width of Heart: 1.85 inches (4.7 cm) Wearable Length: 37 in...
$395
H 27.5 in W 2 in D 1 in
Japanese Temple Shrine Buddhist Monk Juzu Prayer Wood Beads Mala Rosary Necklace
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful string of Japanese hand-crafted Buddhist Juzu mala beads made of natural wood. These rosary-type prayer bead necklaces were used by Buddhist monks in temple prayers/ritua...
Wood
90's Brown Stitched Leather And Colored Agate Stones Tie Waist Belt with Tassels
Located in North Miami, FL
This gorgeous never used brown stitched leather tie belt has assorted cluster of beautiful agate stones in different colors. There are dimensional and raised. The colors are varied and are in hues of orange, light yellow, shades of green, black, opalescent, cinnabar, There are tassels at each end and the leather is braided. It was made by a company called Orciani and Made In India in the early 90s and stamped. This was never ever worn and originally came from Neiman Marcus back then. It is for a small waist and ties with the tasseled braided leather ends. One needs to be a size 2 0r 4. It is a very unusual belt...
Vintage French Pop Color Passementerie Tassel Belt
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage French Pop Color Passementerie Tassel Belt Features: - Black passementerie tassel yarn belt with pop color accents. - Could be worn short or long. - Unsigned piece. - Will f...
Vintage Ferragamo Beaded Belt
By Ferragamo
Located in London, GB
A great vintage designer belt by Ferragamo. The belt is made of biscuit coloured cord/silk, with four rows of beads and tassles at both ends.
$395
H 22.5 in W 2 in D 0.5 in
Japanese Temple Shrine Buddhist Monk Juzu Prayer Wood Beads Mala Rosary Necklace
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful string of Japanese hand-crafted Buddhist Juzu mala beads made of natural wood. These rosary-type prayer bead necklaces were used by Buddhist mon...
Wood
1970s Alex & Lee Macramé Rope Belt
By Alex & Lee
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Most Amazing Vintage Belt Is Here! Circa 1970s, this Alex & Lee macrame belt features various styles of multi-strand ropes and cords which are twisted...
Yves Saint Laurent Twine Beaded Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent twine necklace featuring bronze colored coin beads and resin beads. Please inquire for additional images.
Christian Dior Vintage 1973 GROSSE Gold Tassel Crystals Braid Rope Long Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
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Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Gold Hardware Link Chain Belt with Hardware Fringe
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent signature gold hardware link chain belt is accented with 2" of gold hardware fringe on both ends and finished with their signature nam...
Vintage Wood Bead and Tassel Belt & Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A vintage wood beads adjustable necklace and belt. Excellent condition. Measurements for waist: 24-30 inches
Vintage Wood Bead and Tassel Belt & Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A vintage wood beads adjustable necklace and belt. Excellent condition. Measurements for waist: 24-30 inches
Vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Cord Belt Gold Stone Buckle
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A striking example of Yves Saint Laurent’s celebrated bohemian aesthetic, this vintage belt combines rich texture, vibrant color, and artisanal craftsmanship. Constructed from multi...
Vintage Valentino Tassel Necklace
By Valentino
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulous vintage Valentino perfume necklace This rare and collectible necklace. The cording on the necklace is sturdy and silky feeling. The pendant...
Tommy Singer Navajo Turquoise, Silver & 14K Gold Multi-Strand Necklace
By Tommy Singer
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Tommy Singer (1940–2014) was a celebrated Diné (Navajo) silversmith whose distinctive jewelry is recognized by collectors worldwide. He began learning silversmithing from his father ...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage Hermès Embroidered Wool Felt Tassel Belt — Museum Piece, c. 1940s
By Hermès
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite vintage Hermès belt embodies the house’s origins as an equestrian leather goods maker — a heritage that continues to define its artistry and allure. As described by Th...
