COCOON

It's been a year-and-half since we posted a Mary McFadden. That's too long to leave our faithful clients and blog readers without a Fortuny pleat kick, but Mary is back! This classic Couture cornflower blue strapless gown with dramatic optional cocoon wrap. With a fitted waist, this evening dress is in a fantastic color and the addition of a wrap (just like the one offered earlier today with the olive Oscar) solves the problem of looking elegant without getting frostbite!

Mary McFadden Couture label conflower blue Fortuny pleat strapless evening dress with cocoon wrap, c. late 1980s. Marked size 4 and modern size 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

Marii by Mary

Below is a classic look from a classic American designer, Mary McFadden. The daughter of a cotton broker and a socialite/concert pianist, Mary McFadden pulled design ideas from numerous arenas that comprised her incredibly eclectic life. Her designs reflect her intellectual studies of sociology and ancient/ethnic cultures.

The "Marii" pleating found in this piece is a retelling of the famous Fortuny pleating that was extremely popular in the 1920's. Both Fortuny and McFadden based their pleating techniques on the ancient Greek and Egyptian pleating styles. McFadden's foundation of pure and timeless silhouettes, along with her use of exotic ethnic details places her designs in a class of their own.

This lovely peach one shoulder gown epitomizes the McFadden look. The material is peach colored Marii pleated satin, held up by one shoulder strap made of woven metallic gold in an ethnic pattern, and studded with large amber jewels. This gown is great for day or night, and is sure to not be on any other sentient being gracing the gala in question.




Mary McFadden peach Marii pleated satin gown, c.1980's. Contemporary size 6-8. SOLD
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

Oh, Mary!

It's not hard to pick a Mary McFadden dress out of a crowd, and these three new arrivals prove it!

This gown is sort of like the triple axel of formalwear. McFadden throws together some crazy design elements, including voluminous proportions, sturdy hammered silk, an oversized bow, and a distinctive color (we call it rose dust!), and she pulls it off!

Mary McFadden Couture Rose Dust Hammered Silk One-Shoulder Dress with Oversize Bow, c. late 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6. SOLD

The next two pieces are more recognizably hers, with signature Fortuny-style pleats and a slim yet breezy silhouette. The first is an electric orchid, while the second is burgandy with glass-adorned shoulder straps. If you can't get enough, just check out our past arrivals by clicking here and here!

Mary McFadden Couture Orchid Fortuny Pleat Silk Cocktail Dress, Crossed at the Bust, c. early 1980s. Marked size 8; fits a contemporary size 4 to 6.

Mary McFadden Burgandy Fortuny Pleat Dress with Glass Beaded Straps, c. late 1970s. Fits a contemporary size 4 to 6.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

MORE MARY

Here is a gorgeous hand painted and ultra dramatic Mary McFadden silk quilted evening coat. Not for the shy or bashful but for the lover of entrance-making get ups with a love of Fashion as Art.

Mary McFadden hand-painted evening coat c early 80s. Size 4-6

OH MARY!

When Mary McFadden gets it right she is so fantastic. We believe she is under appreciated, so consider Mary when shopping for vintage at DECADES!
Mary McFadden tri-color 3 piece Fortuny pleat ensemble c early 80s. Size 4

Mary McFadden early 80s quilted white silk evening coat with added feather collar (non original) size 4 - 6 SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 0223