#6604 $950
Mary McFadden evening dress & shawl, 1970s-1980s
Mary McFadden, sometimes described as a "design archaeologist," was influenced by the original design archaeologist, Mariano Fortuny. They both studied the past and borrowed from exotic Oriental and ethnic design.
Her popular pleated designs have "Fortuny pleats," but there is an important difference. The McFadden pleats in polyester are permanent; the Fortuny pleats in lightweight silk need a little TLC to keep them tight. A McFadden pleated dress can travel anywhere in a suitcase and emerge unwrinkled and ready to go.
This exquisite gold evening ensemble is from the McFadden couture line. Totally covered with pearlized white sequins, the bodice is bordered at the top with richly textured embroidery. The colorful embroidered panel combines silk floss, gold bullion, and sparkling beads in an exotic design.
The bodice back has V-shaped openings laced with gold satin ribbon. The bodice edges are all outlined with gold braid. I love the tiny pearl beads along the waistline seam (6th picture down). The bodice is boned and lined with ivory charmeuse. The dress closes in back with a hand-stitched nylon coil zipper.
The dramatic tubular shaped shawl/wrap showcases McFadden's marriage of exoticism to sleek stylishness. The slinky and svelte silhouette (3rd picture down) is incredibly chic. The focal point of the embroidered panel (5th picture down) is a brilliant floral jewel.
Both pieces have the Mary McFadden Couture label.
The condition is excellent.
The size is marked 4. The dress measures: 36" bust, 27" waist, 38" hip, and 53 1/2" center-front length.
