VERY BREEZY presents: This is truly one of the best Mary McFadden dresses I’ve ever come across— in all honesty, if it fit me better, I would hang onto it for my personal collection! Mary McFadden started her clothing label in the 1970s, and patented this Fortuny-inspired pleating technique shortly thereafter; she called it “marii,” a play on her own name. Mary McFadden is an erudite art collector, and prior to starting her line, she had travelled the world extensively, which greatly influenced her visionary designs. As a couturier, she travelled around the world to source the fabric for each piece, which was then sent to Japan and hand-dyed. She is known for her incredible craftsmanship, and this couture gown is evidence of that. The bodice, constructed from her signature pleats, is the richest shade of cranberry, but what’s even more impressive, is the bodice’s interior, which has boning to create the perfect structure; the sleeves appear to sit effortlessly off the shoulder, but there is a hidden mechanism that is helping them stay in place. All that to say: it’s engineered to defy gravity and flatter the body. The skirt is a gorgeous floral velvet devoré, and it’s fully lined. The braided detail at the waist is my favorite detail: it’s such a fun juxtaposition to the pleats. Zips up the back, with hidden zippers at the cuffs as well. Made in the USA.
Measurements: This dress is marked a size 8, but I would say it fits up to a modern size 6, maximum. Shown here on a size 2 and it’s been clipped a the waist, but not the chests or elsewhere in the bodice.
Chest: 36″ (possibly up to 37″ with stretch)
Waist: up to 28″
Hips are open
Length: 52″ down center front, from top of bodice neckline center to hem
Great vintage condition, with some light/minor wear to fabric commensurate with age. This is such a stunning piece in beautiful condition with no flagrant flaws. With any questions about the specific condition or size, please contact me for additional photos or measurements, as all sales are final.
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