Vintage Mary Mcfadden Silver Gray Pleated Dress

An accomplished designer, Mary McFadden studied in New York and Paris, worked at Dior, and served as the editor of Vogue South Africa among other positions and awards. She started her own label in the 1970s, incorporating global inspirations and classic silhouettes in her designs.

She notably created pleated garments that resemble the famous pleated silk dresses by Mariano Fortuny which eventually became her trademark. “The effect I'm searching for is to have the fabric fall like liquid gold against the body” said McFadden of her ‘Marii’ technique, and she seems to have accomplished just that.

Made up of Fortuny style pleats, this Mary McFadden dress is an elegant study of color and texture. Done in a silvery grey synthetic charmeuse, the dress hugs the body, and is rather like a liquid silver that falls against the wearer. The faux wrap style bodice emphasizes the bust, featuring a v neckline and long puff sleeves that reach past the wrist with a dainty ruffled hem.

Size estimate: Small

Shoulders:

Bust: 32-34 inches

Waist: 26-27 inches

Hips: 36 inches

Length: 45 inches

The diagonal pleats of the bodice offer a nice contrast to the vertical pleats of the skirt and sleeves, which create a pleasing rhythm throughout. The skirt falls from a fitted, high waistline to just over the knee in a ruffled hem that matches the sleeves, elongating the leg.

The neckline, bodice, and back zipper are finished with silver piping, adding definition and a smooth texture that ties the dress together. A purple version of this dress was worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in 2011 and is an excellent choice for a cocktail party or special occasion.

This Mary Mcfadden dress has small shoulder pads, is lined in silk, and closes with a zipper at the back of the neck and at the side of the dress. In excellent condition, this beautiful dress has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.