Mary McFadden, a prominent figure in the fashion industry known for her unique approach to design, passed away on September 13, 2023, in Southampton, New York, at the age of 85. Her brother, John McFadden, attributed her death to myelodysplasia, a blood disorder.
McFadden's career was marked by her ability to seamlessly blend ancient themes with contemporary fashion. Her designs drew inspiration from a wide range of historical and cultural sources, including Greek antiquity, Egyptian mythology, and the Italian Renaissance. This fusion of old and new resulted in clothing that was often described as wearable art.
Born on October 1, 1938, in New York City, McFadden's early life was shaped by contrasting experiences. She spent her first decade on a cotton plantation near Memphis, where her father worked as a cotton broker. Following her father's tragic death in a skiing accident in 1948, McFadden and her siblings moved to Long Island with their mother.
McFadden's journey in the fashion world began in the 1960s when she accompanied her first husband to South Africa. There, she worked as a journalist for Vogue South Africa, which eventually led her to the magazine's New York office. Her designs caught the attention of her colleagues and were featured in the publication.
In 1976, with the support of fashion editor Diana Vreeland, McFadden launched her eponymous label. Her signature creation was a patented, pleated synthetic fabric called Marii, which she described as falling "like liquid gold against the body." This innovative material was sourced in Australia, dyed in Japan, and processed in the United States to achieve its unique properties.
McFadden's collections were notable for their diverse cultural influences. One of her most acclaimed lines was inspired by the Medici family of Renaissance Italy, featuring luxurious velvet designs with heraldic imagery and embroidery. Another collection drew inspiration from "The Tale of Genji," an 11th-century Japanese novel, incorporating hand-painted botanical imagery.
"People's lifestyles have changed. It's a much more relaxed way of living. They wear blue jeans a lot of the time, and these very exaggerated, opulent clothes didn't have a place in the 21st century."
Despite her success, McFadden closed her business in 2002, recognizing the shift in fashion trends towards more casual wear. Her personal life was as colorful as her designs, with multiple marriages that often made headlines.
McFadden's legacy in the fashion world is undeniable. Her unique approach to design, blending historical influences with modern techniques, continues to inspire designers today. Her work remains a testament to the power of cultural fusion in fashion, bridging the gap between ancient aesthetics and contemporary style.