Mary McFadden Artist & Fashion Designer

Her exquisite designs in clothing, textile, and jewelry were influenced by many ancient cultures. What comes to mind when I hear her name is Classical Grecian design. However she was inspired by Near Eastern, African, Javanese, Pre-Columbian, Dynastic Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultures too.

She is known for her exuberant use of color and her signature pleated polyester fabric, "Marii", a densely woven pleat. Her designs were simple but elegant silhouettes that showcased her fabrics. Her designs were and still are, when available, in great demand by stylish and powerful women. Jackie Kennedy Onassis wore Mc Fadden designs while in the White House. Ms. McFadden was selected to receive the thirteenth Moore College "Visionary Woman Award." This award honors outstanding women leaders who have influenced the worlds of art and design. The event benefits Moore's Visionary Woman Scholarship Fund.In an interview by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan for a WSJ articl

Ms. McFadden was asked what she thinks about the fashions she sees on the streets and runways now. Her response was "I haven't seen anything distinct."..... "I'm sorry, in a way, that people's lifestyles have become very utilitarian, so therefore things that I particularly like are not as important as they used to be. The overall look of fashion -- it's just not as creative, not as focused on uniqueness."

Today McFadden travels and lectures on the art and design of ancient civilizations.

Mary McFadden: High Priestess of High Fashion
--A Life in Haute Couture, Decor and Design

Mary McFadden