| (b. 1938) Mary McFadden is known for her exotic designs, which were influenced by her travels in Africa and Asia. Her design career began in 1973 when she began selling handpainted silk dresses at Bendel’s. In 1975, she patented a new pleating technique, which produced a fabric that looked like that of Fortuny, but was made from polyester and in which the pleating was permanent. This fabric became her trademark, along with exotic embroideries and beading. |
