Mary McFadden Archive

Items

• Mary McFadden South Africa portrait (1967)
  This slide appeared in Mary McFadden and Ruta Saliklis’ "Mary McFadden: High Priestess of High Fashion: A Life in Haute Couture, Décor, and Design" (2004) with the following caption: “Vogue, August 1, 1968, p. 153. Mary McFadden framed by a Ndebele hut window. Photograph by Sam Haskins. Vogue©1968. Condé Nast Publications Inc. "
• White House Dinner Invitation from President John F. Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy (1962)
  An invitation from President John F. Kennedy and Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy to Mary McFadden for a White House dinner party scheduled for February 9, 1962.
• Gold-floral pattern
  Paper with a brown, red, and white floral design on a gold background paper. Looks like it’s batik or batik-inspired.
• Letter from Eleanor Lambert re Birthday Gift (Undated)
  An undated letter from fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert. Lambert thanks McFadden for attending her birthday lunch and her gift of an Ammonite phial.
• Letter from Marie-Christine, Princess Michael of Kent (2001)
  Marie-Christine, Princess Michael of Kent (her husband, Prince Michael of Kent, Is Queen Elizabeth II’s second cousin), thanks Mary McFadden for “so many things” including “two glorious new outfits” and hopes Mary’s trip to Cuba was a success. Princess Michael was born Baroness Marie-Christine Anna Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz. Stationery reads: Kensington Palace.
• Color Photo - Gathering with Eleanor Lambert (1990s-2000s)
  An undated color photograph of Mary McFadden and others attending a gathering with Eleanor Lambert (far left) at Swifty's, a restaurant once located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
• Letter from Eleanor Lambert re International Best Dressed Hall of Fame (1998)
  A letter from fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to Mary McFadden, letting her know that she had been designated into the Best-Dressed Hall of Fame.
• Letter from First Lady of Guatemala (1996)
  Patricia Escobar de Arzú, first lady of Guatemala (1996–2000) thanks Mary McFadden for a dress and invites her back to Guatemala. Stationery reads: Con un atento saludo de Patricia Escobar de Arzú Esposa del Presidente de la República
• Letter from Eleanor Lambert re McFadden Collection (Undated)
  An undated letter from fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to Mary McFadden, complimenting her recent collection.
• Exhibition Catalog with Works by Dorothy Torivio
  Two pages of a color exhibition catalog featuring pottery works by artist Dorothy Torivio. The catalog incorrectly notes Torivio's name as "Torvino." The artist created both works in 1985.
• Letter from Anthony Haden-Guest about phrenology cartoon (2001)
  Writer and socialite Anthony Haden-Guest asks Mary McFadden to sketch her head for a phrenology cartoon project he’s working on for a book and Talk magazine feature. Other invitees include writer Jay McInerney, real estate mogul Donald Trump, Patty Hearst, and singer Bobby Short.
• Letter from Eleanor Lambert re Birthday (2001)
  A letter from fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to Mary McFadden. Lambert thanks her for helping organize Lambert's birthday celebration and for her gift of a Japanese basket.
• Group Photos with Mary McFadden and Esther Coopersmith in Thailand
  Three photographs from the Esther Coopersmith travel party trip to Thailand from November 25-December 1, 2001 for the Silk Festival with Her Majesty the Queen. Travel party includes Mary McFadden. Photo 1: Most likely depicts “Dinner hosted by Her Majesty the Queen” on November 28, 2001. From left to right: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Esther Coopersmith, two unknown persons, and Mary McFadden Photo 2: Most likely depicts “Stand in line to welcome Her Majesty the Queen with all other guests” on November 28, 2001. From left to right in foreground: Mary McFadden, Esther Coopersmith, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Photo 3: Most likely depicts Mary McFadden on November 29, 2001 sometime after “Shopping at Silk Bazaar.” Events, dates, and locations taken from item titled "Proposed Itinerary Mrs. Coopersmith and Party." This item accompanies others in this collection that include the proposed itinerary for the trip as well as a note from Coopersmith to McFadden regarding the trip and which carried these photos. This is also the trip from which the Thai Airline sickness bags with notes written by McFadden originate. The primary purpose of the trip seems to have been diplomatic, philanthropic, and leisurely. This is also shown through the inclusion of a pamphlet from a charity organization sponsored by Her Majesty in the collection.
• The SUPPORT Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand Pamphlet
  Scanned cover and first two pages of a pamphlet outlining the goals and efforts of The SUPPORT Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, of which Her Majesty was the President. Also known as "Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.” This is an item from the Esther Coopersmith travel party trip to Thailand from November 25-December 1, 2001 for the Silk Festival with Her Majesty the Queen. Travel party includes Mary McFadden. This item was likely made on behalf of Her Majesty which would make her the creator and rights holder. Interior text states: "The SUPPORT Foundation was founded by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in July 1976 to alleviate the poverty and hardship endured by farmers, who comprise some 80 percent of Thailand’s population. Income derived from agriculture is totally dependent on the climate and may by adversely affected by unfavourable weather conditions, such as droughts, floods and other natural disasters. At the same time, Thailand has a rich history of beautiful arts and crafts, but this cultural heritage is disappearing rapidly because of the economic and time constraints of modern life.” This item accompanies others in this collection that include the proposed itinerary for the trip as well as a note from Coopersmith to McFadden regarding the trip and which carried these photos. This is also the trip from which the Thai Airline sickness bags with notes written by McFadden originate. The primary purpose of the trip seems to have been diplomatic, philanthropic, and leisurely.
• “Take Home a Nude” New York Academy of Art Eric Fischl Brochure
  This brochure served as an invitation to Mary McFadden to attend the annual Take Home a Nude Art and Auction Party held by Sotheby’s and benefitting the New York Academy of Art in 2010. In that year, artist Eric Fischl was the honoree. There is no record of whether McFadden attended or not, though shows a prolonged connection to the world of fine art in New York City. As of 2024, tickets for the event ranged from $300 to attend the cocktail portion up to $50,000 for premium seating at a table reserved for 10 people. There is no direct evidence of what kind of connection Fischl and McFadden may have had, though the invitation to this event indicates overlapping social groups.
• Print Advertisement for Mary McFadden Bridal Couture
  A print advertisement for Mary McFadden bridal couture showing a dress from the Spring 1989 collection, photographed by Beth Bischoff. The ad indicates fittings are by appointment and provides the phone number for McFadden's Manhattan showroom.
• Advertisement for 1986 Mary McFadden Collection with John Lakis Furs
  An advertisement by John Lakis Furs International, Ltd. announcing a collection by Mary McFadden to be released October 1986. McFadden is pictured wrapped in a fur coat.
• Ecuadorian Newspaper Photocopy featuring Thai Fashion
  This is a photocopy of a newspaper article, likely originating from Ecuador or another Latin American country. The language is Spanish, and the mention of Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, point to this, though the item does not include a byline name or newspaper name. Article refers to and images depict a runway fashion show of a Mary McFadden collection. One model wears a headdress and gown that could be inspired by Thai fashion and cultural attire. McFadden made several trips to Thailand, and while this does not have a specific date, this shows that McFadden was inspired by the clothing and fabrics of Thailand for the express purpose of haute couture. Original title and subtitle: Elegancia McFadden El DILA convierte a Guayaquil en la capital de la moda latinoamericana. McFadden encantó. Translated text via Google Translate: McFadden Elegance DILA turns Guayaquil into the capital of Latin American fashion. McFadden loved it.
• NY Post column-CFDA dinner (1983)
  New York Post “Around the Town with Eugenia Sheppard” column about Mary McFadden dinner party at Chez Pascal before the April 27, 1983, Council of Fashion Designers of America fashion show. Lists notable guests including Spanish diplomat Jaime des Pinies, Princess Anne Marie von Bismarck, Count Gotfried von Bismarck, Count and Countess Romanones, Count Johannes von Schoborn with Marina Batista, Countess Donino Cicogna, Anna Bulhari, Warren and Yanna Avis, Dolores and Jacques Leviant, Countess Christina Carimati, Baron and Baroness Edouard de Rotschild.
• McFadden with Perfume Bottle
  A color slide of Mary McFadden holding a bottle of her perfume, Mary McFadden, along with an instruction slip indicating the slide was submitted for development in January 2000.
• Letter from Yanna Avis with Postcard Attached (2001)
  Personal correspondence from Yanna Avis, professional singer and socialite, complimenting McFadden's new apartment renovations. A postcard depicting a highly stylized drawing of a woman with stiletto-shaped eyebrows is attached to the front.
• McFadden in Jeans
  A photograph of Mary McFadden wearing denim jeans and a crewneck sweatshirt in an unidentified location.
• CFDA Fashion Show dinner guest list (1983)
  Mary McFadden’s handwritten guest list for dinner party at Chez Pascal before the April 27, 1983 Council of Fashion Designers of America Design fashion show. Invitees included Estée Lauder; Nan Kempner; Yasmin Aga Khan; Baron Guy Rothschild; Victoria Newhouse; Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece; film producer Franco Rosselini; Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder and president of Atlantic Records, and his wife; conductor Zubin Mehta; the Herreras; Vogue editor-in-chief Grace Mirabella; Herreras; fashion designer Beatriz Patiño; Donald and Ivana Trump, real estate developer; Edouarde and Mathilde Rothschilde; actress Manuella Papatakis; producer Alexander Cohen and actor Hildy Parks; socialit Pat Buckley; former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland and Stephen Jamail; society columnist Aileen Mehle; Mrs. Blair (Mc Fadden's mother); and more.
• Mary McFadden Newspaper Portrait by Nelson Shanks
  One page from a newspaper from January 2002 either titled “Art Matters” or from a newspaper section under the same title. If the former, this could be from what is now known as the Art Renewal Center, which is an outlet covering Realism in art based in New Jersey. Their website shows record of having at one time run the same image of the portrait of McFadden and printed a similar article on Nelson Shanks. McFadden does not appear in the article proper in either rendition, but her image and name beneath do appear in the archival item. The current website in 2026 shows a collaboration with Sotheby’s in New York. The portrait of McFadden appears between a portrait painted by Shanks of Jenny Taubman on the left and Princess Diana of Wales on the right. McFadden appears nude from the waist adorned with jewelry and sitting in front of a painting of the Buddha.
• Mary McFadden New York Post Page Six
  Page Six of the New York Post from July 4, 1996. Text of the large headline at top says: “Upper E. Side mourns a prince,” and a column that discusses Mary McFadden is at bottom left and includes a headshot. Immediately below the headshot in the column are the words: “Mary: seven’s the charm.” This is in reference to the announcement of her marriage to Greek director Vasilis Calitsis in her seventh marriage. Despite his apparent social status, it is Mary that is the subject of this column (her photo, her name as the subtitle). The column goes onto say that this civil ceremony was witnessed by a stranger on the street, and that the honeymoon will take place across three countries in Asia, ending in Italy where the groom will be directing an event. Calitsis was aged 31 at the time and though the Post refers to her as a sexagenarian, McFadden would have been 58 on the publication date. John F. Kennedy Jr. and Conan O’Brien are mentioned on the page as well.