Harold Koda, former curator-in-chief of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, once nicknamed Ms. McFadden a “design archaeologist.” Her pursuit of knowledge has led her around the world and inspired her collections, each named for an era of history, an art or literary movement, or an ancient civilization. These themes were woven sumptuously, yet meticulously, into her garments. This exhibition celebrates Ms. McFadden’s craft.

Fashion critics and insiders soon knew Ms. McFadden not only for her Marii pleating and historic inspirations, but for her one-of-a-kind hand-painted and quilted silks, her opulent beading and embroidery, and her burnished gold macrame bodices and trims. While her silhouettes were often said to be easy to wear, her surface techniques were sophisticated and her color combinations unexpected. Sensual and modern, Mary McFadden Couture was made for the woman not afraid to forge her own path.

Drexel University pays tribute to the "Modern Ritual" of fashion icon Mary McFadden with an exhibition that celebrates the incredible influence of the American designer. Please join us by visiting the collection, on view May 11, 2024 through October 11, 2024.

• The exhibition is free to the public by reservation only
  
• Reservations are available twice a month and include a guided, behind-the-scenes tour with the curator, Rachel Sepielli
• Please visit our Eventbrite to schedule your visit (more dates will be added as they become available)

Schedule Your Visit

Reviews:

• This American designer's obsession with Indian embroidery saw her nicknamed the high priestess of high fashion. Vogue India, May 10, 2024.
• At 85, Mary McFadden Talks Fashion, Playing Tennis and 11 Marriages. Women's Wear Daily, May 9, 2024.
• Fashion exhibit at Drexel highlights designer who dressed Jackie O and Gloria Steinem. PhillyVoice, May 10, 2024.
• A "Design Archeologist" Arrives at Drexel: Drexel University presents Modern Ritual: The Art of Mary McFadden. Broad Street Review, June 25, 2024.

This exhibition is made possible by a gift to the Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection (FHCC) of Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design to Establish the Mary McFadden Archive at Drexel University.