A members borrowing program called the Lending Library will also be introduced.

The Woodmere Art Museum, an institution focused on the art and artists of Philadelphia, has received a gift of more than 200 original garments and accessories by Mary McFadden. The new collection encompasses silk T-shirts, elegant separates, embellished tunics, distinctive daywear and dramatic couture. All the pieces can be viewed on Woodmere’s website under The Mary McFadden Experience.

McFadden died Sept. 13, 2014 at the age of 85 at her home in Southampton, N.Y.

Her renowned gowns represent the most recognizable expression of the McFadden aesthetic. Her innovative pleating allowed fabric to move fluidly around the body while maintaining a sculptural quality.

“Mary McFadden’s work offers an extraordinary lens through which to explore the intersection of fashion, art, craftsmanship and cultural history,” said William Valerio, Woodmere director and chief executive officer. “This generous gift allows us not only to showcase these remarkable garments, but also to share them in new ways with our community. We are especially excited to make the collection accessible through a members’ borrowing program, called the Lending Library, a very special way to experience McFadden’s designs firsthand and to appreciate the remarkable artistry, materials and techniques that define her work.”

The Lending Library, currently in development, is expected to launch in the coming weeks.

John McFadden, the designer’s brother, said, “Mary was always much more than a fashion designer. She was an artist, a collector, a trailer, and a storyteller who saw the world in extraordinary ways and brought all of those experiences into her work.

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