Badgley Mischka
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The Label
Badgley Mischka started in 1988 when a pair of Parsons students decided to launch a company together rather than compete with each other. Mark Badgley and James Mischka’s refreshing, light take on glamour breathed new life into the often stale and fusty realm of eveningwear. Despite the occasional business bump (they were acquired and then sold by Escada and have taken occasional budget-mandated breaks from runway shows), the label quickly acquired a loyal fan base among women—from New York to Washington D.C. to Hollywood—who regularly require black-tie dressing. Their bridal business, launched in 1993, is a mainstay for that sector; other branded products include fragrance, handbags, shoes, and eyewear. The designers plan to add bits of sportswear to their lineup starting in spring 2007.
The Look
Red-carpet-destined eveningwear that respects the traditions of glamour—rhinestones, cleavage, sweeping trains—but made contemporary with lighter fabrics and less construction.
The Designer
Both tall and movie-star handsome, Badgley (salt-and-pepper hair) and Mischka (blond) have been together personally and professionally for almost twenty years. In their spare time, the designers take to Palm Beach, where Badgley, a competitive rider, does the horse circuit with his European warmblood Brando; Mischka concentrates on home renovation, cooking, and classic-car collecting.
