Who is Badgley Mischka?
Although many people think Badgley Mischka is one person with a mouthful of a name, it’s really the partnership of Mark Badgley (born 1960, Burlington, Wisconsin) and James Mischka (born 1961, East St. Louis, Illinois). The pair met in the ‘80s while studying fashion at the Parsons School of Design. After receiving invaluable training in separate apprenticeships -- Badgley at Donna Karan and Jackie Rodgers and Mischka at Willi Smith -- they founded their company in 1988.Their first couple of years were a little rocky, but they finally got a break when the German company ESCADA invested in their company in 1992. This cash influx helped propel them to be celebrity designers and a household name.
Badgley Mischka have always specialized in evening wear, bringing the Hollywood glamour of the 1940s to a younger couture clientele. This aesthetic has made Badgley Mischka gowns perfect for Oscar Night, where they have been worn by everyone from Madonna to Calista Flockhart. They even designed the Bush twins’ dresses for the Inaugural Ball.
Their beaded sheaths and elegant gowns have translated well to a bridal line, which is produced in conjunction with Pronovias USA. While their couture line has suffered financially due to an industry-wide lack of profit to be made on high-end evening wear, their bridal couture has been going strong.
