Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, courtesy of Badgley Mischka
We've already posted a spring 2008 bridal round-up based on a full day [October 21] of running around NYC visiting a number of bridal resources at the Waldorf Astoria and venues all over town. The much anticipated Badgley Mischka show was so strong that it merits a mention all its own.
Mssrs. Badgley and Mischka set up in a salon at the Hotel Inter Continental, with little gold chairs and elegant chandeliers. We felt as if we were at a Givenchy show circa 1960 and might find fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn seated in the front row.
Although Badgley Mischka has been a significant label for well over 10 years. they’ve hit some road bumps along the way when it’s come to finances. Thanks to a deal they struck with Iconix (previously Candies), the boys are back in the saddle again designing, working on umpteen licenses, and bigger than ever. They have handbags, eyewear, fur, accessories, couture, swim and watch licenses, and of course, bridal. It’s not humanely possible for every single on of these pieces of the brand to be a hit, but most are. The Limited Edition fragrance is doing very nicely, according to a counter manager at the Westchester Mall’s Neiman Marcus,
Returning to bridal, we had possibly the best “seat” in the house. Although we were standing behind the 4th row of chairs, we had a bird's eye view of Mark and James arranging the gowns before the models stepped out onto the runway.
Many bridal designers have resigned themselves to creating somewhat predictable strapless gowns, not so here. There were many surprises, such as the paper white silk satin mini gown with a beaded bow at the neckline. They provided novelty via the upturned points on the bust of a strapless gown that spiced up the traditional sweetheart neckline. While we realize that bridal designers design gowns that they hope will sell, it’s a great designer[s] who has the imagination to add a twist such as this on a predictable silhouette.
Most dresses were of the column variety either strapless or with wide shoulder straps embellished with pearls and Swarovski crystals which immediately stood out in the sea of strapless we’d looked at all day.
The duo showed their design skills in what we’ll call “the forgiving dress”. The empire spaghetti strap number boasted a Swarvoski crystal cluster at the breastbone pulling your eyes away from the tummy and hip area.
All in all though, the waist continued to be well defined by the judicious use of Swarovski crystals and beading. The effect was to draw the attention to the workmanship on the waist.
Gowns this ornate and this beautiful need little to no help accessory-wise. Wisely, the designers accessorized with only a pair of chandelier earrings. The few veils they showed were tailbone length and quite spare.
The designers gently reminded the audience that they also design gorgeous RTW gowns. The last exit resembled a Badgely Mischka Oscar gown. The column dress had an illusion waist and plenty of that gorgeous beading that helped define the RTW brand, and made Badgley Mischka one of Hollywood's most sought after Red Carpet resources.