Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Richard Spiegel
WHERE: The spring 2008, ENK Shows, Pier 94, West 55th Street
ABOUT THE BAGS:
Since Badgley Mischka restructured their business and signed on with Iconix, they’ve
had the good fortune to partner with the affable Franco Franchi , the President of Franchi, a high end handbag manufacturer. The Franchi label evening bags we spotted in the Franchi booth are also by the way, absolutely Red Carpet worthy.
Mr. Franchi was the first to sign on and do a license with Badgley Mischka. Many licensing deals have followed: sunglasses, swimsuits, but this one remains solidly in the top three.
Mr. Franchi pointed out the harmony between the designers’ efforts on the clothing and accessory fronts, and this handsome handbag line is consistent with the duo’s high standards, as are the majority of their other licensed products.
As with Badgley Mischka RTW, there are two differently priced lines.
1. THE PLATINUM LINE – bags that are intended for everyday and come-in at a reasonable price point.
2. THE COUTURE LINE – we can’t say enough about this deluxe line. Prior to our ENK visit, we’d already featured a small black crystal beaded clutch in our recent coverage of the Neiman Marcus spring 2008 preview.
BEST IN SHOW: the canary yellow patent large handbag and clutch with a Roger Vivier style buckle.
We left impressed, as many licenses fall short, and just don’t reflect the high standards of their namesake brand.
www.badgleymischka.com