Featured MBFW Designer: Badgley Mischka

Cinderella's story would have been totally different had Prince Charming found a ratty Converse sneaker instead of a glass slipper. And while we're not condoning highly breakable footwear on elegant evenings out, we are saying that footwear choices can certainly make a difference. So what if you're sans fairy godmother--or the aforementioned prince?! That doesn't mean you don't deserve a little romance.


That's why the hopeless romantic in us is so excited to see Badgley Mischka, the dream-come-true love story of business (and life!) partners Mark Badgley and James Mischka, live on ideeli and at Lincoln Center this Valentine's Day.

James Mischka wasn't always going to be a designer. He started studying biomedical engineering at Rice University before a semester off in NYC changed his mind. And boy, are we glad it did. He met Mark Badgley when he enrolled in Parsons and to say the rest is history, is a gross understatement. They launched in 1988 and have since dressed everyone from Winona Ryder for the cover of Vogue, to Jada Pinkett AND Will Smith on their wedding day, to BARBIE. Yes, that Barbie. Frankly, those are names you can't really mess with. Mark and James have perfected the modern fairy tale with their empire of gorgeous gowns and all the glam accoutrement a girl needs to really feel like a princess, even if she's taking a cab rather than a horse and carriage.

Not trying to rock a ball gown on a random Tuesday? We understand, but that doesn't mean you can't partake in a little Badgley Mischka glamour. Score embellished heels from the kings of evening elegance here and you'll feel like the princess you've always known you are.