Designer Q&A: Mark Badgley and James Mischka

Badgley Mischka may be the red carpet couture maestros for the Hollywood set, but the designers’ Mark + James line allows the rest of us to bring a little old-school glamour into the mix—without a Julia Roberts payday. To coincide with our Mark + James sale (shop now through 10 a.m. on August 16th) we asked the power design duo to fill us in on their latest inspirations and the celeb they’d most love to dress. Mark Badgley and James Mischka Badgley Mischka is adored for making endlessly glam pieces. How does that translate to your Mark + James line?
There is a thread of glamour that weaves through all of our collections, even our more casual styles.

As designers, what inspires you to keep creating?
We are always inspired, all day long. We get inspiration from seeing new movies, traveling, meeting our customers or even something as simple as seeing a new fabric.

We're kind of in-between seasons—it's still summer but it's also kind of fall at the same time—what tips do you have for mixing and layering during this transitional time?
It’s always exciting to start wearing your new fall wardrobe. Integrate the items you feel comfortable wearing early!

Is there one piece of clothing that you think a woman simply must own, or do you think those kinds of fashion "rules" are meant to be broken?
There are no rules anymore, but a sparkly little dress always works for a night out!

Celebrities love you—is there anyone in particular that you'd love to see wearing one of your looks?
We would love to dress Emma Stone.

Even if you aren't Emma Stone (and if you are, Hi Emma!), you can get Badgley Mischka glam with our Mark + James sale (now through 10 a.m. on August 16th).

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.

ideeli at MBFW: Day 6

We got a major shot of fashion fabulousness on Day 6 with the double whammy of Badgley Mischka (shop today's sale!) and Vera Wang showing polar opposite moods, one light, airy and glittering, the other dark, architectural and brooding.

The front row celebs at Badgley Mischka—Gabrielle Union, Kristin Cavallari, and Denise Richards–were seated next to each other and coiffed to the hilt. The society ladies in the audience weren’t holding back either, some wearing full-on sparkle, and it was just 10 a.m. Badgley Mischka showed a mix of their couture and contemporary line Mark + James and the result was a playful-luxe vibe. A crystal tulle top with denim jeans was a standout look for us, and of course the evening wear, in shades of petal, rose, smoke and white, was tops.

In between shows we spotted Anna Wintour and Linda Fargo of Bergdorf Goodman chilling in the outdoor lounge. It was a gorge day so we took a break out there as well, although we kept our distance from Anna (there’s a palpable force field around her!).

At Vera, the show surprised with its dark colors–black, eggplant, forest green— and forceful attitude (see above). We loved all the sculptural pleats and draping, which looked akin to urban armor. Evan Lysacek and Serena Williams (sandwiched by André Leon Talley and La Wintour) were front and center—so fitting, especially for this collection, which had a toughness we imagine elite athletes can relate to.

Tune in tomorrow for more from fashion week as we head into the home stretch!

MBFW Pick of the Day: Badgley Mischka

As an official sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, we’re celebrating our headlong plunge into this fabulous event with what we do best: amazing sales. And while our fashion team is off getting a first glimpse at the new collections, we’re bringing you some of our all-time favorite designer pieces—like these ruby red satin heels from Badgley Mischka—the same day their runway show debuts.

Mark Badgley and James Mischka are notorious for creating Cinderella moments for an A-list crowd—Catherine Zeta-Jones, Teri Hatcher, and Kim Kardashian have all worn the duos fabulously beaded gowns. And just like their signature sparkling dresses, the label’s collection of gorgeous heels requires a red carpet to be shown off properly. We’re absolutely entranced by these ruby-red satin pumps with a big glittery clip across the toe. A certain part of us, we must confess, is drawn to the fact that they look like a grown-up version of Dorothy’s magical red slippers in The Wizard of Oz—we’ve wanted a pair since we were kids. But really, they would add an immediate wow-factor to all of our little black dresses and make jewelry an unnecessary flourish, since they come with plenty of sparkle all on their own. Slip these on, and we promise you’ll want to be anywhere but home. Get it here!

Pick of the Day: Badgley Mischka

For some reason, we've got red carpet fashion on the brain lately. Maybe it's because we're eagerly anticipating all of the camera-worthy looks to come at the Emmys (August 29 for all you fellow awards show stylephiles). Or we're just eager for a change from summer's signature laid-back vibe. Whatever the cause, few designers are as red carpet-ready as Badgley Mischka, so of course we're agog at all the glam styles in today's sale. We've become quite taken, in particular, with this Xolani platform pump. Outfitted with a satin upper, glorious bow, and fierce patent skinny heel, we can just see Badgley Mischka fans such as Eva Longoria, Padma Lakshmi, and Hayden Panettiere stepping into these and walking their way up the parade of flashing lights. As for the gorgeous Xolani, get it here!