As part of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's annual fundraiser, super Hollywood glam, sometimes over-done designers, Mark Badgley and James Mischka, were on hand at the Park Hyatt Hotel, Wednesday afternoon to show off their subtle Fall 2008 collection.
The design-duo met at New York's Parsons School of the Design and has been working together since 1988. In 1993, Escada became a key investor. They are best known for the red carpet gowns of the late 1990s that dripped with Swarovski crystals. Notable spokespeople include: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Desparate Houswife, Terri Hatcher is the current face of the brand. Sex and the City character, Charlotte York, wore a Badgley Mishka gown for her second wedding to Harry Goldenblatt. Oprah Winfrey wears the clothing, too.
Both are quite pleasant and softspoken. The 47-year-old Capricorns, chit chatted about luxury in dark blue shrunken suits accented with crisp, white shirts in the Grand Hyatt's ballroom, a sea of lemon yellow tables. Their motto: There will always be a place for luxury and glamour.
Even when gas is approaching $4 a gallon and food is sky rocketing, I asked.
"Evening gowns are our core business," Mark Badgley told me. "But we just don't make the $1200 evening gown, we also make the $600 cocktail dress too."
I think that would be my entire George Bush economic relief check. Sigh.
How would you alter your style. All things ostentatious borders on gaudy when it costs so much to live these days.
Mark Badgley brought the convo back to suits and versatility. Earlier in the conversation, the duo pointed out a chocolate brown metallic tweed suit paired with knee-length boots. Hot, That more demure look, combined with shoes, handbags and eyewear and a a bed and bath set definitely means there is enough to sell.
Badgley Mishka will be at Saks Fifth Avenue ,also a sponsor, in Bala Cynwyd from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today. And the collection will remain in the store through Thursday for special orders.
Daisy Day draws more than 800 people and is the principal fundraiser event for the Children's Hospital. Each year the luncheon raises close to $1 million. This year the money will go to Safe Place: The Center for Child Protection and Help at Children's Hospital.
Does anybody out there own a Badgley Mischka anything? Do you like it?
