Badgley Mischka Swim Spring '08
Designing swimwear is something the eveningwear design duo Badgley Mischka has always wanted to do. The New York–based designers debuted their first swimwear collection on July 11 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim. “It’s a very natural extension of what we do,” said Mark Badgley. “In fact, the design process is very similar. When we design an evening gown, it’s all about a beautiful decolleacute;teacute;, or a ruche or shirred bodice,” he explained. “So, the whole process felt very comfortable and familiar,” he added. The collection was reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour, a constant source of inspiration for the designers. “We were thinking about old Hollywood—Bette Davis at the Beverly Hills Hotel pool drinking a gimlet; Carole Lombard and all those amazing stars from the past that spent time at the Beverly Hills Hotel,” said James Mischka. The swimwear was designed for the luxury customer complete with hats, bags, shoes and coordinating dresses. Suits were embellished with embroidery, beading and jeweled hardware—similar details used on their gowns. Styles included sexy bikinis and glamorous retro silhouettes in gold metallic fabrications, feminine floral paisley prints and colorful solids. Standouts included a bright red halter bandeau with a shirred bottom, a sexy black, draped front one-piece and a breezy long dress with an updated floral print in navy and metallic gold. —N. Jayne Seward
