Mark Badgley and James Mischka often find their inspiration abroad. Just last month, their Spring 2018 ready-to-wear collection took its cues from Capri, and this morning, they were in New York to show their Fall 2018 bridal lineup fresh from a vacation in Italy’s Bay of Naples. Fittingly, the gowns were conceived with a similar destination wedding in mind. “There’s a softness to the collection,” Badgley said. “We don’t believe in harsh lines in bridal. Everything is glamorous and soft and beaded and sensual.” Mischka added: “It has to glow a little bit, too.”
There was no shortage of star power here. For starters, the style names paid homage to the duo’s Hollywood clientele, all beginning with the letter B. The Blake (as in Lively) is a romantic slip dress in embroidered lace, while the Beyoncé (as in Knowles-Carter, though that hardly needs explaining) takes the form of a plunging gown in beaded silk georgette. To maintain a sense of lightness throughout, the designers took the heavy construction out of a bustier by incorporating new technology. Power mesh fabrics replaced boning, and stretch-paneled sheer corsetry lent extra flexibility. “Our girls want to feel more natural. Of course, they want to look amazing, but they also want to be comfortable,” Badgley said.
When in doubt, it all came down to what they called “the pinkie test,” in which you pick up a hanger with your little finger to test the weight. “It should just feel like ounces,” Badgley said. “Those are the dresses that are fun to take away.”
