Walking into Spring Studios Gallery, where Mark Badgley and James Mischka had set the stage for their SS20 collection, I was surrounded by stunning dresses, and that was before the runway show had started. Strong fans of the design duo were wearing their pieces with pride as they floated their way to the seats. Despite the warmth of the sun outside, I had decided to wear their sequin wool trench and wasn’t veering from my plans despite the beaming sun outside.
A white archway served as the entrance of the runway, and beautiful pale pink lighting set the scene for the show. Whispers of “hush” were uttered, and two men wearing black pulled the covering of the runway off to reveal a sparkling white floor.
A white archway served as the entrance of the runway, and beautiful pale pink lighting set the scene for the show. Whispers of “hush” were uttered, and two men wearing black pulled the covering of the runway off to reveal a sparkling white floor.
Stacy Fan at Badgley Mischka
The designers are now official bicoastal, spreading their time between New York and Los Angeles. I had sat down a few months prior to the show with the designers at a luncheon hosted by Barbara Bundy, (VP of Education at FIDM and director of the FIDM museum) and the designers shared their love for the West coast.
 Stacy Fan with Mark Badgley and James Mischka |  Barbara Bundy with Mark Badgley and James Mischka |
We can instantly see the love of that sunny California lifestyle as the show begins as it seems to have informed their SS20 collection. The first look, a beautifully feminine suit in a gorgeous mint green that popped as it was adorned with hibiscus flowers that look like they were being gently swept away in a cool summer breeze, styled perfectly with a matching shoe and orange and mint green earrings.
The print ran through several pieces in the collection in the form of a delicate summer dress with sequins, a lux gown with exaggerated sleeves and another breathtaking dress that was versatile enough to make an ideal evening gown or a fabulous beach cover up on a boat sailing over the Malibu waters. The print appeared to be influenced by the Caribbean however that California sun seems to have been a big influence in both style and color palette as that vacation vibe meets high glamour made the perfect combination.
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Bikinis and swimsuits were just as spectacular, paired with long flowing coverups that showed the versatility of the pieces and reiterating that vacation feel as we imagine ourselves going seamlessly from poolside to bar.
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Despite the emphasis on easy breezy holiday feels, it wouldn’t be a Badgley Mischka show without the highly constructed evening gowns that the designers are so synonymous with, an impeccable sequin gown that once again explored that exaggerated sleeve. This time a silhouette reminiscent of the 30’s and 40’s whilst another with a ruffled tiered dress amped up the drama. A white gown with collar detailing that highlighted the feminine collar bone, with its small train and hip embellishment looked like a piece suitable for royalty.
The collection then moved into more modern pieces, a V neck gown that would be ideal for a modern-day bride or a nominated actress at the Oscars. A pale pastel sleeveless striped dress with embellished collar neck and a low-cut white long-sleeved dress, with flower embellishments. The front row were literally gasping as each piece made its way down the runway.
The collection was the most beautiful blend of high glamour meets chic vacation wardrobe as the designers made each piece look effortless and floaty in movement on even the more structured silhouettes. What appeared at first to be West coasts gain with the designers recent move, certainly seems to be something we’re all benefiting from as this SS20 collection has shown. This bi-coastal lifestyle is clearly working for the duo!
Photos courtesy of Badgley Mischka
Photos courtesy of Badgley Mischka
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