Badgley Mischka Resort 2016
The Pandora station playing as Mark Badgley and James Mischka walked reporters through their latest Resort collection was titled “California Dreamin’.” For those unfamiliar, Mischka actually lived in Malibu during the ’60s and ’70s. And although he was only a kid back then, the sunny days — despite the lyrics of the song — laid-back beach style and combination of surf culture and boho glam came through as the season’s inspiration.
“We were thinking about the dresses our moms wore back then,” Mark Badgely said told Style.
And while there have been no shortage of designers pulling inspiration from California lately, it’s new territory for the duo. And whereas other labels look to the ladies of the canyon, the underground rock scene, the architecture style of Palm Springs or the Technicolor dreamland of Barbie’s Malibu, Badgley Mischka is a bit more polished than the other brands focusing on the Golden State. So for the women who come to the brand for occasion dresses, cocktail frocks and ladylike separates, the silhouettes and cuts may seem familiar, but the prints and flowing fabrics definitely mark a new direction for the red carpet-focused label.
Badgley Mischka Resort 2016
The duo have done vintage-inspired collections before, but with the hothouse florals, bright laces and mixed materials present for this outing, everything seemed more fresh than throwback. No, you won’t find the pair pushing the fashion envelope, but you will find perfectly pretty dresses that women can wear whether they’re out here in California or working the gala circuit back east. Florals were dreamy and soft, in pastel shades and soft fabrications that brushed against the skin. They weren’t exactly what you’d wear to a seaside cookout, but for a Malibu wedding or cocktail party overlooking the Pacific? Everyone from Hollywood’s PYTs to established A-listers would find something to wear — and love.
Badgley Mischka is no stranger to embellishment, but the designers opted to go all out, using everything from intricate pieced lace to 3D floral embroidery and shimmering mesh. It instantly updated standard ’50s and ’60s shapes without any head-scratching confusion. And the designers may have been embracing the more relaxed Cali vibes when they imagined soft caftans, easy safari pieces and handkerchief hem dresses.
Badgley Mischka Resort 2016
Yes, there were plenty to wear after dark and for the flashbulbs, but plenty of the dresses seemed perfect for day, too. It’s something the brand has been expanding into — and embracing. The Hawaiian Punch print maxi and glass-bead embellished one-shoulder dress were standouts because they looked perfect for any occasion, red carpet or not. And while there will always be a major dose of glamour in any Badgley Mischka collection, this relaxed vibe is something that’s definitely working for the label. Clearly, even the most formal, fanciful labels need to loosen up once in a while. California, with its ocean views, namaste vibes and chilled M.O. will do that to anyone — we know from experience.
For more information, visit www.badgleymischka.com.
Images courtesy Style
