Runway Deep Dive: Badgley Mischka Spring 2000 RTW
Known for their iconic red carpet moments and glamorous, feminine style, American design duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka had Hollywood on their mind when they founded their eponymous label in 1988.
And while their inspiration has always been old Hollywood glamour - the Badgley Mischka girl is young, playful, and timeless.
Opting for soft embellishments like lace, embroidery, and beading - while sticking to classic silhouettes. Badgley Mischka found a recipe for decades of red-carpet elegance.
"The soft pastel colors, with pops of sequins, sheerness, and embroidery feel like a core brand DNA moment."
When digging through the archives, finding just one Badgley Mischka show that speaks to all the brand has done and offered over the years is hard. (C’mon - they did everything from Taylor Swift’s first Met Gala dress to Jada Pinkett Smith’s wedding gown…) But I found myself returning to their Spring 2000 Ready to Wear collection.
The soft pastel colors, with pops of sequins, sheerness, and embroidery feel like a core brand DNA moment. The ultra tan and glowy skin with the paired down styling show how Badgley Mischka styles their approachable gowns with a slight undone fashion-y edge on the runway. (See the spikey buns from their Fall 1995 collection.)
Look 6
The classic sheath shape and bow under the bodice on look 6 speak to Badgley Mischka’s vintage inspirations - but the midi length and the layered multi-colored sequins add a fun Y2K energy to the look. Not to mention the itty bitty red bag…
Look 23
Hello, perfect bridal shower look! The neckline and nipped waist would be right at home on a 50s Emma Domb party dress. But here, the skirt's silhouette is softer, and the tone-on-tone embellishments add a bit of texture to the simplified shape.
Look 29
Again, we see a sleek and chic silhouette paired with piles of sequins and a floral print that’s just this side of girlie. Peep the strappy sandals - a great reminder that a slightly above floor-length hemline and a strappy sandal can take a look from too fussy and formal to cool and laidback glam.
Look 30
A unique piece from the collection that pulls from all the other elements - while still feeling entirely unique. The structured empire bustline is seen on no other looks in the collection. The gauzy layered chiffon floating above the classic sheath gives the whole look an ethereal feel.
Look 32
Maybe the look for me. The funnel neckline, the somehow laidback sequin pants, the slicked-back short hair? Pretty perfect across the board. A great option for a morning after brunch where you want to be comfy but still serve up a dose of fashion for your guests.
Look 34
The tannest Gisele in a Badgley Mischka gown - can you get more 2000s than that? This sweet number would fit right in at this past fashion week. The baby pink with the bows, the layers of sequined embellished tulle - but yet again a silhouette that says ease.
Look 38
But it wasn’t all tulle for the Badgley Mischka Spring 2000 runway. A heavy dose of iridescent taffeta added structure to the showing. Here, you see a silhouette that both plays on the vintage sheaths Badgley Mischka loves - while also pulling from the more recent late 90s love of skinny straps and collarbone-baring necklines. Unlike many other tulle looks, the taffeta gown has a bit of a train.
Look 50
And would you believe me if I told you this was the finale look? Something so funny to me about a show filled with gowns and sequins - this paisley printed (although still embellished, obviously) halter gown made the closing statement for the designers. But while unexpected - it’s smart. The decade we were entering saw many more bohemian elements make their way to the red carpet. (Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins anyone?)
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