"We were just so sick and tired of winter," said James Mischka. "So over it," his partner, Mark Badgley, concurred. To cure the cold-weather blues, the duo booked a trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora, and designed Badgley Mischka Resort with visions of French Polynesia in their heads.
The inspiration went a long way. A silk and wool shift was done in a lush tropical print, which showed up again on a V-neck slip. An ivory racer-back gown was distinctly embroidered with beaded hibiscus flowers, as was the neckline of a marigold and lemon tweed dress. The designers have made jewelry out of druzy agate in the past, but this season they used the stone as a fabric adornment. The bustline of a slinky white-sequined number was decorated with chunky gems, as was the top of an aqua and gold tweed column gown. A black tulle minidress was embroidered with a lush "jungle" design, offering a youthful take on formal dressing. But Badgley Mischka s signature ruffled skirts were nowhere to be seen. Indeed, the season s effort was meant to feel streamlined. "More sleek," said Mischka. While the frills might ve been missing, the lemon-colored ball gown, made of brocade organza, provided just enough froth.
