108 SIDELINES AUGUST 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Mark and Riviera competing in the
adult hunters at the Old Salem Farm Horse show.
e
Horse Show
By Rebecca Walton
The equestrian world is well known for its special interest in
fashion, but for adult amateur hunter rider Mark Badgley, it is far
more than a hobby. Mark is the co-founder of Badgley Mischka
and they have been hailed by
Vogue
as one of the “Top 10
American Designers” and as the darlings of the Hollywood set.
Competing at top horse shows throughout the country and
juggling a successful career comes easily to Mark, because
he has passion for both parts of his life. “The horse world is a
subculture that is impossible to explain,” he noted. “Until you’re
really exposed to it, it’s such a funny sport to try to explain how it
really works. I think it’s a complete addiction. You have to be so
absorbed into it; you can’t really do it half way. I think fashion is the
same thing. Fashion is its own little world and you can’t kind of do
it. You’re either immersed in it or you’re not. I think that there is a
lot of discipline and creativity in both worlds.”
Luckily for Mark, the two worlds also intertwine quite well.
“I’ve met so many amazing customers through horses,” he said.
“Equestrian apparel finds its way into high fashion every 10 years
or so, which always cracks me up. I find that women that ride, they
love clothes. They love their riding clothes, and they are interested
in quality and beautiful things and ascetics. I’ve met some of the
most wonderful muses and customers, and often they have been
people from the equestrian community.”
Mark continued, “Our fashions have often had an equestrian
influence in the past, whether it’s through the tailoring of a piece or
beautiful classic iconic prints in terms of tack and snaffles. In our
sportswear collections we’ve done looks that incorporate breeches
and that kind of stuff. Women love themselves in that silhouette
because it makes them look so long and lean. It’s a flattering look,
and a hint of that relates beautifully to a contemporary woman. It’s
such a classic look that people can relate to.”
In the past, Mark has been known to make his own show jackets
for the hunter ring. He loves the heritage and tradition of the
sport and unique escape from the hectic fashion world that riding
provides. “Life has gotten so industrial and so fast and furious. I
love that things don’t change much in this sport. Time just stands
Mark Badgley
The Badgley Mischka 20th
Anniversary campaign image.
Darling
of the
Hollywood
& Equine
Set
Continued on page 123
