SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Equestrian Gallery
      • Stallions
      • Horses & Ponies for Sale
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Monday, August 22 2016 / Published in Sidelines Feature

Fashion Designer Mark Badgley: From the Red Carpet to the Riding Ring

 

Mark Badgley Portrait by Isabel J. Kurek

Mark Badgley
Portrait by Isabel J. Kurek

By Doris Degner-Foster

It was a seemingly innocuous day at a horse show during some rare time away from the office about 20 years ago that changed fashion designer Mark Badgley’s life. “I was really stressed from work — James Mischka and I were working round the clock then,” Mark said, adding that he’d ridden and shown up till college. “I went out to the Hampton Classic Horse Show and I remember sitting there watching the hunters and realized that I really missed it, so I started riding again. I came back the next year and was champion on my two horses! I felt like I’d really gotten back into the sport that I loved and missed so much.”

Mark competing at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Photo by Sportfot Photography

Mark competing at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Photo by Sportfot Photography

One of the things Mark missed was the feeling of camaraderie among others involved with horses. “It’s the best sport; it’s incredible the friendships that you gain along the way. I just love everything about it. I’ve never been to a horse show where I didn’t have a blast,” Mark said. “It’s always such a privilege to be at them and maybe it’s because I never quite get enough of it because of my schedule, so when I’m there I’m grateful for every minute of it.”

Mark Badgley, right, and James Mischka watch singer Taylor Swift on the red carpet wearing a Badgley Mischka gown. Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Mark Badgley, right, and James Mischka watch singer Taylor Swift on the red carpet wearing a Badgley Mischka gown.
Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Mark’s riding career began as a child on ponies showing in the northwestern U.S. and Canada, and only ended when his time was taken over by college and the Parsons School of Design in New York, where he met James Mischka. After graduation, they both worked at other design houses before forming their company, Badgley Mischka, in a loft in New York — with just the two of them and one seamstress. With his usual relaxed good humor, Mark said that at first they weren’t sure about the name, joking that Badgley Mischka sounded like an old Russian lady. The name choice turned out to be a positive one and their brand now includes shoes, handbags, jewelry, eyewear and a bridal collection. But it’s their elegant, glamorous evening gowns for which they’re best known.

Building a Business of Dressing Ladies

In the 20 years since Mark came back to the horse, Badgley Mischka has grown considerably in the competitive design industry. Mark and James decided early on that they’d specialize in evening gowns — where their interest and enthusiasm was highest — and that they’d never try to be everything to everybody. “It’s been a huge advantage to have a partner like James because we always had each other to bounce things off of and we could be two places at once, which comes in very handy in this industry,” Mark said. “You just have to do what you believe in and you can’t get discouraged. It’s all about focus, hard work and determination.”

Ashley Judd Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Ashley Judd
Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

When a major turning point came in their business, it didn’t initially seem noteworthy. “We got some phone calls from Hollywood when the awards show season began in 1995,” Mark remembered. “We were asked if we could send some evening gowns and we thought, ‘Well that’s strange, but why not?’” Although evening gowns were their specialty, they were a bit puzzled because in the early 1990s New York designers weren’t in demand in Hollywood; it was more common for stars to turn to their own sources for the awards shows and red carpet occasions.

Helen Mirren  Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Helen Mirren
Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

That incident set the design house into motion playing a leading role in celebrity dressing. That year, Teri Hatcher wore a Badgley Mischka dress to the Emmys and a few months later, Winona Ryder also wore a Badgley Mischka creation to the 1996 Academy Awards. “It put our name on the map,” Mark said. “It’s such an amazing way to introduce a brand: When a celebrity wears one of your dresses on the red carpet, it’s sort of instantaneous.” Their gorgeous, old-world glamour gowns have since been in demand among celebrities. Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, Kate Winslet, Taylor Swift and Ashley Judd are among Badgley Mischka’s regular clients and fans.

“Here we are a few decades later and it’s just this huge ongoing project that never really loses its importance, so that’s been a really fun part of what we do,” Mark said. “The stylists and celebrities know they can come to us because we do such a wide assortment of evening clothes.”

Glamorous Gowns Within Everyone’s Reach

The phrase One zip and you’re glamorous! sums up Mark and James’ philosophy. They feel that it’s important to keep the act of dressing up simple and not intimidating, reasoning that when a woman’s going out at night she has other important things to be concerned about.

Kate Winslet Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Kate Winslet
Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

“It’s our job to drape a gorgeous gown and work on the proportions and the silhouette, the fabrications and the fit,” said Mark. “It’s important, too, that the clothes are comfortable. I think gone are the days that a woman will suffer to be beautiful. She really demands it all now. It’s hard for a woman to feel glamorous if she’s not comfortable.”

Through online shopping and stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, in addition to the brand’s flagship store on Rodeo Drive, women anywhere in the world have access to their elegant evening and wedding designs. Although Mark was skeptical at first about making their products available online, that’s where the most successful increases in sales have been, especially with shoes, handbags and other accessories. “We’ve dressed amazing women; it’s also just as exciting when we’re out for dinner and we see a woman across the room in one of our dresses,” Mark said. “That’s always a true compliment.”

Mark was just as thrilled recently to provide a gown for a young lady who isn’t a Hollywood celebrity, but certainly just as important to him. “My niece graduated from high school last spring and she wore one of our evening gowns to graduation,” Mark said with pride. “It’s the small things in life that are fun and exciting, that close to home.”

Kate Mara Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Kate Mara
Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

A Change in Focus

Although riding horses and training for competition requires time and focus, for Mark it’s time well spent. “It’s really something that takes my mind off work and that’s one thing I’ve always loved about it,” Mark said. “I can’t be really stressed and thinking about work or designing an evening dress as I’m cantering down to an oxer; it’s a total escape.”

Mark made his dream of having his horses at home with him a reality when he and James bought a farm in Kentucky, but the commute to New York became too difficult and they now have a house on Long Island. “I ride with Mike Zuckerman and it’s awesome!” Mark said. “I commute from there — I ride in the morning and I can be in the office by nine, so it’s perfect.”

Queen Latifah Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Queen Latifah
Photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka

Michael Zuckerman’s Lynnewood Stables is within minutes of Mark and James’ home in Oyster Bay on Long Island. “Mike’s excellent with amateur riders who have careers outside of the ring,” Mark said. “I always know that during busy times at the office, I can arrive at a show or even for a lesson and my horse will be perfectly prepared. He has a real knack for that.”

Michael’s stable moves to Wellington and the Winter Equestrian Festival for the winter season and Mark is looking forward to showing his 9-year-old European Warmblood gelding By George in the Adult Amateur Hunters during the 2017 winter circuit. Michael will keep George ridden during the weeks when Mark is working and show him in the Pre-Green classes.

Mark in Wellington, Florida. Portrait by Isabel J. Kurek

Mark in Wellington, Florida.
Portrait by Isabel J. Kurek

Mark acknowledged that the sport is a test of support, patience and understanding for everyone involved, and he said, “James is an amazingly supportive partner and my riding is certainly no exception.”

Because Mark is able to enjoy a mental break from stress — spending time in the saddle focusing on his horse’s strides to the fences — he’s able to return to his other passion of design refreshed and ready for the next challenge.
About the writer: Doris Degner-Foster rides with Harvard Fox Hounds in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when she’s not interviewing fascinating individuals in the horse sport or writing fiction. Soon to be available is a middle-grade series about teenagers who ride and solve mysteries, and a mainstream murder mystery where a horse appears strangely in peoples lives to help an ER doctor through a crisis.

 

 

 

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: Doris Degner-Foster, fashion, Mark Badgley

What you can read next

Lexi Wedemeyer: Jumping at Every Opportunity
Celebrating the Power of Pony Riders
Nicole Zardus: Training Thoroughbreds for the Eventing World

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
It’s hard to get Tony Sgarlata to talk about him It’s hard to get Tony Sgarlata to talk about himself—much easier, in fact, to get him talking about horses, his dogs or the people in his life. That doesn’t mean he and his career aren’t worth celebrating. Tony is an accomplished rider, and in the course of 20 years of running his own business has trained horses and ponies to all levels and coached multiple zone and national champions. He is a strong proponent for the sport, giving back as a clinician and USEF “R” judge. Last year, Tony partnered with the USHJA to help riders understand changes to equitation tests for 2023. He has judged throughout North America, including at WEF, Tryon, Lake Placid, Old Salem and more. When he’s not traveling to judge, Tony can be found at home in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his partner, Brian, and their three dogs, or traveling the world, sans dogs.

Get to know Tony in last month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Link in bio!
Unwrap joy and spread the holiday cheer with our c Unwrap joy and spread the holiday cheer with our curated gift guide! From tasty horse treats to tech wonders, find the perfect presents for everyone on your list. 'Tis the season for giving, and we've got you covered! 🎁🎄
✨Link in bio!✨
Give your brand a leg up! With Grace Creative (wi Give your brand a leg up! With Grace Creative (with.grace.creative) is an equestrian-focused marketing agency serving riders and brands. From standout branding to sleek web design, top-tier press placements, and savvy sponsorship management, they’re all about making equestrian brands a force to be reckoned with.

Curious about what they can do for your brand or riding career? Shoot them a message and dive into the possibilities. ✨

Featured Riders: corneliadorrfletcher, leahtenney_dressage, driverdressage
Featured Brands: lemieuxproductsofficial, veltrisport, naturalequineessentialss

with.grace.creative

#WithGraceCreative #EquestrianMarketing #RideWithUs
Taylor Manning was a very determined 11-year-old w Taylor Manning was a very determined 11-year-old with a plan when she called her parents into their family living room one afternoon. Unbeknownst to them, she had decided she wanted to ride horses and had researched everything she might need to know about the sport. 

She was so excited for her pitch that she compiled a PowerPoint presentation and had it waiting when she asked them into the living room that fateful day. “She had researched what it takes to buy, care for, and board a horse,” said her mother, Laura. “At the end of the session, we told her we loved her to death but there was no way we were investing that kind of money! I thought that was the end of the discussion.”

Too resolved to give up, Taylor continued her investigations and began calling barns around the Houston, Texas, area where she lived in an effort to find a place that would let her work in exchange for lessons. She received more than a few “no thank you's,” but her tenacity paid off. “Two weeks later, one trainer was so impressed by her drive and ambition that she said yes,” Laura recalled. “We talked and came up with a plan. Taylor was only 11, so the plan was that we would pay for two lessons and Taylor would work for two.” 

Get to know Taylor in last month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! And keep your eyes 👀  out for the December Hottest Horseman edition!!! 

Read Taylor's story here 👉 https://sidelinesmagazine.com/weekly-featured/taylor-manning-turning-her-vision-into-reality.html

📸Portraits by Kristie Scholten
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Stallion Gallery

.

Visit Stallion Gallery

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • GEORGIA INTERNATIONAL HORSE PARK
    Hunter/Jumper/Dressage/Western www.georgiahorsepark.com 770-860-4190

    [Read more]

  • BARNWARE®
    Custom Entrance/Stall Doors & Grills 910-944-8110 www.barnware.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • “Jump for the Children” Benefit Horse Show Celebrates 40 Years & Over $3 Million to Duke Children’s
  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • December 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Unbridled With Tony Sgarlata

    By Britney Grover  It’s hard to get Tony Sgarla...
  • The Secrets of Whorls in Horses

    By Margie Sugarman What do Marie Claire, Anne H...
  • An International Dressage Discussion

    By George Williams Recently, I attended the IDT...
  • Managing the Journey That Is the Equestrian Industry

    By Rob Jacobs As competitive equestrians, we ma...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!