For their latest resort collection, duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka drew design inspiration from a recent trip to Santa Barbara. “We were visiting family there, and we were reminded of how much we love it,” Mischka said. Turns out, the California town has a glamorous Hollywood past—and the duo wanted to capture that chic backstory through their new assortment of easy, dressy pieces. “We delved into the history of it, and how Hollywood used to do all the silent films there in the 1910s,” Mischka said. “All of the glamorous Old Hollywood stars had bungalows there.”
The initial starting point resulted in sophisticated pieces—including their signature cocktail dresses and gowns—that had more of a beachy, poolside-chic feel. Halter-style maxidresses and caftans were finished with multicolor stripes, and suits or satiny shirtdresses were printed in native plants from the region, including hibiscus flowers and conifer trees—in sprightly shades of pink and green. “The palette is really tied to the colors we love,” Badgley said.
Where the pair leaned into bold colors and brazen prints, they refined on shapes. Though the brand has a history of heavy embellishments, the designers aimed to refine this season, and allow the hues or patterns to take focus. “The silhouettes are relaxed,” Badgley said. “We didn’t get into too much beading.” That’s not to say there weren’t some interesting fabrications. A peachy pink satin gown had oversized bursts of flowers along the bust, and an off-the-shoulder party dress had 3D-style flowers appliquéd along the neckline and sleeves. The designers created the frocks with summer lounging and parties in mind. “You just want to be there right at the Biltmore Hotel,” Mischka said.
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