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Badgley Mischka Channel Bette Davis for their Latest Oscar Looks
By: Tanya Jensen
Photos by Jennifer Graylock-FWD
Mar 23, 2002/FWD/ --- Last year, Halle Berry was the Oscar poster girl for Badgley Mischka.
This year Mark Badgley and James Mischka remain tightlipped on who'll be slipping into one
of their creations.
But one thing is definite -- their celeb following is huge, and the A-list girls cannot resist
their classic glamour.
FWD caught up with the designers at their Rodeo Drive store to see what fantastic frocks
the Oscar-goers this year will get to choose from.
"The Oscar collection this year is all black, neutral and red. We have a million colors of
red: paprika, crimson, vermilion.
It is patriotic and bold, and women are responding to it very well," Mischka said.
The duo, who look to classic Hollywood icons for inspiration, chose Bette Davis for the 2002
Oscar collection.
"We feel that all her different personas in her films relate to this collection. It is her
in every way. We also use films and lots of vintage fabric swatches for ideas," he added.
The stamp of a Badgley Mischka evening gown is its intricacies -- the beading, pleats,
quilting and detailing.
So how long does it take from the original design to the finished piece?
"It takes around six months. Our dresses are very well traveled. The fabrics are bought
in Europe, the dress is then sent to Bombay for beading and then on to New York. It is a
long process and true craftsmanship. So when someone comes in and says "I want this in my
size tomorrow," they have to understand it's an impossibility," Mark explained.
And what do they expect to see on the red carpet this year?
"I think color and extravagance," said Mischka. "After the subtle and plain looks of
the Emmys I think movie stars want to look like movie stars, and this is the time to do it.
Some of the favorite pieces from our Oscar collection are the bolder gowns, those with
empress sleeves and satin appliqués."
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