It was a collection designed to appeal to the most glamorous of celebrities and socialites with a taste for the finer things in life. And that was certainly the result of design duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka's first swimwear range for their eponymous fashion label which they unveiled in Miami.
Enlisting the help of the same people who embroider and bead clothes in their couture line, they produced stunning swimsuits and cover-ups that mirrored the elegance and luxury feel of their evening dresses.
"We were sitting at the pool of the Beverly hills Hotel this summer imagining the poolside there during the '40s and '50s, all the glamorous stars taking their cocktails," says James of their inspiration. "These are glamorous swimsuits… They are taking you to Palm Beach, Capri and to St Tropez and any yacht over 50 feet." Indeed, the creations weren't just for the beach. Many of the long, flowing cover-ups, including a golden metallic halter-top dress, would easily translate into informal eveningwear.
"Some of them have an evening gown look to them," says James. "Very gorgeous" was the verdict of Diana Ross' daughter Chudney who proclaimed herself to be more of a bikini girl than a one-piece type.
James and Mark's expert touch was there to see in the details, like a beautifully draped cowl-neck all-in-one. Meanwhile, over on the runway for established swim label Rosa Cha, there was also a focus on special touches with plenty of fabulous beading and jeweled embellishment on offer.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
