Badgley Mischka Brings Couture to Bellevue Avenue

Fresh from Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue, the design team of Mark Badgley and James Mischka opened the doors to its elegant new shop on Bellevue Avenue with a snazzy, packed, by-invitation-only reception, and finally gave Newport women what they really want: valet parking!

On the crowded neck of Bellevue’s shopping district, the shop is a show stopper, with its elegant formal gowns gracing windows. The gentlemen designers were there to meet their guests, and the design salon was mobbed, with lovely young women modeling the clean lines and luxurious fabrics of the Badgely Mischka fashion house.

John & Jae French browsing

Sequin, the next door boutique, features complementary jewelry designs by Boo Gemes, and is run by jewelry designer Kim Renk, carrying exclusive pieces, specifically designed with the Newport customer in mind. Summer sea life pieces, bright enamel bangles, bib necklaces with and elements of vintage shells and jewels were the bijoux that were literally flying off the tables and racks. There was music somewhere, and the passed hors d’oeuvres were excellent.

Tom & Kathleen Cullen

Gentlemen seemed to enjoy the event as much as the ladies, and not a few gifts were purchased for them. Seen by Newport Seen were Tom and Kathleen Cullen, the divinely tall Audrey Oswald, interior designer Ally Coulter with her daughter Ella Haines, Kelly and Deanna Cushing, who is creating designer backgammon boards, Dodo Hamilton with grandaughters Jessica Hamilton, Charlotte and Andrea Aherne, Paige Scher, James and Libby Holt, Bob and Cynthia Sinclair, Boo Gemes , Matthew Tilley, and Wendy McIlvain.

James Mishka speaking with Kelly Cushing

According to the dashing Mr. Mischka, the move was a response to a recent
tearing up of Worth Avenue, making its posh shops available to customers only through back doors. Not the designers' style.

Another retailer, Angela Moore, who recently vacated the Sequins location for the Casino block, also maintains a shop on Worth Avenue.

Next door at Sequin, the shop was doing a fast trade, with 20% of the proceeds from the evening were being donated to The Potter League. Owner Kim Renk is incredibly passionate about animal rescue charities.

Audrey Oswald liked the dresses

Mr. Badgley and Mr. Mischka met at Parsons School of Design, launching the Badgley Mischka label in 1988, adding a bridal business in 1993. Their clothes have been worn by many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey Melissa Etheridge, Tammy Lynn Michaels and Terri Hatcher. The team’s looks are described as "red-carpet-destined evening wear" but are generally produced with lighter fabrics and less construction. They are also known for fragrance, handbags, shoes and eyewear, sold by Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom’s.

Badgley Mischka, with its showy Sequin, brings a new, international design dimension to fabled Bellevue Avenue.