New York Fashion Week Edition: Badgley Mischka’s James Mischka - Getting our collection in front of influencers is ‘the most important thing’
Feb 14, 2024
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James Mischka, co-founder of fashion brand Badgley Mischka, discusses their evolution, marketing strategy with influencers, and beauty ambitions. They talk about evaluating fashion show success, staying true to their brand, collaboration with Lily Pulitzer, sales and revenue, and future plans in the fashion industry.
Engaging with influencers is key to Badgley Mischka's marketing strategy and brand success.
Diversification through licensing and product expansion helps Badgley Mischka stay resilient in the fashion market.
Deep dives
Badgley Mischka's Fall 2024 Show Celebrates 35 Years in Business and Launches Fragrance Collection
Badgley Mischka recently showcased their fall 2024 show, marking the brand's 35th anniversary and the launch of their prestige fragrance collection. The designers, James Michka and Mark Badgley, discussed the challenges of managing their diversified business, which extends beyond apparel and beauty. They shared insights on evaluating the success of their fashion shows, emphasizing the importance of audience response and reviews. The brand's focus on including influencers and celebrities at their shows was also highlighted, as they recognize the power of diverse voices in the fashion industry.
Badgley Mischka's Customer Base and Global Reach
Badgley Mischka attracts a diverse customer base, including fashion influencers and followers of the brand. The designers mentioned that their show was attended by a mix of influencers, showcasing the brand's commitment to engaging with a variety of fashion voices. In terms of distribution, the brand works with both US department stores and international accounts, particularly with a strong presence in Mexico, South America, and the Paris market. They also discussed the significance of specialty stores, highlighting that such stores often take risks and provide unique and experimental pieces.
Adapting to the Pandemic and Diversification of Business
The designers shared their experience of navigating the fashion industry during the pandemic and the subsequent impact on their business. They mentioned pivoting their collections to accommodate customers' changing needs, such as creating stay-at-home pieces during the lockdown. The brand's diversified business model, including licenses in areas such as shoes and home wear, served them well during the challenging times. They emphasized the importance of adaptation, as different product categories counterbalance each other, ensuring the brand's resilience in the market.
Staying True to Brand Identity and Future Ambitions
Badgley Mischka attributes its success to staying true to its brand identity of elegant, old Hollywood glamour. The designers advised emerging brands to choose their lane and stand behind a unique vision. Looking ahead, Badgley Mischka has ambitious plans, including expanding into skincare, color cosmetics, children's wear, and potentially reentering the menswear market. They expressed their passion for product development, prioritizing quality and the brand's signature vintage and heirloom aesthetic.
Mark Badgley and James Mischka launched their eveningwear-focused fashion brand, Badgley Mischka, 35 years ago. In the years since, the company has expanded to various product categories, largely through licenses. Most recently, it entered the prestige fragrance space through a partnership with Horizon Beauty Group — the first fragrance debuted at the brand’s Fall 2024 fashion show on Saturday.
On this New York Fashion Week edition of the Glossy Podcast, Mischka discusses the evolution of the business, including its marketing strategy that now centers on influencers. He also talks about the brand’s beauty ambitions, which include rolling out products in categories beyond fragrance.
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