Palm Beach fashion designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka honored as 'style icons'

Fashion designers and island residents Mark Badgley and James Mischka were honored March 10 as "style icons" at the annual Style for Hope luncheon hosted by Dress for Success.

The luncheon at the Kravis Center is a fundraiser that benefits the charity's job readiness programs. The event brought in more than $150,000, Dress for Success said in a release.

“Mark and James understand the language and impact of clothing and the transformational experience it can provide,” said WPTV News 5 anchor Shannon Cake, who served as emcee of the event, which included a 15-minute interview with the winners.

Their talk centered on how they got their start, how their business has grown, and how their views on fashion were impacted by the pandemic.

Related:Lilly Pulitzer: Five things you probably didn't know about this Palm Beach fashion icon

“While Badgley Mischka is best known for dressing Hollywood luminaries for their red-carpet appearances, Mark and James, whose prestigious fashion label first emerged 35 years ago, have consistently demonstrated their reverence for strong, confident and empowered women,” Lana Blackman, who co-chaired the luncheon with fellow board member Caressa Gonzalez Miltz, said in a press release.

“Badgley Mischka understands the language and impact of clothing and the metamorphosis moment it can provide,” said Gonzalez Miltz, adding, “this talented couple define their designs as timeless glamour that creates confidence and passion. It’s a principle in sync with Dress for Success.''

Badgley and Mischka have a boutique in the Esplanade. Their clients include Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet, and Carrie Underwood.

''What a distinct honor it is for us to be recognized by Dress for Success,'' Badgley and Mischka stated in January when their selection as style icons was announced. ''Their mission to empower women really resonates with us," they said of Dress for Success, "and it’s a mantra that helps to inspire and inform our designs.''

Past style icon recipients were Iris Apfel in 2019, the late Lilly Pulitzer in 2020, and Josie Natori in 2022. Natori was honorary chair this year.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Mark Badgley and James Mischka honored at West Palm luncheon