This week Bette has been spotted at the Rolling Stones Concert, the Vera Wang Fashion Show, and the Badgley Mischka Fashion Show (here shown with Carmen Elektra and here, and with Ashanti, Martin, Mischka, and others)
Love. Mister D
Spring Buds
Young Designers’ 2006 Collections Add Freshness To the Forecast
By Robin Givhan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 16
Only toes were trampled at Badgley Mischka, where photographers took aim at Bette Midler as she sat ringside at the show, the company’s first under the auspices of its new owner, Iconix Brand Group. Singer Ashanti and actresses Regina King and Diane Neal of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” also turned out Wednesday night to help designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka celebrate a fresh start for their company.
In an elaborate presentation on a double runway the length of a ship terminal and decorated with hanging baskets of ferns and orchids, the designers reconfirmed their love for glamorous beaded gowns. But glitz — at least the obvious kind — is on the wane.
Their collection was at its best when the designers reined in their affection for the red-carpet entrance-makers. Their hopsack dresses and suits with the lightest splashes of beading were among their most evocative pieces. Satin and chiffon in dresses that floated on air highlighted the designers’ sense of volume and silhouette. And one of the most striking pieces was a strapless black cotton gown that was utterly unadorned. Sometimes a quiet return is better than a raucous one.
After the show, Badgley and Mischka were toasted with champagne. The TV crews rushed in to record their victory lap. And the starlets were thrilled that the designers of Cinderella frocks were back in business
Bette Midler showed up to support the duo and to bolster her own sagging spirits in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
“I need a good dose of optimism and can-do-ism,” said the singer, who will perform at a benefit concert to aid hurricane victims at Lincoln Center tonight.”Fashion is basically about hope.”
