Mark Badgley
Mark Badgley is one half of Badgley Mischka, the design duo famous for dressing the stars on their biggest nights. His business/romantic partner is James Mischka.
Born in East St. Louis and raised outside Portland by a department store executive father, Badgley attended Parsons, where he met James Mischka. It was on a post-graduation trip to a Mexican island that the couple first mulled over the idea of going into business together. But nothing came of the plan for a few years, and Badgley supported himself working for Donna Karan. Badgley Mischka was finally born in 1988, and Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys quickly picked up the collection. With their glamazon evening gowns gaining a quick and illustrious following, the label was bought by German fashion house Escada in 1992. A well-received bridal line followed, debuting in 1997. But the brand still struggled to turn a profit, and with Escada floundering in money problems of its own, Badgley Mischka was put up for sale in 2004. When no buyer stepped forward, the duo had to close the company and let its staff go. (The turmoil resulted in Badgley Mischka missing two consecutive Fashion Weeks.)
Fortunately, the story didn't end there. Neil Cole, brother of Kenneth Cole and chief of Iconix, the parent company of Candies and Rocawear (among other labels), stepped in and breathed new life into the label. Badgley Mischka has since inked deals to release shoes, a fragrance, and eyewear; in 2006 Badgley Mischka branched out even further with Platinum, a more consumer-friendly line of day wear. As a part of the transition, they hired Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and subsequently Rumer Willis to lend the brand a youthful touch. [Image via Getty]