James Mischka began at Rice University as a biomedical engineering major and ultimately graduated with degrees in art history and managerial studies in 1985. Badgley and Mischka met at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan.
In 1992, Badgley Mischka was acquired by Escada. In 2004, Escada sold Badgley Mischka to Candie's (later renamed Iconix Brand Group).