*By Jacqueline Corba*
The two designers at the helm of Badgley Mischka said retail start-up [Rent the Runway](https://cheddar.com/videos/rent-the-runway-raises-millions-in-vc-funding) is a "gateway" for the next generation of shoppers to discover their brand.
The consumer "gets a good experience from them, and then she gets introduced to the brand and she matures, gets a little more income and then she can afford to buy the clothes," James Mischka said Tuesday in an interview on Cheddar.
"Rent the Runway's buying power is phenomenal," Mark Badgley told Cheddar Tuesday. "Their buys are bigger than most of the major department stores today."
Badgley said this is a testament to the growth of the start-up, which was most recently valued at nearly [$800 million] (https://www.recode.net/2018/3/9/17099908/rent-the-runway-alibaba-jack-ma-joe-tsai-blue-pool-capital-invest-valuation-women-clothing-apparel).
The duo is also looking to tap into the next generation of their customers with the expansion of the company's lifestyle products, which will incorporate its signature sparkle.
"There's a thread of glamour in everything we do," Badgley said.
The label ー once known for its $10,000 red-carpet gowns worn by Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, and Kate Winslet ーis now adding housewares, shoes, and jewelry to its lineup of products.
In Mischka's view, the label has changed its conception of fashion and remade the pieces for real shoppers, not just industry insiders.
"We've really learned that you can't sit in New York and just be in an ivory tower and just design for what you think to be a fashionable thing," he said.
"We looked at the past 30 years of Badgley Mischka and what our customers have said to us over the past 30 years and try to answer all their questions or all their needs," he added.
Badgley Mischka recently debuted its Spring 2019 line [on the runway](https://www.badgleymischka.com/live-runway-show.asp) at New York Fashion Week. The collection, set at a garden party, was a fantastical ode to "Alice in Wonderland."
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/the-design-duo-behind-badgley-mischka-celebrate-30-years).
On this episode of ChedHER: Podcast Host of 'That's Total Mom Sense' breaks down the biggest challenges mothers are facing today; CEO of Joro explains how her app can help users track, reduce, and automatically offset the carbon footprint of their purchases; Three ways to improve your financial wellbeing and set goals for yourself and your future.
Kanika Chadda-Gupta, TV Journalist and Podcast Host of 'That's Total Mom Sense,' joins ChedHER to discuss the challenges mothers are facing today and gives advice for changing up your career path.
Sanchali Pal, Founder and CEO of Joro, joins ChedHER to discuss how her app can help users track, reduce, and automatically offset the carbon footprint of their purchases, and gives advice for other women seeking careers in climate.
According to a recent analysis in the NYTimes, young Americans have begun to take on the habit of smoking cigarettes despite the decades of evidence showing just how dangerous they are. Contributor at New York Times John Ortved, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
Terrell Jermaine Starr, senior fellow with the Atlantic Council and host of the Black Diplomats podcast joins Cheddar News to discuss Russia's attempt to invade Ukraine.
Aditi Mayer, a climate justice activist joins Cheddar News to discuss her partnership with DoSomething.org and how a new PSA is working to shine a light on environmental racism.
Connected cars software development platform Smartcar announced this week it has raised $24 million in a Series B round led by Energize Ventures. Smartcar's software can be integrated into mobile and web apps from mobility businesses. It allows users to do things like locate and unlock a vehicle, as well as check its mileage, fuel level, and battery if the vehicle is electric. Smartcar's technology is compatible with 22 different vehicle brands in 31 different countries. Smartcar co-founder and CEO Sahas Katta joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The drama surrounding tennis star Novak Djokovic continues after he was deported from Australia over the weekend due to the nation's COVID-19 vaccine requirements. Djokovic was forced to leave the country on the eve of what was to be his first match in defense of his Australian Open title after three judges ruled in favor of his removal and revealed their reasoning for doing so. Adding to his woes, a law recently passed in France is putting his chances of defending his French Open title in jeopardy. The director of Marist's Center for Sports Communication, Jane McManus, joined Cheddar to discuss the ongoing fallout.
