Betsey Johnson beats to a drum of her own and it's a beautiful thing. How many designers let their models try to skateboard down the runway in stripper heels, open shows with celebrities (who are not known as typical runway models such as Kelly Osbourn), or do cartwheels at the end of their runway shows when they are over 60 years old?!
This whimsical designer was born on August 10th, 1942 in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Johnson didn't study at any particular fashion institute but graduated from Pratt Institute and Syracuse University. She entered into the fashion industry by winning Mademoiselle magazine's "Guest Editor Contest." Not even a year later and she was already designing for a boutique in NYC by the name of Paraphernalia. A few decades later, after much experience designing under other labels and winning the Coty Award; Johnson decided it was time to create a brand of her own. In 1978, she formed a partnership with Chantal Bacon and started the Betsey Johnson label. After her creative juices burst and with much success in 2002, Johnson was welcomed into the Fashion Walk of Fame.
"As one journalist recently quoted, "If Betsey Johnson didn't exist, we would have to invent her, simply to remind ourselves that fashion can be fun. She's the original wild child and set to paint the town pink!""-BetseyJohnson.com
The Valuables
Three key elements to help identify an iconic Betsey Johnson design.
1. Eccentric and fun, Fun, FUN!
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| Spring 2010 Runway; style.com |
2. Colorful and bright
3. References to dance wear - the "tutu" normally makes an appearance each season
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| Spring 2011 Runway; style.com |
3. References to dance wear - the "tutu" normally makes an appearance each season
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| Spring 2010 Runway; style.com |
The Lock
What can we expect from Betsey Johnson for Fall 2011?
Nothing but FUN.
The Fall 2011 runway was used to launch Betsey Johnson's new line, Pink Patch. This lower-priced line featured a quirky Valentine's Day Theme starring prom-like dresses, neon printed leggings, and eccentric pairings of animal and cabbage rose prints.
Who were the models, you may be wondering? Those would be 50 of Betsey's employees and closest friends.
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| Fall 2011 Runway, style.com |
The Key
A TRUE SURVIVOR.
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| google.com |
Betsey Johnson is a survivor of breast cancer, who continues to support in finding a cure for the disease. She participates in fund raising events and designs items that have been auctioned off to raise funds for many charities.
In 2003, Johnson was asked by the CFDA to be an Honorary Chairperson for the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative. In April of 2004, she was awarded the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) for her fight against Breast Cancer. In the Spring of 2004, she teamed up with the author of the book "Why I Wore Lipstick...to my Mastectomy,"by Geralyn Lucas and designed a t-shirt which was sold in Betsey Johnson stores across the United States. Betsey Johnson continues to support the fight against breast cancer, each and every year.
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