Designer Spotlight: Betsey Johnson
For the next part in our Designer Spotlight series, I’ve decided showcase a female designer whose fun aesthetic and unique approach to design sets her apart from the rest.
Betsey Johnson has been designing clothes for over 40 years, yet her ability to appeal to her audience has never wavered. This knowledge of her customers and eye for what they want is part of what keeps us buying her clothes year after year. She has made great contributions to the fashion industry and is undeniably a designer worth knowing.
Her Background
Betsey Johnson was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1942, where she spent most of her youth in dance classes. Betsey did not dream of becoming a fashion designer; instead, she aspired to be a dancer. Eventually, however, her love of art, design, and unique costuming led her in a different direction.
Her Breakthrough
After graduating from Syracuse University, Betsey took the New York fashion world by storm. In 1964, Betsey entered the industry when she landed a guest editor position at Mademoiselle, a “young women’s fashion and lifestyle magazine.” A year later, she became a designer for a clothing boutique called Paraphernalia.
During her early years in NYC, Betsey was heavily involved in the underground scene, along with Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground. She worked with Edie Sedgwick and even designed the costumes Edie wore in her last film, Ciao! Manhattan.
Her Own Label and Stores
After more than 10 years of designing for other labels, in 1978, Betsey decided to take a more hands-on approach and start a label of her own. Thus, the Betsey Johnson label (yes, the one we’re so familiar with now), was born. Being in full control of her own label allowed her to self express her creative ideas through her perfectly executed designs.
With the creation of her namesake label came a slew of Betsey Johnson retail stores. Her first store, in NYC’s Soho neighborhood, was quickly joined by sister stores in Los Angeles and other US cities. Her stores quickly became popular shopping destinations; customers could not get enough of her unique, whimsical, impeccable fashions.
The Betsey Johnson Label Today
Today there are over 65 Betsey Johnson stores worldwide, in every city from London to Japan. Betsey’s line has also expanded to include many new categories of merchandise, including:
- Handbags
- Accessories
- Lingerie
- Eyewear
- Footwear
In addition, Betsey, a breast cancer survivor, is very active in the fight against the disease; she has made countless appearances at different events around the nation to raise awareness and money for the cure. She even became an honorary chairperson for the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative. Aside from her contributions to the fashion world, Betsey has made a difference in countless lives through her charitable efforts against breast cancer.
Betsey’s Major Recognitions & Awards:
- 1999 CFDA Awards: Timeless Talent Award
- 2002: Inducted in to the Fashion Walk of Fame
- 2005: (Signature Awards and NAWBO-NYC) Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2005: (Accessories Council) Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2009: National Club Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion
What to Expect: Betsey Johnson Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear
Photos from Style.com.
Betsey’s Spring 2010 line, which hit the runway during New York Fashion Week back in September 2009, is full of her trademark whimsical designs, figure-flattering dresses, and fun colors. Nothing less than what you’re used to, Betsey Johnson’s line is still on TOP! There are lots of color variations and shapes, and the line still has more than enough style to impress even the toughest fashion critics.
Want to learn more?
If you want to know a little more about Betsey Johnson, you should start by checking out her website. (It’s very vibrant, colorful, and complex!) Also, you can learn more about and support her efforts against cancer at the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer website.
Your thoughts?
So what do you think of the legendary Betsey Johnson? Are you a fan of her designs? Did you learn anything new about Betsey from this article? Let us know by leaving a comment!
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Posted on on February 5, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion News / Tags: Andy Warhol, Betsey Johnson, Designer Spotlight, Designers, Edie Sedgwick, history
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Michelle
She is absolutely incredible!! :) Just wish I could afford all of her things…haha
Chelsey
I’m a huge fan of Betsey Johnson. Would love to intern for her.
meghan
Never really liked Betsey’s things..
myvogue
I love Betsey Johnson – her dresses are totally doll like and her shoes are super cool and extravagant!!!
Aya
she’s my favorite…
Kelly
WHAT
I had no idea she was 68! She does cartwheels up and down her runways!
I am in shock. Wow.
She’s like 12385times cooler now
M.
while I commend her achievements and success, i personally do not like her clothes. we have a store in our mall and my sister actually thought it was a costume shop!
But my style is very low-key, so i can see how other girls might like her aesthetic.
either way, i hope she continues to have the same unique vision shes been rocking since 1978 :)
jessielou
I LOVE her, I love her designs too as I guess shows by the fact I have a bag, a pair of shoes, a top, an iPod case (oh yes), a watch, some bits of jewelry and day of the week socks (cos i’m just that cool lol) by her.
j’adore :)
x
Generally her designs just aren’t my style, but I do have a vintage Betsey Johnson pencil skirt in the perfect shade of orange which I love. And I love the fact that she’s quirky and different. :)
Rachel
I cannot tell you how happy I was to see this post, I remember suggesting Betsey Johnston on the last post! She’s definitely a love/hate designer, but I don’t think she even cares at all, she designs what she loves. :) Amber, I love this! Also I had no idea she designed the costumes for Edie. I knew she was friends with Andy, but seriously, awesome trivial fact. Amazingg post, keep them coming for sure!
Ana
This is fabulous! I love her and her achievements are incredible!
Bizzy
She is my favorite fun designer! I own so much of her jewelry and a few handbags and shoes, but I am about to take a plunge and buy a beautiful jacket from her new collection. She is amazing and I hope she keeps on designing for years and years to come!
MyLifeasaFashionaddict
She is fantastic! Her designs are great and so much fun.
Zephyr - CF Editor
Just wanted to let you guys know that Betsey saw this – she responded to us on Twitter with the following message:
@xoBetseyJohnson: @CollegeFashion great write-up – thank you for the designer spotlight!! xox http://bit.ly/aNPC4K
Tara
I love Betsey Johnson. She is amazing and has contributed so much. Her jewelry and clothing designs are fun and flirty. Amazing and informative post.
Maxine
OMG I love her !!!! Huge fan! Heavens to Betsey!:)
BlissAtlanta,Georgia
I absolutely LOVE Betsey Johnson. Especially eversince she’s been releasing new casual clothes in apparel and obviously she upped the class on casual with girlier tops with more frills! I just bought a white corset from her’s and it’s amazing and every other time I wear any of my other Betsey Tops, sweaters, cardigans and dresses or skirts I get LOADS of compliments! I just hope she doesn’t raise the prices because it’s really hard obtaining all of her wondrous items when the awesome items are all around 200-250 each! And I hope Stardoll picks up the brand soon because what is a fashion game without Betsey! Visit my suite people, it’s Blissss
julie
my friend said that she sort of looks like niki minajs twin sis.my teacher told us to write an occupation i picked her for her designs.
lily mendoza,NJ
i luv her designs but she needs 2 drop sum of da pink bows and fluffyness