Betsey Johnson’s cartwheels are always the finale of her runway shows. Betsey being Betsey at 70.
For 35 years she’s been Betsey, with her dancer -inspired tutus, obsession with pink and a glittery, feminine and off-center sensibility that lands her colorful frocks and accessories at both high school proms and very grown-up red carpet events. Encouraged to go “bigger” business-wise, the ageless designer stumbled badly in 2012 and owing millions, was forced to declare bankruptcy and close her retail empire of 63 stores.
But it’s a new year and a new Betsey Johnson. Backed by Steve Madden, the brand has cut prices (from $400+ to a more accessible $99-$250 range) and her girly, quirky as ever, unmistakably Betsey creations will be sold at Macy’s and Nordstrom’s starting February 2013.
And this from Time Magazine:
“Johnson and her 37-year-old daughter Lulu — who is currently cultivating her own fashion empire with her brand,
Lulu Johnson
Lulu Johnson — will also be starring in their own reality show on the Style Network, The Betsey and Lulu Show, starting in March. Lastly, the designer’s latest fragrance, Betseyfied, is set for release this summer — rounding out the trifecta of Betsey sass that will be coming our way in the New Year.” via Time Magazine
Andy Warhol at Paraphernalla Opening Party, 1965
In a previous life, she was the house designer for 
Paraphernalla, the cooler than cool boutique (the word boutique was new then) on Madison Avenue and 67th Street in NYC. Party planners for the store’s 1965 opening event were Andy Warhol (pre-wig) and muse Edie Sedgwick who wore this
Edie Sedgwick In Silvery Betsey Johnson Mini, 1965
silvery Johnson design to the bash. Love the fractured bullseye logo that might have inspired Target’s current red/white graphic.
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