Betsey Johnson Overview

Betsey Johnson was always cool. All the It-girls of the mid-1960s sported her clothes: Twiggy draped them across her bony shoulders, while Julie Christie, Brigitte Bardot, and Raquel Welch filled the flashy duds out. Johnson designed for the definitive '60s boutique... [more]

Betsey Johnson was always cool. All the It-girls of the mid-1960s sported her clothes: Twiggy draped them across her bony shoulders, while Julie Christie, Brigitte Bardot, and Raquel Welch filled the flashy duds out. Johnson designed for the definitive '60s boutique Paraphernalia, recruiting as her model Edie Sedgwick, the legendary muse of Andy Warhol. For three decades her young-spirited clothes have hung apart from "the look of the year" while still remaining in the spotlight. Designing for mass appeal has kept Johnson in fashion through the years. Her irreverent use of hot pink and her trademark runway cartwheel signal show her as the designer of choice for women searching for more than just a uniform. Taking inspiration from tutus and leotards, Johnson electrifies her collections with vibrant, wearable fabrics and a flashy attitude -- but never a flashy price tag. Throughout her career she has been at the forefront of designers who make affordable pieces. Fun clothes for frolicking are Johnson's mainstay. Her timeless designs look as hip now as they did years ago. Lace-up bustiers studded with rosebuds or marimou feather-collared shirts will always work for the woman who has a place to wear them. Johnson's daring work is balanced with cuter, softer looks to stave off the old and the vampish. A net skirt is matched with a small floral top; a tight dragon-print dress is worn under a long cardigan of the same material. The clothes seduce by pairing the outrageous with the pretty, making the wearer part Punk rocker and part cheerleader. Since the Betsey Johnson Co. started in 1978, she has opened more than 25 boutiques around the world. And the shopping bags? Her powerful, signature shade of flaming hot pink. [show less]