Where it came from: You probably don’t even remember a time when Betsey Johnson wasn’t a fixture on the fashion scene. That’s because she’s been a presence—and a uniquely quirky one at that—since the 1960s. With colleagues and friends like Mary Quant, Paco Rabanne, Andy Warhol and the Velvet Underground’s John Cale, Betsey quickly and decisively established herself as a style icon after winning a contest in Mademoiselle. She continued to define and develop her style throughout the ’70s and ’80s, bringing a Bohemian, rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic to her designs and opening boutiques in Soho and on Melrose Avenue. She now has more than 50 stores worldwide, and her merchandise is carried by department and specialty stores throughout the U.S.
What it’s all about: Betsey’s all about the wow factor done with a girly sensibility and a sense of humor. Large bows, animal prints, bright colors, lipstick kisses and plenty of bling are her calling cards. Whether it’s a pink patent bag shaped like a rotary phone or a taffeta tube dress trimmed with tons of tulle, her work is a “celebration of the exuberant, the embellished and the over-the-top.”
Why we love it: Every Betsey piece—and yes, we do mean every—is a conversation piece. Say what you will about her, but bland she ain’t. Even the addition of a single Betsey item can take your look from mild to wild and is bound to elicit double-takes and admiring comments. We love Betsey’s flamboyance and willingness to take risks, and judging from her steadfast yet growing fan base, even 40 years after bursting onto the scene, the rest of the world does too!
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