Betsey Johnson, a New York designer, has built a long-standing career in fashion by following her own unique set of rules. Known for her celebration of the exuberant, the embellished, and the over-the-top, Betsey has been rocking the fashion industry with her distinctive and original designs since the 1960s. Her commitment to staying true to her one-of-a-kind vision has earned her continued success in an industry renowned for its fickleness. Betsey's ability to adapt with the times while maintaining the purity of her designs has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her receiving the Timeless Talent Award from the CFDA in 1999, which recognized her influential contribution to fashion throughout her career.

Betsey's aspirations to be a dancer and her love for costumes laid the foundation for her creativity and inspiration, which is still evident in her designs today. In 1964, she officially entered the New York fashion scene by winning Mademoiselle magazine's "Guest Editor Contest." One year later, she landed the top designer position at Paraphernalia, a clothing boutique that housed the hottest young London designers, including Mary Quant and Paco Rabanne. Betsey's trademark look, featuring sexy silhouettes, hippie-inspired flowing fabrics, whimsical detailing, and a fabulous fit, began to take shape during this time.

The opening of Betsey's first boutique, Betsey Bunki Nini, in 1969, marked the beginning of her foray into retail. In the early 1970s, Betsey gained creative control of the label Alley Cat, which set the trends for 1970s rock 'n' roll clothing, with bohemian and ethnic styles. In 1972, she and Halston won the coveted Coty Award, making Betsey the youngest designer to ever receive the honor.

In 1978, Betsey formed a partnership with Chantal Bacon and launched the Betsey Johnson label as it is known today. This move allowed her the creative freedom to execute her vision to its fullest potential. The same year, they opened the first Betsey Johnson retail store in the heart of Soho, New York. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Betsey continued to expand her brand, opening stores worldwide and licensing her signature prints and whimsy to new audiences, effectively emerging as a top American Lifestyle brand.

Betsey Johnson's passion for fashion and her unwavering commitment to her unique vision have earned her numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Fashion Walk of Fame, the Lifetime Achievement Award from NAWBO-NYC, and the Designer of the Year Award from the Fashion Accessories Benefit Ball. As a breast cancer survivor, Betsey has also been a strong advocate in the fight against the disease, participating in fundraising events and creating one-of-a-kind items to support various charities.

Betsey Johnson's enthusiasm, creativity, and boundless talent have kept her at the forefront of fashion for over 45 years, and her dedication to making clothes that "wake up and brighten and bring the wearer to life" continues to inspire and delight fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

product information:

Attribute

Value

package_dimensions

‎2.83 x 2.2 x 0.75 inches; 0.32 ounces

item_model_number

‎B10745-E01

department

‎womens

date_first_available

‎October 9, 2015

manufacturer