Betsey Johnson’s Fall 2012 collection transformed the Beatlemania culture of the early sixties into Betseymania. You can always count on Betsey Johnson for a self-referential theme. This collection mixed sixties staples like houndstooth mini skirts, pageboy hats, and mod prints, with Betsey’s signature prom girl dresses. There were a few neon skirt suits that recalled a Cher Horowitz on acid, which I’m still undecided on. The show closed with a parade of models dressed as scantily clad cheerleaders, marching behind Betsey, her daughter Lulu, and her granddaughter.

• By Steff Yotka
  Feb 14, 2012

Reasons why Nicki Minaj might’ve felt more at home at Betsey Johnson yesterday than she did at Carolina Herrera: - Her seatmate, the fabulously unconventional Lynn Yaeger (instead of buttoned-up Anna Wintour). - Her blue afro, sure to get the stamp of approval from Johnson, who stocked the gift bags with scented fuchsia hair extensions. - Her song “Fly”, which played as the opening music, and drew a humble laugh from the singer. - And, of course, the clothes. If there’s a designer for Minaj other than, say, The Blonds, it’s Betsey Johnson. Last night, the hip-hop star’s outrageous rainbow ensemble helped her stand out from the audience, but the models? Not so much. Which is kinda great, because as much as we love surprising celebrity show choices, it’s also nice to see fashion week pairings that just make sense.

• By Fashionista
  Sep 14, 2011

That crazy neon trend from Spring 2011 is running over into Fall 2011. New York's resident designer for the club kids of the aughts, Jeremy Scott, presented a collection yesterday that was all shock and awe. Opening with a red tank reading "Enjoy God" in Coke's signature script with a yellow mini, Scott continued along his rebellious, comedic road for autumn. There was a "Dial a Tee Shirt" tee dress with a real address and phone number, a sequined sports' jersey mini dress, drug-printed separates, and a new take on Superman's classic garb. However, the looks sure to make an impact were the neon pink angora sweaters that add just the touch of pizazz our wardrobes need. The show hit a strange note when a cobalt and orange horizontal striped dress came down the runway, the model holding a faux-fur fox in her hand. Was it a dig aat Prada SS11? Or an homage to the master of tricks?

• By Steff Yotka
  Feb 17, 2011

With Betsey Johnson's recent financial troubles the fate of her Spring/Summer 2011 was in question. But rather than produce a small, modest SS11 show, Betsey went absolutely all out. From bicycles, video features, and blaring music, the show was more of a party than a proper runway show. Starting with a short movie of Betsey riding a bicycle around Lincoln Center, and later footage of Betsey and her daughter Lulu teaching Betsey's granddaughter Layla, to ride a bike, it was the clear theme of the show. Models wore "RIDE ME" necklaces, bike hats, and bike chains as accessories. If biking is not your scene, there were plenty of Betsey's signature frilly dresses to hop around town in. Available in white, black, florals, and neons the array of over-the-top ensembles was just the kick that NYFW needed. In previous seasons Betsey has tried to tone down her kooky style into wearable options that never quite worked, but this season her crazy styles looked perfect coming down the runway. And for the critics who'll say Betsey's looks are completely unwearable for anyone over sixteen, there were plenty of looks for grown-ups.

• By Steff Yotka
  Sep 17, 2010