Betsey Johnson: A Timeless Talent

By Diane Taha

Betsey graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Syracuse University Betsey was named one of America's 25 Most Fascinating Entrepreneurs
Betsey Johnson is a survivor of breast cancer

Born in Wethersfield, Connecticut on August 10, 1942, Betsey Johnson began her career as a fashion designer in 1964 when she won Mademoiselle magazine's 'Guest Editor Contest' and subsequently became the designer for Paraphernalia, a boutique in Manhattan. She opened her own boutique in 1969 called Betsey Bunki Nini on the Upper East Side in New York City. A year earlier she married John Cale from the Velvet Underground, but they later divorced in 1971.

Known for making cartwheels at the end of her fashion shows, Betsey's designs are inspired by dance costumes from her childhood as a dancer. In the 1978 she began her own fashion line with former model Chantal Bacon in artsy SoHo district in New York City. Her design is characterized by exuberance with colorful and flamboyant designs, whimsical embroidery and girly baby-doll dresses which were popular in the 60's and 70's. She also broke taboos and contributed to the fashion revolution with her ripped fishnet stockings, vinyl micro-minis, extra-high high heels, and leather biker chic jackets designs which molded 80's fashion.

Betsey's first fragrance and body lotion called 'Betsey Johnson' was released this year in a vintage bottle with a fruity scent.

Her jewelry line is rather lavish and funky; necklaces and bracelets are characterized by several charms and accessories imbedded to heavy and opaque chains; rings and earrings are gigantic and shiny. The cliché "the more the merrier" definitely holds true in Betsey Johnson's world of fashion.

Handbags include 50's and 60's style flaps and clutches embellished with rhinestones and chains; 80's style hobos with rock-and-roll images such as guitars are also embellished with hearts, rhinestones, and charms creating a unique, trendy look that can be spotted from a far distance. Betsey's fashions are made to create more than just an image, but to make fashion fun, transformative, and revolutionary.

Time does not exist with Betsey's fashions so they never go obsolete. Her clothing can be worn by anyone during any time period no matter what their style is, for every piece is a costume and when you wear a costume you can be whoever you want. There's many costumes to choose from at Betsey Johnson. If you want to dress sophisticatedly, you can find a velvet or lace dress; if you want to dress more conservatively you can find a wrap or shirt dress; or if you want to dress strikingly you can find a vintage or 80's style dress.

Betsey Johnson initially studied at Pratt Institute, a renowned art and design school, and later transferred to Syracuse University where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. At 64, she is a survivor of breast cancer and works to promote breast cancer awareness.

Betsey Johnson boutiques have spun internationally with stores in Canada, the UK, and Japan. And now in Guerrero, Mexico, you can stay at Betsey's villa called Betseyville. The villa, secured by a private gate, can accommodate 8 to 10 people; it includes 4 bedrooms each with a private bathroom, a Turkish TV room with DVD, 2 pools, a massive garden, and more. Each room is air-conditioned and wireless internet is available. Rates vary depending on the time of year with the lowest price at $5500 between May and October, and the highest during Christmas season at $8500.

Betsey Johnson came in 2nd on the list of America's 25 Most Fascinating Entrepreneurs. She attributes the success of her small business to having a slow and steady growth and has never been jeopardized by large investors or sold out to a large company. Nevertheless, her dresses, fragrances, and accessories are sold at boutiques and department stores such as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales.

In 1999, Betsey won the Council of Fashion Designers award for Timeless Talent. Without a doubt, Betsey's designs are timeless as they intertwine styles from the 60's, 70's, and 80's with contemporary exuberance. Betsey's timeless fashions will live on for many decades. So before you start to contemplate whether that $300+ Betsey Johnson dress is worth it, remember that the dress is for a lifetime.