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Designer Profile: Betsey JohnsonLearn More About the Wild Child of Designer FashionEnter the whimsical, girly world of fashion designer Betsey Johnson where tiger prints are paired with floral patterns and large plastic spider charms adorn necklaces.
Fashion HistoryIn 1964, Betsey Johnson was propelled into the New York fashion scene when she won Mademoiselle’s “Guest Editor Contest.” Later, she designed for Paraphernalia, a clothing boutique that also featured influential London designer Mary Quant. Johnson also worked for Alvin Duskin and the Alley Cat label before teaming up with former model Chantal Bacon to start her own label in 1978. Warhol ScenesterJohnson used to hobnob with some pretty hip people back in the 1960s. She was part of New York’s “Youth Quake” movement and was married to John Cale of the Velvet Underground. She also used to hang out with Andy Warhol’s colorful group of New York scenesters known as “The Factory”. Warhol’s muse, Edie Sedgwick, was her house model Leader Not a FollowerBetsey Johnson has never been the type to follow fashion trends and she marches to the beat of a different drummer. Her designs are meant to be worn by people that like to stand out in the crowd. Everything Johnson makes is bold and unusual yet girlie. For instance, Johnson likes to mix leopard and tiger prints with rose patterns. Celebrity FansBecause Johnson’s designs have such a rock-and-roll edge, it is no surprise that Johnson’s biggest fans are musicians. Amy Winehouse, Cyndi Lauper, Jessica Simpson, Beyonce Knowles, Nelly Furtado, Rhianna, and Axl Rose have all worn Johnson’s designs. Evan Rachel Wood, Paris Hilton, and Kate Moss are also some of Johnson’s fans. Incorporating Betsey Johnson’s Clothes and Accessories Into Your WardrobeIf you are leery about incorporating some of Johnson’s wild clothes or accessories into your wardrobe, try choosing only one piece of clothing or one accessory and combine it with a more traditional piece. A silk floral scarf could add a much needed splash of color to a plain white shirt. Price RangeJohnson’s clothes tend to be pricier than her accessories. Her dresses typically run $300-$400 (USD) and her more high-end leather bags are about $300. But, her “Betseyville” range of bags are more reasonably priced for around $65-$120. A real fashion steal is her jewelry line. A fashionista can score a great pair of Betsey Johnson earrings for around $30. Where You Can Buy Her Clothes and AccessoriesBetsey Johnson’s clothes and accessories can be found at upscale department stores such as Macys, Dillards, Neiman Marcus, and of coarse her web site. But, you might be able to find some Betsey bargains at Overstock.com or Bluefly.
The copyright of the article Designer Profile: Betsey Johnson in American Fashion Designers is owned by Marsha West. Permission to republish Designer Profile: Betsey Johnson in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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