Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson is a designer who launched the punk fashion label Betsey Johnson in 1978.http://www.betseyjohnson.com/bio.html Her lines are inspired by her love of costumes and passion for one of a kind designer pieces. Betsey Johnson fashions have been described as timeless with a touch of class, free spirit, and playfulness using quality fabrics and materials.http://www.swimwearexpress.com/designer_swimwear.html Capturing this sentiment on the runway, Johnson is noted for her signature cartwheel, which she does on stage at the end of her fashion shows.http://guestofaguest.com/daily-style-phile/daily-style-phile-betsey-johnson-cartwheels-her-way-into-our-hearts/

After being inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame in 2002 for her work, Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion from The National Arts Club in 2009. Her Spring 2010 collection is not far removed from the Betsey Johnson tradition, featuring splashes of color, layered textures, ruffles, platform shoes, floral on animal patterns, and non traditional lengths and cuts inspired by vintage fashions and designers.http://www.squidoo.com/betseyjohnson Johnson describes her style as "Take a leotard and add a skirt".http://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/18/style/betsey-johnson-honor-for-a-life-of-celebrating-youth.html?pagewanted=1

The 2010 Betsey Johnson Bikini Collection include a number of one-and-two piece bikinis, mostly with a plaid or polka dot theme. Popular colors include rainbow, black and white and green, along with some floral prints. Tops and bottoms are sold separately on the Betsey Johnson website, with tops ranging from $70 to $130, and bottoms starting at $70 and going all the way up to $100.http://www.betseyjohnson.com/store/productslist.aspx?categoryid=4000&Page=0

Johnson's bikinis are notable for introducing the concept of the "mini-skirt" design that has become popular in contemporary swimsuits, rather than traditional bikini bottoms. Johnson designs also incorporate differently-colored tassels and straps that help the swimsuit stand out.http://www.comparingfashion.com/betsy-johnson-swimwear-the-most-fashionable-swimwear-available-today.html

Betsey Johnson has designed clothing for celebrities such as, Courtney Love, Minnie Driver, Paris Hilton, Mischa Barton, Mischa Barton, Rihanna, Kate Moss, Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, Lauren Conrad, Blake Lively and Lil'Kim. Celebrities have worn her styles ever since her career began. She attributes her fashion success to her ability to remain true to her one of a kind and off the wall fashions.http://www.couturecandy.com/celebs/betsey-johnson-designer.html

Making clothes involves what I like…color, pattern, shape and movement…I like the everyday process…the people, the pressure, the surprise of seeing the work come alive walking and dancing around on strangers. Like red lipstick on the mouth, my products wake up and brighten and bring the wearer to life…drawing attention to her beauty and specialness…her moods and movements…her dreams and fantasies. – Betsey Johnson