Renowned fashion icon, Betsey Johnson returned to New York Fashion Week on Friday, September 11th, to present her Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Titled “The Curious Case of #BetseyButton” Johnson offered a retrospective commemorating her 50 colorful years in the fashion industry.
Held at The Arc, Skylight at Moynihan Station, Johnson’s show was divided into six defining career moments from her signature prom princess moments of the 2000’s, followed by the “flower power” of the late 80’s/early 90’s to the late 70’s punk. Next, she paid homage to the “trippy hippy” early 70’s. Rounding out the decades were the mod mavens of the 60’s and the finale, which consisted of re-imagined dance costumes of Betsey’s youth in Connecticut in the 1950’s. Narration from Betsey herself played over each defining era, making it a touching trip down memory lane.
Notables in attendance included: Debbie Harry, Maddie Ziegler, model Karrueche Tran, “Orange is the New Black” stars Jackie Cruz, Lea DeLaria, Emma Myles and Emily Althaus, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Countess LuAnn De Lesseps
“Rich Kids’ EJ Johnson, Ashley Smith, Marnie the Dog, Ryan Newman and former “America’s Next Top Model” judge and fashion photographer, Nigel Barker.
2015 marked a year long celebration for the 73 year-old designer. In addition to hitting her 50th year anniversary in the industry, Johnson was awarded the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. The party will continue into the Holiday 2015 season, as Johnson will release a limited edition 50th anniversary collection including festive frocks, active wear, handbags, shoes and jewelry all in her signature print.
Check out the gallery below for images from Johnson’s New York Fashion Week Spring 2016 runway show…
