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STYLE REPUBLIC MAGAZINE.COM: FASHION - DECEMBER 2009 B is for Betsey Johnson! TEXT: Danielle Lauren If you’re looking to turn heads, release your inner child, or simply escape the usual bump and grind of the season’s latest trends - you are sure to find comfort in a Betsey Johnson collection. Inspired by her love of dance, this world renowned designer always keeps us eagerly awaiting her anticipated creations. In the business for over 45 years, it’s hard to imagine that one woman could continually fascinate and impress such a demanding crowd for so long. Visit: www.betseyjohnson.com 
Photograph by Ngoc Minh Ngo As the most recent recipient of the 2009 Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion by the National Arts Club, Betsey Johnson has achieved a unique form of success by joining the respected rankings of Geoffrey Beene (2003), Oleg Cassini (2004), Carolina Herrera (2005) and Arnold Scaasi (2006). She fondly remembers this evening as, “The crème de la crème - the biggie,” the fashion wild child states with laughter. “It was one of the best, most fun, amazing nights of my life.” Aside from her fabulously cheeky collections, the refreshingly humble designer notes that there is one distinction that they all share from one another’s predecessor. “We all love what we do, but in different ways - and that shows through our work.” Credit must also be paid to the honorable efforts one woman so tirelessly gives towards the fight to end breast cancer. Not only is Betsey Johnson a well known and respected advocate, but she too was a successful fighter herself. As an honorary Chairperson for the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative, a recipient of an honour by the National Breast Cancer Coalition for her own fight against breast cancer, and a continual host to breast cancer awareness events - we were almost afraid to ask what else Johnson was involved in. We did (of course). “I wish there was more I could do! As a survivor, I try to help in any way that I can,” explains Johnson. “We do a Breast Cancer Awareness promotion in all of my stores every October, where proceeds are donated to the NBCCF (National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund). I also aim to contribute clothing, one of a kind designs, and artwork to smaller charities and fundraisers. I feel that every little bit counts.” With sixty five stores worldwide, expanded collections of everything from handbags, swimwear and outerwear, to lingerie, footwear and fragrance, it has been made clear to the world that Johnson is not just Betsey Johnson, the person, but Betsey Johnson the label. What could possibly be next for this fashion icon? “I would love to do children’s wear again,” Johnson states. As per usual, the public will anxiously await this collection to hit the runways. With such fabulous mix and match, color and print options available within a Betsey Johnson collection, the possibilities seem endless to what youngsters could inspire. Known for the ease in which her items can be paired with one another, Johnson’s designs are near impossible to say no to. We have to wonder, how does this fashion connoisseur stay so ahead of the fashion pulse without compromising her unique designs? “It’s simple. I don’t really ever follow trends, I design what I like and feel my customer wants.” Johnson explains. Notorious for using her own body as a fit model, “small top and big bottom”, women everywhere are thanking (and blessing) Johnson for acknowledging the true shape of a woman. “Fit is incredibly important, it must have to do with my love of leotards from my dancing days, but nothing will ever look good if it doesn’t fit right.” While dominating the world of fashion, Betsey Johnson has had the opportunity of sharing this journey with her beloved daughter, Lulu. Engaged from the first day her daughter entered the world (the same day Johnson launched her children’s wear collection), Lulu now acts as her consultant today. As a Mother, Betsey Johnson feels blessed to have the two most important facets of her life together each and every day. “Lulu’s focused on being a mom of two, but she still consults. I love having her input, it means the world to me because she knows me best, and is always right on.” Graciously being in the driver’s seat of fun and feminine fashion for years, Betsey Johnson has creatively transformed unique ideas into irreplaceable pieces. With all of this hard work and no time for extra beauty sleep, what keeps this designer looking so fresh and wonderful? “Stay positive, you will always look and feel great.” Johnson laughs. So if not for the world of design, where would Betsey Johnson be? “I always wanted to be a ‘Rockette’ on Broadway!” she laughs. Johnson’s success is a direct result of following her own rules. Having said that, we just had to ask one last question - what could Betsey Johnson’s “rule book” possibly consist of? True to her roots - she responded with a simple and honest, “Dance while you’ve still got the chance!” MORE FEATURES ON STYLE REPUBLIC MAGAZINE.COM
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