#NYFW: Betsey Johnson Spring 2015 Pre-Nup!

Spring, summer, it’s the season of the bride.  Designer Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2015 collection reminds you to be a cautious bride though, naming the collection “Pre-Nup”.  The fashion show started with two dolled-up same-sexy couples in white.

What came next was a parade of alternative bridal dresses, but also lingerie, burlesque and sexy frocks that were more appropriate for the bachelorette party (and wedding night!).  The models carried bouquets of flowers of all types, even faux blooms made from fabric or just a paper cut-out.  There were lots and lots of tulle fabric in the form of veils and petticoats. 

The make-up was very dramatic.  The models sported big, smoky eyes and bright red lipstick that gave a much darker edge to the eccentric girly looks on the runway.  It was as if they wanted to remind everyone that yes, they were having fun tonight playing this caricature of femininity, but don’t forget there is a real woman behind the dress who needs to be taken seriously.  Perhaps that is a message that Betsey Johnson as a brand stands for.  One always associates Betsey with hot pink, a female-driven brand that projects a good time.  Fans turn to the label for party dresses and looks that are perfect for a wild night out, but never the office.

While Betsey is cheered during her signature cartwheel, critics have often been catty about her and her daughter’s business skills.  Because they are women, are they being judged by the image versus the actual accomplishments?  It is a global brand that has been around for several decades, been through major challenges and involves multiple family members. 

With so many somber faces on the runway, it is so much fun to shoot this fashion show.  Photographers’ line up for hours before this presentation and it is the most crowded show at Lincoln Center by a longshot.  The burly male shooters who care little about designers or fashion or don’t even have women in their life are fans of this collection.  Who can blame them?

Well into her 7^th decade on this planet, Betsey Johnson still performed her signature cartwheel and split, but accompanied by her grandchildren.  Her family joined her to take the bow.  Betsey Johnson’s exit was having the big drag queen bride carry her over the threshold (or backstage).   Bravo lady!

photos by Mariana Leung

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Wizard of Oz - Leading Ladies Re-Imagined

No, this isn't Kansas.  Warner Brothers and Tonner Dolls have combined forces with 20 fashion designers to create one-of-a-kind dolls to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Wizard of Oz movie.  Designers like Reem Acra, Betsey Johnson, Chris Benz, Byron Lars, Donna Karan, Jenny Packham  and Colleen Atwood to name a few, sketched and created couture ensembles for the collectible Tonner Dolls. 

Above are a few preview sketches from different designers.  They were tasked with re-imagining the characters of Glinda the Good Witch, The Wicked Witch and of course, Dorothy herself.  Byron Lars re-imagined a post-apocalyptic Dorothy who has been hardened by the loss of her dog and fighting it out against the world.   Yours truly contributed the graphic designs for the tattoo and t-shirt to this doll.

 Reem Acra re-designed Dorothy's classic gingham ensemble as an elegant ballgown.  Carmen Marc Valvo gave Glinda a modern red carpet makeover. Betsey Johnson interpreted Glenda as a punk godmother, eerily similar to herself.  Lyn Paolo (top) saw the Wicked Width as a vintage vamp.  Douglas Hannant saw the sorceress as sexy screen siren in fur.  Watching the process, I can tell you that Tonner Dolls handpainted the facial features onto each doll (they definitely don't mass manufacture the fierce attitude I saw on the Byron Lars doll!)  Each designer was responsible for making the unique outfit that the doll wore.

The actual dolls will be unveiled at the Fashion Institute of Technology to coincide with NY Fashion Week.  The dolls will be up for auction to benefit Habit for Humanity as part of their "There's No Place Like Home" campaign. Habitat for Humanity is an organization whose mission is to build decent, affordable homes for low income families around the world.

I know I personally fantasized about Dorothy's flared blue gingham dress and the big pink pile of organza that was Glinda's ballgown when I watched the movie as a child.  You can see it inspired plenty of other fashion creators like myself.  The fact that it brought so many of them together for a great cause is that much more beautiful.   I can only hope they present them on a giant yellow brick runway... 

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#NYFW: Betsey Johnson's Hot Fall 2014

It's always a party at Betsey Johnson.  The lineup for the  fashion icon's fall 2014 collection was overflowing hours before her show even starts.  Even the most stoic photographer dudes can't wait for the bright shiny colors, campy models and Betsey's signature finale cartwheel.

The theme of the collection was "HOT".  The irony being the photographer's pit was stifling hot and so tightly packed, it felt like Hell.  It was all worth it of course when the models strutted down the runway.  I love the retro 80's club vibe to this collection.  It made me nostalgic for an era I wasn't old enough to indulge in, kind of like "The Carrie Diaries" on television now.

The biggest feature was the legs.  Super-short slip dresses and striped legwear that showed off the gams.  Metallic, lame and sequins to make sure that reflective surfaces are your friend.  Animal prints in off-nature color palettes and fun fur jackets made sure that no wallflower would ever enter this garden.

Handbags were over-sized.  Even clutches and pillbox shaped purses were larger than what you would expect for that silhouette.

I love that 70+ years and Betsey Johnson is still showing everyone a good time.  Only now, that party includes her daughter and granddaughters on the runway.  Hopefully this is her way of telling us that her legacy is in good hands for generations to come.

photos by Mariana Leung

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#Unselfie Style - #GivingTuesday

It’s the morning after  Cyber-Monday.  I thought I would take a break from the holiday shopping and gift guide planning to focus on giving.  The #Unselfie and #GivingTuesday campaign is a social media initiative most active on Instagram to take away from your own narcissism and instead raise awareness of a cause that is important to you.  The point is to post a photo with information on your cause instead while obscuring your own face.

The project was launched with the 92nd Street Y, Mashable, the United Nations Foundation and over 2,000 partners, big and small, across America.  Do you have a charity that you regularly donate to?  What about an organization that you volunteer for?  This is the perfect opportunity to give them a shout-out.

I can’t say I am particularly loyal to one specific cause.  I have volunteered my time over the years for DIFFA, Fashion Fights Cancer and many seasons with the CanadianCancer Society.  I am happy to give blog space to promote pretty much any good cause one of my fashion industry peeps are passionate about.

The general public has an image of the fashion industry as a vain and shallow community, but in my 20 years in it, I have found it to be the exact opposite.  I can’t name any prominent fashion brand or designer who doesn't devote a good percentage of time and resources to a great cause. 

To name a few:

Cynthia Rowley and Lauren Bush have worked together for F.E.E.D.

Betsey Johnson is a huge advocate for Breast Cancer Awarness with programs for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, Iris Cantor Center, Pink Ribbon products, etc.

Donna Karan founded the Urban Zen Organization to provide comfort and wellness where the health care industry fails, but also to preserve and support diverse cultures.

Josie Natori was in her native Philippines right after Typhoon Haiyan hit.  She rallied a large number of fashion brands to donate aid to the country and has channeled visitors to her site to organizations that provide the most help to the victims of the tragedy.

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Miami Swim Week: Betsey Johnson Swimwear 2014

The lady in pink, Betsey Johnson launched her swimwear collection on top of the Betsy Hotel in South Beach Saturday night.  There were only a few looks but the very game models were styled in retro swimsuits with lots of pin-up details and pop art graphics.

Accessories included licorice bouquets, rose petals, pop art printed totes or polka dot messenger bags.  The models danced to the music in day-glo colored wigs.  Being a New York based designer, the girls wore booties and leg warmers because apparently the 88 degree day wasn't warm enough...  The bikinis had a vintage silhouette like high-waisted bottoms, tied tops or ruffled and belted like iconic suits of the 1960's.  One piece suits were basic tank suits but with a bold pop art graphic.

Bright pink "Betsey" cocktails were served while a DJ spun tunes for the rooftop crowd.  I didn't stay through to the very end of the party, but I'm guessing Ms. Johnson probably did not cartwheel down the end of the penthouse.  She probably would have tumbled right into the ocean...
photos by Mariana Leung

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Betsey Johnson Parties in Macy's Windows

Wednesday afternoon, fashion icon Betsey Johnson decided to play mannequin and celebrate her new dress line debuting as Macy's.  True to her style, the designer made the event a big pink party.  There were lots of bottles of champagne, dancing to the crowd, but most importantly, bright, fun frocks for the grown up girly girl.

I'm glad to see Betsey back in stores.  I was really sad to hear of her bankruptcy a few years back and love that with the help of Steven Madden, she is coming back with a vengeance again.  She represents what savvy little girls want to grow up to be.  She manages to turn an exercise video and even display windows into a must-be-there event...

Photos by Kent Miller Studios, Macy's Inc

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NY FASHION WEEK: Betsey Johnson's Booty Camp!

If you're going to sweat, sweat in style. Fashion icon Betsey Johnson let a high intensity exercise on her Fall 2013 runway as only a designer can... Fully accessorized, with champagne bottles as weights and ticked out cell phones.

The colorful wigs looked like a nod to the factory days of Warhol.  Leggings, quilted or faux fur vests kept models warm and active.  Flirty skirts and funky prints were de rigeur.  Over-sized bags good for carrying all of your gym clothes, bubbly, tech gadgets and makeup were all over the yoga mats.  Was this a new line?  The title was "BJ kicks A".  Apparently this was a new activewear collection and the pseudo-aerobics class is a preview of Betsey's upcoming video and reality show.

I grew up looking up to Betsey as an icon.  She represents the free spirit and creative lifestyle that every fashion girl wants to grow up to be.  The photographer's pit was equally excited by her return to Mercedes-Benz fashion week.

Check out the video below for the vigorous routine and her legendary cartwheel at the end of the show:

Check out photos of the full collection here.
photos by David TW Leung

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Think Pink - October's Hottest Color

Yes,October is Pink Ribbon month to promote Breast Cancer awareness and raise money to find a cure.  Too many women have been challenged by this disease, many in fashion.  As a collective response, many fashion companies of collaborated with organizations to fight this killer.  The Council of Fashion Designers in America founded Fashion Targets Breast Cancer with a t-shirt campaign.

The current queen of pink, Betsey Johnson was a survivor.  She has designed a collection of jewelry where the profits will be sold to benefit Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.  My favorite piece is the Betsey Johnson "I'm A Survivor" Pink Ribbon Ring.

For local efforts, Dress Barn launched Paint the Country Pink where site visitors can "paint" across a map to show support for the cause.  Dress Barn will donate $1 for every painter who colors the site to the American Cancer Society.

Luxury resale marketplace, Hello la Mode is offering shoppers $50 off any pink fashion item on the site (use gift code: PINK).  They will be donating 25% of the purchase price of every pink item sold to the Pink Ribbon International. 

In Canada, the 9th annual White Cashmere Fashion show brought together Canada's top fashion designers for an event in Toronto.  If you weren't there, you can vote on the your favorite design by voting online and $1 will be donated for every vote to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  (Photos from heydoyou.com

Designer Carmen Marc Valvo just hosted a Pink Ribbon fashion show in Tulsa with Saks Fifth Avenue.  The event was the 10th for the designer, a cancer survivor himself.  The fundraiser benefits Oklahoma Project Woman, which provides free mammograms and diagnostic services for residents with no insurance or financial hardship.

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Betsey Johnson and Cyndi Lauper - NY Fashion Week

What a treat! Cyndi Lauper performed a mini concert to open Betsey Johnson's 40 year retrospective show at Espace lounge last night.  The designer also celebrated her 70th birthday among friends and fans.

My childhood idol Cyndi Lauper performed a song from her new album, as well as hits True Colors and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Her voice sounded better than ever, and she was adorable in a black jacket, big tulle skirt and corset.

The runway ended up being more of a burlesque revue than catwalk to the complaint of absolutely no one.  Models danced and vamped their way through the 1960's, 1970's, 1980's through looks of today.  The progression also showed the evolution of the label from whimsical, girly party clothes into a full lifestyle brand that encompassed luggage, children's wear, accessories and fragrance.

Guests were treated to rose champagne, pink popcorn and sparkling pink cupcakes while they danced to a rocking soundtrack of my personal favorites.  Betsey's daughter Lulu jumped out of a giant birthday cake in tribute to her mother, and was then joined onstage by Betsey's granddaughters.  Betsey, at 70 years old still ended the show with her signature cartwheel and split.

This show was one of the most enjoyable events I have had the privilege to attend in my fashion career... Betsey as a brand and designer was an inspiration for its wit and joie de vivre.  She further moved me with her work supporting breast cancer awareness.  Cyndi Lauper was my big girl crush whom I adored growing up.  I loved her indie style and sweet nature.  The combination of the two?  You couldn't keep me away from this show if you tried...

More looks:

all photos by Mariana Leung (that's me)

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NY FASHION WEEK: Betsey Johnson Fall 2012

If the three hour photographer waiting line for this show wasn't an indication, then the packed theater at Lincoln Center Monday proved Betsey Johnson was the hottest fashion show this season.  Fall 2012 for the fashion icon included big fur faux wraps and collars.

There were cheeky cocktail dresses with flouncy skirts, mini shorts and mini skirts with colored tights.  Also, slim, cigarette trousers and wildly printed blouses and tea dresses the designer is known for.  Coats were A-line or a fit and flare silhouette.  There were graphic black and white looks, with stripes or bold motifs.  Then the ultra-girly pinks, teal and purples of her signature palette.

Accessories included brightly colored fedoras and large pieced clutch bags in harlequin colors.  Jewelry was flash, fun and not to be taken too seriously.

All three generations of Johnson ladies walked the runway for the finale.  The little lady and Mom, Lulu Johnson flaunted complementary pink dresses.  Grandma Betsey led a cheer leading squad after her signature cartwheel and even a quick split landing.  Rock on Betsey!

Photos by David TW Leung

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NY FASHION WEEK: Betsey Johnson Spring 2012

The Betsey Johnson show is one I most look forward to every season. Is it the fond memories of college? Or the fact that these are clothes I fantasized about wearing as an adult when I was eight years old?  I wasn't alone in this anticipation as other female photographers in the pit with me had the same giddyness prior to the show.  Whatever the reason, Betsey Johnson represents fun, flirty femmes.

For Spring 2012, our ageless Betsey sent some Punk/Goth Lolitas with a tongue-in-cheek take on skulls and bones. There were duo-sided skull prints, anatomically correct embroidered rib cage corsets and romantic floral skeleton prints.  Black and zippered tops and dresses.  Super bright pouf dresses were mixed with English garden rose prints in flowing long gowns.

The models were sassy, curvy and had a naughty attitude about them that told the men in the audience who was in charge.  Bright red lips with curls styled to the side had a hint of burlesque beauty.

Flamboyant fashion personalities Nicki Minaj and Johnny Weir sat front row to enjoy the festivities.  Of course, no show without Betsey's finale cartwheel, which she did (at age 70) and even ended with split.  She also gave credit to her daughter who more or less runs the 'bones' of the operation these days.

Always a party, models came out with big metallic balloons to celebrate the collection at the end.

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NY Fashion Week: Betsey Johnson Fall 2011

What was the highlight of fashion week for me? The irreverent, vivacious Betsey Johnson presenting her Fall 2011 collection at Lincoln Center on Valentine's Day. Undoubtedly, her show is the brightest  trip of the week.   This season, she presented both her upmarket Black Tag collection and her more affordable, Pink Patch lines on the same runway.  

For the 33 years, Betsey has put on a fabulous show for her downtown girls.  The models were relaxed and beautiful in clashing over-saturated florals and prints.   They strutted in short Louise Brooks black bobs with lace spray-on color insets.  

There were peplum jackets and skintight pants in black and white leopard prints.  Red rompers over shiny red leopard tights were seen.   Red plaid tartan bustiers were worn over long fuchsia skirts. While the collection on the runway was great on the models, the individual pieces were wearable for non-model types too.  My personal collection (of now vintage) Betsey Johnson  dresses still receive compliments, so I can attest that each piece is workable in any wardrobe.  

For the downtown girls, hipster girls and girly girls, Betsey Johnson has something for each of you. 

The best part of the presentation was when Betsey Johnson sent her staff of girls and the occasional boys dressed in her clothes at the end  to universal audience support of whistles and clapping.

The designer herself came down the runway and for her trademark finale cartwheel and dragged Patricia Field of Sex and the City fame down the runway with her.

Miss Jay from America's Top Model fame and the ever present, Robert Verdi, were also spotted in the audience.

More photos:

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NY FASHION WEEK: Betsey Johnson Spring 2011

She's the designer many little girls want to grow up to be (I'm wayyy past little girl and I still want to grow up to be Betsey).  Her brand of fun, party, dress-up clothes are for the Barbie-doll in all of us.  

Fun and fabulous floral prints decked the summer looks.  Pairs of ironic sailor outfits, skater girls and dramatically poufed tulle skirts bounced down the runway.

Accessories included everything from captain's hats, headbands, skateboards and sunglasses.  The show was really a show.  There were rows of girls dancing, then a taxi-themed parade at the end of flag-waving models.

At 68, Ms. Johnson is as energetic as ever.  She rode a bicycle down the runway for the finale and did not disappoint with her signature cartwheels.  The difference between now and the shows I watched growing up, she hugged her daughter and granddaughter during the finale too. 

Spotted in the front row: Fergie

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Betsey Johnson's Birthday Party - Great at 68

Last night, fashion icon Betsey Johnson celebrated her Sweet 68 at her birthday party in Soho. She arrived in a pink limo. She looked fabulous in her signature blonde locks and red lipstick; she showed fans and colleagues that she has all the moxie she has always had since the 1960’s.

Staff and fashion groupies were dressed in girly Betsey Johnson frocks. Many wore wigs or styled their hair like their heroine. Some even paid homage through make-up.

Chambord provided raspberry flavored vodka cocktails. The Cupcake Café decked out the boutique in rich buttercream topped flower desserts.

The clothing had bright novelty prints that Betsey Johnson is known for. Dresses were girly, embellished with lace, ruffles, ready for dancing. Bows and roses decked handbags and shoes.

Betsey’s signature pink color has taken on a more significant meaning in recent years. She is a breast cancer survivor who has become a warrior against the disease. She was a chairperson for the CFDA’s Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign and co-authored the book “Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy” with Geralyn Lucas. She hosted charity events and raised money designing a t-shirt. She was presented with an award for her work by the National Breast Cancer Coalition in 2004.

Happy Birthday Betsey, and may you have many more to come!

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Mother & Daughter Fashion Teams

Happy Mother's Day beautiful people. I hope you treated the woman who gave you life with love and luxury today. In honor of these amazing women, I wanted to spotlight my favorite Mother and daughter teams of fashion:

Mother Betsey Johnson was a key style-maker in the 1980's and pop icon today. Her daughter cut her teeth early working as the liaison between designer and public relations in her early 20's and now has been promoted to creative director.

Designer Abbe Held describes Mom Bonnie Held as her "best friend". Together, the mother and daughter duo founded Kooba handbags together after being frustrated that they couldn't find the purses they liked in the market. There may be pros and cons in working so closely with your mother, but there is a certain efficiency to partners that can finish each sentence.

Mom Donna Karan defined how the modern career woman dresses in today's world. Daughter Gabby Karan De Felice was once an intern at Anne Klein, now in business with Mom on the Urban Zen boutique.

Karan, like all mothers who are incredibly successful, worried that she was not a good enough parent because of how much she worked. However, Gabby expressed that she felt that was what did make her a better mother. A person who worked at what she loved.

Most of us see our mothers as our very first style icon. Whether or not millions of other people in the world agree or she's the star of just one family, she deserves our appreciation NOW. Happy Mother's Day!

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