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 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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