BETSEY JOHNSON AND HER MODELS
PLAZA HOTEL, SEPTEMBER 15th, 2009
6:00 PM
Words, Images
- Judith Ecochard
Betsey Johnson has had a stellar creative career being true to her design MO of uptown meets downtown glitzy, wearable fashion for gals who want to have fun.
At her bubbly quenched (pink labeled bottles with straws), deluxe chocolate fete of a presentation last week, the music (80’s heavy) was blaring, the models were dancing, Betsey herself led the conga line…and the Plaza Hotel Security guards had deer in headlight glares.
The place was packed.
Major thoughtful bonus points…the line of chairs on the stage where the dark, sultry eyed models could take a load off.
Fittingly, the historic Eloise room, the abode of the fictional impish ‘poor little rich girl’ at the Plaza Hotel (that’s over half condo now)…is getting a Betsey Johnson retrofit.
We doubt the crowds visiting that tourist site will be quite like this…or have as much fun
THE CLOTHES:
Sure there was attire referencing what club goers wore to Dancerteria with shades of Ziggy Stardust/Diamond Dogs...
...but the fabric prints (including a turquoise animal pattern, and tartan), bright colors mixed up with solid black and white, and the silhouettes = timeless. And the quality is there too...these clothes survive the trials of a festive filled life (and cleaning up after it)...like Betsey herself.
A one piece black catsuit, fitted silk sleeveless frocks edged with two rows of ruffles, and corset/bustier tops above pouffy, netted frills paid reference to the original Gossip Girl (Madonna)…while enticingly attiring the Blairs and Serenas of today.
This was definitely a party packed collection…event the hairstyles, glittery eye makeup and nails…had that vibe.
We still wear Betsey Johnson pieces we got back in high school…and our Betsy Johnson wool knit dress from an older sis’ (the Alley Cat label) has shrine-like status. We feel many of the looks we saw here…fit that category.
Sequins, flowery patterns and strips loomed large.
On the guys, skinny jeans and graphic tees with a vintage feel- ruled…adorned with ray ban like shades and dark polished nails.
We loved the styling of the show…the hair with oversized flowers had us wanting to do the Can-Can.
SOME buyers of these separates will break it apart…as in wear the shrunken blazer, with a printed tee with jeans they already own.
The dresses hold their own…tone down under a blazer…or be prepared to grab the spotlight.
FUN!
Betsey looked just as fab as her models.
BETSEY JOHNSON
SUPER NICE INTERNS -IN OF ALL THINGS BETSEY