Betsey Johnson (b. 1942) was guest editor at Mademoiselle magazine in 1965 when she was given a design job at the new Paraphernalia boutique. There she was an important part of the “Youthquake” movement in fashion. In 1969 she, along with two friends, started their own boutique – Betsey, Bunky and Nini.
From there Johnson wore a variety of design hats: Alley Cat from 1970 to 1974, Butterick patterns from 1971 to the late 1970s, Tric-Trac by Betsey Johnson from 1974 to 1976, and Star Ferry by Betsey Johnson from 1975 to 1977. Finally, in 1978, she formed her own company, Betsey Johnson, Inc. with business partner Chantal Bacon. In the 1980s and ’90s, the company opened a series of Betsey Johnson boutiques, and expanded their offerings to include divisions for children’s clothes and home goods. By 2007 the brand’s sales were more than $150 million, with 66 stores in the United States. A series of unfortunate business decisions coupled with the 2008 recession caused the brand to fall $48.8 million into debt. In August, 2010, shoe entrepreneur Steve Madden took over Johnson’s debt, and, eventually, control over her name. Johnson stayed on as creative director of the brand, but was furloughed in 2020.
One word that has always been used to describe the Betsey Johnson brand is “young.” Her clothes are fun and flirty, colorful and alive.
Written by fuzzylizzie
See vintage Betsey Johnson from VFG members on Etsy (paid link)
from the mid 1960s
Courtesy of bartondoll
from an early 1970s dress
Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com
from an early 1970s dress
Courtesy of atticville.com
from a 1970s dress and jacket
Courtesy of highly atomic
from a 1970s skirt
Courtesy of listitcafe
from a 1980s “Punk” label
Courtesy of MagsRags
from a 1980s “Punk” label
Courtesy of coutureallure.com
from a 1980s dress
Courtesy of penelopewolf
from a late 1980s dress
Courtesy of daisyfairbanks
from a 2000s dress
Courtesy of MagsRags
from a mid 2000s dress
Courtesy of coutureallurevintage.com
from a 2000s “reissued” punk label sweater
Courtesy of elsewherevintage
from a 2000s “reissued” punk label dress
Courtesy of southwedge
