Betsey Johnson: In Memorial
I didn’t go to my senior prom because I had little school spirit, was short on cash, and didn’t enjoy dancing to songs like “Lean Back” (oh, 2004). It wasn’t until after prom passed that I realized the only perk of the high school rite passage: BETSEY JOHNSON DRESS. Prom morphed from “silly teen event” to “biggest life regret” in my mind, overnight.
At the time of my prom, the 80s were back with a god-awful vengeance (I will be happy to never again see leg warmers and lightning bolt earrings on teens who otherwise shop at Hollister). I remember drooling over a strapless, gold lame dress in the window of the Betsey store that was so Weird Science, bow and all. It was THE ONE, full of crinoline and insanity. It was a badass mix of Stacey Q and Wanda Jackson at cotillion. I should have grabbed that thing, prom or not, and never looked back.
- Betsey at her own prom, 1958.
Now, 8 years and one bankruptcy later, I REALLY regret not getting that dress. Betsey Johnson LLC went under in April of this year (in case you live in a cave, y’know), and there was a collective clanking of cherry charm bracelets and Betseyville handbag hardware as tacky girls around the world clutched at their hearts. Yes, it really was that dramatic.
Even more emotional were the store closing sales that followed. Every store in the U.S. began clearing out stock, starting first with a 20% sale and gradually increasing the discount as the weeks went on. I braved the Sherman Oaks store at 40%, expecting empty shelves. It was PRETTY bad – remaining stock consisted mostly of leopard print pajamas and sequin-crusted hot pants. Still, I made it out alive and with two beautiful new addresses, including the patriotic red, white, and blue number above (the other dress I bought, a 40s-style “diner dress”, evidently does not exist online, but can be seen via my Instagram). My purchases were a modest yet fitting send off. Hopefully this won’t be the last we see of Betsey!
And, in honor of Betsey, here are some of my favorite moments/designs from over the years:
- First off: me wearing Betsey at dublab’s anniversary dinner party. There are little skulls mixed in with the floral print, naturally. And another skull sneaking in behind me.
- NYFW 2008: Betsey showed some of her older pieces to celebrate 30 years in the business.
- Scan from Seventeen Magazine.
- Scan from Seventeen.
- More scans – I don’t know what year these are from. I’d guess late 70s or early 80s?
- Betsey Johnson for Butterwick Patterns, 1970
- Betsey Johnson for Butterwick Patterns, 1970 (those SHOES!)
- Betsey Johnson for Butterwick Patterns, 1970
- Lauren Hutton wearing a plastic slip dress (with do-it-yourself decorations) designed by Betsey Johnson, 1960s. I’d totally wear those shoes, too.
- Insane suspender outfit from Betsey’s Punk Label (80s/90s). Someone please buy this.
- The Trump Family backstage at Betsey’s Spring/Summer 1998 show. So 90s.
- Linda Morand in Betsey, late 60s.
Betsey show from 1989
Outfit: dress – Betsey Johnson; shoes – Lotta from Stockholm ; brooch – Jean Jean Vintage ; ring – Motherland
Photo credit: First two photos by me, click the rest for sources.
Categories: Fashion, old | Tags: bankruptcy, betsey johnson, butterwick patterns, memorial, obituary, sherman oaks, vintage | 5 comments
Those sea creature ones are INCREDIBLE! I’ve never been a Betsey fan but this wee memorial has made a fan (too late) outta me.
I love her clothes but they are so expensive.
Rob and I didn’t go to his senior prom for the same reason as you. We did go to mine but wish we hadn’t. It was lame. The girls in the grade under me were high on E and threw up all over other girls. . .and no one danced until I went alone on the dance floor (Rob doesn’t dance with me in public places because I turn him on easily – which is why we didn’t even have dancing at our wedding). yeah. . .prom is over rated. Betsey Johnson clothes. . .are not (and one day I hope I can own one. . .for free or really cheap if possible at all which isn’t!).
I adore your first two photos by the way.
I couldn’t agree more. I love love love Betsey, and was able to score some gorgeous party dresses before the stores down here closed. I saw that red white and blue number, and didn’t give a second thought, but you wear that so well. I love It on you. I’m so sad about no drooling over Betsey on Newbury St anymore, but am so glad I was able to acquire some of her collection.
i have been trawling ebay & easy for old betsey johnson for butterick patterns! the whole closing thing gives me major sadz.
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