WHEN it comes to Betsey Johnson, it’s all about attitude. And this season, the raw, amped up, over the top sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll vibe hit an all-time high, with a spring collection dedicated to those vital feminine parts, in the designers own words, “ass and titties”.
Even DJ Assault’s similarly titled Nineties dance track was enlisted as a soundtrack, just in case the lewd illustrated show-notes, and suggestive ensembles, were too subtle a message.
Each season, Johnson’s epic and utterly irreverent Lincoln Center show is a party from start to finish, attracting eccentric personalities to her front row like rapper, Nicki Minaj and long celebrated master of downtown New York, Michael Musto of the Village Voice.
The vision for spring/summer 2012 was firmly anchored around sexed-up, sheer, lingerie-inspired ensembles, the last looks featuring oversized silver foil balloons reading “T”, “&”, “A”, being paraded down the runway by animated models.
Leading the show was none other than Lulu Johnson, Betsey’s daughter, who had the raucous full-house cheering as she stepped out, theatrically kicking her heels and all but dancing down the catwalk; sporting a lace-up bustier, bombshell hair and sexy sky-high platform stilettos.
Unexpectedly, there were some refined moments, too - in the shape of cocktail and full length dresses, some black and floral print with fuchsia blooms, others a vivid clash of red and yellow. A black and ivory skull print playsuit and mini skirt might have been an homage to Alexander McQueen, bearing more than a passing resemblance to his infamous skull print scarves.
When Johnson came to take her bow, the energy in the room soared, as the beloved New York designer performed her signature cartwheel and then fell into a split, arms raised. At 69, she’s still got it, and knows how to flaunt it.
SEE THE BETSEY JOHNSON SHOW ARCHIVE