Betsey Johnson in Living Color

History

According to "The Encyclopedia of the Sixties":

While your at it check out my website!

Bring It Back Vintage: I will soon be adding items from Betsey's punk label so keep checking back

The Encyclopedia of Sixties

The following is an excerpt from this websites Betsey Johnson page:

Rule-breaking Betsey Johnson gave the world the ripped fishnets, the sexy vinyl, the wild leathers, the biker chic, and the ditzy Cyndi Lauper look that have been part of the rock and roll world since the mid-'60s

Answers.com

Fashion designer Betsey Johnson, with her red hair and perpetual ear-to-ear grin, was a colorful burst of energy in the fashion world. She first exploded onto the style scene...

Biography

Biobite in which Fashion designer Betsey Johnson gives her two cents on the appeal of Madonna's early trendsetting look.

Salon.com

At 59, she still dresses like a kitschy rock Muppet and paints her long nails blue. She doesn't so much pose for photos as she contorts for them, feigning gleeful insanity

Oyster Magazine

From Edie Sedgwick to Kate Moss, Betsey Johnson's devotees are as innovative as she herself. Natalie Shukur talks to the designer about being part of the 60s 'youthquake', and finding the fun in fashion.

Betsey Johnson official website Biography page

Betsey was born in Connecticut and spent her childhood in dance classes. Her aspirations to be a dancer and her love for costumes laid the foundation for Betsey's creativity and inspiration, which is still evident in her designs today. In 1964, Betsey officially entered the New York fashion scene by winning Mademoiselle magazine's "Guest Editor Contest." One year later, she landed the top designer position for Paraphernalia, a clothing boutique that at the time housed the hottest young London designers, including Mary Quant and Paco Rabanne, among others. What would soon become known as Betsey's trademark look began its formulations here: sexy silhouettes, hippie inspired flowing fabrics, whimsical detailing and, most importantly, a fabulous fit.

Now firmly part of what was considered the "Youth Quake," Betsey soon found herself in the unforgettable 1960's Warhol scene. Edie Sedgwick was her house model, while the Velvet Underground's John Cale took to wearing her designs both on-stage and off. In 1969, Betsey began her foray into retail by opening a new boutique called Betsey Bunki Nini. Directly following the opening store Betsey was offered a job from Alvin Dunskin in San Francisco and thus began living a bi-coastal life for the remaining years of the 60's.

Along with the new decade came new career opportunities for Betsey and in the early 1970's, she came into creative control of the label Alley Cat, a label which set the trends for the 70's rock n' roll clothing, with bohemian and ethnic styles. In 1972, along with Halston, Betsey won the coveted Coty Award becoming the youngest designer to ever receive the honor...

Showbuzz

Can you say G-R-A-N-D-M-A Betsey Johnson. I couldn't resist this beautiful image of Betsey Johnson At the end of her February 6, 2007 fall show carrying her granddaughter Layla on the runway.

The Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgewick, John Cale...

Velvet Underground in Wikipedia

The foundations for what would become The Velvet Underground were laid in late 1964. Singer/guitarist Lou Reed had performed with a few short-lived garage bands and had worked as a songwriter for Pickwick Records, which Reed described as...

John Cale in Wikapedia

Velvet Underground Bassist and husband to Betsey Johnson from 1967 to 1968.

John Davies Cale (born March 9, 1942) is a Welsh musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his work in rock music, particularly as a founding member of The Velvet Underground, and ...

Andy Warhol in Wikapedia

Andy Warhol (August 6, 1928 - February 22, 1987) was an American artist who became a central figure in the movement known as pop art. After a successful career as a commercial illustrator, Warhol became famous worldwide for his work as a painter; an avant-garde filmmaker, a record producer,

"Youthquake" in Wikapedia

Youthquake was a 1960s fashion, musical and cultural movement. The term was coined by Vogue's editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland ...

Edie Sedgwick in Wikapedia

Edith Minturn "Edie" Sedgwick (April 20, 1943 - November 15, 1971)[1] was an American actress, socialite, and heiress who starred in many of Andy Warhol's short films in the 1960s...

Vintage Betsey Johnson for Sale on Ebay!

Vintage Betsey Johnson for Sale on Ebay!

One great way to find some great buys and examples of Betsey's work in the early days