The 92nd Street Y was full of energy Wednesday night as guests gathered to see the “the energizer bunny-like” designer, Betsey Johnson.
The 70-year-old fashion icon was in the hot seat with fashion industry leader and award-winning creator of New York Fashion Week Fern Mallis at the Fashion Icons Talks with Betsey Johnson hosted by MARTINI Sparkling Wines.
Johnson was cheerful and bubbly as she answered questions and posed for pictures, including a playful photo with Fern Mallis and an oversized bottle of MARTINI Asti decorated with the designer’s name in silver crystals. Johnson giggled and delightfully asked, “do I get to keep this?!”.
Over 500 guests gathered in the Kauffman Hall to hear the pint size queen of stylish excess dish about everything from her bankruptcy, early years at Mademoiselle, battle with breast cancer, bankruptcy, upcoming reality show and feelings on the industry as a whole. “I love the industry! There’s no discrimination, there’s never been any of that sh**t,” according to Johnson. Although Fern tried her best to keep the consistently inconsistent designer on track, Johnson danced to the beat of her own drum throughout the interview.
Taking the audience on a journey through her life, Johnson reminisced about her early years as a designer – times filled with excitement, hard work and partying with the likes of Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol, and Lou Reed.
According to Johnson, “To this day, (Lou Reed) says “I cut a really good crotch!” When asked what it was like during that time – specifically the years she worked at the hot clothing boutique, Paraphernalia – Johnson explained, “We would work from 8am to 8pm, then go to the clubs, dance on the mattresses and pop these pink little pills!”
In the midst of such a booming and fast-paced career, it’s surprising Johnson had time to settle down and start a family. “I had the 60’s…boom! The 70’s…boom! And then the working women’s wardrobe came along. Uh oh.” Betsey explained. , “If it weren’t for the working women’s wardrobe, I wouldn’t have had time to have a kid!”
Alluding to the fact that no one’s going to wear her tutus to a Today, Betsey lives in the same building as her daughter Lulu and both of her children, setting the precedent for her reality show. “I’m the luckiest grandma in the world!” explains Betsey. According to Betsey, it was Lulu’s idea to do the reality show. So what network gets to work with what Betsey calls “a comedy”? Well in the words of Betsey, “I can’t cook and I can’t be a housewife, so I hoped the Style network comes through!” Lucky for Betsey, it did.
One thing was evident throughout — nothing seems to faze Betsey! Even when it came to her recent bankruptcy troubles, she kept a positive attitude. Johnson said she was shocked to learn that she owed money to the private equity firm that bought her.
“We had to pay $56 million back! And $6 million a year in interest rates!” “Yes Betsey. There is no such thing as a free loan” said Fern Mallis with a smile. Betsey also credits her fans and supporters for getting her through her difficult moments. “When my fans came up to me (after we sold) it was the first time I realized I achieved something special.”
Today, Betsey now works under her longtime pal Steve Madden, who purchased the company in 2010. When the takeover happened, instead of being sad “we celebrated with cupcakes and champagne!” explained Betsey.
So what’s next for Ms. Johnson? “I hope to meet a great guy and fall in love!” “I love being in love!” The audience awed in unison. Staying true to the Betsey-philosophy, she ended with the following advice, “Keep on kicking!”
Following the discussion, VIPs got a chance to chat with Johnson and enjoy complimentary sips by MARTINI Sparkling Wines including mini bottles of MARTINI rosé, asti and prosecco.
WOW.