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Betsey Johnson

The Whimsical Wild Child

From Cynthia Nellis, About.com

Making clothes involves what I like…the surprise of seeing the work come alive walking and dancing around on strangers. -- www.BetseyJohnson.com
betsey johnson

Betsey Johnson

Rob Loud/Getty Images

Vital Stats

  • Born August 10, 1942 in Wethersfield, Connecticut.
  • Married to Velvet Underground's John Cale in 1967. Divorced in 1968.
  • One daughter, Lulu.

Resume

  • Debuted her namesake collection in 1978 after a decade of designer for other labels.
  • Expanded her empire to include accessories in 2003.
  • Coty Award, 1972; inducted into Fashion Walk of Fame in 2003; Lifetime Achievement Award, Accessories Council in 2005; Designer of the Year award, American Apparel and Footwear Association's Image Awards, 2006.

Trademark Design

  • Fun, girly looks.

What You Might Not Know About Betsey Johnson

  • She entered the fashion biz by winning the Mademoiselle magazine "Guest Editor" contest in 1964.
  • She was part of the "Youth Quake" movement, with Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick (who was her house model) and the Velvet Underground (who wore her outfits).
  • She is a breast cancer surivor.
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