32 of Betsey Johnson’s Most Incredible Style Moments
Betsey Johnson is one of a kind. The beloved designer, who once upon a time worked as an editor at Mademoiselle magazine, is known for her eccentric creations that aren’t afraid to push boundaries. Her striking designs, which often include bold prints and playful details, have had quite the cultural impact. For starters, Johnson’s pieces have appeared in movies like Ciao! Manhattan and music videos like Lisa Loeb’s "Stay." Even cooler? In Johnson's self-titled fashion line's early days, Edie Sedgwick was its fit model. The designer has always marched to the beat of her own drum, something that has attracted a long list of celebrity clientele, including Debbie Harry, who was once upon a time dubbed a “Betsey girl.”
What's even more exciting is that Johnson sports her own revolutionary designs herself. Through the years, she’s been captured sporting head-turning ensembles that only she can pull off. We’re talking cheerleader-esque two-piece sets, skirts that resemble tutus, and outfits made with more sequins than you could ever imagine. Ahead, we look at some of her most incredible style moments over the years.
1978
A young Betsey Johnson attended the Willi Smith fashion show afterparty on The Cabaret Boat Cruise in the late 1970s. The designer rocked a striped two-piece set.
1980
Johnson was snapped at the “Artists for Kennedy” fundraising event dressed in a look that screams “early ’80s.” The sporty ensemble included a strappy tank paired with a chic white fanny pack.
1988
The designer let loose at the Hooray for Hollywood AIDS benefit in a glamorous next-level look. The ensemble mainly featured black and gold tones, including a studded bustier, an embroidered lace shrug, and tons of chunky jewelry.
1989
A year later, she posed for a photo in a pretty patterned look with her daughter, Lulu Johnson. The dynamic look featured a red and white ruffled-sleeve top, overalls, and a patterned blue chiffon scarf.
1989
For the 8th Annual A Night of 100 Trees gala, Johnson paired a ruffled one-piece with transparent black tights, a see-through pullover top, and metallic gold boots. Her curly hairstyle and bedazzled bag fit right in with the outfit.
1990
She donned a perfect red plaid look at a CFDA event in the early ‘90s. Her patterned booties, punk-inspired belt, and black leg warmers provided just the right amount of detail.
1996
She wore a similar black belt during a portrait session in the ‘90s. This time, she styled it with a sleeveless black mini dress layered over a striped long-sleeve tee.
1998
Johnson looked like a princess when she arrived at the 1998 CFDA Awards in a violet-colored getup styled with a tassel handbag and thick black boots. Her daughter, standing beside her, wore a matching plum look.
1998
She kept the purple looks coming when she wore a dark violet look to the Two Girls and a Guy premiere in New York City.
2000
The designer attended the 2000 CFDA Awards in a dress that looked like it waltzed right out of a fairytale. The flouncy pink skirt and corset top gave the look a Victorian feel.
2000
Here’s another shot of her fantastic awards show look.
2000
The designer wore a vibrant graphic top with a rainbow sequined blazer for a red carpet appearance. Her ruby red and gold brooch was a nice touch. Meanwhile, her daughter decided on a more pared-down black dress for the occasion.
2001
A year later, she attended the CFDA rally in Bryant Park donning a red, white, and blue short-sleeve tee styled with a silver studded burgundy belt, shimmery blue bottoms, and a shiny floral hair accessory.
2001
Johnson hasn't slowed down her daring looks even for a second. She’s pictured here alongside her daughter wearing a sweet white skirt with an eyelet hem, a see-through mesh top layered over a hot pink cami, and a pair of adorable floral open-toed heels.
2004
Even her casual looks are eye-catching. The designer posed for the cameras in a ruched olive tee, cropped cargo shorts, and a gray hat at a Tommy Hilfiger fashion week after party.
2004
Johnson stunned in a fun sequined look at Sean "Diddy" Combs' 35th birthday party. She accessorized the outfit with an unexpected piece—a yellow snakeskin print handbag.
2005
A year later, she smiled in a strapless striped sundress featuring a bevy of soothing colors like butter yellow, pale green, and baby pink. Her shaggy bleached blonde bob and silver initial necklace provided the perfect touches to the cheery ensemble.
2005
Johnson went all out for the 2006 ACE Awards. She showed up that night in a Marilyn Monroe leopard shirt, bedazzled shades, and stacks of crystal-studded bracelets. Her magenta lipstick, a similar color to the thread shade on her top, tied the whole look together.
2007
Perhaps one of the legendary designer’s most pared-down looks, Johnson sported a strapless red ankle-length gown to a fashion week event in 2007. The look was complemented with simple silver necklaces and crystal-embellished sandals.
2007
She flashed a peace sign in a chic black sequined short-sleeve dress worn with satin platform pumps and an adorable red velvet clutch.
2009
Only Johnson could pull off a neon yellow blazer with an extravagant blue tulle skirt and silver heels.
2009
Johnson always makes sure to dress to the nines for the CFDA Awards. She’s pictured here at the 2009 event wearing a strapless tulle mini-dress layered over sequined leggings and a transparent black top. The hot pink sash took the look to the next level.
2009
The celebrated designer has the ability to make any graphic tee look runway-ready effortlessly. Here, she dons a green Marilyn Monroe shirt with a black and green lace-trimmed skirt and a patchwork fanny pack.
2010
She looked picture-perfect at the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards in a black feathered frock with matching lace-up heels. Meanwhile, her daughter landed on a lacy pink and white strapless dress with silver-gold peep-toe heels.
2011
How cool is Johnson? In 2011, the risk-taking designer rocked a strapless sweetheart neckline gown with a ruffled tulle hem. She matched the look with strappy studded heels, diamond chokers, and narrow cat-eye shades.
2012
Johnson is pictured here in a dazzling gold getup featuring a ruffled skirt, layers of necklaces, and flat T-strap sandals.
2013
Johnson was twinning with her daughter when they both decided to incorporate salmon pink into their looks.
2013
Johnson picked a pretty pink chiffon look for the 2013 CFDA Awards. Meanwhile, her daughter wore a leopard print gown with a sweetheart neckline for the event.
2015
The eccentric designer posed with her family in a black and white striped jumpsuit, low-cut white cowboy boots, and layers of silver chains.
2017
Here, the designer poses with her husband, Brian Reynolds, on the Grammys red carpet. Johnson rocked a colorful striped knit dress, while Reynolds chose an edgy all-black ensemble.
2019
Johnson had a pop art moment when she wore a vibrant Marilyn Monroe printed two-piece set with leopard wedges and a brown leather belt.
2023
She reused one of her earlier gilded gold looks at the Happy Hippie Pride Party in West Hollywood. This time, she accessorized the out-of-this-world dress with fingerless opera gloves and glittery black booties.
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