The MBFW ideeli scoop with Betsey Johnson

It’s so much fun being Betsey Johnson. Exuberant, lively, and over the top, the zany designer exudes the attitude that if you play by all the rules, you miss all the fun. When she’s not rocking the fashion world with her eccentric frocks and playful lingerie, Betsey is busy building an empire that’s earned her a place in the official Fashion Hall of Fame. After 40 years in the game (she started out at the helm of chic boutiques and launched her eponymous line in 1978) what’s next for the sassy designer? As she prepares to take Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week by storm, Betsey gave us the inside scoop on this season’s collection, her infamous back flips, and more. Check it out below!



1. What’s your earliest memory of knowing you wanted to be in fashion?
In 1964 when I was working at Mademoiselle Magazine, after winning their guest editor contest.

2. What’s been your most rewarding experience as a designer?
Seeing my designs on people

3. Season after season your designs are the funkiest by far. How do you find constant inspiration and fresh new ideas?
I still design what I personally would love to wear.

4. We can always count on your shows to have the best music. Which artists do you have in constant rotation these days?
Nicki Minaj and Adele

5. How did the tradition of the cartwheel finale at your runway shows come to be?
I threw it for fun, and it was fun, and then it became a thing!

6. Last season your show was inspired by whimsical rap artist Nicki Minaj. Is there any other celebrity you’d love to collaborate with?
My daughter, Lulu

7. We’re dying to know—what can we expect to see on the runway this season?
Androgynous Beatle girls and glamorous Valley of the Dolls girls

8. You’ve been at the forefront of fashion for over 45 years, where do you see the Betsey Johnson empire going next?
To heaven and back!