SPRING 2012
Table of Contents
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ABOUT
SPRING 2012
FALL 2011
ADDITIONAL STYLES
POINT OF PURCHASE
New York designer Betsey Johnson has built her long-standing career in fashion by following
her own set of rules. Known for her celebration of the exuberant, the embellished and the overthe-top, Betsey has been rocking the fashion industry with her unique and original designs since
the 1960’s. Her commitment to her one-of-a-kind vision has afforded Betsey continued success
in an industry known for its fickleness. Her ability to change with the times while keeping her
designs pure has not gone unnoticed. At the 1999 CFDA Awards, Betsey was presented with
The Timeless Talent Award, an award created especially for her that recognized her influence
on fashion throughout her career.
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 Tuffin and Foale. 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 store opening, 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. In the early 1970’s, she
came into creative control of the label Alley Cat, a label which set the trends for 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.
After a decade of designing for other labels, Betsey decided to make a dramatic change in her
life. In 1978, she formed a partnership with Chantal Bacon and started the Betsey Johnson label,
as it is known today. Designing for herself allowed Betsey the creative freedom to execute her
vision to its fullest potential. That same year, Betsey and Chantal launched their first retail store in
the heart of Soho. In the early 80’s, they were one of the first to open a store on Melrose Avenue
in Los Angeles, helping the street to gain its worldwide recognition as one of the best shopping
areas of the 1980’s. Today there are over fifty Betsey Johnson stores worldwide. International
expansion came in 1998 with the opening of the wildly popular London store and in 1999 the
Vancouver store opened its doors. Toronto opened in early September 2003 and in September
2006, the first Betsey Johnson store opened in Japan. Betsey Johnson clothing is also available
in better department and specialty stores throughout the country, as well as in Europe and Asia.
The year 2003 marked some exciting licensing endeavors for the company, taking Betsey’s
signature prints and whimsy to new audiences with categories including handbags and lingerie.
She continued this trend and has since added shoes, belts, cold weather accessories, eyewear,
watches, jewelry, swimwear, legwear, outerwear and a fragrance, thus effectively emerging as
not only a clothing designer but a top American lifestyle brand.
In late 2002, Betsey was honored with an induction into the Fashion Walk of Fame, honoring her
contribution to American fashion. A bronze and granite plaque containing an original sketch,
signature and biography was embedded into the Seventh Avenue sidewalk in early 2003. In
March 2005, the Signature Awards and NAWBO-NYC committee honored Betsey with the
2005 Lifetime Achievement Award. Following that, Betsey received the Lifetime Achievement Award
from the Accessories Council in November 2005. Betsey Johnson was also honored with the
Designer of the Year Award at the annual Fashion Accessories Benefit Ball (FABB) in May 2007.
A survivor of breast cancer, Betsey continues to be a strong advocate in the fight against the
disease, making public appearances, participating in numerous fund raising events and creating
one-of-a-kind items that have been auctioned off to raise funds for various charities. In 2003,
the CFDA asked her to be an Honorary Chairperson for the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer
initiative, which she graciously accepted. In April of 2004, she was awarded another honor by
the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) for her continuous fight against Breast Cancer
at a prestigious ceremony hosted by Ron Perelman. In Spring of 2004, she teamed up with
Geralyn Lucas, the author of the book “Why I Wore Lipstick...to my Mastectomy,” designing
an accompanying t-shirt which was launched in Betsey Johnson stores nationwide in October
2004 at a series of events called “Courage Nights.” Courage Nights continued for its second
year in 2005 with CFDA Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and Self magazine joining the cause.
Betsey Johnson, the woman and the label, is constantly moving forward and continues to keep
a strong foothold in the fashion industry with no signs of letting up anytime soon. Her love of
detail and design is evident in everything she does in life and in business, and the enthusiasm,
creativity and boundless talent that have kept her at the forefront of fashion for the past 40
years will keep Betsey going for years to come.
“Making clothes involves what I like…color, pattern, shape and movement…I like the everyday
process…the people, the pressure, the surprise of seeing the work come alive walking and dancing
around on strangers. Like red lipstick on the mouth, my clothes wake up and brighten and bring the
wearer to life…drawing attention to her beauty and specialness…her moods and movements…her
dreams and fantasies.” – Betsey Johnson
As one journalist recently quoted, “If Betsey Johnson didn’t exist, we would have to invent her,
simply to remind ourselves that fashion can be fun. She’s the original wild child and set to paint
the town pink!”
Spring 2012
This season, Betsey Johnson introduces three exciting
new groups:
PURPOSELY PEARLESCENT
ROCKSTAR GLAM
BOLT OF LIGHT
Purposely Pearlescent
BUTTERFLY LOVE, PRECIOUS PASTEL
N’PETALS,FLIRTATIOUS BETSEY,
PURRTTY BETSEY
Playful and sassy, the Purposely Pearlescent group embodies
Betsey’s spunky personality. With solid frame fronts and flirty temple
patterns, including floral, butterfly and leopard, this group’s stylish
flair allows for the ultimate in wearability!
Rockstar Glam
BLONDIE, VINTAGE HEARTS, DOUBLE
THE LOVE
Paying homage to Betsey’s rock-n-roll past, Rockstar Glam
employs satin-finished stud detailing in a variety of colors and
shapes on its frame fronts and temples. Adding extra flare, the
group offers a new color palette including acetates in hot pink, lime
and neon orange making these frames the epitome of rocker-chic!
Bolt of Light
WILD THING, THUNDERSTRUCK
Renowned for her electric energy, Betsey has also been a
long-time fan of the lightning bolt motif. The new group, Bolt
of Light, brings this charisma to life with metal temples in the
shape of a lightning bolt that are decorated with glittering
stones in contrasting pop colors. Combined with glitter acetates
and multi-colored laminate frame fronts, these frames are
positively striking.
Butterfly Love BJ0124
01 Raven
02 Espresso/Teal
SIZE 51/15/140
07 Violet
10 Rose
22 Espresso
01
02
07
10
22
Flirtatious Betsey BJ0125
01 Raven/Rose
02 Espresso
SIZE 52/16/140
07 Violet
10 Rose
11 Raven
07
01
02
10
11
Precious Pastels n’ Petals BJ0126
01 Raven/Rose
02 Espresso
07 Violet
SIZE 52/16/140
10 Rose
11 Raven
02
01
07
10
11
Purrtty Betsey BJ0127SG
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 62/14/130
07 Violet
01
02
07
Wild Thing BJ0128
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 55/16/140
05 Indigo
07 Violet
22 Havana
07
01
02
05
22
Thunderstruck BJ0129SG
00 White/Teal
55 Blue/Yellow
01 Raven
SIZE 58/18/140
02 Espresso
05 Teal/Purple
08 Green/Pink
55
00
01
02
05
08
Blondie BJ0134
SIZE 50/18/135
01 Raven 02 Espresso
22 Havana
07 Violet
10 Rose/Green
11 Neon Rose
01
02
07
10
11
22
Vintage Hearts BJ0135
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 53/16/135
10 Rose
22 Caramel
22
01
02
10
Double the Love BJ0136SG
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 52/21/135
06 Cherry
07 Violet
08 Lime
10 Rose
07
01
02
06
08
10
Fall 2011
Obsolete Chic
BETSEY O’HARE, BETSEY ERA,
DOWNTOWN VINTAGE
The sophisticated Obsolete Chic group seamlessly blends old Hollywood
with Betsey’s signature style. Inspired by vintage glamour, each frame is
crafted from a new handmade spotty tortoise with hints of pop colors,
resulting in a retro look with a modern twist.
Betsey O’Hare BJ0121
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 51/16/135
07 Violet
10 Rose
22 Havana
10
01
02
07
22
Betsey Era BJ0122
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 54/14/135
10 Rose
22 Espresso Green
22
01
02
10
Downtown Vintage BJ0123
01 Raven
02 Bronze
07 Violet
SIZE 52/17/135
84 Olive Green
07
01
02
84
ADDITIONAL STYLES IN
THE BETSEY JOHNSON
EYEWEAR COLLECTION
Belle BJ0119
01 Raven
SIZE 48/17/135
02 Espresso
05 Sky
06 Berry
05
01
02
06
Brilliance BJ096
01 Raven
SIZE 53/15/132
02 Espresso
07 Violet
07
01
02
Cha Cha Cheetah BJ051
01 Raven
02 Bronze
SIZE 52/17/135
06 Burgundy
07 Violet
01
02
06
07
Chic BJ0117
01 Raven
SIZE 51/18/135
02 Espresso
05 Teal
07 Violet
02
01
05
07
Couture BJ0120SG
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 57/17/135
05 Teal
07 Violet
01
02
05
07
Cutie Pie BJ0112
01 Raven
SIZE 52/17/135
02 Espresso
05 Indigo
06 Burgundy
06
01
02
05
Fancy Eyes BJ0110
01 Raven
02 Bronze
SIZE 52/17/135
05 Indigo
07 Violet
02
01
05
07
Gingham Girl BJ094
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 50/18/135
06 Cherry
07 Violet
01
02
06
07
Itsy Bitsy Fancy Eyes BJ0113
01 Raven
02 Bronze
05 Indigo
SIZE 48/17/135
07 Violet
01
02
05
07
Itsy Bitsy Hard Rock 2 BJ089
01 Raven
02 Espresso
07 Violet
SIZE 48/15/135
10 Rose
10
01
02
07
Itsy Bitsy Purr-fect BJ102
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 47/14/135
07 Violet
10 Rose
10
01
02
07
J’adore BJ0118
01 Raven
SIZE 50/18/135
02 Espresso
05 Sky
06 Berry
01
02
05
06
Jungle Princess BJ106
01 Raven/Violet
02 Espresso
SIZE 52/16/135
10 Rose
11 Raven/Cobalt
22 Cheetah
11
01
02
10
22
Jungle Queen BJ109
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 50/19/140
06 Burgundy
07 Violet
07
01
02
06
Lovely Lace BJ0111
01 Raven
02 Bronze
SIZE 52/16/135
05 Teal
06 Burgundy
05
01
02
06
Ombre Dots BJ0116
01 Raven
02 Bronze
SIZE 51/18/135
05 Midnight
10 Rose
02
01
05
10
Ombre Lace BJ0115
01 Raven
02 Bronze
SIZE 50/18/135
06 Burgundy
08 Sage
06
01
02
08
Ombre Web BJ0114
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 51/17/135
06 Melon
07 Violet
08 Olive
07
01
02
06
08
On The Prowl BJ052
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 52/15/135
06 Burgundy
07 Violet
06
01
02
07
Petal Pusher BJ103A
01 Raven
02 Bronze
SIZE 52/19/135
05 Navy
07 Violet
01
02
05
07
Petal Pusher BJ103B
01 Raven
02 Bronze
SIZE 52/19/135
05 Navy
07 Violet
05
01
02
07
Punk Rock BJ003
07 Violet
11 Raven
07
SIZE 51/16/140
22 Espresso
11
22
Ravishing Rose BJ104
01 Raven
02 Bronze
SIZE 50/18/135
05 Navy
07 Violet
01
02
05
07
Rockin’ Rose BJ100SG
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 56/19/135
10 Rose
22 Caramel
22
01
02
10
Rosie Chic BJ105
01 Raven
SIZE 51/16/135
02 Espresso
05 Navy
11 Raven/Violet
02
01
05
11
Rosie Rosebud BJ107
01 Raven
02 Espresso
SIZE 53/17/130
05 Navy
07 Violet
02
01
05
07
Shady Lady BJ108SG
01 Raven/Rose
SIZE 56/19/135
02 Espresso
11 Raven/Rosebud
22 Cheetah
01
02
11
22
Wild Rose BJ099
01 Raven
SIZE 52/18/135
02 Espresso
10 Rose
01
02
10
Mirror SIZE 8”w x 9.5”h
Logo Plaque SIZE 5”w x 2.5”h
4-Piece Riser SIZE 13.25”l x 7”w x 3.5”h
Poster SIZE 24”w x 30”h
Counter Card SIZE 6”w x 8”h
POINT OF PURCHASE
Betsey Johnson Eyewear is Manufactured Under Trademark License
by Legacie Accessories LLC.
For additional information and/or to place an order,
please contact Legacie Customer Service:
1140 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10001
Phone 212 686 9003 or 866 534 2243
Fax 212 683 0437
[email protected]
legacie.com / visit us on facebook