If you thought Betsey Johnson's clothes were ultra cool and hip in present day, seeing her fall collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York through a mod 1960's lens put the groove in groovy.
Drawing inspiration from rock 'n' roll songs like the Rolling Stones' "Miss You" and Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child" that played during the show which felt like a party on Monday, 43 designs by Betsey Johnson went down the runway. With names like Sgt. Pepper and Warhol Pop Wear, Johnson captured the mod rocker vibe that was the 1960's from a modern-day standpoint with her flamboyant Betseymania mark.
Printed shifts over turtlenecks, high-waisted trousers and pea coats, sparkly hot pants and boldly colored blouses were all paired with knee-high boots, red leather gloves, neon tights, round sunglasses with white frames and floppy or newsboy hats. Prints ranged from florals to animal print to houndstooth to Pop Art graphics in the shape of "x."
While it's no doubt that her Fall collection was certainly worthy to talk about, Betsey Johnson herself stole the show, as per usual. After a giant screen projected pop bubbles with images of children and women from the 60's while The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" blared through the speakers, 69-year-old Johnson appeared to take her bow with her daughter Lulu and granddaughter Layla, giving high-fives to members in the audience. The three generations of Johnson were also accompanied by models dressed as Betsey Johnson cheerleaders carrying silver metallic pom-pons in marching band style. Then, as always, Johnson executed her signature cartwheel followed by a split as the audience gave a standing ovation.
View the slideshow to see photos of the Fall 2012 collection by Betsey Johnson at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.
A model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersDesigner Betsey Johnson is seen at her show during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012.ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. ReutersA model presents a creation at the Betsey Johnson New York Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week February 13, 2012. Reuters
