Betsey Johnson is one of few in the fashion world to become a household name AND face. Even those outside of the industry can typically recognize her trademark cartwheel at the end of every runway show, and her rock n roll attire and personality stand out amongst a sea of overly serious fashion designers. Betsey herself recently visited San Antonio to celebrate the launch of her new perfume Pretty N Punk at Dillard’s North Star location, and when the Dillard’s team reached out to see if I’d like to do an interview, my response was easy: YES! Read on to find out what she’s up to, how she stays inspired, and more from a living legend.
Haute in Texas: Hi Betsey! So I recently read a quote from you that said, “You have to exist without the input of approval.” Can you elaborate on that?
Betsey Johnson: Oh yes! You have to dress for yourself. Do’s and don’ts went out the window a long time ago. Have courage, play dress up, and just have fun with it.
HIT: Love it. Did you always have visions for an empire like you have today?
BJ: Oh no, I never saw it. We just worked our asses off making things we love. I have always loved connecting with my girls, and you gotta love it. But you have to work really hard, I mean constantly. I’m luckier than most in that I love what I do. But you’re only as good as your last sale. You just have to have this wonderful hope that what you like somebody else will like as well.
HIT: Ok, last question, one we ask of all our HIT interviewees, pancakes or waffles?
BJ: Oh my gosh, I can’t fit into this dress if I’m eating pancakes and waffles! Are you kidding?! But back in the day, I would have picked waffles with tons of chocolate syrup and strawberries. That sounds so good!
Betsey’s new fragrance is rosy and floral, just like many of her designs. It’s certainly a major feat for the 76-year-old to still be traveling the country for meet and greets with journalists and fans alike, and San Antonio turned out in big numbers! Perhaps my favorite part of the interview was Betsey’s insatiable curiosity surrounding my custom top by Kirsten Thompson. I literally went into my closet that morning, looked for the craziest thing I own, and decided that would be fitting for Betsey. She loved it! Major props to Kirsten though because I certainly wouldn’t have picked something like that out for myself.
You can find Pretty N Punk on FragranceNet.com or Betsey’s website. Thank you to Dillard’s for the opportunity to sit down with Betsey, it was an honor!
XO,
A
