by Krysti Lozinski
Betsey Johnson and Krysti Lozinski
San Francisco — Walking into a Betsey Johnson store is like stepping into punk Barbieʼs closet, but ever wonder what itʼd be like if punk Barbie threw a party? This past Wednesday, I found out.
Betseyʼs ultra-pink, ultra-fabulous Geary Street store was filled with edgy fashionistas clad in her signature designs. Tulle skirts, animal prints, platform pumps, black leather glovelettes, and of course, DRESSES! Betsey was particularly impressed with the array of her vintage creations that fans had pulled out of their closets, and sheʼs vowed to bring back many of her classic designs.
Itʼs also been rumored that several Betsey-ites are sending their vintage pieces to her studio so that she can re-create them for distribution. Keep your eye on the racks in 2010 — thereʼs a good chance youʼll find a revival of your fave Betsey classics.
After a quick chat with the press, Betsey joined her crowd of stylish fans, picked up a mic, and talked for nearly a half hour. Her stories ranged from her life as a starving artist in the ʻ60s, to her days as a cheerleader, her battle with breast cancer, and her adventures with her granddaughter. Uniting Betseyʼs thread of high-energy tales was her personal philosophy, “Do what you want, wear what you want, and be happy.”
Those words were the crowning touch on an already fabulous evening. And, as Betsey put the mic aside, the house music rose, champagne flowed, and fans queued for photo oppʼs. While she wasnʼt able to pose with every fan, Betsey took the time to hug and chat with everyone she met. Sheʼs talented, sincere, passionate about what she does, and forever the queen of the punk Barbies.
Krysti Lozinski is a stylist and owner of Surface Makeup & Image Consulting.
