Betsey Johnson

MODW: "Tell us a little bit about what it was like for you when you won the Mademoiselle Guest Editor Contest, the event that officially launched your career. How did your life and career change in the year after winning the contest?"

Betsey: "I was hoping to get to New York so, I entered this contest where the prize was the chance to work at the magazine for a month. The year I won, we went to London, which was like beyond… with brands like BIBA and Mary Quant. I met Penelope Tree who asked me to make her outfit for Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball. On my return, I knew I wanted to be a designer and started making clothes. I put catalogues in the ladies bathrooms at Conde Nast, so every girl from Vogue and Glamour saw them while they were peeing. After a few months, I tried to get a design job but it seems impossible because I had no credits. Then, this bizarre boutique called Paraphernalia opened on Madison Avenue. I walked in with some crayon color sketches and two suitcases of clothes and was hired right away. Although my clothes hadn’t hit in time for the opening, when they arrived the collection was called "Paraphernalia by Betsey Johnson". That was the start of my design career over forty years ago."

MODW: "Every business person sweats it when they launch their own business. what was it like for you when you launched your first store, Betsey Bunki Nini, in 1969. Any anecdotes behind it - things that any person with a big career dream could appreciate?"

Betsey: "It was a group effort but didn’t last very long. You all have to be on the same page, offer something that people will want to buy, and really believe in what you’re trying to sell."

MODW: "What has kept you in love with fashion - and the industry - for so long?"

Betsey: "I’ve always loved the world of pretend, costumes, movement… and making clothes. Clothes, I myself like to wear. Luckily enough there’s always been someone else out there who wanted to wear my stuff too."

MODW: "Do you think it's a designer's responsibility today to relate their work to the world and the things in it that need to be changed? In short, do you think it's time for design and politics to blend a new, more meaningful way?"

Betsey: "Maybe in the sense where we use eco-friendly fabrics and where production doesn’t hurt people and the planet."

MODW: "What do you think about the designers who are the up-and-comers today, are they really original or more in-line with the commercial aspects of the industry?"

Betsey: "I haven’t seen a new trend since the 80’s. Everything is recycled these days. Doesn’t mean the new comers aren’t really talented. If they have something that stands out and fills a niche and have people who want to buy, they are on the right track."

MODW: "As a woman do you think it is possible to have it all or is that a myth you passed on long ago?"

Betsey: "Sure, why not! Got the job, the kids, the looks?? The health (knock on wood). No husband, but YES, lover!"

MODW: "What's been your proudest achievement in your life?"

Betsey: "My daughter, Lulu."

MODW: "What are the things that make you passionate today?"

Betsey: "My family. My granddaughters."

MODW: "What about glass ceilings in the business world? What's your strategy for breaking those barriers that stand in the way of realizing your career goals?"

Betsey: "I always stuck to my guns no matter what."

MODW: "If there was one big secret to your extraordinary success what would that be?"

Betsey: "The same as always, stick to your guns and believe in yourself no matter what anyone else says. If you feel you’re going in the right direction, nothing can stop you."

MODW: "How hard was it for you to balance a huge career like yours with a personal life?"

Betsey: "I guess it’s kind of sad to admit but my work has been and is my life. It was very hard supporting Lulu as a single mom. But we grew up together and we have the closest bond ever. Husbands came and went, but my work was always there. Now, I’m trying to come in to the office less than usual. It’s great living in the same building as Lulu and the kids because I get to see them everyday."

MODW: "What's the most surprising thing about fame that you have discovered to be true?"

Betsey: "I’m famous?"

MODW: "What's the next big dream adventure, in life or your work, you're dying to take on?"

Betsey: "That the company continues on for 30 more years! And to travel more… new exotic places I’ve never been to."

Interview by Constance  
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www.betseyjohnson.com