New Store Alert: Betsey Johnson

If you’ve been pacing outside Fashion Central, anxiously anticipating the opening of the newest Betsey Johnson boutique, the wait is finally over – Betsey’s cartwheeled her way into Cowtown!

When you open that shop door, you’re going to feel like the famously energetic designer is truly playing in our own backyard.  Portraits of Betsey are stitched into the neon-hued dressing room curtains and a massive black and white photograph lives above the store’s counter; capturing her fit and fabulous 60-something physique.

Glossy white walls and ample light put dramatic focus on all the colourful, creative pieces in Betsey’s winter collection and hints of creative touches pay tribute to her vivacious spirit.  The ceiling is lined with a row of vibrant pink crinoline skirts (the designer’s signature garment) and the plastic lip-shaped couches are like Betsey is kissing the shop, adoringly.

For those of us who have had a longtime love affair with the spunky-Johnson, the shop is a treasure trove of all the favourites: crinoline-lined cocktail dresses in bold colours, a quirky jewellery collection and luscious, structured handbags.

While her pieces typically pop with youthful exuberance, boutique Manager, Justin, reminds me that “Betsey has looks for all ages and styles.  A lot of women assume that her clothes are only for young girls but she has all sorts of looks for all kinds of women”.

Asking Justin what his favourite garment of the season is and he pulls out what he calls “The Cruella De Vil Dress”: a body-hugging sweater dress, finely-knit in an animal-print pattern with cuffs and collars trimmed in faux, black fur.  Sales-Associate Carmen shows me the backside of a deceptively demure riding jacket to reveal corseting laces and a voluminous tail.

As a self-proclaimed prep, I went straight for Betsey’s take on the Chanel 2.55 – a black mini flap bag with a luxuriously long, chain strap.  The best part of the purse?  Betsey’s unique spin on the twist-buckle: a metal tube of red lipstick turns to lock your key pieces safely in place.  This is exactly what makes Betsey such an exciting designer: her uncanny ability to put personality in every piece she creates.

With three other boutiques in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Monreal), over 40 in the US and one in the UK, Betsey’s not only getting better with age, she’s taking the world by storm.

Betsey Johnson

203 8^th Ave SW

Hours:

Monday – Wednesday: 11am – 6pm

Thursday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm

Words by Amy Lynn Strilchuk

Photos by Jasmin Dosanj