After 30+ years fashions most whimsical and over the top designer is handing over the reins. After her Spring 2010 show at New York Fashion Week in September, Betsey Johnson will do her last cartwheel on the runway. Rumors have been flying around for months and now although it saddens me to do so I can confirm that the rumors are indeed true. Eric Sartori, who has previously designed for Vera Wang, will become the brand's head designer.
Betsey Johnson brings out the fairy princess in every girl. Her designs look like they were plucked from the enchanted world of Alice in Wonderland. As embellished and outrageous as Johnson's designs might be they still have a certain soft feminine appeal to them.
Betsey Johnson started her own label in 1978 and has since been having the time of her life. She was inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame in 2002 and in 1999 the CFDA created the 'Timeless Talent Award' in her honor.
Now I don't know how everyone else feels about this but I am crushed by this devastating loss. But there is a happy ending to this story although Johnson may be "retiring" she still plans to be a part of her corporation.
"...I'll be a mega consultant. And be that - be the inspiration, the light at the end of the tunnel, the fairy godmother that comes down," said Johnson in a press release about her retirement.
"As long as I still have my legs and my make-up I will not retire!"
- Erin Jones
