Saturday, May 19th, Fashion Designer Betsey Johnson made an appearance at Macy’s inside Somerset Collection in Troy for a meet and greet hosted by celebrity blogger and TV personality Micah Jesse. Fashion fanatics got a chance to get some one-on-one time along with having their photo taken with the designer.
I arrived at Macy’s two hours early and fans were already lined up waiting to meet the iconic designer. I walked into the executive offices excited for the opportunity to meet Betsey Johnson before the start of the event.
As I walked into the room she was in, the first thing I noticed was a small lady sitting on the couch in the process of decorating some hats. She was dressed in her typical Betsey Johnson style. The designer was very welcoming and inviting as I walked into the room. She told me to come in and sit. After sitting, she walked over to me and gave me a hug along with one of her samples of perfume to which she referred to as an inspiration point for her new collection, she told me to try it and give her my feedback.
After introducing myself, I began the interview, which seemed more like a casual conversation. We discussed what inspires her, what are some of her favorite pieces from her collection, her statement bags, and advice to upcoming business owners.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
BJ: Inspiration comes from absolutely everywhere. Are you awake? Are you alive? Just pick up on something, because it’s all there. It’s like what do you want to find or see, discover, come up with. A lot of times I love old movies, old black and whites, because they have so much great design stuff, any old movie the way the women dressed, their amazing belt ideas, bag ideas. So it’s anywhere you find it.
Kids need to know, you’ve got to dream it up. The fun is to have it come from what you like.
How do you come up with the designs for your handbags?
BJ: Thank God for the handbag designer that I work with, Christine, she’s fantastic, she’s like a little kid. The catch to the bags are the humor, the kitchy, the funniness, it’s always an idea, and it’s a conversation point.
Of all the things you’ve designed, what would be your absolute favorite?
BJ: My guy’s heart BJ T-shirt. That was the first time I realized that my name had a sexy angle to it. And the other one I liked was the lipstick, diamonds, champagne, and rock n roll t-shirt, that’s just another classic. 55 years of designing, this is one of my favorite things to wear, a simple t-shirt dress. But I’m out of it with fashion. I dress in usually a t-shirt and pants.
What advice would you give someone starting off or coming into the business?
BJ: Work hard
You need talent
You need to find your niche. Why are you doing this, why would anybody buy what your selling?
Don’t be naïve
You have to know the business side of anything you do
I enjoyed meeting Betsey Johnson, I love her down to earth personality and overall energy.
To shopBetsey Johnson, visit here
Merry Nora
This is a great blog! Thank you so much for sharing . Here are get some new & different informative about fashion.
ashish bist
Just a few days back I saw one of her old interviews on youtube, she was charming as always.