The National Arts Club gave their gold medal, honoring a lifetime of achievement, to Betsey Johnson on Tuesday October 14th at their Gramercy Park home. Betsey joins the ranks of Carolina Herrera, Jeff Koons, Lynn Redgrave, Salvador Dali, Martin Scorsese and Whoopie Goldberg. In her opening remarks Chrishaunda Lee, chair of the fashion committee mentioned the clubs commitment to fashion as art and Johnsons contribution to fashion as craft.
The dapper crowd, dressing in vintage Betsey Johnson filled the room, bedazzled and brilliant. Draped in scarves, crisp suits and bow ties, some dresses infused with an art deco vibe. The room sometimes crinkled with the touch of organza and electricity. Betsey was nervous and posed with girls who wanted to be her, she hugged them warmly and smiled broadly and swirled her blond locks and neon yellow blazer.
Chantal Bacon, Betsey's long time business partner, mused about walking in their first fashion show, before the days of lifestyle brands and long term strategy meetings. She mentioned their 31 years, as they grew a strong partnership of business and style. Giving a node to Betsey's many contributions to the industry, as well as the fact that she was the first designer to cartwheel down a runway. The dance teacher responsible for her runway shenanigans sat at a table close to the podium, beaming and applauding happily.
Two paintings were unveiled, created by Dianne Bernhard, one will hang in the permanent collection at the club, the other, a gift to Betsey. After the presentation, the two danced to "All that Jazz" to the glee of the assembled crowd. The designer threw rose petals into the audience.
"Is it filled with chocolate?" Betsey asked, when Aldon James, the president of the NAC presented the award.
For a lifetime of achievement Betsey found her way. Starting out a few blocks away from the NAC and traversing the many odd jobs of youth. She used to make $62 a week and murmured memories of Truman Capote's Black and White ball. She unfurled a felt hot pink scroll with highlights of children and early success, photos tacked on by large cloth pins as family members were dragged on stage to commiserate. The night was important for her. She'd already won an award from the CFDA and from various fashion insiders. Betsey mentioned that this was from a group she respected (and wanted to join), that was on the cusp looking in. Making it even more vital, genuinely thrilled and stammering through her life story and ability to overcome breast cancer. Constantly thanking the crowd of assembled members.
Her contribution to timeless style as mothers hand down their keepsakes and sense memories through this designer clothing, that's her legacy. Being one of the first to mix a unique vision with long-term success. She's had her ups and downs, but through it all, she's weathered many storms and become better then ever. For that, she rightly deserves to join the ranks of the many artists before her.
According to the lady at coat check 300 people came to celebrate and honor this beloved designer. After the dinner, Aldon James danced a jig to Madonna the Black Eyed Pees. I left with a lovely bouquet of pink flowers and a small swag bag.
Photo Credits: The two watermarked images are by Alex Geana Photography, i.e. me. The one award photo is from Getty and the NAC.
Gratuitous Plug: I shoot headshots in New York and have a great book out. For more of spring fashion, check out my blog.
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