Vintage BETSEY JOHNSON !

Novelty prints, 50's style tutu dresses, leopard print, punk rock studs...what's not to love about the whimsical rock 'n' roll edged fashions of the ever spunky and over-the-top Betsey Johnson?!

Betsey's career started back in the 1960s as an intern at 'Mademoiselle' magazine. After winning a guest editor contest for the same publication she moved to Manhattan boutique Paraphernalia where she was their in-house designer, and became a prominent figure in Andy Warhol's New York scene along with Lou Reed & the Velvet Underground, and Warhol 'superstar' Edie Sedgwick who also became Betsey's fit model.

Betsey in the late 1960s Paraphernalia days

Edie Sedgwick in Betsey Johnson

Betsey opened her first boutique 'Betsey Bunki Nini' on the Upper East side, and took over 'Alley Cat', a fashion label popular with musicians in the 1970s. In 1978 she started her own 'Betsey Johnson' fashion line. Internationally known for her colorful personality and clothes, she now has over 40 stores worldwide! We recently picked up a collection of her stuff from the 80s & 90s, here's a peek at some of it...

1980s Betsey Johnson label

Over-sized Leopard Tote

Studded hot-pants & top set

Striped double breasted jacket & shorts set

Leopard print jacket & skirt set

Novelty print rayon western shirt

Black floral mini dress

Tattoo flash print mini dress

Printed spandex leggings