NYFW: Betsey Johnson Pays Homage to Sixties Style

Pictured: Fashion a go-go, mini dress and boots (M.Hall via livestream.)

Designer Betsey Johnson showed her Fall 2012 collection at New York Fashion Week today.  It seems that both Nicole Miller and Ms. Johnson are feeling more than a passing flash of nostalgia for Fall. Against a back drop of letters brightly spelling out “BETSEYMANIA,” the runway saw revitalized mini-skirts, floopy hats, flowing flowery dresses and psychedelic colors.   There were even bell bottoms and hip huggers. The models wore big Eddie Sedgwick style earring and bobs (see above) and even Janis Joplin’s trademark big round lavender tinted glasses.

Pictured: Fashion flashback, Hendrix style at Betsey Johnson Fall (M.Hall via live stream.)

If you loved the style of Jimi Hendrix, then you’ll love this look (see above)  from the Fall Betsey Johnson 2012 collection.  Actually, I think this might look a bit more chic without the bright fur boa.  I would’ve loved to have seen more of the print blouse hiding underneath all that pouf.  For me, the best looks on this collection channeled the 60s prints of Celia Birtwell on Ossie Clark style dresses. I’ve always loved Betsey Johnson’s distinctive floral prints, with big flowers and bright colors.  

Pictured: Betsey Johnson floral dress maxi dress in foreground, with Twiggy twin coming down the runway

I love the 60s as much as anyone, and there some great pieces in this collection, but there were misses too. There was a sequined skeleton mini-dress that was literally a fright and a bit too much plaid for my taste.  You have to wonder about a 60s inspired (partly by the Beatles) collection in an age when “Who is Paul McCartney” is a trending topic on Twitter.  If people don’t recognize Macca, will they recognize 60s style again? As always with Betsey Johnson, the collection was flirty and playful.  The show concluded with the designer’s trademark cartwheel down the runway.