Friday, July 17, 2009

Dance, Dance Betsey Johnson...Early 80's BJ

With the 80's everywhere once again, we are happy to report that Betsey Johnson & Opening Ceremony are re-creating key dance-inspired looks from Johnson's early years for a small capsule collection due next month. We at Vnyc have been collecting Johnson's earlier pieces for years because she literally helped shape the future of sportswear, we even got to meet the enigmatic Johnson last summer, working as consultants for her growing archive.

Like Norma Kamali, Johnson is a constant source of inspiration for us & designers alike. While the two have very different aesthetics, it was the haute 80's where they basically laid down all future sportswear foundations. While Kamali contributed innovative uses of sweatshirt fabrics, nylon and shoulder pads, Johnson's punkish motives like today, were more about being playful, energetic and ready-to-dance. Giddy energy full-on, non-stop is and has always been a Betsey Johnson trademark.

And it's her iconic face label era that really gets our motors running, not only because of the rarity, but also because everything boldly pronounces why Betsey Johnson is such an important, if however often overlooked figure in American fashion history. Cheeky cherry prints, spandex minis, velour body-con dresses, romantic dance-inspired gear, these are the hallmarks of a time that we not only find irresistible but also totally timeless. Check out some of Vnyc's current early 80's range of Betsey Johnson dance-inspired wear, because what's better than owning the real-original-deal for a fraction of the re-issue?
80's Betsey Johnson Velveteen Ra-Ra Skirt-$166
80's Betsey Johnson Velveteen Body-Con Wrap Dress-$208
80's Betsey Johnson Black A-Line Halter Dress-$248

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