On Tuesday, the iconic fashion designer, Betsey Johnson, celebrated her 80th birthday with LA’s hottest influencers and celebs. The event was held at Lombardi House in Hollywood and Selling Sunset’s, Christine Quinn was in attendance. 
In true Betsey fashion, shirtless men with beefy muscles greeted guests with rose at the door. Old TVs and colorful, yellow and green lawn chairs were sprinkled throughout the venue as bartenders wearing “BOYS <3 BJs” offered the crowd pink Palomas and ice cold margaritas. Vintage pink flamingos laced the lawn making for the perfect photo op. The designer who turned 80 on August 10th also released a new “80th birthday collection” that many LA it girls were seen sporting during the event. Euphoria star, Chloe Cherry, was seen wearing one of the latest collection’s highlight pieces: a body con, rosy printed black dress that she paired with matching combat boots; pushing the narrative that the “teenage dirtbag” Tumblr era is back. The trend (teenage dirtbag) surfaced earlier this summer on TikTok for a reason. And Betsey Johnson is not new to the “too cool for school” aesthetic. She pretty much invented the idea that minimalism is lame when creating her brand back in the 80s. With tattoo inspired designs fused with recognizable pink ballerina tulle, her maximalism attitude can’t be missed. Betsey Johnson’s universe is the epitome of fusing a masculine and feminine approach to fashion creating a name for herself that is known to be whimsical and fun even at age 80.
Rupaul’s Drag Race contestant Gottmik and the audience went wild. The crowd cheered in delight as Betsey danced alongside, eventually going into the splits. “I wish I was that flexible at 80,” was overheard as fans whipped out their iPhones to catch the performance in action. Makeup guru and internet sensation, James Charles, was seen in a matching pink blazer pant set while taking videos of Betsey as she sang. Benito Skinner, Larsen Thompson, Charlotte McKinney, Joy Corrigan, and Carmella Rose were also amongst the crowd – Talk about a guest list.
It’s no surprise that Betsey Johnson is stillas spunky, badass and relevant as she always has been. She’s crushed the idea that women need to be “ladylike” in order to be respected. Instead to Betsey, being cool is all about being authentically you. Her punk rock mentality has shifted into her designs with her new Halloween inspired spider motif patterned fits. Her accessories make a statement, like the champagne bucket-shaped bag or the birthday cupcake clutch. Betsey Johnson’s brand is always 2 steps ahead, pushing political ideologies and fashion alike. Happy birthday, Betsey!
Betsey’s 80th birthday collection is now available for purchase.
