Runways, designing, and having an eye for fashion and life itsel,; become my immediate thoughts when I think of Betsey Johnson. Who knew that in her later years, she would keep adding talents up her sleeve, now adding painter to the list.
Betsey Johnson picked up not only the paintbrush but her fabulous skills of design as the event launched the designers’ 2025 Pride Campaign, and who other than RuPaul Drag Race Star, Gottmik be the face of it. As June is now here with all of its anticipation, Betsey not only wanted to create this collection but also support its message by donating $1 from every Pride collection purchase to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, supporting vital services and healthcare equity for at-risk communities.
So, how do we incorporate so many celebrations into one event? The Betsey Johnson way. At the entrance of the event, you would be able to find stand-out pieces from the latest collection in wallpaper that covered the walls to the floors. Guiding yourself through this gallery was an eye-appealing maze of wonder, from past runways where Betsey had LGBTQ+ models since the 70s to her newly found creative expression of art that guided you through how she sees womanhood.
Photo Credit: Betsey Johnson
Each painting had its own artistic expression of the faces of different girls in style wearing pieces that Betsey has created herself, she may have even accidentally painted you. It is exciting getting to experience how her designs can be translated from different mediums of art. Want your hands on a piece? Select original artworks will be available for purchase following the event, with 15% of proceeds benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Photo Credit: Betsey Johnson
As the night was winding down, Betsey had expressed to the audience how picking up the paintbrush was almost discouraging because it was her first time doing so, but quickly felt validated through the process of the event alongside family and friends, beside her able to root for her impact as a creative visionary. Having notable RuPaul Drag Race members in the audience supporting the event was a highlight for Betsey Johnson as she is an incredible ally to the LGBTQ+ community, and to their appreciation a performance took place from DD Fuego, Gottmik and Violet Chachki to a DJ set by Mei Kwok. These performances always allow attendees to reflect on the celebration of Pride not only because it is June but because we must uplift Queer voices in every medium of art.
You can shop the collection HERE and browse through the array of pieces Betsey Johnson has curated for this collection.
