Before yesterday, I had only heard and seen second-hand the wonders of a Betsey Johnson show, but now I can say with sublime happiness that I have seen it for myself. Courtesy of HC’s associate editor Alice Chen, I wound up at Betsey’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection, comically entitled, “Prenup.” The entire show was themed like a wedding, opening with a happy (gorgeous) male couple in black pants white tuxedo jackets that read “Pre” on one jacket and “Nup” on the other in shimmering silver sparkles. In accordance with the theme, much of the show featured bridal-inspired lingerie—some really fantastical constructions, really, like a clear plastic dress outlined at the seams in white, and a sheer white gown edged in a pattern of white boxes. There were also some amazing dresses, like a metallic silver foil ballgown covered in pleats, a skin-toned bodycon gown covered in white flowers, and a dusty rose lace gown that the model twirled down the runway.
Among the models there was many a Real Housewife (Camille Grammer, Cynthia Bailey, Kristen Taekman), America’s Next Top Model contestant Isis King, and from RuPaul’s Drag Race Willam Belli and Sharon Needles (season 4 winner of the show and one of my favorite drag queens ever—seriously, when she came out as the bride my jaw fell to the floor and I shouted “OH MY GOD SHARON NEEDLES” and clapped my hands together in pure glee). At the end, all the models came out in white tanks and tank dresses reading “I Will” or “I Won’t” or “Mr.” or “Mrs.” with silver pom-poms that they threw in the air (I caught one!). Betsey came out with her Dancing with the Starts partner Tony Dovolani and did her signature cartwheels with her granddaughters, to thunderous cheers and applause. She was then carried off the runway in an embrace by Sharon Needles.
With her oh-so-delicious flair for the dramatic, most of the female models were outfitted with messy, teased Marilyn Monroe-meets-Anna-Nicole hair, with thick black eyelashes resembling Tammy Faye Bakker. They dripped in faux diamonds and silver and walked down the runway to classics like “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” and “Going to the Chapel,” many of which sent the audience clapping and dancing in their seats. Honestly, it was like a rock concert of a fashion show, and easily the best one (of each??) that I have ever been to. Models smiled and laughed and twirled their dresses and had fun. I wish all fashion shows were like this all the time.
See here and below for some more snaps I took at the show, and here on Style.com for the entire collection.