By Alissa Hicks
Energetic and ever-creative fashion designer Betsey Johnson paid Louisville a visit this past week. Von Maur shoppers and visitors got a chance to meet and take photos with the icon, and we at Today's Woman also got a chance to catch up with Betsey. See how she got her career start and where it has led her thus far.
TW: How did you get started in the fashion industry?
BJ: I entered and won a guest editor contest for Mademoiselle magazine in 1964.
BJ: I entered and won a guest editor contest for Mademoiselle magazine in 1964.
TW: When did you know that is what you wanted to do? What lead you to that realization?
BJ: When I was at Mademoiselle, I loved the women that worked there and the category of fashion. By going to work every day and realizing this is what you love to do.
BJ: When I was at Mademoiselle, I loved the women that worked there and the category of fashion. By going to work every day and realizing this is what you love to do.
TW: What obstacles did you have to go through to get to where you are now?
BJ: Three and a half husbands, breast cancer, wonderful single mom-ing with Lulu, working with some great people and some not-so-great people, and loving getting up every day to do what I love to do.
BJ: Three and a half husbands, breast cancer, wonderful single mom-ing with Lulu, working with some great people and some not-so-great people, and loving getting up every day to do what I love to do.
TW: On the flip side, what has been your biggest achievement and why?
BJ: My greatest achievement is my wonderful daughter Lulu and my two beautiful granddaughters, Layla and Ella.
BJ: My greatest achievement is my wonderful daughter Lulu and my two beautiful granddaughters, Layla and Ella.
TW: Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?
BJ: Anywhere and everywhere I see things that inspire me…especially old movies on TCM.
BJ: Anywhere and everywhere I see things that inspire me…especially old movies on TCM.
TW: At what point do you feel like you’ve officially made it in the fashion world? Would you say you’re there? If not, how do you plan to further your career?
BJ: When I received the Timeless Talent award from the CFDA in 1999 and got a plaque on the Fashion Walk of Fame on 7th Avenue in 2002.
BJ: When I received the Timeless Talent award from the CFDA in 1999 and got a plaque on the Fashion Walk of Fame on 7th Avenue in 2002.
TW: Other than fashion, what else are you passionate about and why?
BJ: Home décor, flower arranging, and cake decorating. I love being creative in all aspects of life.
BJ: Home décor, flower arranging, and cake decorating. I love being creative in all aspects of life.
TW: Describe your fashion line in three words.
BJ: Pretty, punk, and colorful.
BJ: Pretty, punk, and colorful.
TW: Would you use these same words to describe yourself?
BJ: Absolutely!
BJ: Absolutely!
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