Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week F/W 2011: Betsey Johnson

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By Tiffany Reo, Guest Blogger and Fashion Week Correspondent

If you were pulling petals off flowers on Valentine’s Day saying, “He loves me, he loves me not,” you would’ve been completely in sync with Betsey Johnson‘s Fall 2011 show. Marching to the beat of her own drum as usual, Betsey’s show was full of energy and surprises. Velvet, leopard, and fantastic florals – all signature Betsey elements – filled the runway. Models bopped on by, donning dark, but girly hair and make-up with golden touches. I overheard the beauty look was inspired by “Betsey as a flapper,” coinciding with the collection’s retro flair. Just as you thought the show was ending, a little blonde with a blunt cut walks out, before it could be mistaken for the designer herself, 1, 2, 3, 4…more Betsey look-a-likes continued to come out. Modeling the company’s new “Pink Patch” collection were 50 friends and employees of Ms. Johnson (lucky, no?!). The real catwalk moment for the Pink Patch models was fun to observe as Betsey’s from-all-walks-of-life walked the runway. Finally, the real deal came out dancing, grabbing friend and famed stylist Patricia Field for some fun before that famous cartwheel, signifying another fantastically fun season will come again.

Editor’s Note: I couldn’t help but swoon over the way the “hairpieces” were painted onto the models’ hair. How genius is that? (see photo fourth from the bottom) – xoxo

“The inspiration for the beauty look at Betsey Johnson is Betsey herself. It’s a flirty look, full of pizazz and spunk. But it’s quite mysterious at the same time. Ultimately, it’s a spin-off of Betsey’s exuberant personality – mixed with the rebellious, roaring 20s.” — Charlotte Willer, Maybelline New York Global Make-up Artist