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Betsey

Written by: Betsey Johnson, Mark Vitulano
Narrated by: Betsey Johnson
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Publisher's Summary

A memoir by the internationally famous fashion designer and style icon

Mention the name "Betsey Johnson" and almost every woman from the age of 15 to 75 can rapturously recall a favorite dress or outfit; whether worn for a prom, a wedding, or just to stand out from the crowd in a colorful way. They may also know her as a renegade single mom who palled around with Edie Sedgwick, Twiggy, and The Velvet Underground, or even as a celebrity contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Betsey is also famous for her iconic pink stores (she had 65 shops across the US) and for her habit of doing cartwheels and splits down the runway at the close of her fashion shows. Throughout her decades-long career, she's taken pride in producing fun but rule-breaking clothing at an accessible price point. What they might not know is that she built an empire from scratch, and brought stretch clothing to the masses in the 80s and 90s.

Betsey will take the listener behind the tutu and delve deeply into what it took to go from a white picket fence childhood in Connecticut to becoming an internationally known force in a tough, competitive business. The book will feature Betsey's candid memories of the fashion and downtown scene in the 60s and how she started her own business from the ground up after designing successfully for multiple other companies. She will discuss that business's ups and downs and reinventions (including bankruptcy), and her thoughts on body image, love, divorce, men, motherhood, and her bout with breast cancer. Betsey is, as a recent New York Times profile noted, "a role model still."
©2020 Betsey Johnson (P)2020 Penguin Audio
Women Art & Literature Professionals & Academics Fashion Business
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What the critics say

“The queen of out-there style bares all in this memoir, recalling everything from her experience as a single mother to the runway acrobatics at her legendary fashion shows.” (Vogue, "41 Books We Can't Wait to Read in 2020")

"Flamboyant, relatable, and totally unpretentious, Betsey Johnson is my kind of gal. This inspiring book is literally a manual for how to succeed in fashion and in life, all the while remaining completely and utterly true to yourself." (Simon Doonan, Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York)

“In this celebration of female entrepreneurship, Johnson writes about creating one’s own opportunities and blazing forward despite the odds...this upbeat memoir captures the spirit and irreverence of Johnson’s colorful personality and clothing.” (Publishers Weekly)

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Profile Image for Harmony Flowers

Spectacular Splash - A Homerun For Betsey

The AUTHENTIC FLAVOR of Betsey's memoire was enhanced by her down-to-earth gentle voice that grabbed my attention from the start. As a spiritual medium and retired counsellor (M.Ed.) who just finished my own memoire on being passionate about soul growth, I was totally inspired by Betsey. My God, the girl has guts! Her willingness to lean into her vulnerability, baring her soul with her life story, is nothing short of exemplary for the rest of us. I myself have struggled my entire life financially...and now I am trying to self-publish & market my book with zero financial backing at 66 years old...and Betsey has reinforced my determination to stick with it, even when the money aspect brings up the fear factor...I want to help people so much with my book while I am still on the planet that I will get it out there even if I am paying off the costs until I take my last breath. Betsey's story has given me more resolve to that end. I loved sewing & made tailored suits & pretty dresses since 15 years old...almost went into dress designing! Had I gone that route, I know Betsey & I would have been colleagues and friends. We have a lot in common. I too had a daughter with a loser guy named Joe & had to get a restraining order after I left him. I have a recent Betsey dress that I love...a Betsey towel...a Betsey fleece blanket...and Betsey perfume. I cannot thank Betsey enough for giving me extra courage to forge ahead with building my brand and business based on my transformational helping memoire...it is synchronistic divine timing that Betsey's story came to my attention at this crucial moment in my life. I was sad when I finished listening to the audiobook as I wanted to hear more. That is the sign of a grand book! Thanks for keeping it real in your life and sharing it with all of us. You are a kindred soul.
Harmony Flowers

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