As glamorous as fashion shows are, they're not usually very much fun. Except for the Betsey Johnson show, that is. It's a must-see every season, not because it's trendy or cool or chic, but because it's not. It's a trash-tastic explosion of frills, bows, and sequins, and it's ***flawless. Here's why:
1. Drag queens and transvestites can work a runway better than any supermodel.
Who needs Karlie Kloss when you've got RuPaul's Drag Race alum, Willam, to walk in your show?
2. Betsey knows there's no such thing as too many ruffles, sequins, or bows.
The more ornate and outrageous the outfit, the bigger the smiles of everyone in the audience.
3. Most of the outfits are completely unwearable by anyone other than Miley Cyrus.
And there ain't nothing wrong with that! Throw some blue pasties and a veil on this look, and you've got a major Miley wedding dress contender.
4. And yet, the lingerie is actually totally cute.
At this point, Betsey makes a lot of her money from the sale of her lingerie collection and she's got some pretty great stuff. It's affordable, fun, and actually wearable.
5. It's not about trends.
At any other show, editors would be sitting around trying to break the collection down into its various trends, comparing them to the trends they have noticed in other shows. But there are no trends at Betsey Johnson. Or if there are, they seem more coincidental than intentional. The show is pure joy. Trends be damned! And, really, isn't that how all the coolest, most fun people approach dressing anyway?
6. The whole show feels like one big party.
This year, the party was a queer double wedding, and let's be real, who wouldn't want to attend a wedding with this cast of characters? Boring, un-fun people who I would prefer not to know, that's who!
7. Audience participation is encouraged.
The models set the tone, by laughing and voguing and hamming it up for the cameras, but the audience gets in on it too, whistling and cheering and shouting things like, "Yas, hunty!" "Werk!" "Chic for days! Chic for days!" "Get it, gurl!" and, "Strut!" The more they shout, the more the models give — love begets love, people — and by the end of the show, there's more love in that room than in a box full of puppies.
8. Merkins.
Merkins (aka pubic wigs) have been around since the 1450s. In olden times, they were worn made out of fur and worn by prostitutes to hide signs of disease on their genitals, but Betsey's merkins are made of marabou feathers and worn by fabulous drag queens over sheer negligees while they strut their stuff on the runway. Upgrade!
9. The clothes are literally falling apart on the runway and no one cares.
There is a very real sense that these outfits are held together by staples and hot glue — like the whole collection was made as part of some insane real-life Project Runway 24-hour design challenge. As a result, every look is infused with a kind of frantic energy and vitality that completely transcends traditional notions of "craftsmanship" and "quality."
10. Betsey is 72 years old, but she still ends every show with a cartwheel and a split.
Joy keeps you young and Betsey is one of the most joyful women around. How could she not be with such an adorable granddaughter to cartwheel and split down the runway with her?
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