Fashion Wire Daily NY May 15, 2003 - Passersby peeking into Betsey Johnson's New York Soho store yesterday at lunchtime might have thought a high priced piņata had just exploded.
The boutique was in full fiesta style, replete with crepe paper cutouts, confetti and rose petals strewn generously throughout. A spicy spread of veggie tortillas, shrimp, guacamole, salsa and sangria was laid out while the senorita herself, the ever-festive Ms. Johnson, held court.
The carnival-esque luncheon celebrated the launch of 'Betseyville,' Johnson's new sportswear line -- a collection of trenches, jackets, jeans, skirts and knits.
Inspired by her recent purchase of a Mexican hotel in Zihuatanejo, a tiny fishing village, which she has revamped in jolly Johnson style into a holiday home, and also influenced by some old fashioned rock 'n' roll, the collection -- although easy and casual in denim, cord and cottons -- is rich in Johnson's Mexican interpretation. The easy relaxation of her time spent horse riding, kayaking, beaching and just driving around, is unmistakably felt in the clothing. And it's definitely wearable for such outdoor activities -- unlike her fitted, lacy numbers.
"I had been to this tiny village on the Pacific back in the '60s, and after an awful, rainy time at the Delano a few seasons back, I decided spur of the moment to revisit it," Johnson said.
The designer stayed at the tiny hotel, loved it, bought it and christened it Betseyville.
"It's beautiful down there, so peaceful, so unspoiled, I love taking a few friends down there to relax, explore." After 40 plus years in the business, Johnson was craving something "away from my regular Hamptons, Miami haunts."
Despite Johnson's vibrant and theatrical taste, Betseyville is pretty tame, with only a few scattered bungalows simply decorated, a pool and a big room to hang out in.
Following her newfound simpler way of living, Johnson decided some of her designs should be similarly toned down, reflecting who she now is.
"Not so long ago, I was truly thinking of handing this over and taking time out. Then I realized my dress line needed to describe me more and I wanted a line lower on dazzle and price, so I am actually working harder than I have done in years," she told FWD.
The knits with lace trimming or a horse head on the back and horseshoe on the front, layered Mexican skirts in oranges and fuchsia, and Betseyville-logoed tanks add the exotic flavor, working well with tamer pieces in the line such as a purple cord skirt and jacket, cord trench, green denim minis and a fantastic hooded cargo jacket. Betsey's cheekiness wasn't left out of the equation either; many of the denims have a label sewn into the zipper that reads, "Come on Down."
Nothing in the 'Betseyville' launch line is over $300; coats hit between the $200 to $300 mark and the "cutesville" tanks are only $38.
Although she's put herself to task, Johnson makes sure she heads back to Betseyville once a month to relax and be inspired.
"I work really hard down there actually, get up early, lay my stuff out on the lawn and get to it, if I didn't have the designing to do, I'd be bored," she admitted.
'Betseyville' and Betsey's new shoe line will hit Betsey Johnson stores nationwide in August.
