Betsey Johnson surprised the crowds at New York Fashion Week by throwing not only a Spring 2013 runway show, but a birthday party, too!
Betsey’s designs have long been a go-to for prom girls (I wore Betsey Johnson for my prom and junior cotillion), so it was a bit of a bummer when the 70-year-old designer filed for bankruptcy in May. It looked like the end of the line for the frilly cupcake dresses and neon hues that made Betsey an icon.
But now, Betsey will be back just in time for prom 2013, with a new lower-priced collection that will be carried in department stores rather than her former namesake boutiques, according to ABC News. Expect to spend anywhere from $99 to $249 on these frilly frocks.
So let’s all breathe a huge sigh of relief and take a look at what Betsey’s got in store for girls going to prom this spring! As usual, her collection features every shade of pink and red, from the palest ballerina slipper hue to deep magenta and neon. But, there are a few other colors thrown in to round out the collection, including mint green, teal, yellow and black.
Click through to check out more dresses and trends!
Ruffles
It wouldn’t be a Betsey Johnson collection without a generous helping of ruffles. They were found on the runway in every hue and size, from mini tiered ruffles to giant ruffled high-low hems. There was even a petticoat sighting or seven, as usual. Forget sleek and embrace the ruffle for prom 2013.
Lace
This pale pink and white Betsey mini dress by Betsey Johnson features a double-tiered skirt and gorgeous lace overlay that adds so much texture, it’s hard to look away. You may want to leave the piglet at home, though.
Details, Details
For prom 2013, it’s all about the details, and this Betsey Johnson design has it in spades. Rows of tiny ruffles plus pink, silver and gold trim decorate this dress, creating a unique design that we’ve never really seen from Betsey before.
Sheer Overlay
Betsey Johnson usually has at least one leopard piece in her collection. Here, she incorporates the signature pattern by using it for one of the hottest trends for prom 2013: sheer overlay.
Prints
Oversize flower prints are a Betsey Johnson hallmark, so if you’ve got your heart set on a printed prom dress for 2013, you’re in luck. Betsey pulls out all the stops with this oversize bright yellow and black rose print mini dress.
Drop Waist Gowns
Betsey Johnson perfected the drop waist during the 1980s, and she’s resurrecting the trend for prom 2013. The boning in the bodice and the flair of the tulle skirt really makes this dress flattering.
High low hems are still going strong for prom 2013, and Betsey Johnson embraces the trend by making it her own. She creates a mini high-low, with the shortest hem just grazing the model’s mid-shin. I love how the ruffles form a subtle train.
No matter what season it is, this trend is always in style: being yourself. If there’s one thing that Betsey Johnson has taught us throughout her 34-year-plus design career, it’s to embrace who you are and wear what you love, no matter what everyone else is doing or buying.
Betsey’s designs are always outrageous and always stand out, which his why she’s made such a name for herself and developed a cult following.
Her fashion shows are filled with glitter, cartwheels, and models who are encouraged to practically dance down the runway. It’s a grand departure from the seriousness and starkness of other designers’ runway shows, and that’s totally okay. Betsey will always be Betsey, and that’s why we love her.
So, if you find a prom dress that you love but is a little bit different from what everyone else is telling you to get, just go for it! Wear the dress and have the time of your life- because hey, you only get one senior prom!
More for Prom 2013:
- Prom 2013 Trend Spotting: Sherri Hill's Runway Show
- A Look at Nina Dobrev's Bold Style
- Braided Hairstyles for Prom and Parties
- The Prom and Homecoming Look Book!