How Would Betsey Johnson Do Black Tie?

Posted by Carolyn

on October 19, 2009

This was the question I posed on my Twitter account last week when I was invited to join her for a celebratory dinner at the National Arts Club. President of The National Arts Club, Aldon James and Chair of The Fashion Committee, Chrishaunda Lee presented Betsey Johnson with the Lifetime Achievement in Fashion Award, complete with cocktail hour, a three course meal, speeches, music and dancing.

My twitter friends, and sage fashion advisers, simply suggested that I substitute “pink tie” for “black tie.” As is turns out, they were all completely right on suggesting a “multicolored Betsey outfit,” with “ruffles for sure, hot pink if possible,” and “sequins, definitely sequins.” (See all 3 represented in the picture above.)

I ended up erring on the side of conservative, showing up in a lace black dress with a grey silk jacket. But a lesson learned from all the festive attire spotted in the room – definitely dress to pay homage to the person being honored and celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event with something over-the-top, exuberant and joyous – just like Betsey herself.

If you ever have the opportunity to celebrate with Betsey, make sure to go all out! Take inpiration from the genius herself.