07-03-2025
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Pays Tribute to Fashion Queen Betsey Johnson in WeHo
No designer melds dolly-girl whimsy with maximalist punk chick moxie like Betsey Johnson. Lace and leopard prints, ruffles and roses, bows and skulls, hot pink and black everything— it's a tough yet tender aesthetic that's proven to have universal and enduring to a new generation of fans —like pop star Olivia Rodrigo— Johnson's cute yet sexy style is no longer just a Gen-X or millennial obsession. Her now-vintage 80's and 90's dresses and bags have become hot on re-sale sites and her new designs maintain the same pizzazz. Of course, those of us who've loved her looks since she had her own brick and mortar boutiques (our faves were the Melrose Ave. and Beverly Center locations in L.A.) have a special affection for Betsey, and we've stayed loyal to the brand, even when the stores closed and Steve Madden took over the company back in 2010.
Johnson is the still the creative force behind the glam accessories and fanciful frocks we all love, but her fashion icon status was solidified in a new way last week with an appearance on the latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race. LA mag was in the house to celebrate our favorite designer and the TV sensation at Beaches Tropicana (formerly Heart nightclub) on Santa Monica Blvd. on Friday and it was a fierce fete designer and Drag Race alumni Naomi Smalls co-hosted the bash, which featured signature cocktails from Smirnoff and performances by Lolita Colby and RPDR Season 17's own Suzie Toot, plus a runway contest with fans prancing for the designer in her pieces. There was also a live airing of the Emmy award-winning reality competition's latest episode honoring her historic career. Competing queens created looks and walked the runway in three BJ-influenced categories including 'Punk Grunge Flappers,' 'Betsey's Prom' and 'Prenup' nodding to her newer bridal designs. Johnson herself judged and the episode ended with an audacious lip sync for life between contestants Lydia B. Collins and Kori King, who happen to be dating (oh the tea!) and ended their battle by making out— a very fitting move considering the song they performed was Lita Ford's "Kiss Me Deadly." We won't spoil who won or who sashayed away, but Betsey was a perfect fit for the show.
'I was beyond excited to be part of RuPaul's Drag Race because it's just the most fabulous, over-the-top explosion of creativity and self-expression,' Johnson tells LA mag after the event. 'I thought I was dreaming when they told me the episode would be inspired by my collections. It was the greatest honor— I've never heard my name so much in my life! What I love about the show is how it's all about celebrating individuality, being fearless, and just going for it! I've known RuPaul for decades now, I remember her early days downtown in NYC and to see what she's created is truly incredible."Johnsons support and love for the drag, queer and transgender communities was highlighted in the show, when RuPaul shared that she was the first designer to use trans models. It was never about ticking boxes for her though. 'I just wanted my runway to be a place where all models were welcome and they could be themselves,' she says. 'Whoever had the confidence to rock my runway was welcome! I grew up as a performer and immediately the community I identified with and felt safe around was the LGBTQ community. They always welcomed me and celebrated individuality in a way that I loved. Now I look back on it and I'm so proud that it's part of my legacy but at the time it was just who I wanted to be around, lift up, and design the coolest clothing for.'
Johnson, who has a home in Malibu, also shares her thoughts on the 'heartbreaking' recent fires. 'Malibu is such a magical place, and seeing our community go through that devastation was just gut-wrenching,' she says. 'I was lucky, but so many people lost so much. Malibu lost some of my favorite places. Places that shaped our community. Honestly I have no words other than stay strong and let's continue to support each other as the city comes back to life. 'Known for doing the splits, the youthful 81-year-old proved she's still agile as ever at the WeHo event doing them on stage. She also still actively creates new things. She tells us her latest endeavors include painting. "I can't wait to show everyone my new art collection,' she enthuses. As for the brand, she says it'll 'never stop sparkling,' and that's obvious from the Drag Race episode. Expect to see her work pop up again via the show's wall of shoes (which queens use with their themed ensembles) where BJ items will be available all season long, too. She made the footwear seen on the show available to the public in 12+ sizing, an inclusive move so that everyone can prance pretty and proudly, just like the superstars on show. Check 'em out HERE and see more pics from the party in the gallery below.
All photos in this story courtesy Betsey Johnson / Roger Kisby.
View the 45 images of this gallery on the original article
hosts RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 viewing parties every Friday night. This Fri., March 7, join current contestant Crystal Envy and watch episode #10 which promises a "Villains Roast" and appearances by "the shadiest queens in Drag Race herstory" including Kandy Muse, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, and Plane Jane. Comedian Whitney Cummings is the guest judge.
