MBFW Day 7: The B(etsey Johnson) Is Back! And She Wants Some Justice …

From the Betsey Johnson Spring-Summer 2015 collection, PRENUP. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

HEADS UP: It's early September and that means one important thing in the ragtrade: fashion trade shows. To that end, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York Spring 2015. As we at VEVLYN'S PEN endeavor to bring some interesting fashion news to our dear readers, we don't mind changing with the seasons. One small tweak this season, each day one (perhaps two) designers/labels will be singled out for particular notice. That will be the main story (in more than 50 words). Elsewhere, our commentary will remain unchanged. We will continue to put emphasis on the truly inspirational on the runway and will only do a “best of” when it suits in 50 words or less. On some days we will provide a “snapshot” and so on. Finally, we will continue to do the off-runway bizarre, unusual and generally noteworthy. Thank you for your support!

Day 7
(SOME of the players at the tents and elsewhere: ADRIAN ALICEA, ANNA SUI, BIBHU MOHAPATRA, THE BLONDS, B MICHAEL AMERICA COUTURE, BOSS WOMEN, CLOVER CANYON, DELPOZO, ELIZABETH AND JAMES, ELLE RUNWAY COLLECTION BY KOHL'S, ERIN FETHERSTON, FLUX HAWAII, HANLEY MELLON, JEREMY SCOTT, JOANNA MASTROIANNI, LUAR ZEPOL, MARIA KE FISHERMAN, MAURICIO ALPIZAR/A. BERRETTS, MICHAEL KORS, NEWBARK, ORGANIC BY JOHN PATRICK, OSKLEN, PATRICIA MORALES, PROENZA SCHOULER, REED KRAKOFF, RICARDO SECO, STEVEN ALAN, TRADEMARK)

TWO male models, got up in matching white jackets, v-neck shirts and black pants, meander down the runway. Both are holding the same b&w bouquet. When they make their turn, printed on the back of their jackets in silver sequinned letters are the the words pre and nup, respectively. At the mouth of the runway, one of them grabs the other and kisses him on the mouth.

So begins the Betsey Johnson Spring-Summer 2015 show, “PRENUP. Clearly, BJ is making a case for marriage equality in her unique way. That is, with straight models, along with LBGTQ colleagues. You gotta love it. (See video below).

Judging by the attitude of the getups on the runway, BJ's financial woes of a couple of years ago are forgotten. She is as sanguine as ever and seems to be everywhere this season. One of her dresses appeared in the “Salute the Runway” show last week.

She's behind a few ensems in the traveling “Snoopy & Belle in Fashion presented by MetLife” exhibition that closed yesterday at the New Museum. And she was at that swanky opening cocktail party on Monday night. On Tuesday afternoon, she was front row at the Serena Williams Signature Collection by HSN Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York debut.

Old girl is her old self, producing clothes that don't pretend to be serious. Yet Spring 2015 is more accessible than much of what has come before it, without obvious conformity. And once the mind quits trying to ascertain the gender of the model wearing these wedding-themed frocks, it can concentrate on some of the nifty details and craft herein. They are in here.

Life is too short, so why not walk down the aisle in the blinding silver gown with halter-top and voluminous multi-layered skirt on Atlanta housewife Cynthia Bailey who is strutting a la Mae West? Indeed, one must have the little chiffon negligee with fur bra. A more conservative type may go for the fetching creme embroidered lace A-line cocktail dress with cap sleeves. Retailers will be happy about this one.

In considering BJ, do not literally interpret her from the runway. Of course, this is the case with many designers, but especially true of she of the signature cartwheel. Persist and you may do so at your folly.

Seriously, law enforcement may cite you for indecent exposure. To that end, save the white chiffon wrap with horizontal bands with bra and panties underneath for your bedroom. If you simply must wear it out of doors, pair it with a white pencil dress, for instance.

Similarly, take that cropped canary yellow top with "PRENUP" emblazoned across it – which is rather tame by BJ standards – and match it with a pair of high-waisted pants or a shift. The possibilities are various.

From the Betsey Johnson Spring-Summer 2015 collection/Getty Images. Photo by Frazer Harrison.

One piece with wide appeal, however, is the white gown with a bustier top and voluminous tulle skirt. It's actually quite beautiful and well-executed, with belle of the ball pretensions.


Yes, life with BJ is never boring; always fun!

Visit http://www.mbfashionweek.com/new-york to learn more about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, including show information and videos.

On deck today, LAST DAY: ART HEARTS FASHION, CALVIN KLEIN, CRISTINA OTTAVIANO, EN NOIR, JEFFREY DODD, J. MENDEL, KITHE BREWSTER, K. NICOLE, KOTUR, MARC JACOBS, RALPH LAUREN