'I Just Want to Keep Going'

THE FAMED FASHION FORCE SETS HER SIGHTS ON ART AS SHE CONTINUES TO INNOVATE WITH RHINESTONES, REBELLION AND A WHOLE LOT OF HEART

- LIZZIE HYMAN

Betsey Johnson used her first sewing machine at just 4 years old. “My mother taught me how to make my own clothes,” she recalls. “I’ve always loved this medium. I never questioned, ‘Is this the right thing?’” Nearly 80 years later that childhood passion has evolved into a celebrated career, defined by colorful, eccentric punk-inspired designs that helped redefine American fashion.“I still love what I do, and I’m so lucky for that.” The industry icon brings that same vigor into her next chapter as she steps into the art world. An exhibition of her original paintings will be on display starting Oct. 11 at L.A.’s Studio CT, and a capsule collection of clothing and accessories featuring her illustrations is set to launch in 2026. “I sound so vain, but what I’ve done is really wonderful,” Johnson says. “I’ve had a great run.”

What made you decide to enter the art arena?