BETSEY GETS ACTIVE: Even though her 72nd birthday was a few months ago, Betsey Johnson is showing off her high-octane energy by launching an activewear line. The collection is inspired by her fall 2013 runway show dubbed “BJ Kicks A,” which featured Johnson leading 20 activewear-clad models in crunches, push-ups and other gut-burning calisthenics. The designer planned to launch activewear for fall 2013, but the execution took longer than expected because Johnson made it exactly what she wanted, according to a company spokeswoman.
For fall 2014, Johnson has created performance-oriented pieces like high-stretch nylon spandex leggings, heat-retaining fleece-lined zip-up jackets, shapewear pants and moisture-wicking T-shirts. More style-conscious fitness enthusiasts will find such Betsey-centric details as micro fishnet textures, jacquard patterns, designs with open exposures, body mapping, peplum shapes, corset piping and bows.
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While Johnson is known to close each of her runway shows with a cartwheel, she isn’t always so eager to hit the gym. As someone who has openly said that she “hates working out, I joined every gym there is and never went,” Johnson is trying to liven up other people’s workout routines by creating clothes that will make them a little more fun. Johnson said, “BJ loves kicking A! I’m so excited about the collaboration for the new activewear collection, which I feel has the perfect mix of performance, prettiness and punk.”
This fall’s Betsey Johnson activewear collection will retail between $49 and $120, and it will be sold at Nordstrom stores and via the company’s Web site, as well as Macy’s site and the designer’s Web site. In true Betsey Johnson spirit, there will be plenty of pink options.