Launches & Releases: Betsey Johnson Archive Ditches Prom Dresses for Punk

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A few months ago, we noted that Betsey Johnson and Opening Ceremony are launching a capsule collection in honor of her label's 30th anniversary, and today, Dazed Digital reveals a complete preview of the line. Based on pieces from her vast back catalog—mostly from the '80s and '90s—Betsey Johnson Archive revisits the designer's punky roots, with not a frilly Sweet 16 dress in sight. She tells Dazed:

My favourite pieces were those black, dark punk Eighties times. I wanted to show my stretch story. Then I wanted to do my most iconic prints like the cherries for the comic-book girl. The snakeskin print was something else! That was a classic. They look very timeless and Opening Ceremony wouldn’t let me change anything by a second. I mean how can you improve on some of these dresses! (laughs) There was always this harder side to me but it was hard to see it through the prints and ruffles.

We wouldn't exactly say a floral-print harem romper is '"timeless", but all of these pieces definitely look right for right now—and it's interesting to see just how much younger designers are borrowing from Betsey and her contemporaries, without most shoppers even knowing it. The line will be available at Opening Ceremony, select Betsey Johnson boutiques, and other as-yet-unnamed retailers next month.
· Heavens to Betsey! [Dazed Digital]
· Collabs: Opening Ceremony Helps Betsey Johnson Celebrate the Big 3-0 [Racked]