Marist College Reprises Betsey Johnson Show at New York Fashion Week

In a collaboration with the Marist College Fashion Department, designer Betsey Johnson staged an encore presentation of her “Hot” Fall/Winter 2014 collection for New York Fashion Week, which took place at the Salon at Lincoln Center in New York City on February 12, 2014. Dubbed MaristXOXBetsey, the reprise — held exclusively for an audience of 700 students, alumni, and friends of Marist, FIT, and Parsons — gave guests a sneak-peek at a major runway show.

Staying true to its theme, the show featured an array of fitted jumpsuits and minis, luxurious faux furs and sparkling sequins, sexy mesh, oversized baubles, sky-high platform pumps, and of course, Johnson’s beloved cheetah print in wild neon combinations. Lithe models paraded down the runway to rock-n-roll tunes that seemed to electrify the air, and Johnson’s own introduction was nothing short of remarkable: sirens, a smoke machine, two barely-clad hunks wielding fire hoses, a line of jubilant models bouncing down the runway with red balloons, and her signature cartwheel solidifed her status as fashion’s empress of all things fun and entertaining. 

The reprise concluded with a presentation of the Silver Needle Icon Award by Marist College President, Dennis J. Murray, and Fashion Program Director, Radley Cramer, who both showcased their own senses of humor by joining Johnson in a split right on the catwalk, much to the delight of the crowd. 

Following the show, guests enjoyed a reception of hors d’oeuvres and Champage across the plaza at Avery Fisher Hall, where models presented designs from the 2013 Silver Needle Runway collections. The college also used the reception as an opportunity to launch the FOLD, best described as a virtual community in which fashion-minded students and professionals alike can partake in free, online courses, learn about trend forecasting and market research, keep up with the collegee’s fashion initiatives, and more.

Stay tuned for our annual coverage of the Marist College Silver Needle Fashion Show and Awards in May. Click on the gallery of images below for front-row shots of the MaristXOXBetsey reprise.