We had a chance to sit down with the lovable and quirky Betsey Johnson and talked retirement, cartwheels and staying young.

Fashion Makes Me Horny: So, the rumor mill is churning with word that you will be retiring after your Fall show. Say it ain’t so, Betsey!?

Betsey Johnson: Hell no, it ain’t so! I love the quote from Bette Davis, “I will not retire while I’ve still got my legs and my make-up box.”

FMMH:I read that one of your first designing jobs was for the Paraphernalia Boutique and that the house model was Edie Sedgwick. Do you think the movie Factory Girl accurately  portrayed her?

BJ: Totally yes! Sometimes I felt Sienna was a born-again Edie;  her features, the walk, the accent.  It felt true, but I know there were politics involved, so it ain’t true blue.

FMMH: What current designer’s/celebrity’s style makes you horny?

BJ: Forever Madonna! Katy Perry, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga…

FMMH: In a previous life you were: (complete the sentence)

BJ: Actually, I was told by a psychic that I was a head designer/ seamstress for a king & queen…a whole royal court.

FMMH: Would you encourage your grandchildren to pursue careers in the fashion industry?

BJ: No, unless they love it, live and die for it.

FMMH: Would you rather vacation in the tropics or in Europe? Why?

BJ: I only go where a bikini takes me!

FMMH: Is it true that you used to be a cheerleader?

BJ: Big-time true! I was co-captain head cheerleader at Syracuse University .

FMMH: How many cartwheels do you average a week?

BJ: Zero! I only do two a year, one per show.

FMMH: I got a chance to peek in your make-up bag and saw that you use Chanel face powder. What is your one must-have when is come to beauty products?

BJ: I left that whole bag of makeup in a cab…again.  Now I am on to Duane Reade el cheap-o face powder.    Nothing beats my own custom-made red lipstick.

FMMH: Can you give us any hints as to what expect from you in the Fall? Pretty please?

BJ: A vintage revival collection of my favorite stuff from the 80s in collaboration with Opening Ceremony.

FMMH: What is your stay young secret? What can we do now to ensure we look and feel as young as you in the future?

BJ: Thank you Thank you! Forget your age, don’t eat much, have a good plastic surgeon, hang out with your grandchildren as much as possible, and still love what you do.

FMMH: Leopard print and pink, do they ever get old?

BJ: No, I’ll think pink and growl forever!

FMMH: Street fashion in New York, does it get any better in other cities? Why/why not? What other cities have amazing street fashion?

BJ: Never never never land! New York is the place!…but London streets always thrill me too.

FMMH: What’s the one  item every girl must have in her closet?

BJ: A lover!

FMMH: If you were to stick your hand in your closet and pull out three items without looking, what might you find?

BJ: Rock n’ roll t-shirt, G-string,Wee wee pads (for Lucy)