On October 13th, 2009, The President of The National Arts Club Aldon James and Chair of The Fashion Committee Chrishaunda Lee presented famous cartwheeling designer Betsey Johnson with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, the highest honor the private club bestows, celebrated Johnson’s work for the past four decades. Guests included Matthew Settle(Gossip Girl) and Betsey’s daughter Lulu.
The event also had a retrospective showing of Johnson’s work and unveiled a new portrait of Johnson, which was painted by Visual Arts Committee Chair Dianne Bernhard. The portrait will be displayed in The NAC’s permanent collection.
Betsey Johnson joins the esteemed ranks of previous lifetime achievement honorees which includes Geoffrey Beene (2003), Oleg Cassini (2004), Carolina Herrera (2005) and Arnold Scaasi (2006).
Lulu Johnson(far left), Chantall Bacon (Johnson’s business partner) and Betsey Johnson
Dianne Bernhard, James Aldon, Betsey Johnson, and Chrishaundra Lee
Photos: Courtesy Betsey Johnson
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