Designer Betsey Johnson walks on the runway at the close of her Fall 2012 fashion show during New York Fashion Week at The Theatre at Lincoln Center on Feb. 13, 2012 in New York City.
On Feb. 13, Betsey Johnson presented her fall-winter 2012 collection at Lincoln Center. The '60s-inflected show came complete with looks named after Beatles songs and a hip-hop-meets-oldies soundtrack of remixes. Backstage after the show, the designer told TIME about her latest inspirations and where she learned how to do a cartwheel.
Tell us a little bit about the source of the '60s inspiration.
Me! My life, my world. I started working, designing the name and the label, in 1965 for a boutique called Paraphernalia.
Are there any other shows this Fashion Week that you're particularly looking forward to seeing?
I don't go to any shows. I'm going to go do a couple of appearances in Las Vegas tomorrow morning. I'll be at the airport.
You typically close your runway shows with a cartwheel. Where'd you learn gymnastics?
I was a dancer for years, really wanting to be a Rockette. I came out in front of the Syracuse football team and did cartwheels and round-offs. I mean, in front of the football team! I was always dancing and acrobatics was my specialty.
Do you have a favorite Beatles song?
Wow. I know my granddaughter's is "Lucy in the Sky." I just love the Beatles. And the Rolling Stones. My grandkids have been watching Beatles movies like crazy lately.
How did they get into the band?
The babysitter. She's a huge Beatles fan, and the kids. And it's a good thing because they're too young, they don't know, so hopefully, somehow or other, someone comes along and gives you a bit from the past.