Need help with dating a Betsey Johnson skirt...

Alex Flanders

Alex Flanders

Registered Guest
Assuming this is a real Betsey Johnson label, that is! I haven't seen this label anywhere else on the internet so I figured I'd ask here. My gut is telling me that it's either from the late '70s... or that it's a fake? Any help is greatly appreciated!
 

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Well I'm stumped. It's really cool, but not familiar to me, either the skirt or the label. Does it have any other label?
 
The printing on your label doesn't look like the printing on any other known labels. It's possible that someone lost the original tag and added this one, but the stitching doesn't look like it's been added, so that doesn't seem likely to me.
 
Vintorious said:
The printing on your label doesn't look like the printing on any other known labels. It's possible that someone lost the original tag and added this one, but the stitching doesn't look like it's been added, so that doesn't seem likely to me.
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Right? It looks like a stamp that was stamped twice. And the zipper seems to be older than the brand at all maybe. I’m almost wondering if this is one of her first solo label pieces. I’m tempted to contact the company to see if they can help.
 
Alex Flanders said:
Right? It looks like a stamp that was stamped twice. And the zipper seems to be older than the brand at all maybe. I’m almost wondering if this is one of her first solo label pieces. I’m tempted to contact the company to see if they can help.
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Good plan! ETA: mind you, the company as it now exists may have zero information about the earlier days.
 
Hi Alex. This is such a cool skirt. Thank you so much for posting.

Betsey opened her first namesake store "Betsey Bunky Nini" in 1969, that zipper would have been used, especially on a heavier embroidered item, at that time. Prior to that she had labels in conjunction with Alley Cat and Paraphernalia, however the fonts looked different.

This font looks consistent with the "Betsey Johnson" font in the Betsey Bunky Nini labels and labels beyond that.

I have a few thoughts:
It could be a very early label for the Betsey Bunky Nini store. My understanding is that her first solo store venture was pretty grassroots, so I could see them starting off with a lowkey label made in house. If so, this would be an incredible find.

It could be a showroom sample from that store or her subsequent Betsey Johnson New York store. She did her fittings and sample production adjacent to the store and I imagine they would tag sample garments in a rudimentary fashion back in the day.

I would definitely reach out to the company. Although I agree with Maggie, they might not have much info, but you can start there. Here's the corporate instagram This looks like her personal account but it hasn't been touched since 2023

Sorry I couldn't help you more. Please keep us posted if you find anything.
 
northstarvintage said:
Is her name handwritten on the tag?

The skirt is amazing!
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poshthreads said:
Hi Alex. This is such a cool skirt. Thank you so much for posting.

Betsey opened her first namesake store "Betsey Bunky Nini" in 1969, that zipper would have been used, especially on a heavier embroidered item, at that time. Prior to that she had labels in conjunction with Alley Cat and Paraphernalia, however the fonts looked different.

This font looks consistent with the "Betsey Johnson" font in the Betsey Bunky Nini labels and labels beyond that.

I have a few thoughts:
It could be a very early label for the Betsey Bunky Nini store. My understanding is that her first solo store venture was pretty grassroots, so I could see them starting off with a lowkey label made in house. If so, this would be an incredible find.

It could be a showroom sample from that store or her subsequent Betsey Johnson New York store. She did her fittings and sample production adjacent to the store and I imagine they would tag sample garments in a rudimentary fashion back in the day.

I would definitely reach out to the company. Although I agree with Maggie, they might not have much info, but you can start there. Here's the corporate instagram This looks like her personal account but it hasn't been touched since 2023

Sorry I couldn't help you more. Please keep us posted if you find anything.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Tagging/messaging the instagram is a great idea! I emailed the company, so hoping to hear back! I'll keep everyone posted!
 
Alex Flanders said:
Right? It looks like a stamp that was stamped twice. And the zipper seems to be older than the brand at all maybe. I’m almost wondering if this is one of her first solo label pieces. I’m tempted to contact the company to see if they can help.
Click to expand...
BJ is on IG well the BRAND is and her daughter is active in the brand I'm sure they would love the share of this. So go for it its free tip my hat
 
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