Want to cut a fine figure? Now you can. Literally.
According to Racked LA, the Vintage Fashion Library has unearthed a slew of 1970s sewing patterns done by Betsey Johnson.
The legendary designer, known for her girlie punk style and penchant for cartwheels, created the patterns under the Alley Cat label, where she was creative director until 1974.
The looks could have come straight off the Partridge Family’s tour bus. Think tulip sleeve tunics, bell bottom jumpsuits and even an apron, fanny pack and frill-edged floppy hat rolled into one.
But Johnson’s signature style really comes through in the fashion illustrations seen on each pattern’s packaging. Bright, bold hues mixed with classic stripes and gingham foreshadow her future aesthetic.
Take a look at our photo gallery. Are modern day fans seeing a pattern? (Yes, pun very much intended.)
The finds comes just as the designer is busy celebrating her namesake line’s 30th anniversary. But at $30 to $60 a pop, we reckon that die hard Betsey buffs will be the only ones vying for a piece of the DIY action.
But produce a pattern of a madcap party dress that Johnson just unveiled on her spring 2010 runway and we may reconsider.
Once we learn how to sew.
-Noelle Loh
Photos courtesy of Vintagefashionlibrary.com
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