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Fashion designer Betsey Johnson is known for her whimsical dresses and zany persona.
The cartwheels are over.
Popular New York fashion designer Betsey Johnsons chain went bankrupt Thursday, and most of her 63 freestanding boutiques will close
Womens Wear Daily reported the iconic designer, known for her whimsical dresses and zany persona, will remain at the helm of the label, focusing on her line of lower-priced clothing that is sold at Macys and other mass retailers.
I love the moderate price range, Johnson told WWD. It is in sync with all the girls who are buying my clothes.
Johnson wont be losing her job but as many as 350 store workers will after the May 8 liquidation. The chain has four stores in Manhattan and two on Long Island.
The label has been struggling for a few years.
In 2007, private equity firm Castanea Partners took a controlling stake in the company for a reported $ 50 million. In 2010, it defaulted on a $ 48.8 million loan.
Footwear retailer Steve Madden took over the debt and control of the company.
Johnsons flouncy dresses are decorated with sequins, polka-dots, flo wers and animal prints.
Johnson, 69, is as colorful as her clothes. She is known for cartwheeling on stage at the end of her runway shows.
Last week, the Style network announced that Johnson and her daughter would star in a new reality series named Betsey + Lulu.
In 2002, Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer and has become a champion of cancer research and awareness.
She was briefly married to the Velvet Undergrounds John Cale in 1968 and palled around with counterculture icons like Edie Sedgwick and Andy Warhol.
Johnson started the label in 1978 eons ago in the fashion world. In 2004, the label expanded to sell underwear, handbags, shoes, watches, jewelry, eyewear, swimwear, outerwear and fragrance.
hkennedy@nydailynews.com
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