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Betsey Johnson's Playground

When the lights dimmed and Betsey Johnson stepped onto the star-patterned runway in the Bryant Park tents, carrying her two granddaughters and holding helium-filled balloons, you knew that the show would be a playful one. Then again, when hasn't a Betsey Johnson show been like that?

While front row guests seated at cafe tables munched on cupcakes with towering smears of frosting - well, some of them did, anyway - Betsey Johnson sent out a wildly varied Spring 2009 collection in several acts on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Starting with a pouty China doll in an 18th century-inspired hoop skirt-meets-prairie dress, Johnson then jumped ship to an '80s looking pink polka dot number, a short tiered ruffle skirt - classic Betsey. Baby doll dresses, playroom prints, a romper and fitted bustier jumpsuit rounded out the kiddie section of the show.

"I love children's clothes," said Johnson in the post-show frenzy backstage.

She switched gears with a white and then black section. Innocent looks like ruffled bloomers and a lace trimmed short jumpsuit preceded the New Romantic movement of tough girl sportswear: Black denim miniskirts, intargia knit sweaters and dramatic poufed sleeves. This part was introduced by an incredibly hammy pirate who pretended that he was drunk - all silly good fun, even if it did break the momentum a bit unnecessarily.

Johnson closed the show with a few token bridal gowns and then the spritely designer, wearing a Peter Pan hat and sparkly green tutu took her signature cartwheel bow - and then the guy playing the pirate did the same.

Ever the showgirl, Johnson explained backstage that she starts the design process with "a concept of what the show is about, not what the clothes are about."

She already knows that her customers expect girly glamour, which at this point she could provide in her sleep. But presenting the same formula season after season can get a little old if not injected with a bit of razzmatazz.

"I can't wait to do Edgar Allen Poe," she said.

		* A Very Betsey Birthday Bash * Martha Davis: Industrial Design Meets Shoes