Betsey Johnson's Earth-Friendly Alt-Transport "Ride Me" Motif

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In an ultimate love letter to New York City and green transportation, the Betsey Johnson Spring 2011 runway show was called "Le Tour de Betsey." The bicycle-themed runway show began with Betsey appearing on her bike to welcome guests, screaming out "Ride Me" (double entendre?) in front of a huge movie screen playing a motion video simulating a bike ride through iconic parts of New York. This may have been one of the most fun and elaborate productions we've seen yet this season.

The ride started out appropriately enough in hipsterville Brooklyn (complete with a skateboarding model—is she in Williamsburg or Dumbo?), then quickly shot north to the Upper East Side, through Central Park (with a stop at Betsey's Columbus Avenue shop on the UWS), then all the way down to Soho (with a stop at Betsey's Wooster Street outpost), down to the Seaport (with fabulous "In the Navy" themed outfits and big military cruisers in the background) and finally speeding through Times Square.

The vital-organ-churning-bass and ear blasting volume (we can only hope that they passed out little pink earplugs for the kiddies and their developing ears) kind of simulated a bumpy, pothole ridden ride through New York City streets. At times we were more caught up in the movie than the models and in a testament to the believability of the video, we could have used a Dramamine at one point.

The show finale began with a really heartfelt home video montage of Betsey's family, then switched gears to Betsey gliding out on her tasseled bike. She then hopped off the bike to treat the audience to one of her signature cartwheels (we can only hope that we're that fashion forward and, well, flexible, at 60) and exited along with all the models strutting out like an army of Indy 500 girls complete with flags.

After this show, we're so inspired to reduce our carbon footprint and opt for a bike now (once we regain our full aural capacity, of course). Maybe the celebs on hand including, Denise Richards, Kelly Osbourne, Carmen Electra, Kristin Cavallari, and Miss USA (in a Betsey-esque sequined poofy strapless princess frock) will do the same.
· Betsey Johnson [Official Site]
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