That’s hot! Betsey Johnson by Paris Hilton: A capsule collection built for maximalists, nostalgists, and anyone who’s never seen a shade of pink they didn’t like.
Just as Betsey Johnsons marks her 84th birthday, the designer known for her over-the-top-quirkiness is stepping into a brand-new chapter with Betsey Johnson by Paris Hilton, a collection in collaboration with Paris Hilton.
The result is vintage leaning shapes and romantic touches finished with bold details-and a steady reminder that getting dressed is fun. The accompanying campaign mirrors that fun spirit, pairing Johnson’s wink-at-the-world whimsy with Hilton’s signature polish-meets-camp attitude.
For Hilton, teaming up with the designer is like things have come full circle in a big way. She’s been a huge fan of Johnson’s designs and decades-spanning archives for ages. In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Hilton said it’s been “amazing” to work with the designer on this level, calling her fun, one-of-a-kind, and bursting with personality. What drew Paris into Betsey’s theatrical world, back in the 2000s, was the designers fearless attitude and strong sense of style–Johnson is definitely not afraid to make a statement (and how to nail a cartwheel into a split at the end of every runway show).
Their friendship started when Hilton began going to Johnsons shows with her sister, Nicky. What really stood out to Hilton about those early days wasn’t just the clothes on the runway, but the whole experience–the music, the energy, the drama, and the sense that everyone was there to let loose and be themselves, as she recalled in the exclusive.
Hilton also talked about the collaboration’s design language which is all about pink, tulle, bows, sparkle, and drama, all held together by Betsey’s bold personality and what she calls her “Paris touch”.
The result is a unique blend of their two worlds, with Hilton’s elegance and Betsey’s playfulness coming together in a way that’s both fun and sophisticated. Perfect for anyone who wants their outfit to reflect their flamboyant personality–whether that’s a night out on the town, a birthday celebration, or a girls’ trip where your outfit is so eye-catching that it gets you and your friends free drinks all night. The idea is to have fun and be extra, and these designs are all about embracing that confident, unapologetic spirit.
What really makes this campaign click is the playful vibe that happened behind the scenes, according to Hilton. She says the whole project was a whirlwind of brainstorming sessions, fittings, and of course, plenty of TikTok videos being made on set of the photoshoot–all of which was driven by Johnson’s infectious energy that lit up the entire room. With any luck, we might be seeing more of this collaboration in the future, and it will be interesting to see how they continue to inspire and influence each other.
Launched on August 11, Betsey Johnson by Paris Hilton is available on the Betsey Johnson website and through select retail partners. But the coolest part about this collaboration is that it comes with a purpose beyond the sales: $1 from every purchase will be donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. So go ahead and treat yourself to a little maximalism–that’s also for a good cause.