Iconic designer Betsey Johnson marks 50 years in fashion

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Designer Betsey Johnson is getting ready to unveil next season's fashion line.

She's also marking a major milestone: 50 years of fashion.

I stopped by Betsey's workplace as her team finalized things for her runway show Friday at the post office in front of nearly 2,000 people.

Called 'The Curious Case of Betsey Button', it's a retrospective, timely as the 73-year old is celebrating 50 years in the business.

"Maybe it feels like 20 years altogether from being born until now," she said, laughing.

Irrepressible, a rebel..from the beginning, she's been a standout.

Her signature tutus, day glow micro mini's. In 1978 Betsey Johnson boutiques started popping up around the globe.

"We had to do it on our own because I wouldn't play by the rules and we figured it out," said Betsey.

It hasn't been all rainbows and ribbons.. Chapter 11, divorces, breast cancer.

But she now seems more settled than ever, and just received a lifetime achievement award from the CFDA, and is working on more than a dozen projects.

"It's not just, Oh, I'll do a great collection," she said. "It's got to be that bicycle ride, you can never get off the bicycle."

Or do away with the move that is her exclamation point after each show.

"I've been loving it for a long time. It feels very, very right and natural," Johnson said.