When they received the best womenswear brand award for The Row at the CFDA Awards earlier on this week, it felt hard to remember Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Disney days. While the brand has long been a go-to for editors and celebrities, the award cemented their position as being at the helm of a legitimate brand that deserves to be taken seriously. As CFDA president Steven Kolbtold Fashionista, 'They were patient and did it right.' This has served them well both with their own lines and partnerships.
Last week Superga, the Italian sneaker brand that the pair have a collection with, hosted a party to celebrate the launch of their first American store in SoHo. Steve Madden, who is responsible for the big launch and has worked with the twins for the last five years on their Elizabeth & James shoe line, complimented their attention to detail. 'They're very demanding, they're very tough,' he told Fashionista when asked what it was like to work with them. 'They want what they want and so we worked hard to get that done.' But it's this exacting standard that he says is their strength. 'They are a pain in the ass. But they're very good though.'
We all knew it was coming but today the time came for Betsey Johnson bosses to start liquidating the company's assets. Yesterday a judge approved the bankruptcy proceedings to begin and Gordon Brothers Group Inc, and Hilco Merchang Resources will take control of the process.
As we knew, almost all of the boutiques are set to close and just about everything from lighting to furniture will be sold to pay off creditors. The only saving grace is that Steve Madden, who bought the brand from Johnson back in 2007, will continue to make sure that the affordable range will be available in department stores.
I feel born again. I miss my partner Chantal, but she is off having a very happy life. Of course that makes me wonder, ‘Do I want to go there?’ But I don’t. It feels like the gold ole days, starting fresh and free. For everyone, it has been a rough couple of years. Now we can finally fly.
Maybe Steve Madden woke up one day and said, 'You know what, self? My shoes don't have enough fruit and cupcakes and other inanimate childish objects integrated into their design. Who oh WHO can help me incorporate this kind of thing while getting the kind of media buzz that will make Britney Spears' Candies endorsement deal look like last season's KMart Birkenstock knockoffs? I know - that girl who always wears the fruit and messed up Sesame Street with her boobs: Katy Perry!'
