Betsey Johnson courtesy of Getty Images

Bankrupt Betsey Johnson to close all stores.

Sad news for the ever-so-funky designer, Betsey Johnson. Her company filed for bankruptcy and will be closing all 63 stores and having to lay off some 350 employees.

I remember visiting my first Betsey Johnson store in Coconut Grove, Miami in the very early 90s. I was so excited, I even took a picture out front. I have always admired Betsey for her bold sense of design, the fearlessness of pattens, prints and colors. But as I look back I think about all the Betsey Johnson pieces I have owned and I can honestly count them on one hand. As much as I’ve always appreciated her unique style, it wasn’t exactly cheap nor was it subtle. In other words, wearing anything from Betsey on any given day, did not go unnoticed. That was great in the 80s and 90s but style has changed, consumers have changed and unfortunately I don’t think Miss Johnson’s brand was able to keep up with the changing times.

However, it’s not completely over for Johnson. She will continue as Creative Director and keep the lower-priced line for Macy’s and other retailers.