Betsey Johnson, the queen of all things fun, flirty, and downright fabulous, just proved (once again) why she’s an enduring icon. On March 1, the legendary designer teamed up with RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Naomi Smalls for a dazzling Los Angeles bash at Beaches Tropicana, celebrating Betsey’s latest gig as a guest judge on Drag Race Season 17. And in true Betsey fashion, the night was nothing short of a rhinestone-studded spectacle!
The Drag Race episode itself was a love letter to Betsey’s groundbreaking career, featuring the queens serving up their fiercest interpretations of her signature whimsical-meets-rockstar aesthetic. But the real gag? Every queen stomped the runway in the classic rhinestone Betsey Johnson heels — now available in inclusive sizing (yes, honey, up to 12+!). Because let’s be real —everyone deserves to sparkle, no matter their shoe size. And if that wasn’t enough, Betsey’s shoes were such a moment this season, they even had their own dedicated wall on Drag Race. Iconic.
At the watch party, industry tastemakers and die-hard Betsey fans sipped on custom Smirnoff cocktails while soaking up electric performances by drag darlings Lolita Colby and Season 17’s own Suzie Toot. The guest list? Star-studded. We’re talking actors Colton Haynes and Holland Roden, comedian Loni Love, Drag Race alum Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Farrah Moan, Kim Chi, and fellow judge TS Madison — just to name a few.
Fashion, of course, was front and center. RPDR fave Kim Chi slayed the night in the Peeps Rhinestone Crossbody ($158), Farrah Moan shimmered in the Claire Mini Dress ($139), and TS Madison brought the extra with the Snailed It Purse ($128). Meanwhile, rapper Baby Tate rocked the Darian-L White Black Polka Dot Loafer ($89), and Naomi Smalls shut it down in the Petra Ivory Heel ($119). Betsey herself? As iconic as ever.
Between the killer looks, fierce performances, and the ultimate celebration of inclusivity, the night was a glittering reminder of what makes Betsey Johnson — and Drag Race — so legendary. Because fashion is for everyone, and a little sparkle never hurt nobody.
You can shop all the new Betsey Johnson arrivals here and don’t forget to scroll through the gallery to see the best snaps from Betsey and Naomi’s epic bash.
