When fashion designer Betsey Johnson[1] was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found out on the day of her big, annual company Christmas party which she hosted. "I went into shock," she remembered.


Betsey had radiation therapy every morning at 7:30 for six months, eventually beating her cancer. After she beat cancer, she began talking about her experience and encouraging others to get checked regularly for signs.


"I think so much is mind over matter," she said of her recovery. She monitors herself carefully now and goes to see a specialist at least once a year, and she’s an advocate of others doing the same as a preventative measure.


See 10 of Betsey Johnson's most outrageous fashion moments here:



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  • Fearless Betsey


    Since the time Betsey first started designing clothes in the late 1960s, her bright, whimsical and completely feminine pieces have become iconic parts of art and pop culture.




  • Playing With Prints


    In the 1990s, Betsey’s designs gained fame and popularity for her use of unexpected color, bold, mixed prints and a rocker girl aesthetic.




  • Animal Behavior


    As famous as she is for her original fashion line, Betsey is equally famous for her candid, playful attitude in front of the camera. Here, she strikes a pose—fully clad in leopard—at a press event in 1996.




  • Playtime


    Throughout her career, Betsey has befriended countless celebs and public figures. Here, she lightens up the mood with Ivana, Ivanka & Donald Trump in 1997.




  • Pop Of Color


    Another signature of Betsey’s personal style are loud statement pieces. Here, she strikes a pose at the premiere of the 'Sex and the City' TV show in 2000.




  • Birthday Girl On A Bike


    Here, Betsey celebrates her birthday in true Betsey style in 2010, clad in a pink prom dress, striped leggings and colorful accessories.




  • Betsey Antoinette?


    Betsey is often seen donning big, colorful hats, scarves and other fun accessories. Here, she channels Marie Antoinette with a bright purple tulle hat and feminine pink bow.




  • Punk Rock Queen


    Throughout her illustrious career, Betsey has been inspired by the world of rock and roll. Here, she shows off her darker punk side at a film premiere in 2011.




  • Tutu Power


    Feminine meets punk rock, Betsey is the queen of pairing seemingly mismatched pieces into one playful and imaginative look.




  • Cartwheeling Through The Years


    For years, Betsey has included a signature cartwheel after each of her fashion shows. At age 73, she still nails it every time! Here, she performs her famous stunt after her spring 2009 collection premiered at New York Fashion Week in 2008.




  • The Famous Splitz


    After her signature cartwheel, Betsey lands in the splitz. Here, she nails a perfect landing after her New York Fashion Week show in 2012. And it's amazing, she can still do it!





See more clips[2]



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