A frenzy of photogs snapping Nicki Minaj's front row arrival set the tone for Betsey Johnson's energy-filled (and very sexy) Spring 2012 collection — one that ended with the Betsey cartwheeling down the runway, and began with Johnson's daughter Lulu opening the show in a body-con white knit dress. Inspired by Brigitte Bardot and the burlesque dancers of the '40s, the designer delivered her signature dose of the vintage-inspired with sultry, corseted silhouettes and sheer boudoir-inspired cover-ups, then played to the tough girl with leather details, and stud- and sequin-adorned dresses. It's part pinup with high-waisted shorts and crop tops in a blast of hot pink and black, while Betsey plants a few surprises for the edgier girl: printed asymmetrical t-shirt dresses, skulls, and studs added to miniskirts and bodysuits.
