Alley Cat by Betsey Johnson, 1971

 

Betsey Johnson paper dolls and fashion illustrations

Betsey Johnson's wonderful illustrations for the  Aug. 4, 1974 issue of the Los Angeles Times Home section. Her Alley Cat paper dolls were usually black and white in newspapers and magazines. This was a special assignment, however. 

Dot-to-Dot! Loved doing those as a kid. 

Her fabulous fashion illustrations.

She was a Mademoiselle guest editor! How I miss that magazine. 

Surely a Betsey self-portrait! Wonderful.

 

Alley Cat by Betsey Johnson, Oct. 3, 1971

The Sierra Club. Chunky boots. Mixed patterns. 1971? 

Very 2018.

A green paper doll

I always loved the marginalia of these ads: little messages tucked in here and there.Great mention of the Sierra Club; Earth Day was brand new when this ad ran Oct. 3, 1971. Ah, those chunky shoes with marshmallow soles. I remember it well. Shopping for shoes at Fred Braun and Bootery. Wish I still had my Huk-a-Poo sweater from that era. Leg of mutton sleeves, with tiny buttons down the front.

Sweet Little Girl paper doll

The outfit doesn't look like it fits "Sweet Little Girl." Sept. 19, 1971. I think you can find this girl in vintage Japanese paper dolls of the 1950s.

Betsey Johnson's Alley Cat paper dolls

For Fashion Week, a few Betsey Johnson paper dolls that ran in the early 1970s. This one: Aug. 22, 1971. I believe this was in the New York Times Sunday magazine. Love the way the style evokes and updates the 1930s look. Other nice touches: old broadcloth, plaid things and fake fur noted, and the cigarette smoke spelling out the designer's name.