Betsey Johnson Makes Rare Oscars 2026 Appearance

The iconic fashion designer shared her thoughts on this year's award season style at Elton John's annual Oscars viewing party.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:57pm

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Betsey Johnson made a rare red carpet appearance at Elton John's annual Oscars viewing party on March 15, 2026, where she shared her fashion tips in an exclusive interview with E! News. The 83-year-old designer, known for her vibrant and bold style, offered her take on this year's award season trends, noting she prefers more color over the prevalent black looks. While the appearance marked a rare red carpet outing for Betsey, she expressed feeling comfortable in her neon pink feathered skirt and black top ensemble, stating she aimed to wear something that made her "feel good."

Why it matters

Betsey Johnson's appearance at the high-profile Oscars event was noteworthy, as the legendary designer is known for keeping a relatively low profile in recent years. Her candid commentary on current fashion trends and desire to dress rising star Chappell Roan provided a glimpse into Betsey's continued passion for the industry she has shaped for decades.

The details

In the exclusive interview, Betsey Johnson shared her thoughts on the award season fashion, stating she sees "a lot of black" but prefers "a little more color." She also expressed excitement to take in all the looks at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's Oscars viewing party, which she attended with her vibrant neon pink feathered skirt and black top ensemble. Betsey admitted the red carpet can be "terrifying" for her, as she doesn't consider herself "a red carpet girl," but felt comfortable in her chosen outfit because it made her "feel good." The designer also revealed her desire to collaborate with rising star Chappell Roan, stating "Chappell Roan is my girl" and that she would "love to dress her."

  • Betsey Johnson made her rare red carpet appearance at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual Oscars viewing party on March 15, 2026.

The players

Betsey Johnson

An iconic 83-year-old fashion designer known for her vibrant and bold style.

Elton John

The host of the annual Oscars viewing party where Betsey Johnson made her appearance.

David Furnish

Elton John's husband, who co-hosts the annual Oscars viewing party.

Chappell Roan

A rising star that Betsey Johnson expressed a desire to collaborate with and dress.

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What they’re saying

“I see a lot of black. I like a little more color. Black is safe.”

— Betsey Johnson

“It feels good to have something that's appropriate and happy and [that] I feel good in, because these things are terrifying to me. I'm not a red carpet girl.”

— Betsey Johnson

“Wear what you want that makes you feel good. Don't pay attention so much to what is the trend or what's going on, because there aren't any anymore.”

— Betsey Johnson

“Chappell Roan is my girl. I met her, been at a concert with her, seen her concerts, but I would love to dress her.”

— Betsey Johnson

The takeaway

Betsey Johnson's rare public appearance at the high-profile Oscars event showcased her continued passion for fashion and desire to dress emerging stars, even as she has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years. Her candid commentary on current trends and emphasis on wearing what makes one feel confident reinforces her enduring influence and unique perspective in the industry she has helped shape for decades.