Fashion Designer Betsey Johnson Thinks "Pink" for a Good Cause in D.C.

By: Lauren Seifert
Topics: In The News

With her trademark hair, and rocker-chic pink, fashion designer Betsey Johnson came into Washington like a Category 5 hurricane and stopped by "Washington Unplugged" on Wednesday.

Johnson is in town lending her support to the American Association of People with Disabilities and their annual Gala, honoring Stevie Wonder with their first Image Award for his lifetime of work and raising the social perspective on the disabled.

Johnson lent her artistry to the event's logo and overall design. She also took part in a fashion show where disabled women modeled some of her latest designs.

"I just feel part of the whole family. It's been a most heartwarming thing to do," Johnson said.

It may have been an early morning interview, but she brought the energy that left Capitol Hill Correspondent Nancy Cordes in stitches.

The logo features designs and empowering words that reflect Betsey and AAPD.

One of her favorite moments from her stay in Washington was when she was able to see real women modeling her clothes, "It's just been so heartwarming to see my clothes on people in wheelchairs and people needing physical support."

She added, "Just to see what a pink dress can mean to a woman, any woman, but a disabled woman, that's extra special and thrilling because they shouldn't be separated and their disabilities don't have to separate them in anyway."

Johnson's motto not just for the event, but for life in general, "Be pink, be pretty, be sexy, and alive and beautiful."

So, what does she think about D.C. and it's subdued, serious attitude? "On the train, I was just Miss. Color in a sea of black."

Watch the interview below. "Washington Unplugged" appears live on CBSNews.com each weekday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Click here to check out previous episodes.