Betsey Johnson has teamed up with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18 contestant DD Fuego to release “Flame Shoes” ahead of the reality series’ premiere on Jan. 2.
Betsey Johnson x DD Fuego “Flame Shoes.”
The pumps were designed in collaboration with DD, a longtime Betsey Johnson muse. The shoes feature a custom flame motif, a half d’Orsay design, a pointed toe and a flared heel. The gold colorway has already been featured in promo for the 18th season, and DD is set to make her grand entrance wearing the orange version. The Flame Shoes are set at a price of $129 and are available up to a size 13. Additionally, mirroring DD and Betsey’s commitment to giving back, one dollar from every pair sold will go toward the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Betsey Johnson’s partnership with the foundation launched in 2024 and continued this year with the 2025 Pride Collection.
Betsey Johnson x DD Fuego “Flame Shoes.”
Betsey Johnson
DD Fuego exclusively told FN, “Ever since I knew about fashion, I knew Betsey Johnson, but it was when I saw my sister in her Betsey prom dress many years ago that I understood the true magic of her creations: there’s a confident spark that lights up from within the wearer. If you’ve worn Betsey, you know! I hope these Fire Heels inspire people everywhere as they wear flames on the outside to unleash their fire inside and feel that freedom and power every time they take them on an adventure, or even just as they glisten on the shoe rack.”
DD Fuego modeling the Betsey Johnson x DD Fuego “Flame Shoes.”
Betsey Johnson
The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant, who calls Betsey her “drag mom,” continued, “It’s the honor of my life to know Betsey Johnson, to wear her pieces, and to host some of her recent events, especially the ones highlighting her as the icon of inclusivity she is. She’s always championed the LGBTQIA+ community and also always had an eye for rising talents. I remember seeing models who started walking in her early shows become superstars seasons later. I’m a Betsey Babe through and through, so I am grateful beyond words to now be able to work together as I walk onto the biggest stage of my career.”
DD Fuego modeling the Betsey Johnson x DD Fuego “Flame Shoes.”
Betsey Johnson
Johnson, meanwhile, exclusively told FN, “We met after sweetie DD hosted one of my Pride events and we fell in love. I recognize my girls instantly. Watching [DD Fuego] walk onto the biggest stage in these shoes feels right. They’re over the top and very, very hot. Just like us!”
Season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is set to debut on Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. A premiere event was held for the new season in New York City on Dec. 9, with DD Fuego in attendance wearing a Zac Posen dress, Jennifer B earrings and, of course, Betsey Johnson shoes.
