Betsey and Lulu Johnson

Known for her punk-meets-pink feminine dresses, turning cartwheels on the catwalk, and her "out there" blonde hair, designer Betsey Johnson has always been a fearless fashion icon. Although Johnson fell victim to the poor economy and thus shuttered all her whimsical retail stores in 2011, she's very much still kickin'- in her leopard printed wedges, of course.

Now 70, this glam-ma (She has two granddaughters) and breast cancer survivor continues to razzle dazzle The Big Apple, the Connecticut native's favorite city and current residence.

Her reality show XOX Betsey, which debuted this spring on the Style network and features her bombshell daughter Lulu, 38, captures the best of our beloved Betsey ... today.

We schmoozed with both Betsey and Lulu Johnson via phone and at the NBC Experience store in Manhattan, where the mother-daughter duo was promoting XOX Betsey and greeting fans.

Betsey Johnson: Well, that is exactly what I am going to try to figure out. I have to make up sexiness, it is not in my life and that's why I like designing the clothes I like. Because if you can’t have it, at least you can design it. It’s all in the mind. For me, it’s like the candle is burning at the other end…what’s that saying? Me: Life’s too short?

Q: What do you love the most about New York?

Betsey: Right out the window there! [Points to Rockefeller Plaza] Rockefeller Plaza, the flags…Oh, they’re not skating anymore? I just love New York. Someone’s always up with you. You’re never alone. The lights are always on. Lulu: I love that you can just walk out of your apartment, and there’s instant entertainment; an energy.

Q: What advice do you have for fellow cancer survivors?

Betsey: Keep your sunny pink side up! Early detection is so important, look at what just happened with Angelina Jolie.

Q: What charity work is near and dear to your heart?

Betsey: I’m active with Women’s Education Project and I support causes with Cornell Presbyterian Hospital because that’s where I was for my treatment. Lulu: I’m supportive of my mom’s charities, but I’ve been wracking my brain to create a charity where women donate work clothes. I know these charities currently exist, but I’d love to help style single moms getting back into the workplace.

Q: Do you have any family heirlooms?

Betsey: I have my mother’s 8th grade graduation dress. It’s the only thing she ever saved and it inspired me and I’ve remade that dress. It’s sleeveless chiffon and has ruffles; it’s very retro 20s. It was off white but I dyed it mint green! I wish I didn’t dye it…. I love dyeing…I’m too precious about things and I feel awful I dyed it. I lose a lot of things, so it’s best I only have a few items I treasure. Lulu: In my teens, we were on vacation, in St. Tropez, about 20 years ago, I think? —And my mom liked a Cartier fountain ring. I told her “you deserve it” and encouraged her to buy it for herself because she really cherished that ring.

Betsey: I think I lost it, but I’ll find it. Lulu: What? You’re a hoarder! You have so much crap in the Hamptons house.

Q: What’s your reality show’s main message? What do you want fans to walk away knowing? Lulu: I hope that we’re inspirational and relatable, both of our situations. The show is really about family and how much we love each other. Betsey: I want you to be entertained, be happy, to love us, smile and see how we enjoy life and live it to the fullest.