Elizabeth Berkley brings back her ‘showgirls’ spirit for Betsey Johnson

Elizabeth Berkley Lauren is reviving her iconic Showgirls spirit three decades later with a dazzling new collaboration.

The 53-year-old actress, best known for her unforgettable role as Nomi Malone in the 1995 cult classic, stars in Betsey Johnson’s 2025 holiday campaign — a glittering celebration of feathers, sequins, and unapologetic showgirl energy.

“There are so many magical things about this campaign,” Berkley told People magazine.

“Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Showgirls and the elements of glamour and fashion, and bringing that together with [Betsey’s] beautiful designs and nods to the now cult classic. It was this beautiful marriage of two worlds.”

Designer Betsey Johnson, 83, shares the sentiment. “I think we’re in a showgirl era right now. A powerful woman is a showgirl because showgirls have fun, perform and are strong, powerful and sexy. The showgirl idea is timeless and ageless, and I think Elizabeth is the original showgirl. She brings real elegance to it… sexy, playful and just gorgeous,” she said.

The partnership carries personal history for Berkley, who revealed that she wore a Betsey Johnson dress to her Showgirls audition at age 20.

“Even before that, when I was 15 turning 16 and working on Saved by the Bell, I was so drawn to wear Betsey. My first few paychecks from the show were spent at the Betsey Johnson store on Melrose. So for me, in many ways, her clothes were my cape.”

The campaign includes nods to Showgirls — including the iconic hot pink fringe dress — and even childhood dance photos from Berkley’s early years.

“Little Elizabeth… could never imagine,” she reflects. “It’s not just the fashion campaign, there’s a resonance to it and reflection to it.”

Johnson and Berkley agree that the meaning of “showgirl” has evolved into a symbol of empowerment. “My clothes are always controlled by the person inside them,” Johnson said.

“It’s the woman who makes the clothes, not the other way around.” Berkley added, “Someone who’s resilient, with a story to tell… a woman with more depth, meaning and ownership of her own narrative. That’s still showgirl to me.”