Elizabeth Berkley Lauren is reminding us what the life of a showgirl looks like.

The actress, who famously played Nomi Malone in the 1995 cult classicShowgirlsis celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary with a dazzling 2025 holiday campaign for Betsey Johnson — complete with feathers, sparkles and show-stopping headdresses.

“There are so many magical things about this campaign,” Berkley, 53, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Celebrating the 30th anniversary ofShowgirlsand 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.”

Betsey Johnson agrees: “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,” she tells PEOPLE. “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.”

Though the campaign — featuring dresses, shoes and accessories — marks the first collaboration between Johnson, 83, and Berkley, their connection runs deep.

“It’s true,” Berkley says. “I wore a Betsey Johnson floral print dress with a black slip underneath for myShowgirlsaudition when I was 20. But even before that, when I was 15 turning 16 and working onSaved by the BellI 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.”

For Johnson, the admiration is mutual. “She is an immediate best friend,” the fashion designer says of Berkley. “She’s so real, nice, sweet and honest. We just connected right away as friends, and it’s really nice to know that my clothes once helped her. I like to think my clothes do that for girls — make them feel a little confident, a little special.”

Fans ofShowgirlswill also notice a few Easter eggs in the campaign that pay tribute to the film’s legacy. “We brought in some elements. The iconic hot pink fringe spaghetti-strap dress makes an appearance,” Berkley teases. “There are also some recital pictures from when I was a little girl hidden in the dressing room setup. Little Elizabeth, back in Farmington Hills, Michigan, at Miss Barbara’s Dance Studio, could never imagine. It’s not just the fashion campaign, there’s a resonance to it and reflection to it, and I think people will love the creativity.”

The meaning of “showgirl” has evolved over the past 30 years — both Johnson and Berkley cite Taylor Swift’sLife of a Showgirlas part of that modern spirit — and they’re thrilled to celebrate how the term continues to empower.

“My clothes are always controlled by the person inside them,” Johnson tells PEOPLE. “It’s the woman who makes the clothes, not the other way around. I think that’s what’s so beautiful about the showgirls theme, which is pulled off so beautifully by Elizabeth. It can be loved and played with confidently. The most beautiful a woman can be, to me, is a showgirl.”

Berkley’s own style — and life — mantra echoes the same sentiment. “For me now, I think there’s something that has a deeper meaning. Someone who’s resilient, with a story to tell. Yes, a performer, but also a woman with depth, meaning and ownership of her own narrative. That’s still showgirl to me.”

Shop Betsey Johnson’s new holiday collection now.