Movies have shaped the American spirit for generations. During tough times, their influence has been especially powerful—countless people found escape or inspiration for just a few cents at the movie theater. This October, Vogue World’s fourth edition will celebrate Hollywood, but designer Norma Kamali got a head start with her vibrant, playful, and slightly indulgent resort collection.

During a preview, Kamali reflected: “When did American fashion truly find its voice? For me, it was in the classic films of the 1920s through the 1950s. These movies aren’t often recognized as fashion history, but they should be. Back then, Vogue and other magazines were exclusive—my mother and her friends learned about style from the silver screen. They’d study the hairstyles, the outfits, the makeup. I didn’t want to recreate vintage looks, but that spirit of classic American fashion is still alive today. You see it on every red carpet—it’s part of who we are.”

Kamali’s love for film, passed down from her mother, inspired this collection. She plays with black and white, using faux fur and sequins that shimmer like fresh snow, while mesh pieces with intricate beading channel Mae West’s bold sensuality. Some pieces look like lingerie but are actually swimsuits—why not bring Hollywood glamour to the pool?

Film noir meets punk in jersey dresses adorned with silver safety pins, but the standout shades are deep emerald and garnet-red, like jewels from a treasure box. “Black and white has its place,” Kamali said, “but we see so much more. And with technology like AI, we’ll see even deeper.” In her hands, a Jean Harlow-style bias-cut gown becomes a technicolor dream.

The collection also features bold, color-blocked activewear with a futuristic edge, but the real stars are the long dresses—especially Kamali’s sequined “mermaid” gowns, reminiscent of Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe. Slit sleeves and dramatic wigs add extra Hollywood flair. “This is my tribute to classic films,” she said. “That timeless elegance never goes out of style.”