For Resort 2027, Anna Sui presents The Only Blonde in the World. The collection celebrates women who are both muses and makers, embracing the visual language of popular culture while honoring the artistry behind it. Romantic yet irreverent, nostalgic yet modern, it is Anna’s love letter to the women who inspired a generation — and to the artists who transformed them into icons.

“I remember seeing Marilyn Monroe on the cover of Life magazine when she appeared in Some Like It Hot,” says Sui, pointing to the collection’s genesis. “Inside the issue was a photograph of her strutting in front of a train. That image stayed with me and later led me to discover the work of Pauline Boty.” 

Boty was the only female artist associated with London's 1960s Pop Art movement. She loved creating painted collages from popular culture imagery, and many of her works featured Marilyn Monroe. I was drawn to Boty's choice of subjects Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, and Christine Keeler, the goddesses of the 1960s. Working from magazine and tabloid photographs, she transformed familiar faces into vibrant works of art, celebrating both their beauty and cultural significance.

The First delivery takes its color palette directly from Boty's paintings. Rich chocolate and nude tones are softened with touches of mauve, creating a palette that feels nostalgic yet contemporary. Miniature Rosettes and Lotus prints appear alongside Pretty Posies and Ditzy-Dot prints on Crinkled Silk Chiffon and printed Jacquards. Knits are developed in Nude Striped Jacquards and Bargello-inspired patterns, adding graphic texture and movement.

Ivory Dévoré Velvet printed Garden Roses and English Rose Brocades, a Chocolate Paillette skirt suit trimmed in Faux Mongolian Fur brings a sense of romantic opulence and rich texture to the collection, while Chocolate Rose lace and Floral-print camisoles bring a softer, more intimate femininity.

The Second color story is inspired by Pauline Boty's vibrant jade green. The palette also draws from the work of other British Pop artists, including Richard Hamilton's iconic Swingeing London '67 imagery associated with Mick Jagger's jade green suit and Peter Blake's collage-style painting, On the Balcony. Jade green appears throughout the collection in Chenille-Embroidered Mesh, Butterfly Dévoré, Checkered Daisy prints, Mint Watercolor Abstract Florals and Jade Plaids. A luxurious jade Faux-Mink Fur makes a bold statement, while Chocolate and Licorice Metallic Brocades ground the palette with richness and depth. Mint Mohair Cable-Knit cardigans complete the look, adding warmth and an effortless sense of ease.

The Third delivery introduces a softer, dreamlike mood. Pastel Tweed skirt suit trimmed with Mauve Faux Fur, Mauve Rosie Quilted Jacquards, Blooming Rose Mesh, and Pop Poppies print Crepé and Dévoré. Opalescent color Crushed Velvet jacket with lace trims ties in the romantic. Cowboy Embroidered Satin shirt along with Western Studded jacket & skirt set. Rosette-printed lingerie slips with Patchwork & Appliqué Denim, creating a balance between delicacy and craftsmanship. Lightweight rayon Crochet capelet completes the story.

Sui cites the lace-mesh camisoles to be her personal favorites of the collection. “They were among my favorite pieces of the 1990s, originally designed and handcrafted by artist Ellen Birkenblit,” Sui says. She recalls going to a lingerie store in Soho, knowing she’d have new colorways to peruse. For this collection, Birkenbilt invited Anna Sui to collaborate with her, reinterpreting these beloved styles in Sui’s own fabrics in what is a full circle moment. 

Other standout details include appliqué denim pieces which were hand embroidered by Michelle Kim, a former design assistant of Sui’s. The jewelry pieces are by Erickson Beamon while brocade shoes were created by John Fluevog, haloing the boudoir feeling intrinsic to Sui’s style. Lastly, the collection’s socks and tights were created with Swedish Stockings.