Through its displays of whimsical appliques, bold hues, dreamy accessory combinations and so much more, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet has always had something for every fashion lover.
“Fashion is art, the clothes we design are meant to be a wearable creative expression….” said Creative Designer and CEO Stacey Bendet. The brand, started by Bendet in 2002, has been delighting audiences with its annual New York Fashion Week presentations for many years. The walk-through style shows are an immersive experience from start to finish, and this year’s Fall 2024 presentation transported attendees on a journey through the annals of art history. On Saturday, attendees gathered at Highline Stages in Manhattan, where they were greeted with a show that incorporated the re-visitation of various significant visual art movements, serving as a reminder that fashion is truly an art form.
“People are influenced by daily social-media trends, which can be so transient,” Bendet said. “I want to create more awareness for the time, detail, and creativity that designers put into each piece of clothing we make. I hope our alice + olivia community collects pieces from this collection like pieces of art! Yes, we have casual jeans and beautiful tailored trousers, but the idea is that they can all be styled uniquely and that they’re shown alongside elaborate statement pieces. I am continuously inspired by the convergence of fashion and art” says Stacey Bendet.
This philosophy was showcased all throughout the presentation. The runway was not just a stage for showcasing garments, but an immersive canvas where past artistic movements were brought to life in a contemporary context. Each vignette within the show represented a different epoch of artistry, from the vibrant hues of ’60s Pop-Art to the ethereal landscapes of surrealist gardens.
The collection seamlessly fused elements of past and present, with nods to iconic moments of ’60s pop culture. Impeccably tailored tweed suits coexisted alongside shimmering sequined ensembles, creating a visual tapestry that celebrated the timeless allure of fashion. Bouclé jackets and color block skirts offered a contemporary twist on classic elegance, while sensual jersey dresses exuded opulence and refinement.
Fashion is art and art is evolution, two very present themes that were made clear throughout the evening. One of the displays featured a vivacious collaboration with artist Tom Wiseman, who once said, “the challenge for an artist is always to find your own way of doing something,” which can easily be said about the resurfacing of trend cycles in modern day fashion, and how alice + olivia has always paved it’s own way. The collaboration is based on three of Wiseman’s paintings, Limitless, Still Life, and Natural Beauty, and the pieces are inspired by each painting and their vivid, pop art details. The backdrop of the collection was complete with printed and 3D versions of Wiseman’s work.
But it’s not just about looking back, the collection also embraces the future with metallic jacquard gowns that exude modernity and sophistication. These gowns, with their luxurious textures and bold silhouettes, are a testament to Bendet’s ability to marry classic elegance with contemporary flair, creating pieces that are both timeless and of-the-moment.
The collection also features bouclé color block jackets and skirts, offering a fresh and contemporary take on classic elegance. With their clean lines and bold color combinations, these pieces are perfect for the modern woman who appreciates sophistication with a twist.
Bows have been dominating the runway this NYFW, and for good reason, they’re as chic as they are timeless. A key feature of the collection included the bow-front capes and wide-leg pants, which evoke a sense of timeless charm and femininity.
The collections would not be complete without its makeup looks, and these did not disappoint. alice + olivia worked with Too Faced to create the perfect looks that were a reflection of the collection, with its bold colors and stunning homage to pop art, the PopArtEye and PopArtLip. Too Faced has always been known for its shimmering hues and stunningly bold looks, so it was an ideal partnership. The looks contained elements like a bold red lip and 1960s blue studio eye and luscious lashes by Pro Lash. The hair looks, created by Aveda, continued the ‘60s theme with side part ponytails with high volume, and high buns.
Bendet was joined by Katie Holmes, Coco Rocha, Jasmine Sanders, Nicky Hilton, Huma Abedin, Loren Gray, Jenny Mollen, Tayshia Adams, Brynn Whitfield, Melissa Gorga, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Emira D’Spain, Sharina Gutierrez, Jordan Emanuel, Mary Lawless Lee, Danielle Carolan, Caroline Vazzana, Selah Marley, Gia Kim, Keni Silva, Lexi Wood, Malina Weissman, Monica Aksamit, Gigi Gorgeous, Katya Tolstova, Bebe Wood, Bailey Bass, Vienna Skye, Rae Hersey, Mona Swain, Gabrielle Nevaeh Green, Alex Propson, and more.
