The alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet F/W ’19 collection told a story of mysterious fantasy, one where a butterfly’s wings could perfectly perch atop a leopard without so much as a growl. Inspired by Fantasia, Bendet’s fall/winter showcase redefined the modern romantic fairytale while reminding audiences to remain empowered through fashion.
The collection was divided into eight sections: Butterfly Kingdom, Butterfly Fantasia, Virtuous Vines, Golden Leaf, Grateful, Kaleidoscope, Rose Room, and Snow Palace– each with their own displays and stories. The blends of butterfly patterns with leopard and zebra prints brought a whimsical take on Bendet’s classic playfulness, and cheekily rainbow-colored tops embroidered with “Go Love Yourself” and “Strong Female Protagonist,” along with a fringe sweatshirt emblazoned with “Grateful,” added a technicolored fun to the show.
The surrealistic elements, mainly found in the beautifully theatrical set designs, provided a statement backdrop to the cohesive collection perfect for day-to-night looks. A beaded crop top and matching choker paired with snakeskin-printed pants and a metallic puffer jacket proved street-ready, while classic floral-embellished black dresses embodied simple elegance.
The ultimate winter ensemble, however, was the opening look for the Snow Palace section, aptly titled “Snow Queen.” The all-white outfit paired a satin bustier top with a cascading feather skirt, topped with a shiny puffer coat and massively grand ivory butterfly headpiece, marrying functionality with red carpet regality.
TRESemmé provided hair stylings for the runway showcase, predominantly using the slicked back knotted bun look to complement the alice + olivia collection. Models kept their hair in place using the Compressed Micro-Mist Hairspray, and the Keratin Smooth Shine Serum added extra sheen. Global brand stylist Justine Marjan and NYFW stylist Odile Gilbert were on hand to assist in stylings.
The alice + olivia F/W ’19 collection merged Bendet’s unique eye for the unexpected with her intuitive take on trends. We, along with our closets, lust to partake in her latest fairytale.
