How would one describe the romanticism of William Shakespeare? Theatrical, romantic, and fantastical, all words that can also be used to describe alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet.
This weekend, in an ode to one of history’s greatest playwrights, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet transported attendees into the world of William Shakespeare with an opulent Fall 2025 collection.
Hosted at Highline Stages, the star-studded event saw celebrities including Lana Condor, Julianne Hough, Tiffany Haddish, Anna Cathcart, and Gavin Casalegno revel in the theatrical presentation, which was accompanied by a live DJ set from Zoe Gitter and custom Casamigos cocktails inspired by Romeo and Juliet.
BFA – JOE SCHILDHORN
Inspired by the elaborate costume archives of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stacey Bendet infused the collection with 16th-century regality and modern sophistication. Embellished lace collars, structured corsets, sweeping capes, and embroidered ball gowns paid homage to Shakespeare’s most iconic characters and settings. From the golden grandeur of The Merchant of Venice to the floral romance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, each piece captured the essence of the Bard’s timeless tales.
BFA – JOE SCHILDHORN
The collection was as well-researched as it was stunning. To prepare, Bendet and her design team traveled to Stratford-upon-Avon, immersing themselves in Shakespearean history and craftsmanship. Their research informed the meticulous details of the collection, from hand-embroidered sonnets to black velvet corset dresses reminiscent of Lady Macbeth’s haunting allure.
According to Stacey Bendet, the founder and CEO of alice + olivia, the collection is an ode to both then and now. “The beauty of this collection exemplifies how we can learn so much from the past to create in the present,“ she said.
BFA – JOE SCHILDHORN
One of the most fascinating things about the collection was its effortless blend of modern style with historical elements, an ode to the timelessness of Shakespeare. The looks saw pairings of denim jackets and floral brooches, corsets and jeans, and so much more.
BFA – JOE SCHILDHORN
Stepping into Highline stages felt like stepping into a story in and of itself. No detail was spared, with the dimly lit, romantic atmosphere covered in references to Shakespeare’s romantic stories. Attendees wandered through immersive sets designed to represent Shakespearean landscapes. Juliet’s iconic balcony, a mystical apothecary, and a decadent banquet scene framed the fashion in a grand display of storytelling through style. The collection was further elevated by dramatic beauty looks, including intricately braided hairstyles adorned with pearls and flowers by stylist Matthew Curtis and bold red lips by T Cooper, evoking a modern-day Shakespearean muse. Famous Shakespearean quotes like “Though she be but little, she is fierce,” were woven into the embroidery and prints, in a beautifully creative way to reinforce the collection’s literary inspiration.
BFA – JOE SCHILDHORN
The alice + olivia Fall 2025 collection showcased a masterful blend of historical grandeur and contemporary femininity, proving once again that Shakespeare’s influence is timeless, and continues to inspire beyond the stage. In this case, right into the heart of modern fashion.
ABOUT ALICE + OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET
Launched in 2002, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is a brand that allows women to express their personal style. With clothing that juxtaposes the whimsical and flirty with the sexy and sophisticated, a+o epitomizes the personality and perspective of its founder, Stacey Bendet. The brand was born from Stacey’s personal quest to create the perfect pair of pants and has since grown into a full lifestyle collection including ready-to-wear, gowns, shoes, handbags and accessories. The brand is a Hollywood favorite with celebrity fans including Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gigi Hadid and Jessica Alba. alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is available at the brand’s free-standing boutiques located across the Globe, aliceandolivia.com, and is available at over 800 select department and specialty stores worldwide.
BFA – JOE SCHILDHORN
