Summer is in full swing at alice + olivia’s Southampton store!
Last Friday, we got to celebrate the launch of their new collection with Tel Aviv based artist Shira Barzilay (Koketit). The collection features four unique pieces that showcase Barzliay’s ink paintings, and it’s available online as well as in select alice + olivia stores.
To introduce the collection, Stacey Bendet, Lisa Perry, Jenny Mollen, and Shira Barlizay threw an energetic bash at the Southampton store on Main St. The store was decked in red roses, Koketit artwork covered tables, clothing, and even cookies! Along with the too-gorgeous-to-eat cookies in the shape of the collection’s new clothing pieces, we enjoyed passed appetizers and cocktails from Casa del Sol, while jamming to DJ Pamela Tick’s set.
Barzilay’s work has gained international acclaim, and been featured in collections with Cartier, Porsche, Zara, and many more. This collection with alice + olivia is special because it’s a true collaboration between artists – Bendet and Barzilay took their respective artwork, and put it together to create something novel. Bendet’s brand has become synonymous with women showcasing their whimsicality and freedom, and Barzilay is passionate about using her work to “celebrate individuality, freedom, and femininity” – their collaboration is a perfect match.
Read on to find our exclusive interview with Bendet and Barlizay:
The Knockturnal: How did you two become acquainted and what was the catalyst for this collaboration?
KT: “After October 7th, I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and despair and creating and making art was a life savior that pulled me back to sanity. I created a piece that was a star of David compiled of many faces and donated all the proceeds from sales of that print to charities that were directly helping inflicted families.
Lisa Perry saw this post and decided to repost it on her feed, which sparked a lot of interest from her followers, including Stacey. She asked Lisa who I was and immediately sought to collaborate. “
The Knockturnal: You’ve said this collection is meant to “celebrate individuality, freedom, and femininity” – could you tell us more about this and what it means to you?
KT: “The process in which I draw is a freestyle. When I start something, I never know how it’s going to end, so I must trust in the process and in myself. I have adapted this philosophy of letting go ,where art becomes the practice of freedom. In life I can be a control seeker – but in art all bets are off, and I strive to take that philosophy into real life- though it is much harder. I am a strong, independent woman and that’s the energy that I exude in my work. To be free, not to worry or be timid, but fierce and ferocious – like a strong stroke of a brush that is confident in its journey on the blank canvas. It’s very freeing and it’s like going back to being a child. “
The Knockturnal: What was the intention and vision behind having this event at the Southampton store, and in the height of summer? Does that mean something special?
SB: “There is a strong Jewish community in Southampton and many amazing art collectors who we wanted to introduce to Shira during our event.”
KT: “For me, the event was a beautiful moment to connect with Stacey, the team and the AO girl. To to see the clothes in their natural habitat, and to celebrate it in such a warm and fun way – as an artist, that means the world to me. I feel so fortunate to travel across the world – literally and have these new and amazing experiences. I feel such gratitude that this is where my art takes me. “
The Knockturnal: I know there’s so much thought behind events like this, why did you choose to have a live painting session, and did it mean anything to bring back Casa26bh for the custom patchwork?
KT: “The idea for a live painting session came organically during a group zoom working session with the entire team of wonderful women. It’s always nice to engage with people and being interactive, doing something that is totally unique to that moment in time. I wanted to give the guests the experience of what it’s like to draw freely, show them how the lines that are part of the print on the beautiful garments are created. Call it – ‘behind the scenes of a process’ if you will.
Of course, the final element that made us all fall in love with doing a live demonstration was the fact that we could auction off those pieces to charity as well. When we realized how cool that would be – it was the mic drop moment. “
The Knockturnal: Shira, you’ve done some really amazing collaborations recently. How does this support your work as an artist, and what are you hoping to show the world with this collection with alice + olivia?
KT: “Every collaboration I am fortunate to do fills me with so much gratitude. A collaboration is a win win situation – and when everybody is smiling, nothing can be better. My goal as an artist is not only to express myself authentically, but also reach as wide an audience as possible, and communicate my work in the best way. I love when a brand takes my art and translates it to fit their product. I feel like AO did such a fantastic job with utilizing the artwork into the brand’s DNA – and the result came out super bold and exciting – like Stacey herself. It was just super cool to watch as well as participate. I hope that when the AO girl wears the collection, she feels amazing and super special.”
The Knockturnal: Stacey, you’re known for your love of color. What drew you to Shira’s work and what made you want to incorporate it into your brand?
SB: “I love her bold designs, use of color, powerful black and white drawings and the energy of her art….I immediately envisioned so many pieces turning into clothes!”
The Knockturnal: Is there anything else you’d like to share about the collection or the event?
SB: “My iconic boss moment when I was running late and got dressed in the Southampton parking lot!”
KT: “Grateful and honored to have had this awesome experience. I met wonderful women, got to travel to beautiful places and I hope this adventure is the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
