The Alice + Olivia World

A dramatic new feel to the Alice + Olivia brand saw its debut at this season’s New York Fashion Week 2020 with an eclectic collection that saw a fusion of colours, patterns, genres, and beyond. A look for every type of woman, Stacey Bendet designed a presentation that speaks to all of us.

It’s a new era, a new decade, so why not take a little from the past with a little from the future and create a playful dimension to the present day. A feminine glam rock with pops of colour reminiscent of vintage tapestries, Alice + Olivia mixed patterns (my favourite!) and also went monochromatic in the sexiest of ways.

The range was wide and I think there was seriously something that could appeal to women of diverse styles. The was something electric about the way it was all presented: elaborate production value in each of the scenes created. The mix and match of cultural references and eras created a sense of nostalgia that made us feel like we were viewing something we’ve longed for.

I put a look together from our very own Billie Boutique. I paired a ripped-hem camo pant from Mother with slick tonal Equipment shirt. By cutting the colours with a black Anderson belt, I found the greens blended in a seamless way. I always find a way to throw on my white Isabel Marant boots and by picking up on some of the lighter hints of colour in this outfit, I find it created a great contrast. The playful Apparis jacket gave some serious dimension to the look and by adding an extra pattern in the Alice + Olivia clutch, the whole feel of the outfit was brought together.

There were other elements of the show that I think need attention. In an effort to grow awareness on the environment and the impact the fashion industry has on our world, Alice + Olivia worked with @1stdibs to create interiors and @zerowastedaniel to bring a sustainable consciousness to Ts, jackets and upscale jean from dead-stock denim.

They also spoke to the next generation with TikTok clips all over social media and went super commercial in speaking to past generations and millennials of all kinds with makeup by @maybelline.

The message was strong and heard loud and clear: empowered femininity, there was no mistaking the fierceness of the models, the collection, the presentation and the designer behind it all. Alice + Olivia has become known for her playful take on fashion and with Bendet’s ability to create a fantastical show that elevates fashion to a new level of artistry, all viewers, media, influencers and celebs left inspired.

There’s a personal touch to the brand that you feel is woven through the collection from season to season, but this collection topped past seasons – elements of interior design, travel, art and culture nod at the personal life that fuels the brand. I think that’s why so many people are drawn to Alice + Olivia; the brand takes us on their adventure every dizzying step of the way!

Photography by Patricia Brochu