Stratford-upon-Avon: Stacey Bendet’s theatrical fall collection for Alice + Olivia drew from Shakespeare’s works, featuring luxurious designs inspired by the playwright’s themes. The event showcased celebrity attendees and highlighted the rich dialogue between historical aesthetics and modern fashion.
Stacey Bendet, the founder and CEO of Alice + Olivia, recently made a statement with a theatrical fall presentation that drew inspiration from the world of William Shakespeare. Hosted amidst elaborate sets that mirrored the playwright’s iconic works, the event was attended by a star-studded roster of celebrities, including Julianne Hough, Tiffany Haddish, Anna Cathcart, Gavin Casalegno, Ming Lee Simmons, Jenny Mollen, and Dani Stahl.
“The whole theme was ‘Shakespeare is in Love,’ and each set is a different Shakespeare play,” Bendet said in an interview with Alexa. The collection emphasized ornate detailing, comprising pieces embellished with lace-trimmed cuffs, collars, and jacquard fabrics layered in gold, aimed at capturing the essence of Shakespearean drama. Bendet noted the anticipated spike in clothing costs for the year, stating, “I feel like clothes are going to be really expensive this year, so let’s make it worth it!”
Illustrating the intersection of fashion and history, the design team undertook a significant journey to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s archive and costume hire collection in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. This extensive archive boasts a diverse array of clothing, millinery, jewellery, armory, footwear, and additional artifacts dating back to 1879, providing a rich reservoir of inspiration for modern designs. Drawing from these historical treasures, Bendet crafted an embroidered skirt featuring sonnets, along with 16th-century inspired lantern skirts, capes, and a striking black velvet corset dress reminiscent of Lady Macbeth.
Models showcased the collection in intricate tableaux vivants that celebrated various Shakespearean narratives: a floral fantasy that echoed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a romantic balcony from “Romeo and Juliet,” and a striking backdrop symbolizing “The Merchant of Venice.” Bendet described the collection’s beauty as reflective of the lessons the past offers for contemporary creation, stating, “The beauty of this collection exemplifies how we can learn so much from the past to create in the present.”
As guests mingled, Julianne Hough caught attention in a sharp white caped vest and tailored pants. Speaking on Bendet’s imaginative approach, Hough remarked, “Fashion can sometimes feel quite stuffy – we take things so seriously. She does such a great job at creating fun and play. It’s always a blast.”
The presentation encapsulated the significant influence retro aesthetics and vintage fashion have on modern celebrity style, showcasing how historical elements can be seamlessly woven into contemporary wardrobes. This event not only celebrated artistic expression through fashion but also highlighted the ongoing dialogue between past and present in the realm of style, guided for many by fashion historians and their insights into bygone eras.
Source: Noah Wire Services
