London: Stacey Bendet, the visionary behind Alice + Olivia, prepares to unveil a Shakespeare-inspired collection for fall 2025, featuring vintage styles infused with literary elements. The collection, which showcases pieces reflecting the essence of various Shakespearian works, highlights the ongoing appeal of retro fashion.
Stacey Bendet, the creative force behind the renowned vintage-inspired fashion label Alice + Olivia, is set to launch a compelling collection for fall 2025, drawing inspiration from the iconic works of William Shakespeare. This collection marks a significant exploration of the Bard’s influence on contemporary fashion, reflecting both the rich histories inherent in retro fashion and the evolution of trends that have made vintage styles increasingly relevant in modern collections.
Bendet’s muse for this collection originated from the whimsical elements of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. However, her vision expanded to include various other Shakespearian masterpieces such as “The Merchant of Venice”, “Macbeth”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “All’s Well That Ends Well”. In addition to these literary influences, the designer has incorporated aspects of Shakespeare’s own life, evident through her creative offerings including voluminous tiered lace skirts and tailored denim suiting, completed with dramatic ruffled collars and sleeves.
To inform her design process, Bendet and her team conducted immersive research at the archives in Stratford-upon-Avon. Reflecting on this experience, she noted, “We went into the archives… where you got to look at all the fabric, the embellishments, quotes, old theatre sets.” This deep dive into the historic elements of Shakespeare’s works adds a layer of authenticity and inspiration, distinguishing Bendet’s approach from that of other designers, including notable names like Ricardo Tisci and David Koma, who have presented their interpretations of Shakespeare with a more conceptual mindset.
Among the standout features of the fall 2025 collection are novelty cocktail dresses and sweaters adorned with Shakespearean quotes. One notable piece features the quote, “Though she be but little, she is fierce,” which Bendet described as a “no-brainer”. The collection also includes statement occasionwear such as a salmon gown complemented by a tiered lace skirt and puff sleeves, alongside a black high-neck coat embellished with intricately embroidered flowers. Bendet articulated her vision for the floral prints, stating, “We always do floral prints, but I wanted them to feel a little more moody and romantic.”
Despite the ongoing debate about whether characters like Queen Titania and Lady Macbeth would favour contemporary fashions such as skintight latex pants or jacquard miniskirts, the collection has generated significant buzz. The excitement was palpable during Alice + Olivia’s New York Fashion Week presentation, where throngs of fashion enthusiasts eagerly awaited a glimpse of the collection, indicating that the allure of vintage-inspired fashion continues to resonate powerfully in today’s fast-paced fashion landscape. Through Bendet’s adept fusion of classic literature and modern style, Alice + Olivia underscores the timeless appeal of vintage influences, bridging the past with the present in an ever-evolving sartorial dialogue.
Source: Noah Wire Services
