Fall/Winter 2015-2016 Collection
New York Fashion Week
For her new Alice + Olivia Fall/Winter 2015-2016 collection Stacey Bendet used references of the Sixties Mod vibes with the Seventies rock ‘n’ roll styles, unveiling an array of elaborate and glamorous designs particularly perfect for romantic date nights and special gatherings. “The story here is late ’60s, early ’70s boho with a sexy rock-and-roll vibe,” she explained her creations that were proudly unveiled on the fifth day of New York Fashion Week at the Beaux-Arts-style Prince George Hotel. “This season is about personal expression and bold femininity. It is about glamour,” she then took it to her social accounts. We can also notice beautiful Victorian motifs used throughout the collection expressed in the rich golden embroidery and the romantic jacquard designs with bold floral prints and jewels.
It’s really interesting to get acquainted with the unique interpretations of the Seventies fashion by different fashion designers and while some place the focus on suede, hippie and bohemian motifs, Stacey Bendet went for the rock ‘n’ roll attitude creating designs that are both bold and romantic. Throughout the entire collection we see lots of studs, jewels, rich tones, opulent patterns and gilded jacquard fabrics used to boost the luxury of the designs. The collection opened with a pair of black tailored short shorts with pearl detailing matched with a black turtleneck, a black shearling coat and a pair of thigh-high boots for extra boldness and sexuality. Those are the main footwear options used for almost every single look, with a few exceptions when classic pumps complete the outfits.
The fabric was the star. A burnished sherbet-and-rust jacquard was made into a strapless cocktail dress worn over a black lace high-neck blouse. It was also used for a tailored dress coat that paired with matching knee-high boots. Another floral jacquard—this one in blue, yellow, and silver—constituted a flares and matching long vest ensemble, which was styled back to a simple black turtleneck. A rose-embossed A-line shift was paired with over-the-knee leopard boots, and extra-wide diamond-print palazzo pants doubled as a skirt.
While evening-ready looks seem to be the focus of the entire line, there are also understated elegant options for office wear. Pinstripe palazzo pants, skirt suits, a strapless jumpsuit and classic tuxedo suits are there catering to the style needs of the modern business ladies. Amazing outerwear is the next important aspect of the collection and here we see mostly long vests utilizing the same rich jacquard fabric and opulent patterns, often put in the same tones and designs as the outfits they come worn with.
The good news is that Bendet freed herself of fashion FOMO for Pre-Fall, instead focusing her efforts around a single inspiration: Loulou de la Falaise, the 1970s icon and muse to Yves Saint Laurent. “I loved her eccentricity and her strength,” said Bendet at her Meatpacking District studio. “She wasn’t a passive person.”
Talking about the finishing details of the looks, in addition to the thigh-high leather boots we should mention the detailed clutches and bags, acting as real precious jewels throughout the show.The entire show was a celebration of a unique style, one that is meant to turn you into the goddess of the party!
