Alice + Olivia SPRING 2025 READY-TO-WEAR

Stacey Bendet, the creative force behind Alice + Olivia, is ditching minimalism for a whimsical and elegant spring 2025 collection, dubbed "The Hotel of Imagination."

Inspired by a fantastical hotel with rooms representing different aspects of the collection, Bendet presents a mix of trendy pieces, like candy-colored striped rugby shirts and butter yellow maxi dresses, alongside over-the-top creations, such as tiered corset dresses with moiré polka-dots and floor-sweeping velvet burnout capes.

Bendet’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the collection’s engineered designs. Her signature wide-legged New Olivia pant, designed to flatter every figure, exemplifies her commitment to creating flattering silhouettes. The collection also features innovative design elements like hidden boning in corsets and detachable dress tiers, allowing for versatility and style transformation from day to night.

While the collection showcases impressive embellishments, such as 3-D hand-beaded florals, the use of downmarket finishes, like exposed zippers and elasticated back panels, feels inconsistent with the overall luxurious aesthetic.

Bendet envisions her clientele as diverse, ranging from "ladies who lunch" to "Alice + Olivia boss babes" and women in Palm Beach. While she aims to create a unique experience for each customer, perhaps a more cohesive and refined approach would better serve her brand's luxurious image.