From the sets of her runway shows to past presentations, Stacey Bendet, CEO and creative director of Alice + Olivia, is known for her maximal aesthetic. And her S/S 2019 presentation in New York this past September, in association with travel portal Booking.com, did not disappoint. Bendet converted the iconic Pier59 Studios into a globetrotting experience for the showcase, called ‘Passport To Wonderland’.
BendetModels in Alice + Olivia’s S/S19 collection
On entering the venue, guests were greeted by an exclusive 74-foot yacht that was available to rent on Booking.com. It was designed in Alice + Olivia’s signature style, incorporating kaleidoscopic prints.
The yacht designed by Alice + Olivia in association with Booking.com
The space was sectioned so that each part represented a different destination and its culture. Bendet took us through Positano, Paris, Provence, Marrakesh, Careyes, Tokyo, and the English countryside—all inspired by the portal’s luxe properties in these locales. In addition, there was also a make-believe country named Wonderland, done up in a black and white colour palette.
Alice + Olivia, which is known for its laid-back, bohemian fashion, presented clothes meant for holiday dressing. There was a riot of colour and embellishments floral patterns, and prints and motifs inspired by iconic monuments around the world. Maxi dresses, beaded bags, flowing kaftans, A-line dresses and oversized outerwear were a few of the standout pieces—all perfectly suited to a jet-setting lifestyle. Of her partnership with Booking.com, Bendet said, “I’m excited to merge the world of travel with fashion, and to highlight the influence fashion has on travel and vice-versa.” For the audience, it was a dreamy world where they could explore different destinations through fashion under one roof. And for the brand, it was a successful marriage of fashion, travel and design.
The Marrakesh section at the presentation
Karrueche Tran and Stacey Bendet
Fashion collaborations are now taking on new meaning as a growing number of clothing brands are using other platforms as a marketing tool to sell their clothes. With the dynamic of fashion weeks changing with shows being merged (for example at Burberry where the womenswear and menswear was combined) or venues being changed (shifting cities to accommodate changing markets as in the case of Versace), Alice + Olivia has set a successful example on how to bring two worlds together.
