Alice + Olivia Fall/Winter 2020 NYFW Presentation
Alice + Olivia’s New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020 presentation made attendees feel right at home. Inspired by Bendet’s recent renovation of her NYC apartment in the famed Dakota apartment building, the collection combines Italian Renaissance-inspired graphic pieces with edgier, punk rock prints—think floral gowns paired with gold-accented combat boots.
Bendet instantly became inspired by the beautiful pieces of artwork and fabric that surround her in her home during her apartment’s transformation, serving as fuel for her latest presentation. Upon entering Highline Stages, attendees were immediately drawn to the unconventional displays. Rather than establishing a traditional runway setup, the brand filled countless stages with backdrops from gardens full of ivy and ferns to intricately-patterned carpets curiously placed on top of each other. The room had a domestic feel thanks to its intimate stages, featuring models actually living in cozy, layered looks, not appearing as mannequins.
The collection highlights mock neck and ruched sleeve dresses, cropped jackets; and leather trench coats, with several items featuring gold accents. Baroque patterns also come into play on select skirts, as well as tapestry prints on frocks and puffer jackets.
A crimson lace gown particularly stands out, complete with a bustier, rhinestone black belt, and ruffled trim that winds down the full skirt. Also notable was a vibrant yellow, Italian Renaissance-printed skirt, paired with a long-sleeve black top. The garment features sheer balloon sleeves, balancing out the opaqueness of the rest of the top.
Each Alice + Olivia collection has a fundamental concept behind it, but this season’s line had a distinctive approach. Instead of focusing solely on the look of the line, Bendet decided to hone in on a pressing issue in the fashion industry: sustainability. Bendet teamed up with fellow clothing company Zero Waste Daniel to recycle pieces of leftover fabric from the new collection, using them to update existing Alice + Olivia designs with new embroidery and appliqués. “What’s old is right again,” Bendet has said. “We ought to take time to appreciate the beauty of what’s here, and make it new.” The designer also decided to produce clothing and accessories in faux leather, omitting the authentic fabric in the name of animal preservation.
There’s no place like home: with Alice + Olivia’s new collection in tow, customers will feel comfortable and confident in their own skin wherever they go.
Additional reporting by Anabelle Baum.