Alice and Olivia F14 (1)Once upon a time there was a happily ever after in every girls dream closet. Stacey Bendet has done it again this season, making even our wildest dreams come true. Staging her best presentation to date, Bendet rented out the McKittrick Hotel usually the home of the theatre production Sleep No More.

Inspired by Benjamin Lacombe’s illustrated pop-up books Bendet created a fairy tale of her own: Enchanted: The Search for the Golden Monarch. Before hitting the actual presentation guests had to walk down a winding hallway with barely lit candles leading the way to the first room where the audience was presented with a cabaret like room. Paper scrolls were laid out for guests to grab with the story behind the designers Alice and Olivia Fall 2014 collection.

Alice and Olivia F14 (23)After walking through another yet dark and barley lit candle lit winding hallway came the presentation—Let the story begin. There were many fairytale characters included in the presentation, Cinderella in a blue ball gown that lit up the room, Rapunzel from afar dressed in green gown with her hair laid on the floor, Cruella De Vil in her carriage and Snow white laying inside a glass container with her must have apple clutch.

Though the notable fairytale characters helped tell Stacey Bendet’s story, the rest of the collection was all about the Victoria era and sharp tailoring with a bit of fairytale like elements added here and there. The collection featured a good use of metallic, bold brocades, rich velvet and regal lace. Adding to the regal Victorian feel, fur and crystal embellishments were also stand out details that were seen throughout the collection.

Apart from the past, Bendet included many separates this collection. Though there were many flirty skirts and dresses, the collection also had its share of well-structured menswear-inspired pants and trousers paired with romantic blouses with romantic collars and laced detailing.

Stacey Bendet succeeds yet again this season, creating a live pop up fairytale for all of her Alice and Olivia fans to witness and experience with her.

[KRISTINA FE]
Photos courtesy of Alice and Olivia