When Alice + Olivia’s Stacey Bendet dives into a seasonal theme, she does it whole-heartedly. For the spring season, Bendet said she was inspired by Truman Capote’s Swans, so she created her own version of his glamorous 1966 Plaza Hotel-set Black and White Ball within the walls of 48 Wall Street.
Ahead of the presentation, Bendet explained that each of her highly decorated, Surrealist-inspired vignette sets were designed to be representative of the era, with models clad in fashions to match — it was a delightful feast for the eyes.
“There’s a scene that represents the actual Plaza, the ball, there’s an after party, a garden and tea salon [there were also Novel, Theater and Dream-themed sets]. It’s meant to represent those iconic women of the ‘60s [Babe Paley, Lee Radziwill, Marella Agnelli, Gloria Guinness, C.Z. Guest, Pamela Harriman, show notes read] and why they were so iconic, what made them so fabulous and why this vibe and moment still lasts and feels relevant today. I was feeling a lot of mid-to-late ‘60s shapes.”
The look: The modern, girly Swan.
Quote of note: “We’re bringing back all these adorably, sexy pants; the idea of sheer blouses and some Slim Aarons-y pieces. I took the most iconic moments – it wasn’t just shifts or just minis, but also the world of wearing ballgowns and swing coats while playing with a bit of minimalist draping and bringing denim into the world with a new capri shape. Bows also tie through everywhere.”
Key pieces: Mod crewneck sweaters paired with miniskirts, straight trousers or maxi ball skirts; a 3-D floral embellished shift (also seen in the form of a statement crop top); basket-weave vegan leather bombers with ‘60s-cut matching shorts; bow-adorned statement jackets; graphic black- and white polka-dot dressing; drapey, twisted jersey blouses; an embellished fringe top with high rise, embellished hem jeans; a moire swing coat, and plenty of glammed-up, festive occasion dresses ranging from flirty bustier dresses to bedazzled minis and a sultry twist strap, off the shoulder jersey bodycon gown, to name a few.