Alice + Olivia RTW Spring 2024 – WWD

When Alice + Olivia’s Stacey Bendet dives into a seasonal theme, she does so with all her heart. 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 “Black and White Ball” within the walls of 48 Wall Street.

Ahead of the presentation, Bendet explained that each of her highly decorated, surrealism-inspired vignette sets are designed to be representative of the era, with models dressed in the appropriate fashions – it’s a delightful feast for the eyes.

“There is a scene depicting the actual plaza, the ball, there is an after party, a garden and a tea room [there were also Novel, Theater and Dream-themed sets]. It’s meant to represent these 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 that mood and that moment still holds up and feels relevant today. I felt a lot of mid to late 60s forms.”

The appearance: The modern, girly swan.

Notable quote: “We’re bringing back all those adorable, sexy pants; the idea of ​​sheer blouses and some Slim Aarons-esque pieces. I captured the most iconic moments – it wasn’t just sheath dresses or just mini dresses, but also the world of wearing ball gowns and swing coats, while playing with a little minimalist draping and bringing denim into the world with a new capri shape. Bows are also tied everywhere.”

Key pieces: Fashionable crew neck sweaters paired with mini skirts, straight pants or maxi ball skirts; a 3D floral embellished sheath dress (also available in statement crop top form); Basketweave vegan leather bomber jackets with matching ’60s-cut shorts; Statement jackets with bow detailing; graphic black and white polka dot dressing; draped blouses in twisted jersey; an embellished fringe top with high-rise jeans with an embellished hem; a moiré swing coat and many glamorous, festive dresses for special occasions, from flirty bustier dresses to To name a few: sparkly minis and a seductive twist strap dress, an off-the-shoulder jersey bodycon dress, to name a few.