The lights dimmed, and I found myself transported to a world where Shakespeare’s timeless stories met contemporary fashion. Stacey Bendet’s Fall 2025 collection for alice + olivia wasn’t just a presentation—it was theatrical storytelling through clothing, and I was captivated from the first look.
Shakespeare Is In Love
Walking through the elaborate presentation spaces, each designed as a stage-worthy set representing different Shakespearean plays, I couldn’t help but appreciate the depth of research that went into this collection. Bendet and her team had actually traveled to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, where they received special access to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s archives and costume collections dating back to 1879.
The influence of this immersion was evident in every piece I examined. Dramatic lantern skirts reminiscent of 16th-century silhouettes stood alongside capes with lace-ornamented cuffs and collars. The jacquard fabrics illuminated with touches of gold caught the light beautifully, giving the collection a regal quality that felt both historical and thoroughly modern.
What impressed me most was how literary references were woven directly into the garments—not as gimmicks, but as thoughtful design elements. I spotted an embroidered skirt featuring Shakespeare’s sonnets, and a black velvet full-skirted corset dress that Bendet confirmed was inspired by Lady Macbeth. The Shakespeare-themed ball gown was a showstopper that would make any English literature professor swoon.
Modern Juliets
Bendet’s genius lies in her ability to balance historical reverence with contemporary relevance. While examining a velvet party dress with intricate detailing, I noticed how seamlessly it could transition to today’s wardrobes when paired with the collection’s lace bodysuits or modern mini tweed skirt-and-blazer sets.
“The beauty of this collection exemplifies how we can learn so much from the past to create in the present,” Bendet said of her inspiration.
I particularly loved the rock-and-roll baroque elements that grounded the fantasy in reality: denim jackets adorned with bouquets of brooches, corsets styled with jeans, and suede stretch and latex leggings that gave the Shakespearean references an edgy twist.
The textural play throughout was worthy of its own sonnet—pearls, velvet, bows, and appliqué created a tactile experience that complemented the visual feast. Famous Shakespearean quotes were cleverly incorporated into embroidery and prints, from The Merchant of Venice’s “All that glisters is not gold” to A Midsummer Night’s Dream’s “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”
Theatrical Sets and Beauty
The presentation itself was a journey through Shakespeare’s world. I moved from a blooming set of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Juliet’s balcony overlooking her garden, then to a quintessential Shakespearean banquet and apothecary (another nod to Romeo and Juliet). An elaborate gold backdrop invoked The Merchant of Venice, and the experience concluded with a final quote from All’s Well That Ends Well: “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”
The beauty looks perfectly complemented the collection’s theatrical nature. Lead stylist Matthew Curtis created modern Juliet-inspired hairstyles featuring jeweled braids adorned with cascading flowers. Makeup by T Cooper featured clean faces with glistening gold eyes and bold Lady Macbeth red lips. Kate Somerville added a touch of stage glamour by blending moisturizing cream with gold flakes for a subtle shimmer.
This collection reinforces why alice + olivia has attracted such a devoted following since its launch in 2002. What began as Bendet’s quest to create the perfect pair of pants has evolved into a full lifestyle collection beloved by celebrities including Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gigi Hadid, and Jessica Alba.
The Fall 2025 collection will be available at alice + olivia boutiques globally, on aliceandolivia.com, and at over 800 select department and specialty stores worldwide.
After experiencing this collection, I left with Shakespeare’s words echoing in my mind, but also with a renewed appreciation for how Bendet continues to juxtapose the whimsical and flirty with the sexy and sophisticated—allowing women to express their personal style through clothing that tells a story.
Photos: Sam Spence
