NYFW Report: Alice + Olivia A/W 2012 Presentation

◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 35 Alice + Olivia AW 2012 NYFW Presentation

In a sprawling loft in the heart of Chelsea, with colorful backdrops and party music filtering throughout the room, designer Stacey Bendet once again mastered the art of hosting an enchanting party at the Alice + Olivia Fall 2012 Presentation during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Center 548.

The fancy soiree was reminiscent of a Marie Antoinette era dinner party with guests dining on Magnum ice cream bars and sipping rose champagne while observing models lining the perimeter of the room in full length gowns, frilly skirts, floral prints, frosted sequined tops and matching jackets that would speak to every girls’ sweet tooth.

The presentation completed the “let them eat cake” theme with a long dinner table in the center of the room set with dripping candles, crystal glassware, and tiers of decorated cakes and sweets. The star studded presentation was visited by the likes of Kristen Chenoweth, Kelly Rutherford, Johnny Weir, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Kevin and Danielle Jonas, Kelly Bensimon and Krysten Ritter.

The sexy yet playful collection could serve as the entire wardrobe for the kind of woman that is versatile and likes to have fun with fashion. The collection included rich colors in jewel tones and vibrant metallics.

For Fall 2012, Bendet continued her signature look of blending luxe fabrics, sequin, and feathers with opulent embroidery and tapestries. “The look is sexy rebellious but there is also an innocent school girl charm to her,” said Bendet.

	◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 45 Behind the scenes at Alice + Olivia’s NYFA A/W 2012 Presentation
	Backstage at Alice + Olivia

The presentation included a gold top paired with metallic cargo pants and topped off with an embroidered military jacket, a fur-trimmed puffer vest layered over swan-like white tulle skirts with embellished bodices, and a body-hugging lace gown tucked underneath a snakeskin leather bomber jacket. The retail conscious Bendet noted that mixing and matching prints makes it easier for a woman to put together outfits that are sexy and sweet, “My goal is for the clothes to cater to every feminine notion, women can put together seperates that work for day or night.”

The collection came together with the styling of hair and makeup. Anthony Cole for Sebastian Professional created a disheveled bun with a bold center part. “We created a look that was do-it-yourself. If you’re running from the office to a night out, a sleek ponytail can be let down into a loose chignon,” added Cole.

For makeup, Sarah Lucero for Stila Cosmetics created a look that was “modern goth” with a porcelain matte base, blacker than black eye shadow, and long wear lip color mixed with brown smudge pot lip liner.

This season revealed the Alice + Olivia gown collection, most notably a stunning green strapless ruffled gown cascading down to a fishtail train followed by a black and white abstract gown gathered at the waist with a bold belt.

With forty-four looks on display, Alice + Olivia certainly maintained its playful aesthetic with flouncy polka dot skirts and green and black strip pantsuit, but has also introduced sequin column gowns that are sure to make a statement.