For the 20th anniversary of alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet, poet Mahogany L. Browne composed an original poem, “The Song of She”, to depict the spirit of the brand and the Fall 2022 Collection. Browne’s poem speaks of women using creativity and beauty to lift up each other, akin to how the alice + olivia brand has used clothes to do this for two decades. This powerful sentiment reflects and celebrates the last twenty years of alice + olivia while looking to the beautiful future of its next twenty years.
Fall 2022 is about women feeling powerful together. Bright, bold colors create a palette not only to stand out, but to truly feel seen. Pops of red, lime and turquoise in color-blocked suiting create a balance between toughness and femininity. Silky cargo pants are paired with beautiful velvet blazers for a casual-cool twist on tailoring. In addition to color-blocked suits, there are new bold prints that push power suiting to its next continuation: graphic stripes and bright bohemian scarf print layer into innovative new juxtapositions.
Browne’s poem, serves as the backdrop for the clothes, opening with the line:
We get to take up space, and there is no more fitting way to introduce the voluminous sleeves in this collection.
These are statement silhouettes that feel powerful and strong. Ruffles, feathers, incredibly engineered corsets, bustiers, and mixed-media lace make a statement of fierce elegance. Tough studded faux leather is paired with chainmail straps, and a flowing tiered skirt. A beaded kimono with lush feathers is a strikingly cool complement to crystal coated denim. A crystal dress catches the light under a clean check tweed jacket with crystal trim.
FIERCENESS IS AT THE CENTER of Bendet’s vision for Fall 2022, starting with the raw femininity of leopard print, and continuing through rock-and-roll elements that add eye-catching shine. Heat set crystals on dresses, catsuits and bodysuits are perfect for making a starry entrance. The tough elements infuse every detail, down to the black nails with crystal embellishments. Fine chain mail, elaborate beading, and head-to-toe black sequins make these looks unforgettable.
Bendet invited close collaborator Ebony Williams, renowned choreographer and dancer for Beyonce’s Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), to choreograph a movement piece to accompany Browne’s reading of her poem. The dancers and aerialist performers showcase the shine and energy in the collection. Moving together, admiring our beauty, empowering each other: these are the notes of The Song of Being She, and they are truly timeless.