Alice + Olivia is one of those shows I look forward to attending every season — and it never disappoints! Stacey Bendet’s attention to detail and captivating creating a world around her collection is just further testament to her designer eye. For this year the inspiration was the beauty of Versailles represented by royally waking up from a dream in Paris. And we see this parisian princess come to life in a modern way with a chic braided silk chignon created by Michael Duenas for Schwarzkopf Professional (see how to tutorial HERE) and makeup created by Sara Lucero, Stila’s Global Director of Creative Artistry.
For this dream Lucero wanted etherial glowy skin, doll-like cheeks, dreamy eyes and kiss-stained lips (see product references above).
Nails, created by Rita Remart for Essie included one of the shades: a custom lilac, soft peach and a vibrant coral depending on the models outfit.
Flowy skirts, vintage prints, stunning bead work and incredible accessories reigned on at the beautifully crafted presentation. Take a look:
I wasn’t the only thing to hit the Hamptons this weekend… alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet opened a new store right in the shopping mecca of East Hamptons on Main street.
Just in time for the crowds of Memorial Day weekend, “We return!” says Stacey Bendet, “Our first store ever was in east, then we moved down south and now we are back!” Located in a 1,350 square foot space at 48 Main Street, I couldn’t resist but do a little pop by and indulge in a new outfit.
What do you think? Nothing like a colorful pair of printed shorts and silk tank to brighten up my wardrobe.
Going backstage for the alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is always a treat. Getting a peak at her Fall/Winter 2012 collection before it’s being released and watching all the action backstage as the models are transformed into works of art. Playing off this diverse Lolita-inspired collection which puts a fresh, mix-and-match twist on dressing up for a dinner party, Bendet collaborated with Sebastian Professional lead stylist Anthony Cole to create a swept-back, loosely constructed chignons. Coupled with a dark, bold lip and black smokey-eye from Stila, the look balanced this combination of feminine and edginess we saw throughout the collection.
Sebastian Professional lead stylist Anthony Cole touching up the models backstage at A+O
HAIR LEAD STYLIST: Anthony Cole for Sebastian Professional
HOW-TO:
1. On damp hair, apply a palmful of Sebastian Professional Whipped Crème throughout. Then, layer in a palmful of Mousse Forte. This combination will give the hair long-lasting, defrizzed body.
2. Blow-dry smooth using a large round brush. Once dry, divide hair in half horizontally, from recession to the back of the crown. Pin aside the top section and pull the bottom into a tight ponytail at the occipital bone.
3. Twist the ponytail around the base and pin to secure. Spray with Sebastian Professional Shaper hairspray for shape and hold.
4. Take down the top section and create a middle part. Taking one side at a time, smooth back each section to twist and pin around the chignon in the back. Be sure to keep the hair loose in the front so the hairline does not show.
5. Detail random pieces of the chignon with Sebastian Professional Craft Clay for matte hold. Pull pieces from under each top section loose to frame the face.
6. Once in shape, lightly spray Sebastian Professional Trilliant over the finished look for a touch of shimmer and shine.
SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS USED:
Whipped Crème – Ultra-light styler that nourishes and liftscurls and waves for a silky, shiny finish ($18.95)
Mousse Forte – Strong hold mousse that creates strong-lasting de-frizzed curls and waves ($13.95)
Shaper – Brushable working hairspray to create direction, lift and control with a medium hold ($15.95)
Craft Clay – Re-sculpting clay that redefines matte-hold styles to separate and re-style texture (15.95)
Trilliant – Thermal Protection and Shimmer Complex for ultra-light body and a glamorous shiny finish ($19.95)
{DJ Mia Moretti getting her hair done backstage before performing at the presentation}
The alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet F/W 2012 presentation was a visual wonderland! The Lolita-inspired collection had a feminine edge that made me absolutely fall in love with fashion. With a focus this season on outerwear and chic knit dressing, Bendet puts her own fresh twist on ultimate party dressing, including the launch of the alice + olivia Gown collection. This season’s palette features a modern mix of bold jewel tones – rich emerald green, deep ruby red, midnight blue, lush plum, strong metallics and Bendet’s signature black + white color-blocking.
Complete diversity throughout the entire collection, mixing bright button down shirts with floor-length knit dresses, fun mini-dresses, and everything in between. In a world where collections are supposed to be cohesive and consistent, it was really fun to see a complete mix of personalities and silhouettes and have it work! Walking that presentation felt like a museum exhibit that was pure energy and fun!
