Alice and Olivia Spring 2012:

Dresses For Every Mood

No one could fault Stacey Bendet Eisner, Alice and Olivia’s founder, for lacking enthusiasm. The high-energy, gamine designer rocks it at Ashtanga yoga in the morning, hits the office for a full day and has time for two kids in tow. Over the years, she has built a foundation on her “Stacey pants,” trousers known by editors for their flattering cut, but it was frocks she has in mind for her Spring 2012 collection.



Of the 39 looks at her presentation, the majority were the cheerful, hot weather sort. With the sun shining, there were plenty of possibilities.  In some ensembles, there was a Betty Draper goes to Palm Beach vibe in the pastel on pastel combinations. One black and white look sported a French black bow tie and ruffled skirt. Or you could play Sophia Loren in a hugging floral column that ended just below the knees. Styled with a bright dramatic sun hat, you could practically cheer “Viva Italia!”. You could say the uniting theme – if there was one – was the retro feel and with a special emphasis on the ’60s. Abbreviated A-line shifts cut in at the shoulder and stood away from the body, and some dresses veered into baby-doll territory.  There was plenty for the feminine woman, who wants a bit of light-hearted frippery, but sometimes too much too. The styling notes included oversize belts, vivid platforms and large shades, that taken together, gave an air of playing dress-up. Wise shoppers may find picking and choosing from each look more approachable.



The collection offered some great standalone looks, though, and they were saved for last. Pared of the bright color and in simpler, elegant shapes, the closing gowns were part Grecian, slightly ’70s and very much a crowd-pleaser.



Photos: Alice + Olivia

By: Bee-Shyuan Chang

@beeshyuanchang