Stacey Bendet, founder of alice + olivia. Photo courtesy of alice + olivia
The alice + olivia founder brings her signature blend of whimsy and structure to Manila, debuting the Fall 2025 collection inspired by the world of Shakespeare
Everyone knows Stacey Bendet’s story began with a pair of pants. That mission evolved into a full-scale fashion brand with alice + olivia, a label known for its playful, feminine aesthetics. Now, these whimsical designs are arriving in Manila as the brand opens its first boutique in Makati.
Located in Greenbelt 5, the boutique marks the brand’s Philippine debut and continues its expansion across Asia. It will soon launch the Fall 2025 collection, which, according to Bendet, “It’s one of the most theatrical and romantic we’ve ever done.”
In Manila, they will debut a repertoire of velvet corset gowns, embroidered ball skirts, and brocade jackets, drawn from literary references and historical silhouettes inspired by Bendet’s deep dive into the world of William Shakespeare.
“We visited his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon, and worked with The Royal Shakespeare Company to study their historic costume archives,” she shares. “It’s about honoring the poetry and beauty of the past while imagining how it can live in the present, on the street, [and] in everyday life.”
In their lookbook, models are photographed against grand tapestry backdrops. It features tailored pantsuits covered in celestial motifs and medieval text, sheer lace bodies and matching gloves, floral ballgowns with a high lace collar reminiscent of the Renaissance period, voluminous skirts with embroidered sonnets, layered ruffles on dresses, and coats with floral prints.
“It’s a fantasy, but a wearable one. Each piece is designed to make you feel like the heroine of your own story,” says Bendet.
Beyond the collection itself, the boutique experience is central to the alice + olivia ethos. Designed to be immersive, the Greenbelt 5 space reflects the spirit of Fall with curated vignettes, custom artwork, plush textures, and detailed storytelling through design.
“We don’t just want to create a store, we want to create an experience,” says Bendet. “When a woman walks into an alice + olivia store, I want her to feel transported, to feel inspired. [It’s] a boutique that feels as bold, feminine, and joyful as the women who shop there.”
For their Manila debut, Bendet also emphasizes that the brand’s vision extends beyond the boutique itself. “Community has always been central to the brand. Beyond the boutique walls, we want to build real connections with stylists, artists, editors, influencers, and, of course, our clients,” she shares. “Whether it’s through collaborative events, creative partnerships, or pop-up experiences, I hope alice + olivia can become a part of the fabric of Manila’s fashion community. There’s such incredible talent here, and I can’t wait to discover, support, and celebrate it.”
In the Philippines, alice + olivia is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is located at Greenbelt 5 and Central Square, BGC, and is opening soon at Rustan’s Makati, Visit https://www.ssilife.com.ph or follow them on Instagram for more information.
