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Welcome to Wonderland - Alice + Olivia's SS27 Potomac Media Absolute Film · Bethesda, MD

Floras, Prints and Whimsical Sets

Article by Barnette Holston

Photography by Barnette Holston

Alice + Olivia has cultivated a distinct reputation for transforming runway shows into immersive, sensory-rich experiences and the brand’s Spring/Summer 2027 presentation was truly no exception. Titled "Welcome to Wonderland," this captivating showcase transported guests into a lush, enchanted garden filled with oversized props and hand-painted murals. The presentation featured a cast of gowns that seemed to emerge straight from the pages of a classic storybook. It is no surprise that the Alice + Olivia presentation remains one of the must-see events every season.

Alice + Olivia's SS27 Show Theme?

Drawing inspiration from the magical world of Lewis Carroll, the SS27 collection centered on a vibrant "Wonderland" concept, filtered through designer Stacey Bendet’s signature love of maximalism and radiant color. The show's elaborate set designs reinforced this narrative at every turn; a recurring black-and-white checkered floor grounded each bold look against backdrops of flourishing floral installations and sprawling garden murals. And we would be remiss we didn’t mention the elaborate doll house created for one of the gorgeous sets

The Wonderland Theme Influence On the Designs?

Every element of the presentation, from the elaborate set to the precise styling, worked in harmony to build an immersive experience. Models posed against an enchanted garden backdrop, where an ivy-draped archway framed with ornate gold accents provided a regal touch. Another scene even featured a whimsical vignette with a large clock, a botanical armchair and a miniature cabinet to bring the dollhouse theme to life. To complete the Wonderland atmosphere, models posed against oversized sculptures including giant plates, cutlery and even a towering pink ice cream cone. These touches added a surreal, larger-than-life quality that echoed the theme's storybook roots.

Design Details On the Collection?

The collection leaned heavily into romantic baroque florals, rich textures, and breathtaking statement embellishments. For day, consider the stunning blue-and-white floral toile coordinated set featuring sparkling rhinestone embellishments on denim, paired with matching platform heels. For a more formal look, consider the vibrant oversized floral print A-line gown. These standouts, along with other looks in the collection, showcased Bendet's masterful ability to mix pattern, texture and color without losing cohesion. It’s a true hallmark of the Alice + Olivia aesthetic.

AI's Role in the Collection's Design?

In a brilliant fusion of technology and tradition, Alice + Olivia incorporated AI-assisted design tools to help generate several of the collection's most intricate floral patterns and prints. This innovative blend of technology and craftsmanship allowed the brand to push its signature prints into more elaborate, layered territory while keeping the collection's romantic storybook charm perfectly intact.

Alice + Olivia's Impact on the Washington-Potomac MD Region?

In the Washington-Potomac MD region, Alice + Olivia enjoys a wonderfully loyal following among fashion-forward shoppers who rely on Stacey Bendet's feminine designs for everything from social galas and weddings to polished workwear rotations. Her designs can be found in the Alice + Olivia store in Georgetown, plus at favorite department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms and Bloomingdales.  These New York Fashion Week signal the vibrant upcoming trends before they arrive in these department stores across the DMV area.

A Wonderland Worth Watching

Alice + Olivia's SS27 collection proved once again why Stacey Bendet's shows remain essential, appointment viewing each season. By pairing traditional baroque florals and elaborate embellishment with cutting-edge AI-assisted print design and an immersive set, the brand delivered a collection that felt both fantastical and remarkably wearable. For shoppers ready to add a touch of whimsy to their wardrobes, this "Wonderland" moment is absolutely worth watching closely as these pieces make their way to stores.

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