Alice + Olivia

By: Karleen Basch | May 21, 2008 | Fashion

Models Showcase Alice + Olivia’s Designs

Talented, young and ambitious Stacey Bendet came up with the idea to make her own perfect pants while attending the University of Pennsylvania. She gathered material and began tailoring her own style of flattering pants. Her designer slacks first debuted at Barney’s New York to great success. Bendet’s company expanded with collections that include tops, sweaters, dresses, jackets, shorts and now children’s clothes. She is also engaged to producer Eric Eisner, and they are expecting a child in November.

Where are you living now?
I spend most of my time back and forth between Manhattan and L.A. My fiancé, Eric, and I spend our time between both cities. We spend a lot of time in Malibu since Eric’s parents have a house there.

How did you come up with name Alice + Olivia for your company?
Actually, Olivia is my mom and Alice is my pet goldfish. She’s been replaced a few times though!

What was your first taste of success with your pants?
My fashion show had all the models walking down the runway topless wearing only pants and carrying flowers. Barneys called the next day — that was early 2002.

What sets you apart from other designers?
The way I design and how our company works is very stream of consciousness.
Most designers do a collection for a whole season. The way I design is to do a different collection every month. I kind of design for myself; it’s not about trend. It’s more about what makes a women feel beautiful. When a woman puts on our clothes, I want her to feel amazing.

What is new in your line for 2008?
We just started a kids’ line for age 2 and over. Now that I am expecting, you never know, I may do any infant line.

Which celebrity was the first to wear your clothes?
There are a couple: Mena Suvari was a big fan from the beginning and is also a friend of mine. Alanis Morissette also buys loads of our pants.

You have a store coming to Malibu?
Yes. We are waiting for the construction to be finished. It’s across the street from Starbucks in Malibu. It will probably be open in 2009. We are opening boutiques in Beverly Hills and Miami in 2009, too.

Alice + Olivia is sold in more than 600 stores worldwide. Alice + Olivia boutiques are located in New York City, Greenwich, Conn., and Southampton, New York. The Los Angeles boutique location is at 134 South Robertson Boulevard.

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