Alice + Olivia Fall/Winter 2013

Click the photo for more looks from Alice + Olivia.

Well-known for bright, daring designs, Stacey Bendet’s label Alice + Olivia did not disappoint at the winter presentation. Held at the High Line Stages, just a few doors down from the label’s store, the event was as fun as the designs.

With exposed brick and piping, the venue offered a simple backdrop for the creative collection. Models were posed in front of all four walls, and divided into groups. Each of these groups had a different tone, and background. All of the different sceneries came together to form something that seemed like a Victorian era home.

The first group, standing before a claw-footed bathtub and a velvet throne, was classic Alice + Olivia: boldly patterned jeans and eye-catching accessories. As the looks continued, props such as antique suitcases were featured, and schoolgirl vibe was given with emersions of plaid pleated skirts and high-heeled Mary Janes. Things were much more dramatic and grown-up on the other side of the room, which featured lace, leather, and fur before an ivy- and column-laden garden scene. The back wall, comprising of instruments both on the floor and hanging from the ceiling, contained the most formal looks, with sophisticated ball gowns.

There was a trend of studs, which adorned most of the pumps and handbags. Animal prints were also featured; not simply cheetah and zebra stripes, but standouts like an adorable zebra-shaped cross-body bag and a dramatic floor-length parrot-printed skirt. Baroque prints were also frequent, giving a sense of maturity and drama to the collection.

The models were kept simple with a dash of dark lipstick and simple braided crowns.

The event itself was as much a party as a fashion presentation. Stacey Bendet, played hostess, flitting through the crowd in a dramatic floor-length skirt that fit right in with her collection and giving personal tours to special guests. Champagne and macarons were served as danceable music ranging from The Pixies to No Doubt played overhead.

The entrance was adjacent to a short red carpet where celebrities like Annasophia Robb, Nichole Galicia, Vanessa Hudgens, Victoria Justice, and Johnny Weir posed for photographs.

Valerie Nelson is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com