Alice + Olivia presented its Fall Winter 2025.26 collection with an immersive showcase inspired by the theatrical world of William Shakespeare. Rather than a conventional runway show, the presentation transformed Highline Stages into an elaborate set, where each room embodied a different Shakespearean play. Models became characters in this reimagined world, moving through vignettes that transported guests into the romantic and dramatic atmosphere of the 16th century.
DISCOVER ALICE + OLIVIA FALL WINTER 2025 COLLECTION
Backstage, fashion photographer Katie Borrazzo captured models interacting within the evocative Shakespearean setting. Ornate gowns, embroidered details, and structured silhouettes reflected the collection’s dramatic essence. The atmosphere echoed the presentation’s staged approach, with every detail reinforcing the literary inspiration behind the designs.
The collection itself was deeply influenced by a research trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, where designer Stacey Bendet and her team studied the archives of the Royal Shakespeare Company. With access to historic costume pieces, millinery, and textile techniques dating back to the 19th century, they translated these elements into modern fashion. This inspiration was evident in the collection’s key silhouettes – lantern skirts, lace-trimmed capelets, and structured velvet coats with dramatic collars. Jacquard fabrics were infused with metallic threading, adding a regal touch, while lace cuffs and ruffled necklines referenced the grandeur of Elizabethan dress.
Each piece in the collection carried a distinct connection to Shakespeare’s works. A black velvet corset gown paid homage to Lady Macbeth, evoking the dark romance of her character. An embroidered skirt featured passages from Shakespearean sonnets, while an opulent ball gown captured the essence of Renaissance-era royalty. Famous lines from his plays appeared in delicate embroidery and printwork, including “All that glisters is not gold” from The Merchant of Venice and “Though she be but little, she is fierce” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The collection also introduced a contemporary edge, balancing historical references with modern styling. Denim jackets were adorned with clusters of brooches, corsets were paired with jeans, and suede stretch and latex leggings gave the lineup an unexpected, rock-inspired contrast. Lace bodysuits and tweed mini-skirt suits offered versatility, allowing elements of Shakespearean drama to integrate into daily wardrobes.
Beyond the clothing, the presentation itself was a theatrical experience. The sets recreated iconic moments from Shakespeare’s plays – Juliet’s balcony, a candlelit banquet hall, and an apothecary reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet’s most fateful scene. A room overflowing with florals evoked the enchanted setting of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, while a golden-lit space transported guests into the world of The Merchant of Venice. Each set was designed as an immersive extension of the collection.
