Shakespeare Takes Center Stage: Alice + Olivia’s Literary Inspired Fall 2025 Collection

Shakespeare Takes Center Stage: Alice + Olivia’s Literary Inspired Fall 2025 Collection

Alicia + Olivia's Fashion
Dominique Aronson
February 10, 2025
5 min read

In a bold fusion of Elizabethan drama and contemporary fashion, Alice + Olivia’s Fall 2025 collection transformed New York Fashion Week into a modern-day Globe Theatre. Designer Stacy Bendet masterfully wove Shakespeare’s timeless narratives into a collection that bridges centuries of style, proving that the Bard’s influence extends far beyond the written word.

The collection’s genesis lay in the enchanted forests of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” but Bendet’s vision quickly expanded to encompass the broader Shakespearean canon, drawing inspiration from “The Merchant of Venice,” “Macbeth,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “All’s Well that Ends Well.” Her commitment to authenticity led her design team to the hallowed archives of Stratford-upon-Avon, where they immersed themselves in period fabrics, embellishments, and theatrical set designs.

Three key trends emerged from this literary-fashion fusion.

First the collection showcased a dramatic reimagining of Elizabethan silhouettes, featuring voluminous tiered lace skirts and tailored denim suiting adorned with ruffled collars and sleeves.

Second, the collection emphasized romantic mood lighting through its color palette and embellishments. Traditional floral prints were transformed with a darker, more mysterious edge, while intricate embroidery work appeared on pieces to capture dramatic tension.

Third, the collection celebrated the art of quotation through fashion, literally weaving Bard’s words into contemporary pieces. Sweaters emblazoned with famous lines like “Though she be little, she is fierce” demonstrated how seamlessly Shakespeare’s wit translates into modern streetwear.

The collection offered something for every act and scene of modern lift, from novelty cocktail dresses to statement occasionwear. Bendet’s collection successfully demonstrated that Shakespeare’s themes of romance, drama, and transformation remain as relevant in 2025 as they were in the 16th century.