Stacey Bendet had "a nutty grad student turned assistant professor" in mind for the Alice + Olivia pre-fall collection. Bohemian, too, the designer added. It was a specific vision for a sprawling lineup, but keep in mind that Bendet s eccentric academic spends as much time out on the town as she does in the library. So there were looks to take her from class to club—even a wedding dress, if she should get the nuptial itch. Narrative aside, any high-spirited girl would go for the selection of playful outerwear here, which was the collection s highlight. A gray, rugby-stripe topper came with detachable fox fur at the neck and wrists, and a striking coat with voluminous petticoats, big gilt buttons, and a nipped-in waist could double as a dress. A few looks did careen into costume-y territory, but then again, what self-respecting party girl doesn t have the occasional yen for a strapless palazzo jumpsuit with a crystal belt?
