Stacey Bendet

Stacey Bendet – Life, Career, and Design Vision

Learn the story of Stacey Bendet — founder and creative force behind Alice + Olivia. From her early years and education to brand growth, activism, and her design philosophy.

Introduction

Stacey Bendet (born 1978) is an American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and creative leader best known as the founder, CEO, and creative director of the contemporary lifestyle brand Alice + Olivia.

Her rise in the fashion world blends bold design, brand identity, activism, and the intersection of personal style with business acumen. Bendet’s journey offers insights into building a fashion brand from the ground up and maintaining a creative vision through growth and change.

Early Life and Background

Stacey Bendet was born Stacey Bendet Wiener in 1978, to Olivia (née Bendet) and Joseph Daniel Wiener.

She grew up in Chappaqua, New York, and attended Horace Greeley High School.

Although her early academic path did not initially focus on fashion, she went on to study international relations and French at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1999.

Founding Alice + Olivia & Brand Growth

The Spark: From Pants to a Fashion Identity

In 2002, Bendet launched Alice + Olivia, initially centered around one core product: trousers.

Her first fashion show was held at the Russian Tea Room, where she presented models in her patterned pants (initially without tops) adorned with strategic floral coverings, creating buzz and visibility. Barneys New York placed an order, and Andrew Rosen (co-founder of Theory) became an early investor and supporter.

Expansion & Brand Evolution

Over time, Alice + Olivia evolved from a pants-centric label into a full lifestyle brand, offering ready-to-wear, gowns, shoes, handbags, accessories, and even eyewear. over 800 select department and specialty stores worldwide, as well as in its own boutiques.

In 2022, Stacey Bendet was unanimously elected as the Treasurer of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), cementing her role within the U.S. fashion establishment.

Beyond Fashion: Other Ventures & Activism

In 2020, Bendet launched Creatively, a networking platform designed for professionals in creative industries—helping them connect and showcase work. #ShareTheMicNow campaign, in which major white women on Instagram handed over their account access to Black female voices, in efforts to amplify underrepresented voices in social media and culture.

In late 2023, Bendet also launched a new brand called Big Feelings, expanding her creative and entrepreneurial footprint.

Personal Life & Identity

Stacey Bendet married Eric Eisner (a film producer, and son of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner) in 2008 on the island of Anguilla. three daughters: Eloise Breckenridge, Scarlet Haven, and Athena Belle.

She is known for her personal style—particularly bold eyeliner, vibrant prints, and strong identity in dress. Her fashion choices and public persona often blur the line between designer and muse.

She also practices Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, integrating wellness and balance into her life.

Design Philosophy & Brand Ethos

• Color, print, and personality: Bendet’s aesthetic leans into bold prints, saturated color, and whimsical elements that celebrate individual expression.

• Femininity with strength: Her collections often balance playful motifs with structured tailoring, allowing women to appear both confident and creative.

• Empowerment through fashion: From her involvement in social campaigns to the brand’s own messaging, Bendet sees fashion as a vessel for voice, identity, and community.

• Brand identity as avatar: One of her signature branding elements is “StaceFace”, a stylized avatar of Bendet that appears on products and in visual branding.

• Cross-disciplinary creativity: Her interest in tech (Creatively), activism, and fashion positions her as a modern designer who views brand beyond just garments.

Legacy & Influence

• Stacey Bendet is among a generation of designers who have bridged fashion, technology, and platform thinking.

• Her brand, Alice + Olivia, is widely recognized in celebrity and media circuits, with fans including Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and others.

• Her leadership roles in fashion institutions (e.g. the CFDA) expand her influence beyond her own brand to broader industry shaping.

• Her activism and platform-building aim to shift how fashion engages with social justice, representation, and creative community infrastructures.