Alice + Olivia F/W 2026 “The Gilded Age”
Opulence took center stage at New York Fashion Week as Alice + Olivia unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026 collection, “The Gilded Age.” This season wasn’t about quiet luxury; it was about grandeur, legacy, and dressing with intention.
Inspired by the extravagance of late 19th-century high society, “The Gilded Age” reimagined aristocratic glamour through a modern, feminine lens.Think velvet coats with presence.
Crystal-encrusted gowns that shimmered like heirlooms. Brocade capes and corsetry that nod to Rococo romance but are styled for the woman who runs the room today.
Under the direction of Stacey Bendet, the collection felt decadent yet sharp. The drama was intentional. Structured tailoring balanced ornate embellishment. Waist-defining silhouettes gave way to sweeping outerwear and richly layered textures. It was history rewritten, not costume, but power dressing with a point of view.
Sequins, embroidery, and intricate appliqué reminded us that maximalism is not fading; it is refining itself. Deep jewel tones dominated the palette: emerald, ruby, sapphire, and inky black, with metallic flashes woven throughout. Every look felt deliberate. Controlled. Confident.
What stood out most was the attitude. These were clothes designed for a woman who understands legacy and isn’t afraid to create her own. The corsetry wasn’t restrictive; it was commanding. The embellishment wasn’t excessive; it was declarative.
“The Gilded Age” wasn’t about nostalgia. It was about reclaiming grandeur. Taking the richness of the past and translating it into a wardrobe that feels cinematic, elevated, and unapologetically bold.
At New York Fashion Week, where spectacle often competes for attention, this presentation didn’t shout. It glowed.
Photo Credit: Neil Rasmus, Brendan Cook, and Michelle Wozniak