Here’s the back story behind the arrival of alice + olivia in manila
There’s a new player in town, redefining what it means to dress with flair, fun, and unapologetic femininity. alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet officially arrived in the Philippines, opening its first boutique at Greenbelt 5 in Makati to bring its signature mix of whimsical elegance, bold prints, and empowering silhouettes to the local fashion scene.
Known worldwide for its fresh, playful approach to contemporary dressing, alice + olivia is more than just a clothing brand, it’s a delightful fashion experience. From its early beginnings in 2002, when founder Stacey Bendet set out to create the perfect pair of pants, the label has blossomed into a global lifestyle brand offering ready-to-wear collections, eveningwear, statement pieces, and accessories. Each collection is a celebration of modern femininity, blending the flirty and whimsical with the sexy and sophisticated.
The Greenbelt 5 boutique reflects alice + olivia’s vibrant spirit perfectly. Racks are lined with its signature tailored pants, ultra-feminine dresses, and striking separates. Whether for a grand party, a boardroom presentation, or a milestone celebration, you can see that these are clothes that can accompany a woman through the many stages of her life, always with a self-assured personality but somewhat playful.
The Manila launch was as stylish as the brand itself. Guests were treated to a preview of pre-spring, resort, summer, and classic collections, showcasing the range and versatility that alice + olivia is known for. Feminine silhouettes were paired with bold colors and intricate craftsmanship. The clothes were just so pretty on many levels.
The guest list was equally dazzling, with celebrities such as Kyline Alcantara, Kylie Verzosa, Max Collins, Celeste Cortesi, Barbie Imperial, among others, dressed in standout alice + olivia looks, turning the event into a celebration of style, individuality, and creative expression.
For Anthony T. Huang, president and CEO of SSI Group, Inc., the arrival of alice + olivia signals the group’s unwavering commitment to expanding its portfolio with world-class fashion brands: “Bringing alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet to the Philippines reflects SSI Group’s commitment to curating world-class fashion brands for our evolving market. As we continue to elevate the local retail experience, alice + olivia’s debut marks an exciting chapter for both style-savvy shoppers and the local fashion landscape,” Huang shared.
Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI), long recognized for introducing some of the world’s most coveted labels to the Philippines, sees alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet as a natural fit for the Filipino market, where contemporary luxury continues to find an enthusiastic and discerning audience.
What’s interesting though is how alice + olivia found its way to the Philippines. For Nikki Huang, SSI’s Business Development associate, the arrival of the brand is more than just business, it’s deeply personal. “It’s actually a cute story,” Nikki recalled. “I went to Boston University for college and was there for four years. I lived right on Newbury Street and they had an alice + olivia store there. I was homesick in the States, so I would go every Saturday to the store and shop. I had just discovered the boutique. I became really close friends with the team, and it became my weekly routine to go there. Because I kept posting and tagging the brand in my social media, eventually they invited me to their show during New York Fashion Week. This was independent of SSI.”
Her relationship with the brand took a fortuitous turn when a member of alice + olivia’s business development team, who had known her father, SSI’s Anthony Huang, from past engagements, reached out to him about exploring opportunities for partnership. “It’s really a small world,” she said with a smile.
For Nikki, this is more than a professional milestone, it’s a full-circle moment. “We are super excited about this opportunity to showcase the playfulness and craftsmanship of alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet, and feel that the brand would be perfect for our market. It’s a different category of fashion brand for the Philippines. It’s contemporary luxury. I hope everyone will be able to appreciate its design offerings and workmanship, as we wish to bring something new to the country.”
It’s no surprise that alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is also one of Nikki’s personal wardrobe staples, making her serendipitous role in bringing the brand to Manila all the more meaningful.
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Alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is now open at Greenbelt 5 and Central Square BGC, with an upcoming outlet at Rustan’s Department Store. In the Philippines, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. Visit ssilife.com.ph or follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.
