Stacey Bendet discusses building Alice + Olivia

Stacey Bendet, the founder and CEO of the womenswear brand Alice + Olivia, reflects on her journey from a potential career in finance to building a multi-million-dollar global lifestyle empire. The transition was sparked by a realization during a banking interview that her interests lay in creative pursuits rather than conservative corporate environments.

Since launching her first signature product, the Olivia trouser, in 2002, Bendet has grown the brand into an international fashion presence known for vibrant designs and contemporary femininity. She notes that while an imbalance remains in an industry historically run by men, there has been a positive shift toward embracing women's voices in the luxury sector.