Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet is pleased to announce that the brand has teamed up with London-based artist Lakwena to advance the artist’s bold messages of empowerment in celebration of International Women’s Day 2020 (March 8) and Women’s History Month.
Bendet and Lakwena, both champions of female ambition and empowerment in their own right, have partnered on a limited-edition collaboration that brings Lakwena’s signature murals to life across a capsule collection of apparel.
As an avid art enthusiast, Bendet is constantly inspired by various artists, bringing their work to life through fashion with her biannual Art Collective series. Past collaborations within the Art Collection landscape include Keith Haring, Domingo Zapata, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Donald Robertson.
The collection itself puts optimism at the forefront, Lakwena combats the pessimism of our contemporary social and political climate with empowering statements. “RAISE YOUR HOPES”, “LIFT YOU HIGHER”, “POWER” — these are just some of the artist’s large-scale mural works’ bold declarations that designer Bendet has transformed into wearable art with the Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet x Lakwena collection.
“I love the positivity and graphic beauty of Lakwena’s artwork,” said Bendet, “each of her works are visual symbols of strength and optimism!”
Combining vivid colours and decorative patterns, Lakwena creates artworks that draw on both her background in graphic design and her own personal history. From London’s Southbank and Shoreditch to Fort Smith Juvenile Detention Centre in Arkansas, America, these messages of hope and affirmation radiate across their urban environments.
“I’ve loved seeing my paintings come to life in a different form through this collaboration with Alice + Olivia,” said Lakwena, “I’m really happy that we’re also able to use this as an opportunity to stand in solidarity with survivors of sex trafficking.”
Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet will be donating 10% of sales to LifeWay Network, an organization fighting to end human trafficking by raising consciousness and providing safe housing and mentorship to survivors.
“Human trafficking is a modern-day epidemic that many do not even realize exists today,” said Nicky Hilton-Rothschild, “I am so grateful that Alice + Olivia has collaborated with Lawkwena to bring awareness to this global issue. Educating the public is one of the most important things we can continue to do to prevent human trafficking.”
According to the UN, Human trafficking effects every country in the world, but it’s not talked about it enough; Bendet has joined her friend Nicky Hilton-Rothschild in supporting the efforts of LifeWay Network – an organization for which Hilton-Rothschild is an avid supporter. Together, with Lakwena, the trio hope to Stop Sex Trafficking this Women’s Month.
To launch the collection Bendet, Lakwena, and Hilton co-hosted a Female Empowerment Dinner, dubbed F.E.D. in New York, marking the second dinner in the F.E.D. series launched by Bendet in January 2020. The collection is now available at the brand’s retail locations, department and specialty store accounts, and e-commerce.
