User:Paigemcphee/sandbox

History
In 2002, alice + olivia was founded by University of Pennsylvania classmates, Stacey Bendet and Rebecca Matchett. Inspiration for the line's conception came from Bendet's inability to find a pair of pants she liked. Bendet sought out to create a pant that would elongate the leg, and raise the buttocks. Bendett and Matchett used their societal connections to promote their line to celebrities, and those in the fashion industry at the Russian Tea Room in New York City that same year. It was at the Russian Tea Room that the two riskily debuted a 20-piece collection of only pants, featuring their soon-to be signature Stacey Pants; a pair of low rise, slim-fit trousers, named after Bendet. The Stacy Pants were available in a plethora of colours and patterns, making them both unusual and attractive to the fashion community. In 2003, Matchett left the label, causing Bendet to take on Theory co-founder, Andrew Rosen, as the brand's new financial partner and prime investor. Within mere months, Bendet's collection was picked up to by upscale retailer, Barney's New York. The Stacey Pants were an instant success with celebrities and upperclass citizens alike. The rapid popularity of the pant made Bendet realize the need for diversity within her line, causing Bendet to design and produce a variety of womenswear pieces. The clothing Bendet created became known for clean lines, eccentric fabrics, and it’s tailor-made fit. In 2004, Bendet extended her brand to include menswear as well, and, in 2005, alice + olivia grew even larger by releasing seasonal collections. By 2006, Bendet had successfully launched two boutiques of her own in both Los Angeles and New York City. Not long after the birth of Bendet’s first daughter,Eloise, in 2008, alice + olivia created a children’s wear collection that would be sold along side the rest of their garments. alice + olivia have a total of 12 free standing stores in the United States, in California, Conneticut and New York, with each boutique containing an inventory of the full-life style brand, the alice+olivia signature collection, the exclusive gown collection, the footwear collection, and the handbag collection. Stores may also contain remnants of alice+olivia jewelry, candles or candy. alice + olivia is now sold in over 800 stores across the globe, ranging from upper-class country-wide department stores to select specialty retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as international retailers of the same stature such as Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Lane Crawford, Isetan, Hankyu. Bendet's brand also caters to online shopping, as her various lines are available for purchase on respected cyber retailers including Net-A-Porter and ShopBop.com. Bendet has used the popularity of her brand in order to collaborate with other popular companies with similar demographics to that of her own, including but not limited to: MAC Cosmetics, Keds, Starbucks , David Choe , and Pretty Polly New York. alice + olivia is widely popular with celebrities, including fashion icons from the likes of Olivia Palermo and Alice Eve to pop-culture icons like Jessica Alba and Kourtney Kardashian. alice + olivia generates approximately 50 million dollars per year. The brand is currently valued at upwards of 150 million dollars.