Stacey Bendet, a powerhouse in contemporary fashion, has built an empire with a net worth estimated at $300 million as of 2024. Her remarkable journey from a young designer with a dream to the CEO and Creative Director of Alice + Olivia showcases her entrepreneurial spirit, innovative vision, and unwavering commitment to social change.
Rise to Fashion Fame
Stacey Bendet launched Alice + Olivia in 2002 with a single mission: to create the perfect pair of pants. Her creative fusion of vintage flair and modern sophistication immediately caught the attention of the fashion elite. With early celebrity endorsements from stars like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Katy Perry, the brand quickly gained momentum. A pivotal partnership with Andrew Rosen, co-founder of Theory, provided the financial backing and industry insight needed to scale the company globally.
Under Bendet’s leadership, Alice + Olivia grew into a full lifestyle brand known for its colorful, whimsical pieces that blend elegance with edge. Today, the brand is sold in over 800 department stores and boutiques and has more than 30 freestanding stores in fashion capitals such as New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, and Tokyo.
Business Ventures Beyond Fashion
Stacey’s creativity isn’t confined to fashion design. She co-founded BIGFEELINGS, a multimedia and storytelling company, and Creatively, a platform launched in 2020 to support and connect people in the creative economy. Creatively provides opportunities for artists, designers, writers, and other creatives to showcase their work and find collaboration opportunities. The platform received strong backing and has become a valuable tool in the gig economy for the arts.
In addition, Bendet has embraced the tech world, collaborating with entrepreneur Randi Zuckerberg to help women access and understand the world of NFTs and Web3. This strategic move not only expanded her digital footprint but also positioned her as a forward-thinking innovator promoting inclusivity in emerging industries.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond business, Stacey Bendet is deeply engaged in philanthropy and activism. One of her most prominent initiatives is #ShareTheMicNow, a campaign she co-founded on Instagram to amplify the voices of Black women by allowing them to take over the accounts of prominent white women for a day. The campaign sparked critical conversations about race, visibility, and power in America.
She also supports several charitable organizations including the GOOD+ Foundation, which helps low-income families, and the Ronald McDonald House, which provides housing for families of hospitalized children. Her activism consistently reflects her values of equity, compassion, and empowerment.
Personal Life and Recognition
Stacey Bendet is married to Eric Eisner, son of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, and together they have three children. She is an avid yoga practitioner and art lover, with an eye for interior design that mirrors her fashion sensibility. Her iconic style has earned her a spot on the Vanity Fair Best-Dressed list multiple times and induction into the magazine’s Hall of Fame.
From stylish entrepreneur to social justice advocate, Stacey Bendet’s influence transcends fashion. Her story is a testament to how bold vision, resilience, and social conscience can redefine success in the modern world.
