Alice + Olivia’s Pride bash in Chelsea was a significant event for the LGBTQ community. This year’s bash, held in the wake of a controversial incident involving influencer Dylan Mulvaney, was particularly important. Mulvaney, who has nearly 2 million Instagram followers due to her videos about life as a trans woman, was the center of a major controversy after she showed off a one-off Bud Light can with her face printed on it. This led to a boycott of the beer by anti-LGBTQ drinkers. Mulvaney was wearing a dress by Alice + Olivia in the images for the Bud Light promotion that sparked the imbroglio.
Stacey Bendet, the designer of Alice + Olivia, said that this year’s Pride bash felt “more important to do” after the uproar. Bendet believes that many brands are trying to do things right for the LGBTQ community, but sometimes, they make mistakes. She thinks that more brands need to take a stand in a way that is true to who they really are. She believes that it is important not to back down, even in tricky times when something can be taken one way or another.
Alice + Olivia has celebrated Pride for years and donates funds to the Ali Forney Center, which helps support LGBTQ homeless youth. Bendet believes that it is essential to stay true to the brand’s identity and values during difficult times, rather than backing down.
The bash, which featured a performance by “Paper” singer Kenzie, was attended by many famous personalities, including Katie Holmes, Nicky Hilton, Tony Awards host Ariana De Bose, Alexandra Richards, Emira D’Spain, and Brooks Nader.
Target’s Pride collection also faced protests from a vocal group this year, which caused the store to move items to the back of its stores over concerns “about threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety.” However, Alice + Olivia did not back down and continued to celebrate Pride in their unique way.
Alice + Olivia’s Pride bash was a significant event for the LGBTQ community. It was a statement against anti-LGBTQ sentiments and an assertion of the brand’s values. Stacey Bendet believes that more brands need to stand up for the LGBTQ community in a way that is true to their identity and values. Alice + Olivia has been supporting Pride and donating funds to the Ali Forney Center for several years, and they continue to do so.
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