Stacey Bendet strives to inspire others not only through design but also through charitable work. Providing support to her community by funding initiatives that she is passionate about feeds her soul, she says. Bendet seeks to make peoples’ lives better and has made it a priority to cultivate positivity – which she seamlessly incorporates into the ethos of her brand.
What role do you think the fashion industry plays in responding to global issues?
As an industry, it is our duty to respond to issues we feel strongly about. We have such a tremendous platform in terms of our collective marketing power and celebrity reach. It’s our responsibility to make change happen.
How important is it for you to incorporate giving back into your business/brand?
It has always been important to me. My brand is so much about women—empowering them, making them feel their best, and I think giving back and helping others is another way to create a brand community.
Which causes or charities are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about the arts, children, and female empowerment. As a brand, we are very supportive of Global Fund For Women. We just launched our Communi-T initiative with them where for every T-Shirt sold, 50 percent of net proceeds will support economic female empowerment around the world. We also support organizations like Prep For Prep (with our buy a dress give a dream project), the Good+ Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House.
Who or what has inspired you to give back?
When I think about the message I want to tell in my life it is really about making people’s lives better. I want to make women feel their best however and whenever I can. I really believe that a great outfit can change a woman’s world because it can change how she sees herself and how she feels about herself. It gives her a new confidence. I hope that every day I am giving back!
How, if at all, has your ongoing involvement in philanthropy changed your approach to design?
I think a good example of this would be our Communi-T call to action T-Shirts that have powerful messages of female empowerment.
What is your most memorable philanthropic experience?
Our “Buy A Dress, Give A Dream” event, where we donated over $1 million in dresses to women in need for their proms. Also, our annual Halloween party for the Ronald McDonald house, where, for the last eight years, our whole alice + olivia team has worked together to create the most amazing event for the children and their families at the Kings County Hospital.
Editor’s Note: Creatives Care is an interview series on the importance of philanthropy for fashion designers.