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Alice + Olivia is going psychedelic with their latest collaboration with the legendary band Grateful Dead.
The collaboration is one well worth celebrating, given that both parties are iconic institutions. The collab seems rather obvious, given the Grateful Dead’s proclivity for wacky colors and memorable iconography, like their dancing bear motif, seen in multicolored fashion throughout the collection. In fact, it is basically the focal point of the collab. The designer brand’s Grateful Dead offerings include everything from grungy leather jackets to free-flowing maxi skirts and even a few band tees, all paying homage to the hallowed rock band. Every piece can be shopped on the Alice + Olivia website now.
If you didn’t know, the dancing bear is meant to represent the band’s sound engineer and counterculture figure, Owsley “Bear” Stanley, who was nicknamed “bear” for his hairy chest. The cheerful and psychedelic dancing bear motif was first featured on the back cover of the band’s 1973 live album titled History of the Grateful Dead, Volume One (Bear’s Choice) and was created by artist Bob Thomas, paying homage to Stanley’s nickname. The bear motif has become synonymous with the Grateful Dead, following the band even after the group disbanded in 1995.
In celebration of the collection dropping, ShopBillboard is sharing our favorite five pieces that we think you need to add to cart ASAP. We’ll breakdown pricing, sizing and styling, everything you need to know to make the best shopping decisions before checking out. Shop the Alice + Olivia x Grateful Dead collaboration below.
Alice + Olivia X Grateful Dead Cody Vegan Moto Jacket
A Grateful Dead vegan leather moto jacket.
Leather jackets are a wardrobe staple for many, but none have been done like this. The Cody Vegan Moto Jacket currently retails for $1,495, standing as an investment piece that is a win for both form and function. Sizing ranges from XS to XL. As we get into the colder months, you’ll want a cozy and, most importantly, fashionable option in your closet that you can reach for again and again.
This jacket has our vote for the coolest outerwear that hits all the marks. It’s certainly stylish, what with all the colorful Grateful Dead-inspired patches throughout and the asymmetric zipper closure. The jacket is also cropped and fitted, adding even more style points. The jacket is also ethically made since it’s constructed of vegan leather, offering prospective buyers an animal-friendly alternative that they won’t feel guilty wearing.
Typical rocker wardrobes usually include a sick muscle tee somewhere in there. Thankfully, Alice + Olivia is here to deliver a good one. The brand’s Micah Muscle Tank currently retails for $275 and comes in sizes XS/S to M/L. The style is one of the more affordable pieces in the collection and comes in a sky-blue colorway with glittering sequin Grateful Dead graphics on the front.
The tee is stylishly cropped and sleeveless, hence the muscle tee aspect. This piece is extremely versatile. It’s one of those clothing items you’ll be wearing over and over again. To style, we’d layer this tee under the Cody Vegan Moto Jacket mentioned earlier, along with classic high-waisted denim. Add some moto boots in black and you’re ready to mosh with the best of ‘em.
Another extremely versatile and fun basic is the Dimitra Button Down for $465. Don’t be fooled by the word “basic” because this top is anything but. The crisp button-down style comes in sizes XS to XL and features that ever-iconic dancing bear motif in psychedelic hues lining the shoulders, across the collar and down the sleeves. The print adds a touch of contrast, giving the piece loads of visual interest. A button-down is another basic that you can wear a million ways; however, we’d style this top tucked into a black slip skirt with knee-high boots or simply with your favorite jeans and sneakers for a classic and effortless look.
One of the more statement-making pieces in this collection is the Katz Maxi Skirt for $695. If you’re into color and texture, this piece has both in spades. The maximalist style comes in sizes 0 through 14 and is made of a lightweight, free-flowing printed satin with pleats and an asymmetrical handkerchief hem. The waistband is a bright green stripe, mirroring the green trim at the hem.
Once again, the colorful dancing bears make an appearance, this time making up the entirety of the skirt set on a black background, so they pop. With a dramatic skirt like this, we’d recommend styling this with a simple top, something black and slim like a bodysuit to draw the focus to the skirt. Black boots would go nicely, or a platform sneaker if you’re feeling bold.
Finally, we have the Amazing Jean for $895, and boy, is it amazing. Sizing for these pants ranges from 24 to 32. The denim is chock full of dancing bear motifs in rainbow hues running down the pant legs. The wash is black, letting the print pop. This piece is a classic high-waisted style that sits somewhere above the navel, giving the wearer extra support. The pant legs are roomy and wide, giving the denim a slouchy, relaxed fit that mirrors that rocker attitude. The colorful disposition of these pants makes it a maximalist item, one we’d wear with basics like a crisp white tee and sneakers or a Chelsea boot and slouchy sweater for cozier fall vibes.
