

By: ALICE + OLIVIA Editorial Team | Published: February 2026
Ksenia Daniela at ALICE + OLIVIA FW2026, New York Fashion Week
On February 13, 2026, New York Fashion Week delivered one of its most talked-about moments when Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova stepped into the ALICE + OLIVIA Fall Winter 2026 presentation. Fresh off her Christian Cowan runway debut — her very first runway walk — Kharlamova moved seamlessly from model to muse, cementing her status as one of the season's standout fashion faces.
The buzz was immediate. Coverage rippled across Yahoo News, Parade, AOL, and a constellation of international outlets, while fan-created content on TikTok amplified the moment to an audience well beyond the front row. For a star whose Times Square debut earlier in the week had drawn enormous crowds of Heated Rivalry devotees, the ALICE + OLIVIA presentation felt like a natural next chapter.
The atmosphere was electric — the kind of high-energy NYFW evening where every look feels like a declaration. Kharlamova's presence brought an effortless magnetism that perfectly matched the collection's bold, deeply romantic spirit.
Some dresses are made to be worn. Others are made to be remembered. The Estrella Mini Dress belongs firmly in the second category. Crafted from layers of gossamer tulle in a vivid, unapologetic red, this gown commands attention from the moment it enters a room. The strapless construction frames the décolletage with architectural precision, while the voluminous skirt cascades to the floor in a series of soft, structured tiers that catch the light with every movement. It is the kind of gown that feels equally at home on a fashion week front row and a grand ballroom floor.
The design philosophy behind this piece is pure Stacey Bendet: femininity amplified to its most joyful, most confident extreme. The colour — a true, saturated scarlet — is not a trend but a statement, chosen for its timeless power to make the wearer feel extraordinary. The tulle construction is deceptively light, allowing freedom of movement that belies the drama of the silhouette. When Ksenia Daniela wore it at ALICE + OLIVIA's FW2026 presentation, the gown did exactly what it was designed to do: it told a story of a woman who dresses entirely, unapologetically, for herself.
At its core, ALICE + OLIVIA has always been a brand for women who dress for themselves — women who approach fashion as a form of self-expression rather than obligation. Stacey Bendet's design philosophy is rooted in the belief that clothing should spark joy, build confidence, and tell the world exactly who you are before you've said a word. Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova embodies this ethos instinctively. A former model turned critically acclaimed actress, she moves between worlds with a rare fluency — equally comfortable on a runway and in an emotionally demanding dramatic role — and she brings that same multidimensional energy to every look she wears.
The FW2026 collection, unveiled at NYFW, leaned into bold colour, romantic silhouettes, and a spirit of fearless femininity that resonated deeply with the current cultural moment. Kharlamova's Russian-Trinidadian heritage and her visibility as part of an LGBTQ+ narrative in Heated Rivalry make her a symbol of the inclusive, joyful world that ALICE + OLIVIA consistently champions. To learn more about the brand's story and values, visit the ALICE + OLIVIA About page.
The Ksenia Daniela
Wear the dress exactly as she did — unadorned, confident, and completely self-assured. Let the softly draped cowl neckline and pleated flare skirt do all the talking. A sleek up-do and a single gold cuff keep the focus on the architecture of the dress and the boldness of the colour. This is fashion week energy, translated to any occasion that deserves it.
Full Sparkle
Pair the dress with crystal-studded heels and a beaded micro-clutch for a red carpet moment that is impossible to ignore. Layer on delicate diamond drop earrings for just enough light-catching glamour without overwhelming the gown's own drama.
Romantic Evening
Style the dress with strappy, barely-there heeled sandals and a soft cashmere wrap for an evening look that balances drama with warmth. A small satin envelope clutch in a neutral ivory or champagne tone lets the scarlet remain the undisputed star of the outfit.
Elevated Occasion
For galas, milestone celebrations, or any event that calls for an entrance, anchor the dress with a structured satin blazer in ivory or black worn over the shoulders. The contrast between the sharp tailoring and the voluminous tulle creates an effortlessly editorial tension that feels completely modern.
The Estrella Mini Dress is available now on aliceandolivia.com. Make your entrance.
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