While Hong Kong has no shortage of contemporary American brands, there was plenty of excitement in the air when Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet recently opened its first free-standing boutique at the IFC Mall.

Previously only available at Lane Crawford, the brand has gained a following for its up-to-date designs, which are worn by celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The brand launched in 2002 with just a pair of trousers (which remain bestsellers) and has since grown into a lifestyle brand that includes womenswear, children's wear and accessories like scarves and jewellery.

The interior of the new 800 sq ft boutique is reminiscent of a hip girl's apartment with its black-and-white chequered marble floors, antique-inspired blue seats and brass detailing. As for the merchandise, every facet of a woman's life is covered, from office wear in the Career collection to a large selection of evening gowns and cocktail dresses - a necessity in a city where there's a party every night.

To celebrate the opening, the store will stock exclusive styles for summer and a few of Bendet's favourite things, such as a specially curated vintage collection and must-haves from other cool brands.