10 QUESTIONS WITH ALICE TEMPERLEY

DESIGNER ALICE TEMPERLEY

How would you describe the overall world of Temperley London?

English, Eccentric, Romantic, Artisan and Authentic

When was the brand founded and when was the bridal collection launched?

The brand was launched in 2002 and Bridal was launched in 2008 after my wedding was featured in Vogue and we had a huge demand for dresses.

We decided to create a range as only doing one offs was so time consuming. We started to wholesale globally in around 2015 and Japan is now our 2nd largest market.

What is the alchemy of the brand?

Bridal dresses are heirloom pieces; we use the best artisans for embroidery and effortless shapes that are cut to make the bride feel and look amazing. We are about to include a lot more variations of fine Italian cloths as well as embroidery and French lace. We aim to make these dresses transcend time.

How did your textile training make your wedding gowns more distinctive?

For my own dress, I had been collecting lace since I was a child and spent hours appliqueing it to fine silk with tiny gold vintage 1920’s sequins and vintage pearls across my back – it was a labour of love and has inspired every dress since.

It’s now in a box at my house still ragged with hay and mud from the after party in the fields into the wee hours.

Describe the Temperley Bride.

Free spirited and with a love for life... these are dresses she can comfortably be her very best self in.

What is the theme of Fall 2021 bridal collection?

The Serenade collection is clean and light, we have introduced the elegant 1940’s inspired tux dress, the pocketed Ophelia dress and the Hollywood Clemence dress. All are super fresh with clean fabrics – it’s very elegant. The Bella dress was inspired by Edwardian era panelled lace gowns from Parisian archives from the time of the Ballet Russes. It has cascading light georgette applique leaves framing the neckline and scattering down the sheer tulle sleeves and skirt. The leaves are lined with a fine corded stitch and shaded with pearlescent sequins. The cording extends into an interlacing motif, typical of Edwardian frogging cord-work at the centre of the waistline, giving this dress a flattering corseted effect. The embroidery is exquisite. I am very proud of the new additions to our line.

During these unprecedented times, what did you keep in mind while designing this season’s collection?

Each creation has to have its own place in the range and be true to the brand. These dresses stay in the collection for a certain time and you have to love each and every piece.

Temperley has come home to Somerset - what does that mean for the brand, what prompted the change and how does this move inspire you?

It makes me feel more like me, I have more space and time to think, more time for design. For years I felt like I was on the run and now I am finally home. It’s a whole new chapter. I will surround myself with inspiring people and embrace the next decade.

In 2018, Temperley London was recognized by Positive Luxury for finding solutions to the environmental and social challenges faced by the industry today. Can you share what type of actions were taken?

The Butterfly Award was given to us for our efforts and as a validation of our supply chain. We are working on zero waste and have updated our packaging to be fully sustainable – down to the garment wrapping and hangers.

As a well-known global brand with a roster of incredible celebrities and muses known as the “Temperley Tribe” that consist of Michele Obama, Beyonce, Rita Ora and many more, which celebrities and muses have worn a Temperley wedding dress?

Sophie Dahl, Emelia Fox, Jodie Kidd, Milla Jovovich, Liberty Ross, Jacquetta Wheeler to name a few.