Instantly recognizable for its contemporary boho flair, Temperley London has secured its position as a luxurious and quintessentially British ready-to-wear brand. Founded by creative genius Alice Temperley whose experience in the industry spans over two decades, it’s no wonder why the heritage label is a favourite of both royalty and celebrities alike.
Established just one year after she graduated from the Royal College of Art in London Temperley is now over 20 years old and still going strong. Alice has learnt to adapt along the way, from surviving Brexit to dealing with issues around sustainability which have caused the brand to become seasonless. A move Alice made by forgoing London Fashion Week for the first time in February 2023.
Embodying a timeless romanticism, Temperley London offers effortless, RTW and bridal wear in feminine silhouettes, statement prints, and intricate embellished details Alice Temperley is the woman behind the brand she established in 2000 just one year after she graduated from the Royal College of Art. Alice explains that she owes the brand's successes to the team and suppliers she works with “Staying true to our values and DNA and working with amazing suppliers and an amazing team. We don’t skip corners and all styles are designed from plain clothes and yarn all the way through to garments. They are all a labour of love and craftsmanship that can be worn for years to come. The opposite of fast fashion.”
Though the brand has seen a lot of transition throughout the years, it has kept craftsmanship, wearability, and storytelling as fundamental values. This is seen in every collection and piece the brand produces. Alice addresses women who value freedom and fantasy through her designs, focusing on modern elegance with a touch of British bohemianism. Her design process includes “extensive research and drawing inspiration from various artworks.” She shares that “creating the story and all the fabrics at the start of the season,” is the best part of the process.
She shares that the inspiration behind her latest collection is a celebration of old and new. “The perfect summer wardrobe delivered in drops - Our latest Spring Summer 23 collection is a celebration of the old and the new, embracing the melting pot of new visionaries against the romance of antiquities and bygone eras.” Temperley looks back at trailblazing female photographers such as Lee Miller, Ilse Bing, and Madame D’ora who depicted new confident, empowered personas which set the tone for the new perspective in women’s fashion imagery of the time. Alice has successfully channelled this idea into the spirit of the Temperley woman.
The brand currently operates its own boutiques, including a flagship store in Somerset and stores in Chelsea, Marbella, and Dubai. The Temperley London bridal line is represented in the Somerset store with a showroom in London, it is also sold at online and physical retailers such as Le Bon Marche, Nordstrom, Selfridges, and Net-A-Porter. Alice lets us know that we can expect a lot more from Temperley London this year. “More of what we do best, I am so excited to start designing again after a slow covid period and the last month on the road for the launch of our amazing homeware collection.” She shares “the dream for this year is a new post covid flagship but until them you can find us in Draycott Avenue in Chelsea.”
