Alice Temperley scored the big Pippa Middleton get of the week, though the grand setting of the Royal British Museum atrium was little comparison for the last time we saw the super sister in the label on the evening of the Royal Wedding. Whether it's a residual symptom of wedding fever or simply her natural direction, Temperley's been moving toward a far more dressed-up look. Watching this lovely evening-centric parade of draped satins, beaded French lace, and embroidered organza, it's almost hard to recall that she was known for sweet little sundresses not so long ago.
For Spring, Temperley took her cues from Grace Kelly in High Society as well as Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface—a different kind of high society. You saw the drug kingpin moll in the languid floral gowns with low draped backs, just-the-right-side-of-tacky sheer plunge-neck jumpsuits, and, of course, head wraps and oversize glasses. Believe it or not, there's quite a bit of high glamour overlap with Tracy Lord and Mrs. Tony Montana, and that was the point. The few non-gown looks were high-waisted satin tap pants, just as glossy and for a daring girl—perhaps more Julia Restoin-Roitfeld than Miss Middleton—a fine alternative to wear to the ball. One came in black and white, part of a smart tuxedo-themed grouping, which was capped by the final look of a high-necked ivory organza dress worked over with tiny cut flowers, crystals, and scallops of ruffled tulle. In other words: There go the grooms, and here comes the bride.
