Alice Temperley was in cheerful spirits during a preview at Somerset House, where she was to host an event for the launch of her interiors collaboration. While the space was decorated to a suitably Temperley standard—think textured leopard print wallpaper and loveseats, floor-to-ceiling floral curtains at the step-and-repeat—the designer also brought along rails of her latest collection. “I wanted to have a select few people see the clothes up-close—it’s important for them to be able to touch everything,” she said.
The English designer, who has long been committed to her West Country-inspired bohemian sensibilities, drew inspiration for her fall collection from female surrealist artists Kati Horna, Leonora Carrington, and Remedios Varo, along with motifs from Mexico City and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul. This season, textures are a key component of the garments, and Temperley delivered with a multitude of silhouettes: There are wool coats and crepe-back satin kimonos adorned with exquisite hand-braiding and pearlescent accents, as well as sheer-paneled mini and midi dresses embellished with sequins, florals, and trompe l’oeil lace. Her references were also reflected in the colors, which included vivid cerulean, scarlet, and azalea.
With single-breasted velvet sets in black and mossy green that were cut to near perfection, the tailoring felt particularly elevated. As for evening wear? There were a couple of highlight moments, including a featherlight, crystal-encrusted lilac dress trimmed with silver tassels, and a bridal look, which included an ivory hand-embroidered floor-length gown with a matching white faux fur coat that emanated Old Hollywood glamour. Of course, Temperley threw on the coat as we discussed it. “If I see it, I have to wear it,” she exclaimed. Her loyal customers are bound to react similarly.
