Since moving her atelier to the picturesque English countryside in Somerset more than a year ago, Alice Temperley has seemingly adopted a cool, laid-back air. As she enthusiastically rifles through the racks in her central London showroom, it’s evident that the mood is reflected in her collection, too. “It’s inspired by Agatha Christie, but through a 1970s lens,” said the designer. “She had this quirky independence about her.”
Signature pieces include floor-length dresses printed with a cross-pollination of Death on the Nile collages and cross-stitch motifs; breezy, off-the-shoulder summer frocks in refreshing baby blues and lemons; or a single-breasted crepe suit adorned with palm trees. But it’s the denim separates, as well as the tailored, almost androgynous suits in Italian woven check, that truly stand out and feel utterly modern—a development that feels right for her customer’s wardrobe. Temperley agrees: “People tend to think of the brand as purely very feminine, but I’m enjoying exploring new ways of expressing femininity with these pieces,” she says.
Since the brand has officially reduced its output to two collections a year, attention to detail and craftsmanship has become more of a focus. Not only is the Temperley team working more closely with local artisans, they also plan on broadcasting weekly videos on their Instagram account of these individuals in action, allowing them to share their stories beyond the clothes. Temperley beams as she talks about the plan: She’s clearly enjoying this new direction.
