Fashion designer, Alice Temperley, launched her fashion label Temperley London in 2000 and at the end of November 2023 sold a majority stake of the business to the Times Square Group. Alice is still at the forefront of design as she remains Creative Director where she is focussing on new categories of clothing and accessories. 2024 marks her first ever lingerie collection. Pamela Scott finds out more.
Alice Temperley
How did the brand start and when did you start working on it?
Having had an incredibly creative, free spirited upbringing in Somerset I went to London to study at Central Saint Martin’s before doing a Masters at the Royal College of Art, As well as thorough training in traditional disciplines I specialised in fabric technology and prints. I made clothes out of fabrics I had knitted and printed and sold them throughout my studies to pay my way. Temperley London launched in 2000 – with Temperley Bridal not far behind in 2006. My first ever collection was very small – 25 pieces which I had hand-printed and hand-embroidered. I managed to secure 20 stockists which was exciting at the time and where it all started… .
Why an underwear collection now?
Lingerie has always been my next love after clothing; I think it is what is worn underneath that really inspires a woman to feel beautiful in her clothes – that inner, secret glamour. We happened to meet the right partner in the last 12 months who shared the same vision with us so I knew it was time…. I am so excited.
Design inspiration?
I have been collecting vintage lingerie forever so my personal collection was the initial starting point for researching for this first collection…pieces I have treasured have influenced many of the silhouettes and finishings. Elements that are synonymous with Temperley – leopard print, romantic laces, artfully place satin stitch embroidery, dreamlike hand painted prints have all been integrated into this new collection. It sits perfectly next to our ready to wear and bridal collections.
What is different about designing lingerie products?
Scale – the scale of a print on a dress might not work on a cami or a bra so it’s about playing around and seeing what works with the more delicate pieces. Fit, support, finishing and details are so important in lingerie- but this echos what we already do in our ready-to-wear collections…. Everything has to be perfect to make women feel the best of themselves in both clothing and lingerie.
What are the highlights of the collection?
The Hebe gown is inspired by my favourite piece in my personal vintage collection – it really is the statement piece of the collection – the ultimate old school glamour… The luxurious silk sleepwear using our iconic hand painted prints are another favourite. I can’t wait to wear the solid colour silk slip dresses in the evening with a leather jacket and some boots. There is something undeniably romantic, alluring and unexpected about wearing lingerie as outerwear… .
What do you read and whom do you follow in social media to keep ahead of trends?
I love collecting art, photography and interiors books which I often reference when designing a new collection. I don’t follow trends – we create timeless, artisan treasures that can be worn season after season and passed down as heirlooms. Our new lingerie collection is the same – timeless pieces for women to wear season after season, year after year. Trends are transient whereas I design for longevity.
Describe the person who wears your designs: what is their style?
Vivacious women with an insatiable curiosity for life and sense of adventure. Women who don’t follow trends and break rules but appreciate timeless luxury and quality.
The first Alice Temperley Lingerie Collection will be made up of a 57-piece offering featuring slips, shapewear, bras and co-ordinating briefs as well as robes, boudoir style teddies and dandy-esque pyjamas. Crafted in the finest silks and laces with iconic hand painted prints and exquisite embroideries, her collection can be seen this weekend at Salon International de la Lingerie, in London at Wonderland (28th-29th January) and at CURVE NY (4th– 6th February).
For more information now you can contact Laura for wholesale enquires on lauraa@temperleylondon.com
