When it comes to elevated eclecticism, one name comes to mind: Alice Temperley. A fierce dreamer at heart, she's known for her ethereal use of print and structure, and it's the very reason that even now, after twenty years’ experience under her belt (and an MBE to boot!), the brand continues to garner global acclaim.
It's no secret that, here at Anthro, we're besotted with all things bold and bohemian. In fact, it's woven into the very fabric of our identity – and it laid the foundations for one of our most highly-anticipated collaborations to date.
From extraordinary fabrics to elegant silhouettes, burgeoning blooms to room-making accents, the exclusive new collection is inspired by the designer's archive, spinning a story with every stitch, to be told and re-told for years to come.
To celebrate the launch of Temperley London x Anthropologie, we sat down with the designer herself to talk everything from style mantras to sustainability...
Temperley London is such an iconic name. Can you tell us the story of how the label first came to be?
"I had such a free-spirited upbringing; a career that harnessed that creativity felt only natural. 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, my main specialty was 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.
I think youth and naivety gave me the courage to start the brand, as I really didn't know what I was getting myself into! My first ever collection was very small – twenty-five pieces, in fact, which I hand-printed and hand-embroidered. That's where my story began…"
"I had such a free-spirited upbringing; a career that harnessed that creativity felt only natural. 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, my main specialty was 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.
I think youth and naivety gave me the courage to start the brand, as I really didn't know what I was getting myself into! My first ever collection was very small – twenty-five pieces, in fact, which I hand-printed and hand-embroidered. That's where my story began…"
How do think the fashion industry has changed since you founded Temperley London?
"The biggest change has been waking up to the negative impact our industry has had on the environment. This is now a period of innovation, where we're having to re-think every aspect – from sourcing to production. It's exciting, challenging and absolutely necessary. The rise of social media has also been a fundamental change, it means we’re able to get closer to our customers more than ever before."
"The biggest change has been waking up to the negative impact our industry has had on the environment. This is now a period of innovation, where we're having to re-think every aspect – from sourcing to production. It's exciting, challenging and absolutely necessary. The rise of social media has also been a fundamental change, it means we’re able to get closer to our customers more than ever before."
Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?
"I started watching black and white classic films around the age of eleven, and became obsessed with the glamour of them. That's when I first started creating garments. The costumes from those films (often designed by Edith Head) were so gorgeous, it was like escaping to another world. I knew then that I wanted to be creative, to make beautiful things."
Are there any elements of your life in Somerset – past or present – that influence your work today?
"Growing up, I spent a lot of time outside and have always been inspired by nature. Somerset is where I feel most at peace and inspired. It has given me a sense of how important it is to enjoy the natural world – the changing seasons, the light. In fact, I'd say Somerset is part of Temperley London’s DNA: effortless and romantic."
"I started watching black and white classic films around the age of eleven, and became obsessed with the glamour of them. That's when I first started creating garments. The costumes from those films (often designed by Edith Head) were so gorgeous, it was like escaping to another world. I knew then that I wanted to be creative, to make beautiful things."
Are there any elements of your life in Somerset – past or present – that influence your work today?
"Growing up, I spent a lot of time outside and have always been inspired by nature. Somerset is where I feel most at peace and inspired. It has given me a sense of how important it is to enjoy the natural world – the changing seasons, the light. In fact, I'd say Somerset is part of Temperley London’s DNA: effortless and romantic."
The exclusive new collection, ‘A Life in Print’, is a celebration of pattern. It also features quite a few motifs from nature. What is about flora and fauna that inspires you?
"The wild, the imperfect beauty of flora and fauna – nature is not static but ever-changing. The light, the colours, the smells... They’re evocative and intoxicating."
There’s something almost other-worldly about this collection. How and where did you dream it up?
"This collaboration embodies the essence of Temperley London. Fashion should be about escapism and fantasy – and this collection gives customers exactly that."
"The wild, the imperfect beauty of flora and fauna – nature is not static but ever-changing. The light, the colours, the smells... They’re evocative and intoxicating."
There’s something almost other-worldly about this collection. How and where did you dream it up?
"This collaboration embodies the essence of Temperley London. Fashion should be about escapism and fantasy – and this collection gives customers exactly that."
Tell us a bit about the designing process from sketch to fabric. Is there a typical day in studio for you?
"No day is typical. Some days I’m locked in our design studio working with the team developing new collections – researching, sketching, fitting – while other days I could be planning a campaign or working with my social media team. I love spending time in our atelier with the seamstresses and pattern-cutters. This is where the magic really happens."
Is there a particular print you cherish most from the Temperley London archives? And why are you so fond of it?
"I wouldn't be able to choose! I find looking back at my archive incredibly nostalgic. Each print defines a chapter in my life; my designs are inspired by my travels, favourite music, films, my love of nature – and of course, my friends and family."
"No day is typical. Some days I’m locked in our design studio working with the team developing new collections – researching, sketching, fitting – while other days I could be planning a campaign or working with my social media team. I love spending time in our atelier with the seamstresses and pattern-cutters. This is where the magic really happens."
Is there a particular print you cherish most from the Temperley London archives? And why are you so fond of it?
"I wouldn't be able to choose! I find looking back at my archive incredibly nostalgic. Each print defines a chapter in my life; my designs are inspired by my travels, favourite music, films, my love of nature – and of course, my friends and family."
It’s safe to say you live unapologetically boldly. Are there any other style mantras you live by?
"Be true to yourself and don't be afraid to mix it up."
Do you have any tips for someone looking to mix or layer pattern for the first time?
"Invest in good animal prints – leopard goes with everything! The leopard pieces in this collection are perfect for someone who wants to mix pattern for the first time. Be bold, be loud. Embrace the statement!"
"Be true to yourself and don't be afraid to mix it up."
Do you have any tips for someone looking to mix or layer pattern for the first time?
"Invest in good animal prints – leopard goes with everything! The leopard pieces in this collection are perfect for someone who wants to mix pattern for the first time. Be bold, be loud. Embrace the statement!"
You’re big on by-hand finishes. Why is this so important to you?
"I’m fascinated by colour, pattern, and craftmanship. Hand-painted prints and hand-embroidery both provide a finish like no other. We are creating timeless pieces – heirlooms for the future."
Lastly, if you had to choose what’s your favourite piece from the new collection, and how would you style it?
"The Temperley London x Anthropologie Shawl Puffer Coat. I will be wearing mine over dresses, knitwear, and suits this winter."
"I’m fascinated by colour, pattern, and craftmanship. Hand-painted prints and hand-embroidery both provide a finish like no other. We are creating timeless pieces – heirlooms for the future."
Lastly, if you had to choose what’s your favourite piece from the new collection, and how would you style it?
"The Temperley London x Anthropologie Shawl Puffer Coat. I will be wearing mine over dresses, knitwear, and suits this winter."