Coutts Woman

A passion for fashion

Fresh from her show at New York fashion week, Alice Temperley continues to take the industry by storm.  From relatively humble beginnings in 2000, when she started her company Temperley London with her (now) husband Lars von Bennigsen, a pair of scissors and a phone, the 31-year-old from Somerset now employs 67 people and has shops in London, New York and Los Angeles.

Next month sees a change of scenery for Temperley when she stages an exclusive fashion show at Coutts & Co (440 Strand) for clients.  Coutts Woman will be catching up with her on the day and finding out what actually goes on behind the scenes - whether it’s an oasis of calm or cat fights as we’re led to believe.  But, in advance of that, Alice Temperley answers some of our burning questions…

What was your inspiration for getting into fashion?

I was always making things as a child, breaking my mother’s sewing machine! We lived in the middle of nowhere, without television or dolls, so we were always making things to keep ourselves occupied.  I guess that’s where it all started.

Is the fashion industry tough to navigate?

Textiles are my passion and I fell into the fashion side by default.  So I’m very aware of keeping the reasons I am in this industry true - which is love of the product and the finish of it.  I never had a big game plan to be in the fashion industry itself.

Has working in this industry been harder work than you anticipated?

I have always been a workaholic.  Building a company was very hard work, but it was important for me to learn every aspect of it so that I could delegate and know what I was talking about.  It is becoming more enjoyable now, as more is possible.

You have achieved so much, so young.  What’s the secret of your success?

Hard work! And loving your product.  My advice to young, aspiring designers would be – do what you like and not what you think others may like.  That’s the key.

What is the inspiration for your latest collection?

It is based on the work of Peter Beard, and the romance of travel… My aim was to design an all-in-one wardrobe for the travelling nomads of today, incorporating different inspirations from cultural dress around the world. 

 

"The all-important item for 2006/07?  Fitted jackets to accessorise all outfits and knitted dresses for ease and practicality"

Were you happy with your show in New York? And with the reviews?

Very happy.  The Spring/Summer 2007 show was a very strong departure for us into more product lines and stronger tailoring.  There is a division between the black and the white label, and a full accessory collection.  And, according to my reviews, people have noticed the move on, which is fantastic.

What fashion advice do you have for our readers?

Wear what you love on your body.  Ignore trends because they pass swiftly and always date!

What is the all-important fashion item for 2006/07, in your opinion?

Fitted little jackets to accessorise all outfits and knitted dresses for ease and practicality.

You and your husband work together.  Do you find it hard maintaining a work/life balance?

We both work and party hard.  We also work in very different areas of the business and, most importantly, have ultimate trust in each other.  It is very important to allocate time just for ourselves – plus, we have separate offices.

What do you look forward to – or dread – every year?

I look forward to the quiet times and travel, and wish I could spend more time in the silence of the country.

How are you preparing for your fashion show at Coutts?

We select the best representation of the collection and cast the girls accordingly.  We will extend the length of the show from that shown in New York as Coutts will be a social occasion.  We will be working with our show producer to work out the logistics of the venue, lights, and sounds.

How do you relax after all fashion mania?

It never stops! Next week will be my first break for ages, and I can’t wait!