Sometimes a woman dresses to meet the requirements of an occasion. Other times, she reaches for her most dazzling pieces to live up to her own mood. For Temperley London’s Spring ‘23 collection, that mood is one of celebration – of anything-goes spontaneity and maximalist display in all manner of jewel-like settings. Revelry sets the tone for a range animated by the romance of antiquity and bygone eras.

‘These are clothes to celebrate in,’ says Alice Temperley MBE. ‘The collection is elevated, confident and polished. Which is excellent, because people are ready to dress up again and feel fabulous.’

The collection brings inspiration from the past into a modern context. A century after The New Woman asserted her independence, Temperley looks back to icons of empowerment and creativity. Photographers Lee Miller, Ilse Bing and Madame D’Ora were among the trailblazers who documented their changing worlds, in turn capturing a new perspective in fashion imagery and creating a visual narrative of women’s lives like never before.

For Spring ‘23, the idea of these storytellers meets Temperley’s Bohemian spirit. Suzani embroideries, mirrorball sequins, romantic lace and sharp tailoring all have roles to play. The colour palette reflects the unrestrained but elegant mood, with powerful reds, elegant monochromes and energising contrasts and clashes in the prints and knits. The key print, layering dramatically oversized tulips over a world map, further nods to travel in ancient times. 

One locus of ancient travel was the Silk Road. Alice followed her curiosity to this meeting point between East and West, the original melting pot for new ideas and innovations. Research into Central Asian decorative techniques gave rise to the Suzani story: a set of dresses deploying a form of embroidery steeped in tradition and symbolism. Historically, Suzani pieces were embroidered by women and handed down from mother to daughter; now they decorate dresses for milestone events and memorable parties alike, in designs featuring incredible linear sequins traced around the edges with bugle beads.

Also made for celebration are the Cassia dresses, featuring heavy-cut recycled sequins stitched next to each other to create a disco-ball effect. And any client who already appreciates the structure and sharpness of her Clove suits will find more to love in new seasonal colourways: shocking pink and deep sapphire. Tailoring fans will rejoice at the new Oakley suit, too. Featuring a long tuxedo jacket and smart wide-leg trousers, it offers a beautiful new take on the evening suit.

Fittingly for a season of reunion and revelry, there’s a strong occasionwear focus. Whether a woman desires a full-length sequin gown or a dance-’til-dawn minidress, she’ll find it, either in the main line or in the Heritage Collection of best-loved pieces. Clients looking for uniqueness of a higher order can find it in the Archive Room at the World of Temperley in Somerset. ‘These are beautiful dresses that should last forever,’ Alice says. And which will always feel as magical as the first night they’re worn.