We all know and love the London-based designer Temperley Bridal for their grace and creativity when it comes to wedding gowns. The brand's consciousness is focused on creating mythical dresses that celebrate the female form. Temperley Bridal is an extension of the already established Temperley line, when the designer, Alice Temperley, began creating wedding dresses after her own wedding in 2002. With the aim of flattering brides on their day, Temperley Bridal is determined to make dresses worthy of the memories that brides make in them – and the Fall 2015 collection is certainly a show we won’t forget anytime soon.
Two of the best new features that we saw in this collection were the light and delicate overcoats, sheer sleeves and necklines along with Alice Temperley's perfectly balanced statement necklines and bodices. Beginning with these dainty touches to the gown such as the necklines, sleeves and overcoats – they were created in contrast to the style of gowns they were paired with. These light and sheer features consisted mainly of transparent sleeves, laser appliqued lace, illusion necklines and light, tulle overcoats and capes. The use of sheer and light accents on the wedding dresses created a sense of whimsy and romance, making the brides appear delicate, girly and blushing. One particular favourite in this style is the sheer sleeved lace wedding gown, with a straight lined silhouette and high illusion neck. The light fabric of the sleeves and bodice is scattered with laser lace, which then leads into a full strapless gown with a lace covered bodice and skirt. The typical nature of an all-lace gown usually means that it can appear smothered and overwhelming. However, due to the combination of sheer sleeves with a scattering design, it has created a lace wedding dress that instead, appears youthful and fresh.
Leading from the theme of contrasting materials in Temperley’s wedding gowns, these particular dainty features were adorning many of the heavily patterned wedding dresses, flattering the statement silhouettes and making them appear both bold and graceful. This combination of light touches to the dress while having them fully adorned in lace and laser designs was a pre-determined decision by the designer herself. One such showstopper that was both extravagantly decorated yet possessed the perfect amount of refrain and delicacy, was the beaded back gown. Simple and elegant in the front, it consists mainly of a plain white dress with a cinched waist and draping full skirt. The sleeves however, are adorned with full, lattice beads that extend all the way around and down the back. This huge contrast of simple, draping material and silhouette paired with show-stopping, attention grabbing, bead work is a testament to the skill that Temperley has when it comes to creating balance and combining designs.
Along with this new use of material and contrasting fabrics, another noticeable style feature of the Fall collection was the use of statement necklines and bodices on the wedding gowns. A lot of Temperley’s statement necklines and bodices were made from sheaths of fabric and fashioned into a flattering drape, which was very reminiscent of an English rose, rustic, dainty style of bride. Perfect for an outdoor wedding and reminiscent of the English countryside, these gowns were fashioned with layered, flowing capped sleeves and light tulle skirts. Full flowing batwing sleeves, lace gowns and peplum layered frill skirts, these dresses were freeing and beautiful. One such gown was the wedding dress with three-quarter length lace sleeves and a ruffled peplum skirt.
Others were less suited to the dainty English countryside and were more typical of modern, baroque-style boldness. For example, the wedding dress with a high neck and mermaid trail skirt with layers of applied ruffles and beading running up and down the entire dress. Or a less ornate but similarly modern design gown, which featured a light draping cuff sleeve and a laser-infused decorated skirt. A dress, which perfectly summarises both these new bold designs with a modern edge was the knee-length full sleeve with intricate art deco style design and an underlay tulle mini skirt.
As Temperley has stated, she wants her brides to become the best version of themselves while not becoming too overwhelmed by the dress. This means that her harmonious combination of intricate detail with feather light material makes for the perfect wedding gown that is both eye-catching yet quietly flattering. Even though the Fall 2015 collection consisted of just 12 gowns, she managed to artfully incorporate a wide range of styles and designs to suit all types of brides. If you are looking for a bohemian-style dress, a modern, elaborate gown or a simple dress with just a touch of embellishment, you will find it among these unforgettable 12.
- Roisin Curran
Image Credits: Fall 2015 collection: Temperley Bridal via The Cut