Alice Temperley took us on a
whirlwind trip to Cuba, or more specifically Old Havana for her spring/summer
2016 show. The vast Atlantic Ocean may separate London from the enchanting, colourful
capitolio of Cuba, but that didn’t
stop the joyful, holiday spirit of the clothes shining through in what was a
captivating and beautiful collection.
Temperley opened the collection
playing to her design strengths, with her classic cotton sundresses covered in beautiful
broderie anglaise and intricate embroidery, with a carefree bohemian feel.
Loose silhouettes and delicate ruffles added a touch of romance, while halter
necks, v-necks and boat necks were experimented with to great success on a
variety of tropical tiered dresses. There was plenty to admire with pretty floral
prints, inspired by the delicate studies of Canadian wildlife photographer
Robert Polidori, featuring on floor length skirts and a-line midi dresses which
would certainly please Temperley’s loyal customers, such as model Laura Bailey,
Natalie Massenet and Caroline Winberg, who were all perched on the perfectly
poised front row.
If anything, this collection was a radiant
blaze of colour, celebrating the scorching summer temperatures and cultural
richness of Havana, formerly known as Villa
de San Cristóbal de la Habana. From the mint greens, cerulean blues and lemon
drop yellows which gave way to grown up pastel pink and elegant monochrome; the
clothes ran seamlessly through the colour spectrum and reflected a steady
transition from day to evening wear.
Models casually strolled down the
catwalk, with a light and breezy air with some wearing raffia fedora hats,
complete with a black band around the rim – very Cuba circa 1950s! While hair was
tied back loosely in a low slung ponytail. Some looks were accessorised with a
matching silk scarf, worn carelessly around the neck, a nice throwback to
Temperley’s last spring/summer 2015 collection, while the gladiator sandals
which crawled up to the knee were an instant must have item – especially when
worn with a gently bronzed tan.
As the collection progressed the
mood changed from fairly relaxed to much more glamorous and sophisticated, yet
still held onto the shows vivacious spirit, which according to Temperley,
reflected the, ‘forbidden yet tempting
fantasy of island life.’ High waist shorts were paired with pastel crop
tops, sheer tunic dresses were covered in silver palm tree leaves, monochrome
polka dots and stripes featured on wide legged culottes while small flashes of
midriff and décolletage were as daring as Temperley ventured for show stopping evening wear. A silk kimono
dress covered in a tropical parrot print was one of the more interesting looks
while the clear highlight of the collection was the mirrored, metallic evening
dress which shimmered across the floor, matching the giant glitter ball which
hung above the catwalk.
And then before we knew it the
holiday was over and a triumphant Alice Temperley was taking her final bow, to
the jubilant applause of a very satisfied audience.
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