FASHIONWEEK Fall 2007: Temperley London Outfits a Pack of Early 20th Century Russian Nobles in Paris. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

  (photos: nymag.com)

Summary: Spinning a fantasy involving turn-of-the-century Paris, when Russian nobility, artists & their muses entranced jaded locals with their glamour, wealth & exotic culture, brought to life by Diaghilev's wildly popular Ballet Russes, Temperley created a fun, somewhat theatrical collection. Groovy "old Swiss guy" hats adorned many of the looks, while the ornate encrusted wool headpieces toward the end of the collection (designed by Muehlbauer & Patricia Underwood) had an almost Aztec royalty feel. The bejeweled "Egyptian" neckline so prevalent in many of the collections showed up here on a striking burnt orange gown.  Shots of cobalt blue were thankfully made less 80s with shots of cream along with black guipure lace on the floorlength "Napolean" dress. A yodeling-worthy pair of mini-check breeches paired with a cream chiffon peter pan collar completely encrusted in pearls & a tight leather vest ensemble was completely fab & fun, along with the round neck "butterfly" dress in a signature Temperly intarsia knit.

Color Palette: black; white; cream; burnt orange; cobalt blue; gray; metallic gold

Details & Textures: cool old Swiss guy hats; ornate Aztec headpieces; gold coin embellishment; intarsia knits; black guipure lace; black leather; menswear check; enormously wide & tough black leather belts

Key Looks: tweed breeches with cream chiffon blouse & tight black leather vest; "butterfly" intarsia knit dress; long blue dress with black guipure lace and cream; burnt orange long dress with Egyptian neckline; snazzy grey coat with black vertical trim

- Lesley Scott

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