John Lewis expands Temperley collaborat​ion

British designer Alice Temperley is expanding her John Lewis ‘Somerset’ line to include lingerie, nightwear, and childrenswear, following the success of becoming the department store’s fastest selling brand. Temperley’s womenswear

collection, ‘Somerset by Alice Temperely’, launched in July 2012 and marked the designer’s first high street collection. Named after her home county, the range exudes her signature high-end detail and design at an affordable price point and her debut collection launched with classic pieces such as leopard print knits, military-inspired jackets, and a sheepskin coat.

For Autumn/Winter 2013, the line is expanding to include new product categories including lingerie and a collection aimed at girl’s age’s four to twelve, which will be exclusive to John Lewis. ‘Somerset Girl’, will echo the womenswear collection, such as the best selling black spot embroidered dress and the black cropped military jacket with gold buttons. The childrenswear line also comprises of blouses, printed skirts, party dresses, winter coats and trousers.

Commenting on the girlswear line, Temperley, said: “I am excited to be branching into girlswear. My mother and grandmother always made really beautiful dresses for me whilst I was growing up -pieces that I still treasure today. Clothes hold memories and I hope these will do the same for little girls. The collection consists of easy, playful clothes to have fun in."

Highlights of the “accessible, yet classic” collection, includes the partywear pieces such as a gold beaded dress, a cream sequinned drop waisted dress, and a bright pink dress lace dress. Prices for the range start from 20 pounds.

Camilla Rowe, head of childrenswear at John Lewis added: “Following the success of Somerset womenswear, it seemed like a natural step to expand Somerset into childrenswear. This aesthetic of the range perfectly complements the womenswear collection and the quality, design and fabrication is just as strong.”

Alice Temperley to launch girlswear and lingerie with John Lewis

The other addition is a 23-piece lingerie and nightwear collection, which fuses vintage and oriental influences inspired by Japanese prints and the iconic ‘Le Smoking’ tuxedo suit. The hero piece of the collection is a black sleeveless silk jumpsuit with ivory piping on the tuxedo-style lapels, reminiscent of 1930s film icon Marlene Dietrich in Morocco.

Jo Hooper, head of womenswear at John Lewis, said: “The début lingerie and nightwear collection marks a new chapter in the evolution of the Somerset brand. The collection epitomises Alice’s vintage, eclectic style, combined with her knowledge of what makes women feel special.”

Temperley added: “Lingerie is my next love after clothing; I think it is what is worn underneath that really inspires a woman to feel beautiful in her clothes – that inner, secret glamour. We know that the Somerset woman values beautiful fabric and detail, so I was really happy with the print and lace we have brought into the designs, all in a luxurious silk for an amazing price.”

Both collections launch for Autumn/Winter 2013 in selected John Lewis stores and online.