Alice Temperley has a flair for the dramatic, tempered by a penchant for prettiness. Consequently, her cocktail frocks are conventional enough to be wearable, but distinctive enough to set them apart from the millions of others on the market. Though Temperley often hearkens back to her Anglosaxon roots, this time her inspiration came from further east. Billowy sleeves, bejeweled boleros, lace insets, and frilled plackets were more reminiscent of Spanish matadors than English roses. Paired with slim black pants and a silky blouse, a crisp jacket with shoulder embellishment captured the look to perfection. A pleated, layered number in sheer purple and black lace had a dark beauty that was countered by the delicacy of its fabrics. Another standout was a plum gown topped with a translucent overlay gleaming with gold pailettes that radiated a singular richness and elegance. Some might argue that Temperley errs on the side of mainstream with her collections, but she does a fantastic job with what she knows best.