By Cristina Boydell

Photography courtesy of Temperley London

Ever since Pippa Middleton, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, wore a stunning deep emerald silk dress to the royal wedding reception, the global spotlight has been on the British designer Alice Temperley.

I decided to highlight her current (2011/2012) fall/winter collection, which combines sheer paneling, lace and embroidery in sweeping dresses, at midi to maxi lengths.

As seen on fellow London Fashion Week exhibitors, including Mary Katrantzou, Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane, this winter is definitely a season of the mash-up, mixing together pattern and textures, dimensions and shapes. Alice Temperley manages to do just that with sheer fabrics and draping, paired with crystals and fringe on her elegant evening gowns.

One of the looks from the Temperley London fall/winter 2011/2012 collection.

This sheer paneling trend was also seen across the runways of Givenchy and Fendi, while Temperley’s girly sequin-like discs and small dots embroidered in the dresses, and tights, fit the huge polka dot trend.

The likes of other top fashion designers – Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Stella McCartney and Jeremy Laing – went dotty for the hottest print of the season. Playful and timeless, my black-and-white polka dot romper is still one of the current favourite items in my closet!

Full-length dresses are particularly popular.

Temperley’s lace detailing adds in the perfect mix of feminine sophistication and seduction, in the form of sweet, lace-trimmed white dresses, and sexy black lace accents, which can also be seen at Azzaro and Valentino.

In my opinion, lace is timeless and has been a favourite at fashion weeks over the last few seasons. There are always so many ways to wear it – from simple lace trims to a full lace overlay gown.

Intricate detailing takes centrestage at Temperley London.

The overall look is grown-up and polished, yet sexy and decadent, with a dreamlike feminine quality.

Temperley manages to incorporate all of the biggest season trends quite well.

White is one of the main colours of choice.

Now, I can only imagine that I was part of the royal circle and had one of these stunning gowns to myself, so I could wear it to a fabulous event. Or would Temperley be the perfect designer for my future wedding dress?

A girl can always dream…