Alice Temperley MBE
News
Fashion designer, Alice Temperley MBE, awarded Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Bath Spa University on her 50th birthday
Wednesday, 30 July, 2025Founder of Temperley London and a strong advocate for sustainable fashion, Alice Temperley MBE was awarded a prestigious Honorary Doctorate of Arts at Bath Spa University’s summer Graduation ceremony held at The Forum in Bath, on Tuesday 22 July 2025.
Receiving the award on her 50th birthday and surrounded by the graduating cohort from BSU’s School of Design and of Writing Publishing and Humanities, Alice’s success as a designer and local creative business owner has served as an example of the exciting possibilities that could await the graduates who took to the stage to celebrate their own achievements.
Alice is a renowned name around the world, having designed clothes worn by royalty including the Princess of Wales and many stars on the red carpet.
Alice Temperley MBE founded her label Temperley London just a year after graduating from the Royal College of Art and Central Saint Martins. She said:
“My journey into fashion began, rather humbly, making and selling pieces from my flat to fund my studies. One shop led to another, then another, then a few VIPs, then before I quite realised what was happening, I’d built a brand.”
Now expanded into Bridal, Heritage, Eveningwear and Ready-to Wear Collections, as well as interiors, Temperley’s brand truly champions slow fashion - committed to its responsibility and operating with true respect for garments.
“Proudly Somerset born and bred”, growing up on her parents' cider farm in the County, Alice’s brand has reached international acclaim, but she remains a key figure in the West Country community, where her Headquarters are now based in Ilminster. She continues to serve the next generation by working with charities and offering mentorship to up-and-coming designers. Alice was also awarded an MBE for services to the Fashion Industry in 2011.
Emma Askew-Miller, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design at BSU said:
“Today, Alice Temperley MBE continues to push boundaries, not only in design, but how fashion can be a force for good: rooted in community, craftsmanship and conscience.
“Conferring an honorary doctorate on Alice Temperley MBE associates Bath Spa University with someone who is an outstanding role model and inspiration for all our students”
Addressing the crowd at the summer Graduation ceremony at The Forum in Bath, Alice said:
“To the students here today—if I may offer one piece of advice: you have to love what you do, otherwise it’s incredibly hard to survive... everything gets chucked at you and that’s life. You must be very excited to start your journey... it’s hard, but if you love it then it makes it easier to keep going.”
Alice offered the opportunity to the graduating cohort to visit her studio and HQ in Ilminster to see the Temperley London studio and finished by congratulating the BSU graduates of 2025.