Alice Temperley

Beginning with her namesake brand, which launched in 2000, Temperley has injected her own magical sense of playful femininity into a thriving womenswear line, a new collection of handbags, and a seasonal run with Target that debuted last fall. Temperley is most known for her sweeping party gowns, but her latest collection for fall/winter '08 proved she's just as skilled with crisp tailored jackets and vampy leather pants. Here, the British belle distills her own style theories, from Klimt to the catwalk.

1. Bright red lipstick. "Passion by La Bella Donna."

2. Little, fitted black jackets. "I have about 50 of them, including a funky very-waisted Westwood 1940s-style and another brocade and lace Victorian one. Also, boys Victorian clothes are good in general for small waists."

3. Large cocktail rings. "As the years go on they get bigger and pricier!"

4. Long dancing evening dresses. "I have a knitted Alaia with gold metal stones, and Ossie Clark crepe dresses are also winners. But in general, my favorites are ones with enough fabric to fling around the dance floor, especially the ones I've designed myself."

5. Heels. "Although I always wear flats during the day, heels are a big fetish of mine, especially Christian Louboutin, Alaia, Pierre Hardy, and YSL."

Coco Chanel. "She had amazing timeless style for her era, and it's still more than relevant now."

Gustav Klimt. "Always an inspiration."

Tell us about one thing from your own line that you're currently obsessing…
"This shade of beetle green! It's an emerald color shot with gold."

Would you say you're the muse for your own line? If not, who do you design for?
"For our latest collection, the muse is Mata Hari, the most notorious spy of the 20th century. Otherwise, my muse could be Charlotte Gainsbourg or Charlotte Rampling when she was younger."

How does your own aesthetic permeate your collections?
"Season to season, the collections are timeless, and [I maintain] a huge focus on attention to detail."

In 20 years, which parts of your approach to fashion will still be relevant?
"An appreciation of things that are flattering and well-made. As a designer though, my aim has always been and always will be to create clothes that feel good to wear and aren't trying to make a particular statement; they're enjoyable, they look great, and make for great longevity in a woman's wardrobe. They're timeless…and quite a lot like my own style!"

The English rose dispels her dress-up 101.