A Break From Bryant Park

This season, plenty of designers have opted to show their collections in off-site presentations instead of in a formal seated show at the Bryant Park Tents. In theory, that should offer a more relaxed experience than sitting stiffly around a runway, but many attendees have been complaining all week about over-crowded rooms, long waits outside in the cold, and the schlep of getting to the off-site presentations from midtown. For anything negative that could be said about the Bryant Park Tents, at least its venues are dependable.

One presentation that was worth the trip was Alice Temperley's unique display of clothes and video footage in a lavish space in Soho. The collection was shown over two full days, so editors and buyers could pop by whenever it was convenient, and the space never got too full. There were no live models wearing these groovy girl pieces: the presentation consisted of mannequins and a digital show, flashing on giant screens against one wall. The best part? That show is already up on Temperley's website — temperleylondon.com — so you can see it for yourself.

With interest in her collection in New York, Paris and her native London, Temperley explained that reducing the show's carbon footprint was the initial goal of showing her line this way.

"First of all, we were thinking of environmental reasons, with everyone traveling around the globe," she said. "And with the economy the way it is, without as many people traveling, we thought we'd do a digital presentation and reach as many eyes as possible."

"And it's really about doing something a little bit different, and not feeling like 25 years of the catwalk, therefore we have to do a catwalk," she added. "I think people need to break away and do things that are a little more original and suit the brand."

Alice Temperley display photos by Ali Goldstein.