Tempest markets itself as a brand of 'sexy, sultry and sophisticated' clothing for women with a range of figure-hugging dresses, that are loved by celebrities such as Holly Willoughby. Currently, Miss Wales, Alice Ford, and West End star Sophie Evans, are faces of the brand.
Arriving at the Mercure, I was directed to the penthouse suite, where I had the pleasure of meeting fellow blogger Sophie from Twisted Individual for the first time, and we were joined soon after by the lovely Liz from Bambi the Style Hunter. The suite was as ostentatious as a penthouse suite should be, with animal print soft furnishings and lashings of purple. Even the walls on one side had leopard print wallpaper! After a few glasses of champagne, and lots of admiration of the outfits that were arriving, it was time to head downstairs for the main event. By this point I was feeling woefully underdressed having turned up straight from work, relieved that I was wearing a skirt and heels and had put more make-up on. The invitation didn't say it was black tie!
The main function room at the Mercure is an impressive one, with a sky high ceiling, and after a little confusion of where we were to be seated, we took our places - Liz and I on a table with the lovely Miss Wales. Our goody bags contained some Giorgio Armani makeup samples (which I'll do a separate post on, as I went to their beauty evening recently and found some things worth sharing!), chocolate from Chocomix, and rather oddly, fitness DVDs. Mine was by Natalie Cassidy!
The evening included 3 fashion shows, with 1 of the shows by the winners of Tempest's search for 'real women' models. Tempest's dresses range from the demure to the more 'clubby', and average at £100 upwards, with a range of tops that start from about £69. I'll be honest that some of the pricing seems steep, for something that is a day dress, but the occasion dress prices are probably about right for a non high-street more exclusive brand. Here are my top picks, starting off with my number one pick, that glittered beautifully in the catwalk lights. Some of these dresses are not available until AW14, but where something's available now I've put a link for you.
Abbey dress, £105 (super short though, I couldn't wear that to my office!)
The pink coat is a 'Sexy Mac', available here soon.
As I said, some of the dresses are not really my style at all, so here is a selection of the ones that didn't really do it for me - but perhaps you'll like them better?
I wish that one on the left was mid calf, then I could see myself in it!
The Mercure was a fantastic venue for the event. The main course of Welsh lamb, and the dessert of chocolate mousse, were both wonderful. I can't comment on the starter as I was queuing for the bar for over 20 minutes, and in that time the starter had not only been served but cleared away (I've emailed the Mercure about this lapse in customer service, and will let you know when I hear back from them!).
To top off the evening, we were treated to a performance by West End star Sophie Evans, who was absolutely spellbinding. My OH has just received her album to review and I might have to pinch it.
What do you all think of Tempest's range? Do you like any of these dresses, or are they not your style? I'd love to know what you think!
A huge thank you to Tempest clothing for letting me attend this event on a press pass, it was a wonderful evening!
Linkups:
Hi, I'm with you the first dress is my fav. Looks like a great evening, looking forward to the GA review.
ReplyDeleteSue
Bestfriendstyle
Thanks for stopping by Sue x
DeleteBeautiful dresses and the food looks amazing! Lynne x
ReplyDeleteIt was! I have to confess I ate TWO of those desserts...x
DeleteThe dresses are great value considering the quality of the fabrics used and the fact that the dresses are truly made in Britain, at Tempest's own factory in Bridgend. They are probably under priced when you factor in how much they cost to manufacture.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really interesting point, thanks for raising that. I haven't heard anything about the brand being made in the UK, I wonder why they don't promote that as a selling point? You seem to know more about it than I do, perhaps you can shed some light on why Tempest isn't actively promoting the 'made in the UK' angle??
DeleteThey do promote it on their facebook and website. They are the only brand in their market okace who have their own in house factory and make all their own dresses and they employ girls who lost their jobs at Burberry years ago. They do prmote it but you are right they should do more because by making their own dresses it will cost them a lot.
DeleteSounds like Tempest are doing a fab job to maintain British jobs, that's impressive and great to hear! I have been on their website and FB page countless times, I can't believe I missed all mention of the dresses being made in the UK, and even better, made in Wales! Thanks for the info X
DeleteWhat a lovely way to spend an evening! Looks like a superb show! Some gorgeous dresses! xx
ReplyDeleteBest night out I've had in a long time, and it was sort of unexpected - they're always the best! x
DeleteThough not all of them are in keeping with my own personal style, I think that there is an appealing sense of contemporary meets timeless style to many of them and there are at least a couple (my top choice being the black dress that was partnered with a leopard clutch) that I would sport and style in a mid-century direction myself for sure, given the opportunity to do so.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
That black dress is indeed timeless - really classy, I liked that one a lot too. Maybe not enough novelty prints for you Jessica! x
DeleteThis event looks like it was a lot of fun! I love the black fit and flair A-line dress, the short Abbey dresses, and light green satin dress with the black sheer top. :)
ReplyDeleteHard to choose just one isn't it?! Thanks for stopping by x
DeleteThis looks like so much fun! I have to say my favorite garment is the pink "sexy mac." I love the Abbey dress, although you're right about not being able to wear it to work!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jenny
I could see you in that mac! You'd look cute in it x
DeleteVery glamorous! Some of those pieces are lovely - I love the first dress. Just goes to show there's classic pieces to be found in so many ranges these days... x
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, it does pay to be open minded and try out brands you wouldn't necessarily have gone to first x
DeleteHow fun you got to attend such a cool event.
ReplyDeleteThe pink trench is lovely.
bisous
Suzanne
It's nice isn't? And it has a hood! How practical. x
DeleteThis looks like a really fun event. Thanks for sharing all the photos you took. Love the black and white dress that Sophie Evans wore. She looks great in it. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteAngela
www.prettyinherpearls.com
It was indeed a lot of fun, one of those nights when you have to pinch yourself! Thanks for stopping by Angela x
DeleteThanks for stopping by Dawn x
ReplyDeleteA fine way to spend time, my dear.
ReplyDeleteThe dresses look lovely, and the models (I dare say) are not skina-and-bones, and that is a welcoming change!
Hug
Marija
this looks like a fun event ... this creamy chocolate tart thing looks super yummy ...
ReplyDeleteWow penthouse and bubbles now that seems like an awesome
ReplyDeletefashion show!! The models all look gorgeous and the dress
definitely is something I would rock!!
Glad you had a good time!!
What a lux place… just by being there I would feel fancy.
ReplyDeleteI think the clothing are beautiful, I particularly liked the first dress and the one shoulder ruffled ones.