There's a special kind of magic to Temperley London. Known for its romantic, intricate evening wear, the brand masters the art of creating dresses that feel both timeless and incredibly special, thanks to exquisite embroidery and luxurious fabrics.
If you're drawn to that blend of handcrafted elegance and modern sophistication, you're in luck. There are plenty of other designers who share a similar passion for creating stunning occasion wear. Here are 17 brands to explore for your next gala, wedding, or formal event.
If you love Temperley's craftsmanship but crave even more drama, Elie Saab is your go-to. This brand is synonymous with red carpet opulence, offering couture-inspired gowns drenched in intricate embroidery, beading, and the most luxurious silks and lace. While Temperley's romance feels grounded and bohemian, Elie Saab's is pure, unapologetic fairy-tale glamour. Think of it as Temperley’s ultra-lavish, regal cousin.
Shop now at eliesaab.com
Marchesa is where a romantic garden party meets a Hollywood premiere. Known for its ethereal and often theatrical gowns, the brand excels at delicate embroidery, dramatic tulle, and ethereal draping. Like Temperley, there's a deep appreciation for feminine, handcrafted details. Marchesa, however, leans into a more whimsical and otherworldly aesthetic, perfect for when you want to feel like you've just stepped out of a storybook.
Shop now at marchesacollections.com
An icon of timeless American luxury, Oscar de la Renta offers impeccable evening and bridal wear that’s always polished and sophisticated. The brand shares Temperley’s love for beautiful embroidery and show-stopping silhouettes but interprets them with a classic, glamorous finish. If Temperley is British bohemia, Oscar de la Renta is polished Park Avenue elegance, delivering classic sophistication that never goes out of style.
Shop now at oscardelarenta.com
For a contemporary, more accessible take on occasion wear, look no further than Self-Portrait. This British brand is famous for its intricate lacework, modern silhouettes, and signature cut-outs. It captures that same detailed, dress-up feel as Temperley but with a younger, slightly edgier vibe and a friendlier price tag. It's the perfect choice for weddings, cocktail parties, and events where you want to look polished and fashion-forward without going full-on black tie.
Shop now at self-portrait.com
Hailing from Australia, Zimmermann brings a distinctly bohemian, sunny energy to romantic dressing. Famous for its luxe floral prints, intricate ruffles, and feminine silhouettes, the brand offers a sophisticated yet relaxed feel. If you adore Temperley's romantic details but prefer a vibe that feels more resort-ready and less formal, Zimmermann's beautiful linen dresses and lacy creations are a perfect match.
Shop now at zimmermann.com
Specializing in haute couture, Ralph & Russo operates in the upper echelons of luxury and craftsmanship. Their evening gowns are breathtaking works of art, featuring extraordinary beadwork and dramatic, opulent shapes. Both Temperley and Ralph & Russo appeal to those who value exclusivity and meticulous detail, but Ralph & Russo elevates this to a pure couture level, creating jaw-dropping pieces for the most glamorous events imaginable.
Shop now at ralphandrusso.com
Jenny Packham delivers old-Hollywood glamour with a modern, romantic touch. Her gowns are renowned for their vintage-inspired sparkle, covered in exquisite sequins, beading, and crystals that catch the light beautifully. Like Temperley, Packham is a master of creating ornate pieces for special occasions. However, Jenny Packham puts a signature focus on glitz and shimmer, perfect for anyone who wants to bring a touch of 1920s elegance to their evening wardrobe.
Shop now at jennypackham.com
Reem Acra is synonymous with ethereal beauty and sophisticated glamour, specializing in bridal and evening wear. Her gowns masterfully blend delicate embroidery with modern, elegant silhouettes, creating looks that are romantic and powerful. The dedication to intricate craftsmanship is a clear parallel to Temperley, but Reem Acra's aesthetic feels more formally-attired and polished, often seen at the most exclusive galas and balls.
Shop now at reemacra.com
While known for bridalwear, Berta's evening collections offer some of the most glamorous, head-turning looks out there. The aesthetic is bold, sexy, and utterly show-stopping, with figure-hugging silhouettes, daring cut-outs, and shimmering embellishments. Where Temperley is soft and romantic, Berta is confident and high-octane. Both brands create statement dresses, but Berta is for the woman who wants to be the undeniable center of attention.
Shop now at berta.com
Aidan Mattox delivers elegant evening wear with a more accessible price point. The collection features chic cocktail dresses and sophisticated gowns, frequently incorporating sequins, beading, and flattering cuts. If you admire the ornate feel and grace of Temperley London but need something for a less formal "black tie optional" event, Aidan Mattox offers beautiful, well-crafted options that give you that high-end feeling without the couture price.
Shop now at aidanmattox.com
Naeem Khan is a creator of incredibly glamorous, ornate evening wear beloved by celebrities and First Ladies alike. His designs are recognizable for their rich, intricate embroidery and beadwork, often inspired by global artistry. This intense focus on embellishment is similar to Temperley's, but Khan’s execution is often bolder and more dramatic, resulting in true statement pieces that are guaranteed to make a memorable entrance.
Shop now at naeemkhan.com
Ulla Johnson captures a global, bohemian spirit with her beautifully crafted dresses made from natural, luxurious fabrics. Her collections are filled with custom prints, intricate embroidery, and hand-finished details. While generally more day-focused than Temperley, Ulla Johnson's more extravagant pieces carry that same love for romantic, artisanal craftsmanship, making them perfect for dressy brunches, destination weddings, and elegant vacations.
Shop now at ullajohnson.com
If you're looking for elegant evening wear minus the frills and embroidery, Camilla and Marc is an excellent choice. This Australian brand excels at modern, minimalist formalwear with clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and high-quality fabrics. It stands in contrast to Temperley’s romantic ornamentation but offers a similarly sophisticated and high-end alternative for those who prefer their elegance to be sleek and architectural.
Shop now at camillaandmarc.com
The legendary Italian house of Valentino is a master of romantic, high-fashion elegance. With its signature red gowns, delicate lace, and stunning embroidery, Valentino creates pieces that are both poetic and powerful. The brand shares Temperley’s focus on exquisite craftsmanship and feminine beauty but elevates it to an iconic high-glamour status. It’s for the ultimate fashion lover seeking a true investment piece.
Shop now at valentino.com
Lela Rose designs for the modern hostess, offering charming, sophisticated dresses that are perfect for everything from upscale garden parties to refined evening events. Her collections feature clean lines, beautiful textiles, and artful, subtle embellishments. Rose shares Temperley's feminine spirit and love for luxury details but presents them in a way that feels polished, graceful, and effortlessly chic.
Shop now at lelarose.com
For a dose of fun and personality, London-based Rixo is the perfect destination. Known for its original, vintage-inspired prints and easy-to-wear silhouettes, Rixo makes dressing up a joyous occasion. While significantly more casual and playful than Temperley’s formalwear, Rixo's silk midi dresses and sequined pieces are ideal for creative cocktail events and weddings, offering a bold and spirited alternative to classic evening gowns.
Shop now at rixo.co.uk
Catherine Deane creates incredibly ethereal and romantic gowns that feel almost otherworldly. Her designs are known for their dreamy, flowing fabrics, delicate embellishments, and soft, graceful silhouettes. This aesthetic aligns beautifully with Temperley's romanticism but with an even softer, more delicate touch. If your personal style leans more towards gentle, fairy-tale elegance, her ethereal dresses are a must-see.
Shop now at catherinedeane.com
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