10 minutes with Alice Temperley

The fashion designer on dressing Pippa Middleton and her fantasy wardrobe. By Laura Cox

What was it like designing a dress for Pippa Middleton, the world's most celebrated bottom?
Flattering. She's a bubbly, energetic character. It was a delight working with her. She's the most down-to-earth, sweet person. She looked beautiful in the dress, which was modified all the way down the back especially for her.

Because of her amazing bottom?
Because she's got an amazing back.

Was it right for Kate Moss to wear John Galliano at her wedding?
Absolutely. John Galliano is a good friend of Kate's, so it was the right thing to do. I would have been very surprised if she'd worn anything else. I feel sorry for Galliano. He was a creative genius tortured by a very difficult industry. I think what happened to both Alexander McQueen and John Galliano was terrible. It just proves how much pressure people in the fashion industry are under.

Have you had any bad experiences?
Sometimes I find it extremely hard. People think you just fiddle around with nice bits of fabric, but it's as much about logistics, deliveries and variety. It's tough, and the expectations and competition in this industry are extremely high. It wears people down, and you have to protect yourself. That's why I spend a lot of time in Somerset, where I was brought up, and try to stay grounded, otherwise I'd go nuts.

Which designers would make up your ideal wardrobe?
Azzedine Alaïa, McQueen and some Westwood jackets. I would mix them up with some more rural stuff, such as Barbour and my own label, of course.

Your wardrobe must be a girl's dream?
I have rooms and rooms of clothes in a warehouse, but having less in my day-to-day wardrobe is actually easier.

If you hadn't gone into fashion what else would you have done?
I'd be a painter. When I was younger I used to paint for hours. I've got mountains of sketchbooks.

Do you keep everything you've ever made?
I keep one of every piece for an archive, wrapped in tissue.

Who would you most like to design a dress for?
Marion Cotillard, she's fantastic.

What's next?
We've got a collaboration with Barbour and a book coming out called True British.

Have you had any fashion faux pas?
I cut all my long hair off when I was 11 and dyed it bright orange. My mum cried.

Celebrating 10 years of Temperley, the Spring/Summer 2012 show is on 19 September at London Fashion Week (temperleylondon.com).