John Lewis unveils ultimate Somerset party dress

Reminiscent of fifties screen sirens and Hollywood glamour, designer Alice Temperley has drawn on her signature style to create a show-stopping master piece for the festive season.

Embellished with intricate swirls of jet black Indian beading, the dress comes in a dramatic floor length version, perfect for formal occasions, as well as a shorter cocktail style. The maxi dress has three quarter length sleeves and comes complete with layers of romantic chiffon for added drama. Both dresses have flattering symmetrical V-necks, front and back - with tulle fan pleating from knee to floor on the longer length.

Jo Hooper, Head of Buying Womenswear, says: “We worked with Alice to create a dress worthy of the red carpet, but that was still affordable. Best paired with the Somerset pony ankle boots or Hazel shoes and a slick of red lipstick, this dress is perfect for every Christmas event, from a cocktail party to New Year’s Eve.”

The ultimate Christmas party dress from Somerset by Alice Temperleyis available in all John Lewis storesat £299for the full length and £199 for the knee length version.

John Lewis - John Lewis, ‘Britain's favourite electricals retailer 2012' and 'Best Multichannel Retailer 2012' , typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores.

John Lewis