Zandra Rhodes and Royal Albert - A Few of 'My Favourite Things'

Fashion icon and designer Zandra Rhodes launched her own retail outlet in West London in 1969 and has helped set international trends since the 1970s.

In 2004 Royal Albert forged a creative partnership with fashion icon Zandra Rhodes to develop an elegant-but-exciting new range of branded table, gift, and glassware, collectively themed as 'My favourite Things'. Zandra Rhodes blends her designer chic with the traditional, romantic approach of Victorian pedigree Royal Albert.

Zandra's work has always been characterised by the bold and the extrovert, as well as a love of all things natural, which ties in with the Royal Albert's personality. She said, "My inspiration has always been organic material and nature. I love the bright colours and the way they brighten up our lives. Butterflies give a fabulously exotic feel and they are so graceful, and so 'right' for ceramics."

The design of the range was inspired by classic Zandra fabric prints, featuring her signature butterfly and wiggle. Zandra commented, "I was very familiar with Royal Albert and thrilled to be asked to design. I felt I could add another facet."

It was a new departure for Royal Albert too. The Zandra Rhodes range was a huge leap forward in the development of dinnerware suitable for both the dishwasher and the microwave, featuring a mica trim for a gold effect.

The tableware's success was soon complemented by a suitably dynamic and romantic range of giftware. Zandra added, "I adore entertaining and wanted pieces that would become necessities to a glamorous table. The lily jug and the butterfly plate were a result of discussions with the Royal Albert team and expanded the idea of my patterns to become more than just two dimensional."

It's a simply stunning statement that extends to the very packaging on the boxes of each piece 'striking pink and aqua featuring the butterfly' right down to the gift tag itself. This makes it all the more romantic, in the finest traditions of Royal Albert.

As a result, 'My Favourite Things' has proved a very popular favourite indeed. Zandra commented, "It's totally Zandra Rhodes but retains the elegance, antique style, and romance associated with Royal Albert."