Fashion and ballet have combined in a new relationship between Arrowtown-based fashion accessories designer Tamsin Cooper and the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB).Cooper was commissioned by the RNZB to design and produce the first-ever range of merchandise that would appeal both to dance lovers of all ages and fans of the talented designer.
The range is striking in black, pale and dusky pink, and ruby red and is hand-embroidered with a ballet slipper design on 100 per cent silk and sumptuous velvet. It includes Cooper’s iconic brooches, as well as hair-ties, a compact mirror, pendant necklace, and clutch bag.
This creative collaboration combines perfectly the femininity of Tamsin Cooper's signature style with the elegance and grace that epitomises the RNZB.
For inspiration Cooper has reached back to her childhood when she was a keen dancer and took ballet classes.
"As many young girls do, I learnt to dance and dreamt vividly of becoming a ballerina. This exciting collaboration has allowed me to realise part of this,” she says.
“I hope I have allowed a little piece of the magic that the RNZB brings to its performances, to be taken away as a memento and treasured for many years to come.”
The range will be available at the theatres where the Royal New Zealand Ballet is performing during the upcoming Meridian Season of La Sylphide, online at nzballet.org.nz or tamsincooper.co.nz and from selected retailers throughout New Zealand.
Click here to view photos from the Tamsin Cooper photoshoot taken by Luke Calder
