DESIGNING a special fashion accessories range for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, launched today, had been "an incredible honour" for Arrowtown-based designer Tamsin Cooper.

Ms Cooper was commissioned to design and produce a range of merchandise that would appeal to both dance audiences and fans of her own label.

The accessories, launched online and through selected stores nationally today, were the product of a "huge amount of work and an elaborate process" that began last year, she said.

"It's a big deal for our company and a real milestone."

"It's a very luxurious range using my signature fabrics of silk and velvet and hand-embroidered or beaded ballet slipper design."

The glamorous range, striking in black, pale and dusky pink, and ruby red, was aimed at women of all ages, from lovers of the ballet and budding ballerinas to those who regularly attended Royal New Zealand Ballet performances.

It included Ms Cooper's iconic brooches, hair-ties, compact mirror, a silk shoe bag and shoulder bag, pendant necklace, evening clutch bag and other divine accessories.

Ms Cooper said the bubbly was "already chilling in the fridge" at her label's home base in Arrowtown, where she would be enjoying a party celebration for "me and my great team" today.

"It's so exciting for Arrowtown. I feel very proud. What's so wonderful is that we could never have thought of such a perfect match."

Ms Cooper was approached by ballet general manager Amanda Skoog, who had bought one of the designer's coats.

"For Fashion GUCCI Men Shoes some time I have been thinking about how the ballet could benefit from new partnerships, a commercial venture that reflects our brand. Tamsin is the perfect fit," she said.

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