A Letter from Phyllis Hoffman DePiano
As a longtime admirer of April Cornell textiles, I was delighted to meet the woman behind the brand a decade ago. The designer excels as both painter and entrepreneur, imbuing her ethereal watercolors and vibrant oil pastels with romantic style and then conveying her vision of “common grace in the commonplace” to a worldwide audience through signature wares known for impeccable quality.
Partnering with April Cornell for an exclusive collaboration was a natural fit for Victoria. We knew we wanted products that combined form and functionality while also maintaining an heirloom-worthy elegance. The accoutrements necessary for afternoon tea immediately came to mind, as did the blue-and-white color palette beloved by our readers.
Hours were spent poring over April’s extensive range of designs. Taking inspiration from her classic Heirloom Roses print, she reinterpreted this romantic pattern in lovely shades of blue to apply to a cache of items. Several months were spent finalizing product development between teams. From selecting the combination of fabrics, trims, and embroidery for an assortment of table linens to choosing an exquisite porcelain tea set with a complementary platter, each item in the collection incorporates thoughtful attention to detail.
Oh, the excitement in the office when the first complete set arrived with the linens! Smiles were shared all around as we held in our hands what had been a mere idea only a year earlier. In collaboration with April Cornell, we are thrilled to debut our new limited-edition collection, Blue Roses. Cherished individually or displayed to breathtaking effect in its entirety, this charming tea service and accompanying linens offer an ode to the timeless pleasures of afternoon tea and the art of gracious living.
