Matthew Hunt, Head of Retail at The Royal Ballet and Opera, talks us through our latest collaboration and the little details that bring this charming garland to life.  

There’s a wonderful sense of movement and playfulness in the finished garland. What did you hope the piece would capture about ballet? Matthew: We wanted the garland to capture the fun, joy and sense of movement that makes ballet so magical. The ballet shoes feel instantly recognisable, but there is also a lightness and playfulness to the design that reflects the feeling of watching dancers in motion. It celebrates not just the beauty of ballet, but the imagination and wonder it inspires.

The Royal Ballet has a long history, but is also continually evolving. How do you balance that sense of heritage with a more contemporary creative perspective? Matthew: Our heritage is incredibly important to us, but ballet is a living art form that is constantly evolving. We honour our traditions while continuing to commission new work, champion new voices and find fresh ways to engage audiences. Collaborations like this are a wonderful example of how we can celebrate ballet while presenting it in a contemporary, accessible way.

What was your favourite part of seeing East End Press interpret The Royal Ballet through their own creative lens? Matthew: What we loved most was seeing a classic Pointe Shoe reimagined through East End Press's distinctive handcrafted style. Their use of colour, texture and paper craft brings a warmth and charm. It was exciting to see their artistic interpretation of a world that is so familiar to us.

Was there anything in the final design that surprised or delighted you? Matthew: We were delighted by how much personality the garland has. Despite being a simple motif, each ballet shoe feels full of character and movement. The handcrafted quality adds a sense of artistry and care that mirrors the craftsmanship we value so highly in ballet itself.

The garland brings a little piece of The Royal Ballet into the home. What do you hope people feel when they see it? Matthew: We hope it brings a sense of joy and inspiration. Whether someone is a lifelong ballet lover or simply appreciates beautiful design, the garland is a reminder of the creativity, artistry and escapism that ballet offers. It's a small piece of The Royal Ballet that can brighten a room and spark a little everyday magic.