Monique Lhuillier: From Designer Gowns To Dinnerware

Anyone who knows anything about fine dining has heard the name Royal Doulton a time or two. The English brand of luxury collectibles, home decor and fine China has cornered the upscale dining world since 1815. Now, the centuries-old company has been thrust into contemporary culture with a modern twist, thanks to a capsule colleciton from fashion designer Monique Lhuillier. Known for adorning some of Hollywood's hottest starlets like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Longoria and Angelina Jolie, Lhuillier crafted dinnerware sets, stemware and decor for fashionable homemakers everywhere.

Starting in 2008, the Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton collection features the designer's take on "rich colors, intriguing pearlescent accents and lavish textures," all of which comprise her namesake ready-to-wear and formal lines. "Sharing a meal, exchanging gifts, these are life's greatest pleasures," Lhuillier said in a statement during the dinnerware launch. "With this in mind, we created this collection, hoping it will inspire you and everyone you love to come together for great food and conversation."

Sold at retailers including Bloomingdale's, Macy's and even Bed, Bath and Beyond, Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton offers an exquisite variety of intricately designed place settings, serving bowls, trays, decanters and more. Prices range from $15 for individual plates and cups to $250 for entire dining sets or crystal vases.

That's not all the multi-faceted designer has lent her aesthetic to. Aside from her popular clothing collections and Royal Doulton efforts, Lhuillier has also tapped into the world of Barbie. In 2006, she designed a Bride Barbie Doll for Mattel. Although the world's largest toy company no longer produces the doll, die-hard Lhuillier followers can try their luck for it on Amazon.