Known for his contemporary women’s line often featuring graphic prints screen-printed on silk and worn by celebrities including Rose Byrne, Japanese-Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa has also designed costumes for Sydney Dance Company and The Australian Ballet, as well as collaborating with Qantas to create pyjamas for first class passengers.

His first collaboration with Australian tea brand T2, a beautiful limited-edition Japanese teaset, launched this week. “I’ve always admired the quality that T2 offers and I have an appreciation for tea,” says the iconic designer. “I remember when I was a baby, well I was about 3, I drank tea in my bottle – that’s how much I love it.”

The delicate set, which includes a cast iron teapot, cherry wood teacup and tea canister filled with Japanese GMC (Gen Mai Cha) Sencha tea – tea with the addition of savoury rice – and featuring a traditional Kimono design from Isogawa’s personal collection, has been three years in the making and was inspired by the cherry blossoms of Kyoto, where Isogawa grew up.

“I went back to my archive to see how I approach my designs and I’m always referring back to my Japanese heritage and that’s reflected in the T2 range. It’s quite modern and it came out brilliantly.”

For tea lovers, the set brings together traditional elements of Japanese tea ceremony in a unique and modern set that’s perfect for a contemplative afternoon. And with Mother’s Day on the horizon we’re picking it as the top gift that might also unlock your inner creative spirit.

Visit: t2tea.com.