Hot Plates

A saucy new line of dishes

February 1, 2006—Your average male would probably rather wash dishes than shop for them, but Cynthia Rowley’s cheeky new line of china just may change that. Dubbed, inevitably, “Dirty Dishes,” the plates, saucers, cups, etc., shrewdly utilize a formula that’s already helped move everything from tire calendars to hair-band album covers—they’re plastered with images of scantily clad babes. In this case, the New York designer was inspired by chrome-accented mud flaps often seen on 18-wheelers (no doubt a first in the fine-china market). Made in partnership with Fishs Eddy, the collection’s available just in time for Valentine’s Day, although it’s up to you whether dishes covered with cheesecake make for a suitable romantic gift. At a recent dinner, we found the dishes were a bigger hit with the men than the women. Said one female guest, "Is this meant to put me off eating too much?"
Available now from www.fishseddy.com; pieces include two plates, serving bowl, teacup, and saucer priced from $14.95 to $22.