THE fashion designer behind some of Princess Diana's most spectacular outfits has turned her talents to a giant Christmas tree.

Dame Zandra Rhodes, who has also designed clothes for the Queen and Freddie Mercury, has dressed the tree at the National Trust's Standen House and Gardens near East Grinstead.

The 75-year-old teamed up with award-winning sculptor Andrew Logan to create the neon pink and orange tree.

Standen was designed in 1892 by architect Philip Webb, a close friend of William Morris and one of the founders of the arts and crafts movement, for the wealthy Beale family.

Arts and crafts was an international movement in the late 1800s which saw an explosion of creativity in decorative and fine art, particular with furniture and interior fittings.

The house is decorated with Morris carpets, fabrics and wallpaper, and is now looked after by the National Trust.

Dame Zandra, who is regarded as one of the greatest fashion designers of all time, said: "The decorations are all handmade from familiar materials, so they are totally in keeping with everything that Morris stood for in his day."

The tree in the courtyard is one of the highlights of the annual Christmas opening of the famous arts and crafts property with beautifully decorated rooms showing Christmas throughout the ages.

Dame Zandra, who was back in the headlines this autumn when she opened London Fashion Week after a ten year absence, is the self styled Queen of Pink, given her coloured hair and a penchant for the colour in her designs.

It is therefore no surprise the tree is predominantly pink with traditional paper chains, baubles and wreaths.

Many of the decorations have been made by students under the guidance of Dame Zandra and Andrew.

Born in Kent, she studied at the Royal College of Art in London before opening the her first shop in Fulham Road, London.

She soon caught the eye of the great and the good and in particular was favoured by Princess Diana.

She has also dressed other royals including the Queen and is the founder of the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, which was opened in May 2003 by Princess Michael of Kent.

For more details visit nationaltrust.org.uk/standen-house-and-garden