Fashion and fantasy are not archetypical descriptors for small kitchen appliances. But add function, and you have the brightly colored and whimsically painted toasters, blenders, mixers, and more created by Italian appliance manufacturer Smeg with Milan fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. The two companies collaborated on this new line they’ve named Sicily Is My Love. The products are the canvas for vivid paintings with lemons, pears, cherries, floral motifs, and decorative symbols of Sicilian folklore. Last year, they collaborated to produce a limited edition of hand-painted refrigerators; this year the focus is on small appliances. The first collection released, the Breakfast Set, includes three items — a citrus juicer, 2-slice toaster, and an electric kettle. Whether it’s art or a fashion statement for the kitchen, it comes at a lavish cost — each is $600. Later in the year, expect a stand-up mixer, blender, and espresso machine, and they will likely cost more. Available at Williams-Sonoma locations and by special order through Neiman Marcus, www.neimanmarcus.com.

ANN TRIEGER KURLAND