Who is Richard Quinn? Meet the designer responsible for the Queen's first ever front row appearance at London Fashion Week

The British designer was catapulted into the spotlight when the Queen sat on the f'row at his AW18 collection 
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Sabrina Carder21 February 2018

This year, London Fashion Week invitees were in for a surprise as none other than Her Majesty The Queen took her seat on the front row next to esteemed US Vogue editor Anna Wintour to watch her first ever fashion show.

However, she wasn't there to see a collection by royal-approved designers Erdem, Roksanda or Burberry – but, instead, up and coming designer Richard Quinn.

Quinn, who is known for his avant garde designs, also had the honour of being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design by the 91-year-old monarch.

Naturally, Quinn is now the talk of the town - here are five things you should know about him:

1. He graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2016

The 28-year-old spent many years perfecting his craft at renowned British fashion school, Central Saint Martins.

After studying a BA in fashion and womenswear print from 2010-2014, he went on to accomplish a Master of Arts in Fashion - graduating with distinction in 2016 and creating his eponymous brand soon after.

2. He is the first designer to be awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design

The Queen presenting the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design
PA Wire/PA Images

Quinn is the first ever designer to be awarded the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.

From now on it will be awarded annually to emerging talent. As the royal family's Twitter account explained: "The Award, initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society & diplomacy, will be awarded annually to an emerging British fashion designer who shows talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or sustainable policies."

3. His designs include printed face masks

Quinn's SS18 show at Liberty London
Getty Images for Liberty London

Quinn's creations are definitely original, with his signature looks often consisting of bold floral garments, which come complete with face masks.

His abstract floral designs often include reworked prints by iconic British department store, Liberty - the designer even held his debut catwalk show there last season.

His designs are not for the faint hearted, so it's not surprising that Lady Gaga has already been seen sporting one of his show-stopping designs.

Meanwhile, model of the moment Adwoa Aboah took to the runway for his AW18 showcase.

4. This isn't the first award he's won

Quinn's collaboration with H&M (H&M)
H&M

In 2017 he won the H&M Design Award for his creative and ethical designs, beating more than 500 applicants from 40 different schools around the world for the title.

Subsequently, he released a collection in collaboration with H&M inspired by 1960s upholstery.

5. You will be able to buy his designs soon

Debenhams recently added Quinn to its portfolio of designers, announcing that he will release his debut collection for the department store in May, which will be made up of 12 dresses - retailing from £69 to £149.

And with a second spring/summer 2019 collection already in the works for next year, Quinn isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

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