Giles Deacon rolls out B-listers for LFW show

He may be one of the hottest names in British fashion, but the critically acclaimed designer Giles Deacon raised eyebrows at his London fashion week show yesterday when he gave two B-list celebs starring roles in his latest collections.
 
The Piranha 3D actress Kelly Brook (above) and Abbey Clancy, the pregnant partner of footballer Peter Crouch, took to the catwalk dressed in figure-hugging dresses (printed with hibiscus flowers and eyeballs) and over-the-top glittery make-up. Looking on from the front row were reality TV stars Janice Dickinson and Kerry Katona.
 
Last night's show was Deacon's first London fashion week appearance after showing in Paris the past two seasons. The 40-year-old, who is known for his quirky yet glamorous clothes, is one of Britain's most successful designers.
 
One fashion observer told The First Post she was "surprised by the tabloid totty-element" at the show. "He's obviously decided to go for a more British feel to his show for his return to London fashion week but this wasn't quite what I expected."
 
Yet in many ways this is a classic stunt from Deacon, who was named British fashion designer of the year in 2006 and has said one of his aims is "the democratisation of fashion".
 
He has been unapologetic in the past about collaborations with brands such as Cadbury's (he designed the Caramel Bunny's strapless polka dot dress) and the high-street chain New Look. Such partnerships, he says, are necessary because they generate "the money you need for your own company". ·