The Queen has only ever attended one catwalk show. The event in question? Avant-garde designer Richard Quinn’s a/w 2018 collection, where Her Majesty witnessed the 29-year-old Central St Martin’s graduate’s striking foil gowns, thigh-high boots and floral biker helmets. Now, Quinn is adding a high-street collaboration to his CV. Stylist met the designer to chat all things Queen and Quinn.

How did the Queen’s visit affect your work?

The Queen moment opened up the brand to so many more people. We went from having 17 stockists after our first collection to more than 50 for our second.

How does it feel to have become so successful so fast?

When you show a brand at Fashion Week, people think it’s instantaneous, but I had been at St Martin’s for about seven years so to me it felt like a long time. We have had to really graft, but the speed at which we have had exposure – I feel really lucky.

Was it difficult to adapt your designs for the high street?

I wanted the collection to feel intrinsically mine. We designed it the same way we would for the runway but made subtle tweaks. It’s a different way of showing your work, which was exciting, but the basis was true to my brand.

Which is your favourite piece from the collection?

There is a pink rose jacket that pairs with a deep-red velvet long dress. I think of it as modern couture with a vintage feel.

Richard Quinn’s 12-piece collection is available online and in selected Debenhams stores now.

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