Opening with Eve Herzigova dressed in an impeccably tailored riding jacket with narrow stand collar, cable pattern cuff embellishments and single button fastening Giles Deacon proved to his skeptics that he has what it takes to design couture. At a time when the fashion cauldron is boiling with rumors, Deacon’s artfully crafted new collection emphasizing classic elegance accentuated by effortless sophistication establishes that the young St. Martins graduate is a strong contender for the coveted job at the Givenchy house.

Giles’ voluminous raglan sleeved coats, razor-sharp equestrian pants, fitted knee-length frocks (with wide ribbon trimmed collars and revers), and asymmetrically draped bone toggle capes reflect a chic refinement beyond the young man’s years. The rigorous tailoring and well-thought-out design of Mr. Deacon’s opulent wool circle skirts, crisp dress shirts, dazzling gold sequined cardigans, and functional flap-and-patch pocket military jackets are indeed impressive. Then again, time will show if LVMH and Bernard Arnault will agree.