For fashion designers, a catwalk show is the final climax following months of work and planning.Accordingly, they have become spectaculars costing millions of pounds (though the actual show usually lasts just 12 minutes) with designers competing for the most fantastic, the most elaborate, the most headline-worthy.

Richard Quinn, though, didnt have an elaborate set built for his show during London Fashion Week in February, as Karl Lagerfeld so famously does at Chanel.He didnt fly guests to a glamorous location (see Vuittons cruise show in Cannes this week), or begin his show with a breathtaking display of formation horsemanship (Dior, also in the South of France this week).But what Quinn did have was a V.V.V.I.P guest - Queen Elizabeth II.

In an industry where celebrity sightings are the norm, Quinns royal spectator- who sat beside fashion royalty Anna Wintour - blew the rest out of the water.

I meet Quinn, who was afforded his regal audience after winning the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Design Award, in a slightly less regal setting - a railway arch in Peckham, ten down from the one that houses his dads scaffolding business.Hes transformed the space into a print works and design studio: the bold floral prints and metallic foil fabrics that graced his catwalk lose none of their impact set against the cement walls and with the sound of trains hurtling along overhead.

Quinns next project builds on that dichotomy - from royalty to the high street, via a collaboration with Debenhams.The store is known for its designer partnerships, many of which continue for years - but for a fledgling designer whos dressed Lady Gaga andAdwoa Aboah, its perhaps a surprising one.Instead of courting fashions cool crowd, Quinn has his sights set on the mass market instead.

Richard Quinn x Debenhams red coat, £130, blue dress, £125, yellow dress, £115

“Commercial isnt a dirty word,” argues Quinn, “were not a vanity project.Its a business as well.”Having studied fashion at the famous Central St Martins, hes not oblivious to the many talented designers who prioritise cool over commercial - only to shutter their doors when they run out of money.As for those who might turn their nose up at a high street pairing?“Thats their hangup, its really not mine.”

This collaboration with Debenhams follows pairings with H&M and Liberty - despite the different markets, Quinn hasnt struggled to maintain a brand identity - instead, he sees the benefits of association with these household names.“Its an amazing opportunity to have something youve made in a vast range of sizes in so many stores, and online, and to reach a huge range of customers.”

In the past month, Quinns bespoke designs have been worn by Amal Clooney at the Met Gala and Thandie Newton at the BAFTAs - and now, “a 15 year old who wants to go to prom” can wear his creations, too.Not that you should rule them out at any age - the floral party coat would work well for weddings or summer garden parties, and the lovely long-sleeved dress with A-line skirt looks sure to flatter.Quinns mother has been “dropping hints”, and Clooneys mother, who accompanied her on a fitting, was equally enamoured.

Making his brand - which prices dresses at around £2k - accessible to Debenhams customers is something that strikes a chord with Quinn.“There was a Debenhams on our high street growing up.I have memories going down Eltham high street with my mum and into Debenhams - there was a tea room where we had lunch.”

Richard Quinn x Debenhams pink dress, £79, black dress, £85, navy dress, £125

That store shut its doors a few months ago, one of multiple closures across the high-street as a whole - just lastweek, Debenhams competitor Marks & Spencer announced plans to close 100 stores.Heritage namesare struggling to compete with fast-fashion giants like Zara and Mango, and the booming online fashion market and the e-tail-only brands dominating it.

As they strive to win shoppers back, any point of difference that could help to swing the balance - even a little - is worth championing.Quinns signature 1950s silhouettes and bold prints have been widely copied on the high street, but Debenhams - and Quinn - are ahead of the curve.Why would anyone buy a Richard Quinn knock-off when they could buy the original for £100?