British fashion designer Giles Deacon, known for his playful design style (for Spring 2010, he sent models carrying stuffed dinosaur bags down the runway) has been officially confirmed as Emanuel Ungaro’s new creative director. The French fashion house with its famed feminine and colorful aesthetic has seen a rotating roster of creative directors ranging from the young wunderkind designer, Estaban Cortazar to the more recent, including controversial Lindsay Lohan who served as artistic designer alongside head designer Estrella Archs.

Although praised by the critics, Cortazar’s collection did not ignite significant sales with retailers, while Lohan’s collection unanimously bombed with retailers and press. Deacon comes on board with an impressive resume (he has run his own line for the past eight years, has had stints at Bottega Veneta and Gucci, and collaborates with the high-street brand New Look) and the support of industry heavyweights, such as British stylist and fashion journalist Katie Grand; his appointment to the post will surely be closely watched. His first collection will debut in presentation form in Paris in October 2010. Stay tuned!