Cumbrian designs Pippa Middleton's wedding dress

Pippa Middleton's wedding has been in the spotlight today, with her choice of dress attracting plenty of compliments... but not many people know it was designed by a "genius" who was brought up in Cumbria.

Giles Deacon is famed for his eccentric approach to modern glamour, and he designed the lace gown to create the impression of being seamless.

Deacon was born in Darlington, but raised near Ullswater in the Lake District, and studied Art Foundation after his hopes of becoming a marine biologist were dashed by a failed chemistry A-Level.

He was spotted leaving Pippa's house in west London in November, but had refused to confirm if he was making her wedding dress.

A royal favourite, Deacon's designs have formerly been worn by Princess Beatrice, as well as other A-list celebrities Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Agyness Deyn, Thandie Newton and Victoria Beckham.

In 2011, Abbey Clancy, who had previously modelled for Deacon, wore a wedding dress by the designer when she married footballer Peter Crouch.

Deacon's collections are described as having a "couture" feel, and his catwalk shows have previously attracted supermodel fans Linda Evangelista and Karolina Kurkova.

Fashion Model Daisy Lowe, who was the face of Deacon's high-street collaboration collection with Debenham's, said of the designer: "Giles Deacon is a genius".