A look from Giles Deacon's first collection for Ungaro. Photo: Imaxtree

After just two seasons, Giles Deacon is out at Ungaro. The industry breathed a sigh of relief when the beloved British designer took over after a tumultuous few seasons in which Ungaro hired Esteban Cortazar (who critics thought was doing a pretty good job) and then ousted him to bring on Lindsay Lohan and Estrella Archs. The latter duo was, to put it mildly, not so well received. It looked like the brand was beyond repair until they finally sat up and hired a real designer. But Giles’ first collection, for spring 2011, didn’t earn great reviews either. Critics accused him of trying too hard and losing sight of the balance between the storied French brand and his own, funkier aesthetic. Ungaro’s fall collection may have earned better reviews, but the critics still save their biggest compliments for Giles’ eponymous line. There is also, of course, the question of who’s buying the clothes—it’s not even spotted on the most adventurous street style stars. An official statement says Giles and the house “mutually decided” to end their relationship, and that the spring collection presented in Paris next month will be designed by the in house team. But it’ll need more than that to get back on track.