Cheryl Cole gleamed like molten silver in a long goddess gown by Stéphane Rolland at the National Television Awards last night. It was her fifth appearance in this French Haute Couture label - and quite a change from the avant-garde young British designers we have come to associate her with. So, just who is Stéphane Rolland? And how did he end up dressing one of the most sought-after pop-stars of the moment?

The 43 year-old eclectic couturier was brought up in the south of France, Argentina and the West Indies. He chose to study fashion at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and struck gold when Balenciaga hired him to work on the menswear collections when he was 21. He was promoted to creative director within a year. His success continued when he joined Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture, where he spent a decade as creative director.

Rolland launched his own label in July, 2007 when he presented his first couture collection. His designs are influenced by architecture, especially the award-winning British Iraqi deconstrucivist, Zaha Hadid..His love affair with the Middle East is a reaccuring signature and he also often emphasises the 1970’s  His clients also include HRH Queen Rania of Jordan and R+B star Rihanna. Cheryl was introduced to Rolland through a stylist and their relationship has blossomed.

On Tuesday next week (January 26th 2010), he will present his sixth collection at the Paris Haute Couture season for spring/summer 2010 - it promises to be more body-conscious and sensual and full of gorgeous gowns which would be perfect for Cheryl’s frequent red-carpet appearances, especially the BAFTAS. All will be revealed on Tuesday next week.