Models pose at the Harris Reed how at St John's Smith Square
(Picture: Dave Benett)London Fashion Week officially kicked off on Friday showcasing the creativity of the capital to the world.
At a morning launch event British Fashion Council chairwoman Stephanie Phair hailed the “five-day celebration of the UK’s leading creative talent”.
She said: “It feels fantastic to be back again in person and to welcome a significant number of international guests now that travel is a little easier. London Fashion Week is a fantastic global platform for designers and brands to showcase their work and ideas to audiences around the world.”
While the official catwalk schedule began this morning with shows from Sohuman, Bora Aksu and Saul Nash, the party got started last night.
Sam Smith performed at Harris Reed’s show in St John’s Smith Square in Westminster, with models wearing creations made from re-purposed fabrics.
Designer of the moment Reed — who dressed Emma Corrin for her performance at the Brits earlier this month — in his 60 Years A Queen show explored how “queer culture took on this regal fabulousness” as draped trails delivered in rich jewel tones worked alongside lace tailoring.
Elsewhere, supermodel Irina Shayk, fresh off the runway from New York Fashion Week, welcomed guests to the official opening night party held by the British Fashion Council and Clearpay at Bistrotheque in east London. Attendees included British Vogue’s Edward Enninful and British Fashion Council chief executive Caroline Rush.
She told the Standard this week how LFW will feel more normal after the disruption caused by the pandemic and will be a “great vote of confidence” for the capital’s recovery. It will see 134 designers showcase on the physical and digital schedules. There will be a marked return to catwalk shows with 86 physical events, up from 79 last year.
Star names on the schedule include Erdem, Rejina Pyo, Molly Goddard, Richard Quinn, Roksanda and Vivienne Westwood.
