London fashion week round-up

Friday 18 February marked the official start of London fashion week. Like many others unable to attend the shows (I'm guessing my invitation got lost in the post) I relied on the advancement of technology to keep me updated, including the use of live streaming and writers tweeting pictures from the front row.

Traditionally, of the four fashion cities, London is considered to be edgier, fresher and younger. This year proved to be no exception.

London Fashion Week ambassador Samantha Cameron was on hand to open the ceremony at Somerset House wearing head-to-toe British in a Mulberry dress, Sykes jacket and LK Bennett shoes. The Prime Minister's wife also graced the front row many times - appearing at Burberry, Holly Fulton, Christopher Kane and Erdem, among others.

But it wouldn't be a fashion show without a little controversy, and this year London didn't disappoint. Designer Maria Grachvogel, best known for designing figure skimming dresses for 'normal' sized British women, succumbed to the pressure and changed her sample catwalk creations from a size 10 to a size 8, as there weren't any models who were large enough to wear a size 10.

With the news that Marc Jacobs reportedly spent $1m on a fashion show lasting just nine minutes. That included 35 make-up artists, 70 dressers and 500 guests, but it's business as usual for the glamour of the fashion world.

The fashion circus has now pitched up in Milan and will swiftly move onto Paris, which will mark the closure of this year’s A/W ready-to-wear shows.

The best of London Fashion Week

Charles Anastase proved that the French lead the way when it comes to dressing chic. Designing a collection that prepster Alexa Chung would be proud of, pieces included Peter Pan collared shirts, nude shift dresses, and velvet play suits.

Burberry Prorsum staged their show in Kensington Gardens and with a front row consisting of Rachel Bilson, Kate Bosworth and Lily Donaldson, Burberry were one of the firm favourites this year. Injecting life into the collection with block colouring, orange, turquoise and red plus matching plaid coats were the stand out pieces.

Topshop Unique dressed their models in fur with and painted love hearts on their noses. With a theme track consisting of the Cruella de Vil song and Elvis' 'Hound Dog' Topshop Unique payed homage to 101 Dalmatians. Love editor Katie Grand styled the show and Anna Wintour popped by for a surprise appearance.

PPQ duo Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker played up to a historical era with their choices for autumn/winter. With lace ruffle chokers, lady-like blouses, feline box hats, and velvet platform courts this made up their latest collection.