London Fashion Week Begins

Find your highest heels and your smartest hat, and raise your champagne flute: London Fashion Week is officially underway (and fabulous.) 
 
It was a bitter Friday morning in February, but Somerset House was glowing with the hotpress buzz of Fashion Week. Faux fur and sparkling wine fought off the remaining frost. We headed to the British Fashion Council marquee, and as we took our seats, we were treated to the dulcet tones of Dolly Parton. There is perhaps no better way to prepare oneself for high glamour. 
 
First down the runway: Mr Paul Costello. Or rather, quite tall ladies rocking 2010’s autumn/winter collection. The Dublin-born designer, who has presented his catwalk collections at London Fashion Week every season for the last 15 years, has been known to dismiss catwalk shows as ‘just PR’. We forgive him: he delivered a breathtaking show. 
 
His is a winter palette of deep navy and dark, jet black set off by brave metallics of bronze and silver. In rich fabrics from wool to jacquard, and chiffon to leather, the collection was all feminine poise and luxury. There were strong-shouldered, structural dresses; there were globed and bustled miniskirts with net. There were hotpants in sequin and leather platform boots. And PVC legwarmers. We particularly liked the high collars, fluid skirts and nipped-in waists of the collection’s coats and jackets. We overheard one comment, and entirely agree: Costello maintains a beautiful line. 
 
The bar set high – and spectacle suitably applauded – we headed en masse to join Harold Tillman and Sarah Brown in marking the launch of this year’s LFW. Alongside all the usual nods to the dynamism of the London fashion scene and the worldbeating talent the city grows (all true!) a very genuine few words were said in memory of the recently deceased Lee Alexander McQueen. 
 
The fashion house, Alexander McQueen, was not due to show in London this February, but Lee was a central, creative figure of the London fashion set, who, evidently, will be much missed. The minute silence was deeply respectful and touching. As was the memorial board which allowed for a space for personal notes to McQueen. 
 
‘Live Long Lee McQueen.’ 
 
Can’t make it to any of the shows? Not to worry, the live shows are available to watch online.