Stars pose to celebrate the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week (LFW).
The biannual event, originally the brainchild of public relations guru Lynne Franks, and now a staple of the global fashion calendar, launched in 1984.
This year’s event, the youngest of the big five fashion weeks, brings glitz and glamor to London until Tuesday.
But British Fashion Council president David Pemsel has said economic challenges are putting pressure on the industry.
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Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Pemsel said the cost of living crisis, interest rates and Brexit were creating difficulties for designers and fashion houses.
However, he insisted the industry remains “resilient”.
“[Our] quality is really respected in the industry – we have phenomenal designers who make amazing things,” he said.
The anniversary edition of LFW will host 67 designers across 46 catwalks and 36 events, organizers say, with collections from many more up-and-coming designers expected to appear offline.
Star attractions include Preen, Richard Quinn, Simone Rocha, Harris Reed, 16Arlington and Emilia Wickstead.
Harry Lambert, the man behind Harry Styles’ makeover and Emma Corrin’s wardrobe, will also cause a stir.
Following tradition, Burberry will close the official program on Monday with the Daniel Lee collection.
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On Thursday night, some of London’s best-known landmarks, including Covent Garden, the London Eye and the Royal Opera House, were illuminated green to mark the start of LFW’s anniversary celebrations.
Over the decades, LFW has showcased established and emerging British talent, from supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, to iconic designers such as Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney and the late Alexander McQueen.
Lynne Franks, who served as the inspiration for Absolutely Fabulous character Edina Monsoon, says she pushed for a London fashion week out of frustration, with the intention of giving the city a dedicated space to promote her craftsmanship, in line with other fashion capitals such as New York. , Milan, Paris and Tokyo.
“We weren’t on the international calendar at all,” she told the Evening Standard. “I thought, if they can do it, why can’t we?”
Although smaller than its peers in Milan, Paris and New York, which typically feature international fashion giants, London is still known for its unique style and boldness.
“It’s much more innovative,” Betty Jackson, designer of the first LFW, told the BBC. “I think we have the best ideas, really. And we’re not afraid.
“I think a lot of the inspiration comes from young people wearing things on the street and using them in a different way,” she said.
The British Fashion Council’s NewGen initiative continues to support the next generation of designers, while Friday’s show at Central Saint Martins MA provides a platform for London’s art school’s brightest young stars.
