L'wren Scott - London Fashion Week kicks off

London Fashion Week kicks off

London Fashion Week kicks off today (15.02.13) with some of the world's biggest designers set to show.

The UK capital takes the baton from New York as fashion houses present their autumn/winter 2013/14 collections and the event was launched this morning by British Fashion Council chairperson Natalie Massenet.

She said: ''I've just returned from New York and what struck me, and people told me, was the palpable excitement of what lay ahead in London this week. In September, I stood here and promised do my homework and over the last few months Caroline and I have been planning and plotting, and have met with lots of designers and we have a plan. It is to take a holistic 365-day view to grow the industry. The time is now to make things happen for British fashion in a big way. We want to celebrate being the most exciting fashion capital in the world.''

L'Wren Scott is joining the London line-up for the first time while Rihanna will showcase her collection for River Island.

Other big names to show include Mary Katrantzou, JW Anderson, Jonathan Saunders, Burberry, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Preen, Matthew Williamson and Temperley London.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: ''London Fashion Week is a dazzling showcase of great British talent. Its significance has been growing over the last few years, with strong attendance by press and buyers from around the world. With Natalie Massenet now at the helm, her eye for fashion and innovative ideas about selling will ensure it goes from strength to strength and inspire future generations to seek out jobs in this vibrant and creative sector. As well as investing in London Fashion Week, I will continue to do all I can to support the industry, which is so important to our city's prosperity.''