17 Feb: London Fashion Week kicks off

London Fashion Week   London Fashion Week kicked off on Thursday in the UK\'s capital, showcasing a variety of trendy designers and daring new models.James Long, Maarten Van der Horst, Roksanda Ilincic are just some of the talented names that will present their new collection during the event, which will go on until next Wednesday, February 22.
London Fashion Week represents a big business for the industry and the UK economy, with an estimated 100 million pounds of orders placed during the event for each season, something designers who showcase their collections here understand well.
The event will take over the baton from New York, which had its last day on Thursday, where a rich showcase of brocades, lace and velvet recalling \"The Artist\" and the British TV drama \"Downton Abbey\" were on stage.
The event runs from February 17 until February 22, with both British and international designers showing their autumn/winter 2012 womenswear to an expected audience of 5,000 buyers, celebrities, industry insiders and journalists.
This year is expected to be the most digitally innovative yet, incorporating social media and live streaming at 44 of 59 catwalk shows online.
British Fashion Council Chairman Harold Tillman was quoted as hoping to increase the focus on Chinese customers, who are among the top spenders at London Fashion Week by providing incentives to make the event more lucrative to foreign buyers, who account for 74 million pounds of the estimated 100 million pounds worth of orders placed during the event.
The event will also add new elements alongside womenswear, including a new fine jewelry initiative where 10 selected jewelers will display their autumn/winter 2012 collections. Five headwear designers will also boast their designs as part of this season\'s exhibition
Friday\'s shows will start with Preen, PPQ and the Central St. Martin\'s MA show, where many of the top British designers like McQueen and McCartney showcased their first designs before becoming international fashion stars.
On Monday for the first time McQueen\'s diffusion line McQ will showcase in London, with Sarah Burton - the designer of Kate Middleton\'s breathtaking wedding dress  - at the helm. High interest is raised by Stella McCartney\'s special presentation on Saturday.
Of all the Fashion Weeks, London has always seemed the quirkiest and the most accessible, mixing high fashion with wearability in an unusual way compared, for instance, to Paris Fashion Week.
PPQ, House of Holland, Temperley London, Mulberry, Acne, Erdem and McQ Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood Red Label are also among the many designers who will hit the event’s catwalk.
Final tip on the event, Rihanna, who is scheduled to perform next week at the BRIT Awards, is expected to hit London Fashion Week as well.