London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

New York, Milan, Paris, London... fashion week season gives the the world's fashion capitals the opportunity to compete for top spot. Despite the controversy around their decision to allow 'size zero' models, London's star continues to shine the brightest.
For more info visit www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Paul Costelloe
This Dublin-based designer struck gold, using a range of metallics combined with pretty floral prints to create the ultimate glam swimwear range. Models donned platinum blonde wigs and white-framed sunglasses to complete the look.

Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Caroline Charles
Caroline Charles' collection relied on a number of current (last season's?) trends... kaftans, chiffon, shorts, animal print and straw cowboy hats came together in a very beachy range. Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Ben de Lisi
According to Ben de Lisi his collection was designed for the "beach bar, dance floor, poolside, yacht party, summer in the Hamptons and cruising the Med". The collection was vibrant with lots of bright colours and an interesting use of silver disc organdie. Maxis, minis and shift dresses were paired with large floppy hats for a relaxed and feminine range.

Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Gareth Pugh
Crazy and spacey in black, Gareth Pugh took futurism to the extreme with latex, rubber and leather. Ties, binds, buckles and ribbons completed this look.

Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Louise Goldin
With an intense use of colour and shapes, Louise Goldin's latest collection was a knitwear inspiration for summer. With chic latex swimming caps and brightly coloured socks this newly independant designer caused quite a stir with her range.

Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Marios Schwab
One of London's top designers Schwab took bodily topography as his theme, exploring it "through the inner structure of a garment which is transformed and reflected on the outside".

Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Christopher Kane
Despite the fact that his entire collection was stolen from his atelier two weeks before his show, Christopher Kane still came out tops with a range that included chiffon ruffle dresses in snakeskin, nude and black, leather rara skirts and zip-up chiffon blouses.

Pic: AFP

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Luella
Luella Bartley has returned to London's runway on after a six year sojourn in New York and Milan bringing a catwalk collection for comic book addicts in floral prints and acid colors stamped with Batman insignia.

According to Luella her catwalk character was "a little bit of a geek but also very sexy".

Source: Reuters
Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Stella McCartney
With an athletics track as a background to the models' dramatised training session, McCartney presented her latest collection for Adidas. Muted tones of grey and nude are paired with yellow brights complete a comfortable, sporty look.

Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Biba
On a mission to reignite this iconic 70s label the newly formed in-house Biba design team produced a well-received collection. For spring/summer 2008 there was a definite development with pussy bow blouses, chiffon scarves and mini skirts. Maxi dresses, high-waisted culottes, tailored shorts and waist-length trenches carried Biba-esque prints that were a new take on the potentially over-used ones of the past.

Pic: Getty/Gallo Images

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson presented his first collection in London since he left for New York five years ago. His range included richly embroidered skirts and dresses glittering with seed pearls. Striped jackets were offset with splashes of turquoise, pink and orange.

Pic: AFP

London Fashion Week spring/summer 08

US pop star Prince shocked London fashionistas when he staged a surprise performance during Matthew Williamson's show.

The singer, who is playing a series of concerts in London, at first appeared to be only a front row guest at Williamson's spring/summer 2008 collection.

But the usual fashion scene became a pop concert when a Prince track struck up and the first two models onto the catwalk – a pair of identical twins in purple dresses – started to dance.

Prince then began singing into a microphone from his seat before jumping up and performing on the runway flanked by his band.

"He really wanted to do this, and you don't say 'No' to Prince," said Williamson after the show.

Source: Reuters
Pic: Getty/Gallo Images