Designers old and new dazzle at London Fashion Week

Models present creations from Julien Macdonald Autumn/Winter 2013 collection during London Fashion Week, February 16, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Conran, who also collaborates with Debenhams, said Britain should see garment manufacturing as a business opportunity.

"China is going to be a huge emerging market for this country, and they want things that are made in Britain. We don't have a manufacturing industry but that doesn't mean we can't create one," he said.

"TOTALLY OVER THE TOP"

Julien Macdonald offered up his modern interpretation of glamour with a dazzling array of evening dresses in gold, silver, canary yellow and emerald green.

Longer gowns featured hand-sewn mirrors, chains and metal embellishments while sequined fringing embellished the minimal hemlines of shorter dresses.

"The dresses are totally over the top, they're glamorous - there are party dresses and cat suits. There's lots of knitwear made in super sophisticated sexy shapes, traditional lace with incredible embroidered techniques," Macdonald said.

Moschino Cheap And Chic and House of Holland were a hot ticket for London's pretty young things.

At Moschino, black-lipped models sashayed in alternate direction through a runway maze lined by masses of buyers, celebrities and admirers; showcasing monochrome stripes black trousers with punk inspired silver studding.

Black rockability style blazers and buttoned up shirts were softened by both pale and hot pink.