London Fashion Week's autumn/winter 2013 show season opened at Somerset House this morning in a blaze of unseasonal sunshine - not entirely by chance, apparently.
'If there were ever any doubt about the power of the British Fashion Council, just look out of the window,' quipped Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, as he welcomed industry guests to the official launch. 'They've already delivered.'
Following the news the more US buyers than ever will attend the UK shows, all signs indicate a bright show season ahead.
Highlights - of which there are really too many to mention - will include the arrival of Tom Ford and L'Wren Scott, Christopher Kane's first collection reveal since his PPR buy-out, and the take over of the high street, with Whistles showing on Sunday, and River Island and megastar collaborator Rihanna also due to show the same day.
In addition to the shows are the BFC exhibitions, such as Headonism, its millinery showcase collated by Stephen Jones, and any number of digital innovations. Over 60 per cent of shows will be streamed live and, of course, Topshop will be staking its claim on digital dominance thanks to its link up with Google.
And did we mention the parties...?
Be sure to follow ELLE UK on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook to see the new season unfold in real-time, plus bookmark elleuk.com/catwalk, which is where you'll get the ELLE view from the front row, as well as every catwalk look.
