Cool Britannia forecast to make return as fashion seeks London 2012 dividend

The best of British design was showcased at London Fashion Week as it kicked off in style yesterday.

The first catwalk show of the event was Antoni & Alison, which saw the design duo showcase their spring/summer 2013 designs.

Antoni Burakowski said he and Alison Roberts had gone back to basics with the collection, made up of floaty dresses with colourful and striking patterns.

The show was introduced with a theatrical fanfare from a brass band, with the 24th Invicta Rifles continuing to play as the models trod the catwalk.

British designer Caroline Charles showed her collection on the Courtyard Show Space catwalk at Somerset House.

Her beachwear designs were a riot of colour with tropical prints and jazzy patterns inspired by Latin America. They contrasted with white floaty summer dresses and monochrome formal wear.

The event, which runs until Tuesday, will showcase the work of top designers from Britain and abroad. Early highlights included Emilia Wickstead, Felder Felder and PPQ, with Burberry, Matthew Williamson and the Vivienne Westwood Red Label to come on later days.

Libby Banks, editor of fashion website mydaily.co.uk, said she expected the success of the Olympics and Paralympics to translate to fashion.She said: “Britishness is cool again. I think we have got a new confidence.”