By Astrid Zweynert
LONDON (Reuters) - London Fashion Week kicked off on Tuesday with a star-studded line-up amid hopes that the show can give Paris, Milan and New York a run for their money.
A total of 170 designers will show off their creations for autumn and winter in almost 50 shows over the festival’s five days at London’s Natural History Museum.
Top designers Julien MacDonald, Paul Smith, Jasper Conran, Betty Jackson and Nicole Farhi are joined by hotly-tipped newcomers such Gareth Pugh during the week, which attracts more than 5,000 buyers and journalists.
On Tuesday, Dublin-born Paul Costelloe was the first of a string of designers to launch their collections.
Dublin-born Costelloe took post-war London as his starting point to add a Forties feel to tweed suits, military coats, cosy knits and high waist trousers.
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MacDonald, who honed his skills at Chanel and Givenchy before creating his own line, will show his collection on Tuesday night.
Organiser the British Fashion Council has changed the event’s dates so that it competes almost head-to-head with the big-budget Milan fashion week, which begins next week.
"London is one of the world’s great creative capitals and this season’s designer line-up reflects this more than ever," said Hilary Riva, the council’s chief executive.
Fashion commentators say the biggest boost to the London event is the presence of American Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
The fashion bible’s editor has not been to London Fashion Week for several years, so organisers are seeing her attendance as a big endorsement.
"I am looking forward to a dynamic and strong season," said Riva, who took over as chief executive at the start of January.
"We have a full schedule of internationally known British designers, complemented by a talented and international group of fresh talent."
A glut of music and film stars is also expected to attend, sandwiched between the Brits and the Baftas, on Sunday.
There have long been concerns that London has lost its way as a leading light in the fashion stakes.
Renowned for showcasing cutting-edge work from relatively unknown young designers, the capital has also attracted criticism for failing to hold on to more established homegrown names.
Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney have chosen to show in Milan, Paris or New York instead.
Boy George’s label B-Rude, in its first Fashion Week appearance, has been invited to close the event on Saturday.
