In pictures: London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week has been launched - this year celebrating its 25th anniversary at the new location of Somerset House.

Dublin-born Paul Costello was the first to show his designs. He has opened the event for the past five seasons - an honour he described as a "poisoned chalice"

Models for Caroline Charles also took to the catwalk showing her collection for spring/summer 2010. Charles described the clothes as "optimism for a new decade"

London Fashion Week is a famous showcase for emerging talent. This year was no different, with former Fashion Fringe winner Eun Jeong basing her collection on the 16th century ballet

Among those joining the fashionistas for the six-day event was actress Joan Collins

This season will also see the return of big names Matthew Williamson, Burberry Prorsum, Pringle of Scotland, Jonathan Saunders and Antonio Berardi

The unlikely cover star of a special edition of Elle magazine this month, London mayor Boris Johnson officially opened Fashion Week

Organiser the British Fashion Council estimates the event pumps £20m into the British economy while raising London's profile. It runs until Wednesday.