A hybrid London Fashion Week kicks off in style with runway shows

There will be 79 physical events during the hybrid fashion week in the British capital

A model presents a creation from British designer Mark Fast during a catwalk show for the spring / summer 2022 collection on the first day of London Fashion Week in London. AFP

Pastel hues on the Mark Fast catwalk. AFP

Mark Fast's spring/summer 2022 collection was shown on the first day of London Fashion Week. AFP

Periwinkle was a key colour in the Mark Fast SS22 presentation. AFP

A model is prepared backstage ahead of the show. AFP

A model gets ready in an outdoor backstage area, ahead of the show from British designer Mark Fast. AFP

A model presents a creation during the Bora Aksu spring/summer 2022 show at London Fashion Week. Reuters

Models present creations during the Bora Aksu Spring/Summer 2022 catwalk show at London Fashion Week in London, Britain, September 17, 2021. REUTERS / Henry Nicholls

A model displays a creation by Edward Crutchley during his Season 16 show, as part of London Fashion Week. AP

Layered greys on show on the Edward Crutchley runway. AP

A model presents creations from London-based Turkish designer Bora Aksu. AFP

The Bora Aksu show took place in a London park. AFP

Vibrant colours and floral detailing were key in the Bora Aksu show. AFP

Models line up in the Bora Aksu show. AFP

Models are made up backstage ahead of the Bora Aksu fashion show. AFP

Models present creations by Helen Anthony during London Fashion Week. EPA

Structured silhouettes on the Helen Anthony runway. EPA

Tailoring was prevalent on the Helen Anthony runway. EPA

London Fashion Week is running from September 16 to 22. EPA

1970s flair at the Helen Anthony show. EPA

London Fashion Week has kicked off, with a hybrid model, mixing digital and in-person runway presentations in the British capital.

The spring/summer 2022 shows are the first to take place in London in a year, and early presentations include collections by Turkish designer Bora Aksu, London-born Mark Fast and British designer Edward Crutchley.

Click through the gallery above to see images from day one on London Fashion Week.

"It feels really great to be back," Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC), told Reuters. "We're excited to see those key media and retailers that help drive British business."

To attend in-person events, proof of vaccination will be asked for, says Rush, and attendees are encouraged to take lateral flow tests daily to curb the spread of Covid-19.

"And if people haven't been vaccinated, then testing every morning will be absolutely mandatory as well. Backstage is much stricter ... and we will be encouraging people to wear masks," Rush said.

The line-up features 79 physical events – including shows, appointments and presentations – and 82 digital productions.

On the SS22 runway so far, lively colour has been a running theme, with vibrant hues on the outdoor Bora Aksu catwalk which contrasted nicely with the natural green backdrop of a London park. Meanwhile at Mark Fast, periwinkle was a key shade.