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LONDON (Reuters) – Fashionistas were happily distracted from a week of turbulent financial markets by an array of colorful, experimental and luxury clothes at London Fashion Week, which ended on Friday.

Many buyers ignored a looming recession as designers paraded bright colors and luxury fabrics on the catwalk. But some established names, while not seeing a dent in sales yet, were wary of a potential pinch in the year ahead.

nail”>http://www.himfr.com/buy-nail_charms/”>nail charms”Certainly the companies behind the designers are very aware of the financial worries of the world and the greed of the big banks who have caused these problems,” veteran designer Paul Smith said earlier in the week. “But luckily, fingers crossed, our business is about the same as last year.”

Other big-name British brands also played down the impact of the recent economic downturn in the United States and Europe.

“Our wholesale business is rocketing,” CEO of Aquascutum, Kim Wisner told Reuters on Wednesday.

Wisner said Aquascutum, a 155-year-old raincoat maker which positions itself alongside other British heritage brands such as Jaeger, intended to increase sales with retail and wholesale deals in the United States, Russia and the Middle East.

Julien Macdonald, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood Click to continue »

Provisional dates for London’s fashion week are 16-23 September 2007. Fashion weeks tend to be held several months before the season, which gives press and buyers a chance to preview designs in advance. The last London Fashion Week was a huge success, bringing more than £100 million worth of business to London. Expectation is high for the next event, which many hope will be just as successful.
What We Can Expect
It’s the first fashion week since top stylist Isabella Blow died in May. As Blow kick-started the careers of both Philip Treacy and Alexander McQueen, we’re expecting to see many tributes. Models such as Lily Cole, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Agyness Deyne are being lined up to sashay down the catwalk in the latest designs.
The last London Fashion Week in February 2007 was a huge success with £40 million worth of orders and a huge £24 million of media coverage. Following London Fashion Week will be London Fashion Weekend, which takes place at the Natural History Museum and offers visitors the opportunity to purchase designer clothes at sales prices.