Fashion Week showed London is the world’s style capital, say stars

 
Lindsay Watling18 September 2013

Stars of the stage, screen and catwalk have praised the impact of London Fashion Week, saying it left them feeling “proud to be British” and cemented the city’s status as the “fashion capital of the world”.

The five-day design showcase drew to a glamorous close with parties across the capital.

At the Harper’s Bazaar bash at Annabel’s, in Berkeley Square, Dolce and Gabbana model David Gandy told the Standard London was a “powerhouse” of the industry.

The 33-year-old, who attended with his girlfriend, actress Samantha Barks, added: “There’s a good feeling around London.

“London is such a powerhouse. When designers are opening flagship stores, they are doing it in London, not anywhere else in Europe. We have become the fashion capital of the world.”

Barks, who played Eponine in the stage and 2012 film versions of Les Misérables, said: “British fashion has always held its own. I’m very proud to be British.”

Their fellow guest, handbag designer Lulu Guinness said London was the “best place to be in the world right now”, urging shoppers to support products made in Britain.

Guinness, who was wearing a black John Rocha dress, said: “The eyes of the world are on London.”

She revealed the highlight of her week was seeing a photo in the Standard of Kate Moss with the lips bag she created. Fellow designer Henry Holland also used the occasion to sing the country’s praises, saying: “We are proving ourselves more and more.”

Actress Naomie Harris, who has been promoting her film Mandela in the US, added: “New York and London are for me the most creative and the most interesting.”

Just a few streets away, Marie Claire magazine held its 25th birthday party at the Café Royal Hotel.

Guests at the do included Rod Stewart’s ex-wife, model Rachel Hunter, who was joined by her daughter Renee Stewart, as well as Paloma Faith, Cara Delevingne and Jaime Winstone.

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