UK King opens London Fashion Week despite brother's arrest
London Fashion Week launched on Thursday with a rare visit from King Charles III only hours after his brother Andrew's sensational arrest -- his presence overshadowing an event traditionally focused on revealing new talent.
The king surprised crowds when his car pulled up outside the opening show -- on a day when headlines were dominated by the former prince Andrew's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office for his dealings with late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
After shaking hands and greeting industry leaders and designers_ the king took a front-row seat between British Fashion Council chief executive officer Laura Weir and top UK designer Stella McCartney.
It was one of several public duties the king carried out on Thursday_ apparently seeking to project an air of business-as-usual.
"How are you feeling after your brother's arrest?" a reporter shouted at least twice as the king arrived.
It was unclear if Charles heard the question. He did not respond.
Charles has been a key supporter of one of the designers showing in London_ 27-year-old Joshua Ewusie_ a breakout British creator born to Ghanaian parents who is due to put on his second fashion week show with his brand "E.W.Usie".
The young designer was supported by the King's Foundation_ a charity founded by Charles_ in partnership with Chanel_ which gave him a studio space shortly after he graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins school.
Royal flavour
London Fashion Week (LFW) is better known for nurturing new talent than big-name shows_ and Ewusie epitomises the event's ability to give a platform to rising stars.
His hometown London_ which boasts several fashion schools_ provides "great support for young designers_" Ewusie told AFP ahead of his LFW presentation on Sunday.
"There are so many opportunities_ I think_ that London gives to help young brands start_" he added.
The show the king attended was by Tolu Coker_ a British-Nigerian designer who launched her brand in 2018.
Her show_ which featured elegant_ mainly-unisex designs inspired by diverse identities_ highlighted "craftsmanship_ sustainability and the creative industries"_ fashion week organisers said in a statement.
The king's presence_ they added_ reinforced "British fashion's place on the world stage".
Not far away_ at the Waldorf Hotel a tribute was held to one of Fashion Week's stalwarts_ Paul Costelloe_ who died in November aged 80.
The Irish-American's romantic_ sartorial catwalks were a regular fixture on the opening day of the London fashion week since the inception of the show in 1984.
His son William Costelloe is now the creative director of the brand_ which wrote on social media ahead of its LFW Autumn/Winter 2026 opening show: "A new season. A powerful moment. A legacy moving forward."
Other notable names including Harris Reed and Richard Quinn are returning to the catwalk in London_ with Burberry closing the week in its usual fashion on Monday evening.
Other labels will bring a royal flavour to the runway_ with brands worn by Princess Catherine including Emilia Wickstead_ Edeline Lee and Erdem putting on shows.
Fashion incubator
However_ there will be no show from the breakout Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson_ who was one of the most eagerly awaited at London Fashion Week in recent seasons.
The 41-year-old took over at Dior last June_ leaving little time for his own brand_ JW Anderson_ which he founded in 2008.
For several years_ London has been losing ground to rivals in Paris and Milan_ but it has clung onto its role as a breeding ground for young talent.
The British Fashion Council's NewGen initiative provides funding for emerging talent_ with several up-and-coming designers finding their stride at LFW through the incubator.
Designers such as Simone Rocha_ Coker and Roksanda have become fashion week mainstays after making their debut on the NewGen catwalk.(AFP)