London Fashion Week AW16 is open for business

As the first day of London Fashion Week got under way it was a timely reminder of the power and influence of the fashion industry that Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter and chair of the British Fashion Council, went to Buckingham Palace to receive her Damehood.

The 50-year-old entrepreneur wore a cherry pink skirt suit made for her by the British couturiers Ralph & Russo ??? whose atelier overlooks the gardens of the Palace - and carried a gold clutch by her friend Anya Hindmarch.???Have to admit I cried?????? she wrote on Instagram below a picture of her holding her medal, alongside her boyfriend, Frame Denim co-founder Erik Torstensson.

Meanwhile, the catwalk shows began at the Brewer Street car park in Soho, an anti-fur protest by four naked women bravingthe frost and chill, causing even more chaos than usual in the narrow traffic-blocked streets.

Inside, J.JS Lee kicked off proceedings with a show that should take this designer???s business to the next level.Anyone woman who wants to look like a boss lady next winter should seriously consider looking to Jackie Lee for her executive wardrobe.This was brilliant workwear, understated but powerful tailoring in beautiful cherry red, black, ivory and mustard yellow crepe.It was inspired by Victorian interiors ???Lee having been house-huntingof late ??? but that only revealeditself in the subtlest of details,pared down to restrained ruffle necks, a modernist version of spring???s romantic frilly blouse,and tassled roping as piping on streamlined jackets, trousers and dresses.

If I were a buyer for a department store or a high street chain with my eye on the oft-neglected workwear market I would be inviting J.JS Lee over for a one-on-onepow-wow about a possible collaboration sometime soon.This designer is working it.London Fashion Week is once again open for business.

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