Designers champion eccentricity, heritage at London Fashion Week

A model presents a creation from Topshop Unique Autumn/Winter 2014 collection during London Fashion Week February 16, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

Eastern flavor, international style

Runway dream

Nicoll said he wanted to experiment with different colors this season, using russet reds, bright fuchsia, ochre and pale greens throughout his collection.

"I wanted to play with more opulent, quite traditional colors but do them in a modern way in modern textures and modern silhouettes," he said.

"It was important for me to develop textures and patterns and a richness of feeling, without print and without overly complicated patterns."

British designer Alice Temperley's richly-colored, folkloric collection was inspired by an embroidered robe she had seen on a recent trip to Lake Como in Italy.

Models glided down the runway in the ballroom of London's Savoy hotel, dressed in navy jacquard coats, floor-length crocheted dresses and sheer-paneled blouses as well Temperley's signature intricately beaded, jewel-toned evening gowns.

She told Reuters her aim was to make "something that's kind of exquisite, but very, very wearable".

British Fashion Week, a bi-annual event attended by more than 5,000 people each season, is estimated to bring in around 100 million pounds ($170 million) in orders.

Ken Downing, fashion director at US luxury retail store Neiman Marcus, said demand for luxury goods was still strong, with fabric and manufacturing quality playing a key role.

"Women who are very engaged in fashion and who are really enthusiastic about brands want super special things," he said.