London Fashion Week kicks off!

Get the lowdown on what to look out for during London Fashion Week autumn/winter 2013

Yes, fashion fans, it really is that time of year again, as London Fashion Week kicks off for the autumn/winter 2013 season. In what is sure to be another storming fashion week, the bumper schedule of must-see shows and glitzy parties looks certain to continue the feel-good factor of 2012 in the British capital. But which shows should you be looking out for? Which parties will be wall-to-wall A-list guests? And what can we expect to be the defining moments of LFW autumn/winter 2013?

Zoe Jordan kicked things off at the official LFW showspace at Somerset House this morning with Felder Felder, PPQ and Sass & Bide also showing on the opening day, but the first show that’s really got everyone talking is not officially on the schedule but has a pop and style superstar at the helm: Rihanna. The Barbados-born singer will unveil her complete debut clothing line for high street favourite River Island on Saturday evening followed by an after-party straight after the show has wrapped. The store are keeping schtum for now on what guests can expect to see, so we’re still guessing as to whether Rihanna will hit the catwalk and model the clothes herself, treat us to a musical performance, etc, etc. Can’t wait to find out!

Canadian-born London-based designer Thomas Tait will also show on Saturday and has rightfully garnered ‘one-to-watch’ status thanks to his sophisticated and luxe want-them-now clothes. Showing only his sixth collection, we’re expecting the buzz around Tait to build as one of the most talented emerging designers in the capital.

Sunday is jam-packed with must-see shows with Mulberry taking up its bi-annual residency at Claridge’s hotel for the a/w 2013 show. The collection is set to be jam-packed with dreamy, romantic pieces, if the label's baby blue butterfly invitation is anything to go by. We’ll also be keeping our eyes peeled for Mulberry show regulars (think Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Lana Del Rey) on the front row, as well as a few surprise appearances.

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LFW power players Mary Katrantzou, Jonathan Saunders, Marios Schwab and Paul Smith all show later on in the day, with Topshop showing its latest Unique range at one of London’s most iconic landmarks – the Tate Modern. Following Jonathan Saunders’ lead from last season, the high street giant will host its show in the art gallery’s underground chambers, ‘The Tanks’, and has teamed up with Google+ to offer an access-all-areas pass to fashion fans watching from home. By simply logging on, you can use the store’s ‘model cam’ to see the show through the eyes of the models when they hit the runway, access exclusive digital diaries of Topshop girls including Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn, watch the show via YouTube and use Google’s 3D streetmap tool to explore the show venue. Genius!

Cool London designers Christopher Kane, Erdem and Giles will show on Monday, as will fashion big hitter Burberry Prorsum, which never fails to attract a starry front row and dazzle us with their show production, but a certain Mr Tom Ford is also on the bumper Monday schedule and is set to be the biggest talking point so far. The designer, who in previous seasons has chosen to unveil his collections at low-key presentations, will reveal his latest designs in front of press and buyers on Monday evening at his first womenswear catwalk show. Tickets are, understandably, like gold dust with details around the show top secret.

Other highlights are sure to include man-of-the-moment J.W. Anderson's show on Monday, rising design star Simone Rocha the following day and L’Wren Scott – American designer and girlfriend of Mick Jagger – who makes her LFW debut on Sunday.

The British Fashion Council together with the British Councilwill also launch its International Fashion Showcase where 27 embassies from around the world will display the work of over 110 international emerging designers for press, buyers and the public to explore over fashion week (top tip, Headonism, Rock Vault and Estethica are must sees at the exhibition), and Browns will set up a pop-up shop at its Focus store curated by super-stylist couple Damian and Avigail (they’ve dressed the likes of Rihanna and Tinie Tempah) dedicated to ‘90s fashion.

Phew, we're exhausted just thinking about it!

Follow the Marie Claire fashion team online for all the latest news, catwalk pictures and front row gossip, on Twitter @marieclaireuk for the scoop live from the shows and through our Instagram page to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of London Fashion Week.

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