London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week got off to a confrontational start with the first big show of the week being domineered by uninvited PETA supporters. Anti-fur protestors, in a frenzied rage, shot onto Julian MacDonald's catwalk to demonstrate against the use of fur in his collections. Surprisingly, his show featured little fur, or none that was apparent to many editors and buyers that were present. Instead, MacDonald focussed his collection around glamourous and wearable dresses and his signature spider knits - showing his craftmenship as one of Britain's best-known knitwear if not red-carpet designers.

The hottest ticket to the shows on Sunday was the Spring Summer 06 catwalk presentation by genius designer Giles Deacon. The show, which last season featured a stunning Linda Evangelista - back on form and out of temporary retirement especially for Giles - was yesterday attended by Donatella Versace - who was also hosting a dinner for Giles. Ms Versace is her herself hosting a party on Monday, to celebrate the opening of her new London boutique.

London Fashion Week, which may not draw the big names that show in New York, Milan and Paris, is on the contrary a hotbed for young designers that even if the major houses don't show here, they like to throw parties in lieu. Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Versace and Dior are all hosting parties during London Fashion Week, although none are showing in the capital. The McQueen party - of which the date and location weren't revealed, but is rumoured to take place this evening - will no doubt be one of the week's highlights when it comes to aftershow parties . But then again, so will the Tank party, Patrick Cox's 20 th anniversary party, oh, and did we mention the GQ Style party and the Wallpaper* party on Thursday? So many parties, so little shows?