LONDON (AP) — London Fashion Week kicked off with a splash of colour Friday shown by British designers Antoni & Alison, the first of dozens of catwalk shows jammed into the next six days.

The London duo, known for their knitwear, showed bold, colourful prints as designers, models, buyers and journalists filled Somerset House on the Thames river, site of the main shows.

London Fashion Week raises its profile this year with some of the industry’s biggest stars. Stella McCartney (pictured) will hold her first stand-alone show in London since she graduated. There will also be a debut show by McQ, the second line from the Alexander McQueen fashion house led by Sarah Burton.

“There is fantastic talent as always, and the international audience is looking very strong,” said Caroline Rush, the elegant CEO of the British Fashion Council.

“There is great excitement about (McQ) because of Sarah Burton’s success dressing Katherine Middleton for the royal wedding last year.”

Rush said British heritage brands like Belstaff — also showing in London for the first time — and the return of regulars like Burberry, Christopher Kane, Erdem and Paul Smith should guarantee big crowds and motivated buyers.

The shows follow Thursday’s conclusion of New York fashion week and precedes expositions in Milan and France.

McCartney, who has shown her smart, minimalist collections at Paris Fashion Week for a decade, is moving her catwalk to London for a special presentation.