Sarah Brown leads tributes to Alexander McQueen as London Fashion Week begins

There was a air of sombre remembrance at the opening of London Fashion Week on Friday, as homage was paid to the late, great fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

Following an emotional tribute to the English couturier by his supermodel friends Naomi Campbell and devastated Kate Moss the previous evening, a minute's silence was held in honour of Alexander at the official opening of the six day event.

Sarah Brown – also at Thursday's Fashion For Relief show – was tasked with getting proceedings underway.

Taking her place alongside chairman of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tilman, who described Alexander as "one of London's leading lights", the prime minister's wife addressed hundreds from the fashion industry at the official opening.

"I've no doubt this will be a creative and inspiring fashion week and no doubt a reflective time with the sad passing of Lee McQueen," she said, referencing the designer's real name.

Many fans have already signed a special memorial wall set up at Somerset House in honour of the 40-year-old, who lived and worked in the British capital.

While he was not due to show his latest collection in London, Alexander was to unveil new designs at Paris Fashion Week on March 9 – an event the McQueen label has confirmed will go ahead.

Meanwhile it fell to Irish designer Paul Costelloe to be the first to show in London.

He produced a strong collection featuring crinoline-style skirts, structured coats, tweed petticoats and riding jackets.

Some of the highlights over the weekend include shows from Vivienne Westwood, Matthew Williamson and Jasper Conran.

While, on Tuesday, Burberry – returning to London after eight years showing in Milan - will join the 40 plus designers live streaming their shows, but will break new ground by doing so in 3D.