London Fashion Week kicks off in style amid Brexit concerns

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London took center stage Friday in the fashion universe with the gala opening of London Fashion Week, showcasing Victoria Beckham debut at the event on the 10th anniversary of her label's launch, and Burberry's new star designer Riccardo Tisci showcase on the catwalk.

The ex-Spice Girl is celebrating a decade since her brand's 2008 unveiling in New York and has since defied the naysayers and won her peers' respect.

The Brit now heads a fashion empire valued at 100 million pounds (131 million US dollars) by the industry press, although her appearance in London is Beckham's first at the country's premier fashion show.

Victoria Beckham on the runway during the Victoria Beckham Fashion Show during New York Womenswear Fall Winter 2018-2019 at the James Burden mansion in New York, NY, February 11, 2018. /VCG Photo

Ahead of her homecoming of sorts, the 44-year-old mother-of-four featured on London's legendary Piccadilly Circus advertising screens is fulfilling a childhood dream.

The designer's show, scheduled for Sunday, is expected to attract a host of VIPs, starting with the Beckham tribe – her husband David and their four children.

British Vogue magazine, which features them on its October cover, is hoping some former bandmates may also attend.

"Fingers crossed for some Spice Girls on the front row," it wrote.

Victoria Beckham(L), husband David Beckham(R) and their children are seen during the Victoria Beckman Fashion Show at the James Burden mansion in New York, NY, February 11, 2018. /VCG Photo

The other big highlight of London's week, dedicated to the spring-summer 2019 collections, will see Tisci present his much anticipated first collection for Burberry.

The Italian designer, previously at Givenchy, replaced Christopher Bailey as the chief creative officer of the luxury British fashion house in March and will showcase on Monday.

He was credited with reviving Givenchy during his 12-year tenure there, by cultivating links with celebrities.

His arrival at Burberry is intended to reinvigorate the brand following disappointing profits in recent years.

Riccardo Tisci attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. /VCG Photo

Burberry is relying on Tisci, praised for his ability to blend street-wear with high fashion and to re-energize its high-end presence.

"Riccardo's creative vision will reinforce the ambitions we have for Burberry and position the brand firmly in luxury," chief executive Marco Gobbetti said in a statement.

Brexit concerns

Though there are more big names present – including model and presenter Alexa Chung as well as traditional mainstays like Burberry and Christopher Kane – it's clear that many industry leaders think fashion faces a threat from Brexit.

British Fashion Council chairwoman Stephanie Phair said the uncertainty surrounding the complex, slow-moving Brexit negotiations is making it difficult for designers to come up with a strategy to cope with Britain's departure from the European Union, which is expected in March next year.

(L-R) Jefferson Hack, Stephanie Phair and David Beckham attend the NEWGEN LFWM June 2018 Breakfast during London Fashion Week Men's June 2018 at the BFC Designer Showrooms on June 11, 2018 in London, England. /VCG Photo

Chung, making her London Fashion Week debut, said the limitations on freedom of movement that Brexit will likely entail may also have a dampening effect on the fashion world.

Phair also noted the industry needed to open a dialogue with the British government about preparations to ensure global-facing fashion brands can continue to operate smoothly amid Brexit.

"To argue the case where damage could be done is something the British Fashion Council already does every day," she said.

But there is literally no need to sweat at the moment: Showgoers were given free "limited edition" London Fashion Week antiperspirant from Nivea along with Evian bottled water and liquid collagen food supplement to help keep the skin from aging.

(With inputs from the AP and AFP)

(Cover photo: A model walks the runway at the Matty Bovan Show during London Fashion Week September 2018 at The BFC Show Space on September 14, 2018 in London, England. /VCG Photo)