LONDON, Feb 25, 2009 (AFP) - A special afternoon of menswear shows Wednesday brought the curtain down on London Fashion Week in a hail of 80s preppy chic, 90s rave culture, harnesses and even chainmail.

Photo : AFP

The showcase focused on 13 emerging British menswear designers, starting with a catwalk show featuring clothes by J.W. Anderson, Christopher Shannon and James Long, plus Topman Design, the limited edition range from high street store Topman.

Model Erin O'Connor and Philip Green, boss of the company which owns Topman, were among those in the audience.

J.W. Anderson married layered chunky knits with fake fur, 1980s preppy styling and a grey suit with giant Easter bunny bow at the back.

Christopher Shannon referenced 1990s rave culture with witty takes on tracksuits and luminous colours like fuschia and orange.

James Long's "Talismanic Brotherhood" collection seemed to draw inspiration from historic royalty through its use of ruffles, studs and chainmail detailing, plus what he described as his "signature harnesses".

Hints of the Wild West also came through in sheepskin coats and frequent use of leather and suede, while geometric embroidery and prints recalled the Aztecs.

Topman Design gave high street fashion a 1950s twist with blazers, narrow ties, herringbone tweed coats, quiffs and berets.

Designers to be featured later in the day include Carolyn Massey and Tim Soar.

The main London Fashion Week programme ended Tuesday. The more prestigious Milan Fashion Week opens Wednesday and continues until March 4.