The rain poured down, but that didn’t stop the fashion set from heading out to see the opening day of London Fashion Week…and what a day it was.

Bora Aksu was first on the schedule, showing in the newly expanded main tent space at Somerset House. I like the new catwalk layout, it felt a lot less crowded than in previous seasons and with more room to take pictures.

Aksu went back to his Turkish roots for this collection (pictured top), which was absolutely stunning. Beautiful, feminine pretty pieces with soft embellishment and lace detailing in a bright, colourful palette. Gorgeous! For all the pics, see our Facebook page>

Next stop was West London, via tut tut!! I was working at the Jasper Conran show, managing his Twitter account during the build-up to his LFW show later that day, and was lucky enough to be given a lift in the awesome Meli Melo branded ride.

The luxury handbag label, a favourite of Sienna Miller, Kate Middleton and Olivia Palermo, to name a few had sponsored a tut tut car to give people lifts between shows. Such an awesome idea. They were also kind enough to gift me a gorgeous leather camera bag from their current season collection. Thanks guys!

Next stop was Jasper’s studio in West London, where the team were prepping for the show, which was at the Saatchi Gallery this season. I interviewed the delightful hair stylist Sam Hillerby, who gifted me a new Mark Hill hair dryer and products (perfect, as my hair dryer blew up a few days earlier!), as she told me how she created the fresh, glossy, summery look for the season. “I created the look with a Mark Hill leave-in detangling spray, which is very hydrating and full of vitamins and minerals, with freshly washed hair which has been left to dry and fall naturally.”

Afterwards, I chatted to make-up artist Val Garland, who has painted every face in the industry from Lady Gaga to Vivienne Westwood, and asked how she created the make-up look for the Jasper Conran show.

She said she wanted to keep things sun-kissed and fresh-faced, so used a Mark Jacobs bronzer, Becca tint for cheeks and lips, Argon oil on the cheeks and a MAC mineral foundation. I asked her what the secret was to glowing, fresh skin and she said Decleor’s BB or CC cream…you heard it here first!

Jasper Conran’s show was absolutely stunning, pretty feminine and perfect for summer. The styling felt fresh and young and I loved the starched collar, textured top and tailored shorts look.

The production and set also received swathes of admiration on Twitter, which had been illustrated by artist Oisin Byrne. It was a masterpiece in itself and very fitting for the Saatchi Gallery…it’s such a shame they had to take it down afterwards.

For all my pics from the show and the rest of Day 1 at London Fashion Week, visit the FashionBite Facebook page>

The one show I was gutted to miss though was Christopher Raeburn, having followed him closely and loved his work from his initial days at Esthetica, designing raincoats from recycled parachute material, it’s amazing to see what a chunk of BFC funding can do.

I’ve just watched his show on video (Watch the video HERE) and the collection is so strong and coherent with a clean, sporty feel. His best yet. This designer will go far and I can’t wait to see his career progression.

Right, I’m off to bed to attempt some beauty sleep before tomorrow!

Emily @FashionBite xx