Inside M&S’ star-studded catwalk debut at London Fashion Week with A-list stars helping iconic brand mark 100 years

“GO big or go home” seemed to be M&S’s motto as it celebrated its 100th anniversary with a London Fashion Week debut. The brand’s catwalk show — featuring a see-now, buy-now collection — has once again cemented its place at the top of the High Street. Hitting the catwalk was a sea of famous faces including supermodel Lara Stone Credit: PA Jodie Kidd was another supermodel on the runway Credit: PA Patsy Kensit and Liam Gallagher’s son Lennon wore a tailored-fit suit Credit: PA Erin O’Connor was another catwalk veteran at the show Credit: Getty According to a YouGov poll, M&S was voted the UK’s best brand for the fourth year in a row, being ranked number one for style, quality and value perceptions. Taking place at London’s Design Museum, the collection — to mark a century since M&S introduced its first clothing range — showcased 59 looks, 16 of which were menswear. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! They were all available to shop online and in selected stores straight away. Hitting the catwalk was a sea of famous faces including supermodels Jodie Kidd, Lara Stone and Erin O’Connor, and Patsy Kensit and Liam Gallagher’s son Lennon in a tailored-fit suit. With more than 300 people in attendance, the stellar front row featured Lennon’s cousin Anais Gallagher, Dame Joan Collins, David Gandy, former footballers Ian Wright and Jamie Redknapp, model Pixie Geldof, singer Katherine Jenkins, M&S chief exec Stuart Machin and brand ambassadors Mark Wright, Sian Welby and Matt Willis. M&S really pulled out all the stops. With more than 300 people in attendance, the stellar front row featured David Gandy Credit: Getty Katherine Jenkins, Dame Joan Collins and Stuart Matchin at the M&S show Credit: Getty The show came just weeks after the retailer launched its A/W collection, which once again saw actress Gillian Anderson at the helm as Chief Compliments Officer — her role is described as spreading positivity and boosting customers’ confidence. With 50 per cent of the new collection priced under £50, M&S has succeeded in bringing catwalk style to the high street. Most read in Fabulous Maddy Evans, Director of M&S Woman, said: “Bringing M&S to the London Fashion Week stage for the first time is a landmark moment in our fashion story. “We’re excited for people everywhere to experience the show through the stream and shop the collection online immediately after its runway debut. Former footballer Jamie Redknapp was spotted Credit: Getty Lennon’s cousin Anais Gallagher was also there Credit: Getty “As we celebrate 100 years since M&S began selling clothing, our design team immersed themselves in the archive, reimagining some of the pieces that have shaped our fashion legacy.” NEW RANGE IS RUNWAY SUCCESS Trousers, £58 Credit: supplied Body, £32 Credit: supplied FASHION Editor Abby McHale gives her verdict: “As it celebrates 100 years, M&S is back at the helm of the High Street and, this year especially, it has cemented itself as the place to go for good quality, affordable fashion. “Its catwalk show proved that you don’t have to spend a fortune to look good. “Taking inspiration from the M&S archives, the collection was a nod to British fashion. “Think heritage checks, a British Millerain dry-wax car coat, an 80s-inspired double-breasted wool suit, as well as a mix of cosy knits, smart tailoring and faux fur. Bomber jacket, £70 Credit: supplied Dress, £120 Credit: supplied “What M&S does so well is design stylish clothes for the everyday woman. “Over recent years, the brand has successfully established itself as a style authority rather than just a destination for comfortable lingerie. “And this collection was no exception. “With sheer co-ords and a lacy cami, it is certainly not playing it safe. “But it is also not alienating its customers – with runway models aged from 21 to 60, the brand is keen to show its clothing caters for everyone. “Each time you think this brand can’t get any better, it proves you wrong – so I’m excited to see what it has in store next.” Comment now