LONDON: London Fashion Week got underway yesterday with shows from two top Asian designers heading down the catwalk first, amid simmering controversy over calls for stick-thin models to be banned.

The furore over hyper-slim models in Madrid has threatened to cloud the London clothes fest, where Giorgio Armani’s show is among the most eagerly-awaited parades later in the week.

"I think it’s a debate that will happen all in good time and all contributions are welcome," statuesque model Erin O’Connor said, being diplomatically reticent.

At the launch breakfast, Stuart Rose, the chair of the British Fashion Council, which organises the event, declined to be drawn, commenting only that the week had started "slightly controversially".

But big names and officials are likely to have a hard time avoiding such questions for the duration of the five-day, 50 show event, being held at the Natural History Museum in the west of the city.

Ashish, whose surname is Gupta, was asked by Madonna to design an outfit for her Confessions tour and is famed for his original prints and woven fabrics.

His other famous clients include ‘Sex And The City’ actress Sarah Jessica Parker, model Jerry Hall and footballer’s wife Victoria Beckham.

Other highlights this week will include Italian designer Armani’s first London show, which will feature a new range for the anti-Aids initiative ‘Product Red’.

Pressure has been growing on the organisers of fashion to ban ultra-skinny models following restrictions imposed earlier this month at Madrid fashion week.

The restrictions have triggered widespread media speculation about whether models such as Kate Moss, reportedly 5ft 6in and 49 kg, could be affected by them.

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