Model Naomi Campbell takes spotlight at London Fashion Week

Model Naomi Campbell took centre stage at London Fashion Week on Saturday night with a gala charity benefit at the impressive setting of the world-famous British Museum.

The gala capped a warm day filled with shows and presentations, including runway offerings by Alexa Chung and House of Holland and millinery by master hatter Stephen Jones.

Top model Naomi Campbell returned to London, her hometown, for the charity gala.

Big names are still coming up, with shows scheduled by Burberry, Victoria Beckham, Christopher Kane and Julien MacDonald as Fashion Week reaches its glittery climax.

Naomi Campbell'S 'fashion for relief'

The Naomi Campbell hosted event was the latest "Fashion for Relief" fundraiser organised by the well-known model, whose efforts are supported by a wide array of friends and designers. The first charity show was in 2005 in support of victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

The "Fashion For Relief" parade was held in the British Museum as part of the association she created in 2005.

At the event, the British Museum's steps and foyer became a red carpet staging area for fashionable elite who passed the time drinking chilled champagne and margaritas while last-minute checks were made on the models' makeup and outfits.

Campbell said this year's benefit was to raise funds to protect vulnerable children throughout the world and help provide education and skills development. The black-tie event drew a huge and enthusiastic crowd, including many who stayed for a private dinner after the runway performance.

Models Alek Wek, left, and Naomi Campbell pose for photographers.

Actor Pierce Brosnan and actress Naomie Harris were among the star contingent, and the show was supported by a wide array of global fashion houses including Gucci, McQueen, Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood.

As an eclectic, gender-bending and fun night got under way, no single theme emerged. But the overall impact was impressive.

The "Fashion For Relief" charity gala event was held on the second day of the London Fashion Week.

Women were given more variety, including floral jumpsuits, beautiful black, tight-fitting dresses, one dramatic black pantsuit with puffy pink sleeves and shoulders, and "Conehead" style veils. There were also spiky overcoats, sexy kimono outfits, Russian-styled Rasputin outfits for men, and glittery silver elbow-length gloves.

Overall it was punky, with plenty of attitude and edge.

Associated Press