Elegance and glamour on the London catwalks

Elegant evening dresses combining cashmere and patent leather, silk chiffon and close-hugging knits were on show at London's Royal Opera House Monday in the latest range by French designer Nicole Farhi.

Luxurious silks, off-the-shoulder dresses and sparkling detailing provided a glamorous alternative to the grey London winter, set within the glass-roofed opera house where a star-studded Bafta film awards took place on Sunday night.

Farhi, who has been showing at London Fashion Week since it began more than 25 years ago, opened with a dramatic coat mixing black wool and patent leather, a combination also used on tapered trousers and a cashmere bustier dress.

Colourful coats in unspun wool, a red leather skirt and a poppy-coloured wrapped dress were contrasted with sheer silk black cocktail dresses with gold beading, or with multicoloured glittering embellishments underneath.

Nineteenth century rose prints in red and black and in nude were swept around the body in asymmetrical shapes, while a bright red dress with one long arm and one short was embellished with gold squares.

Elsewhere on the catwalks, designer Roksanda Ilincic -- fresh from a collaboration with high-street store Whistles and a new swimwear line for Harvey Nichols -- offered a similarly glamorous collection.

Brightly coloured over-the-knee satin shifts, tucked in at the shoulder or waist, luscious fur stoles and a soft pink silk dress with a billowing pink satin cape managed the perfect mix of sexy and sophisticated.