Marks & Spencer stages first London Fashion Week catwalk show

Marks & Spencer held its first ever catwalk show at London Fashion Week on Thursday, presenting a collection it described as "fashion with a small f" to an audience of 310 guests at the Design Museum, according to The Guardian.

The show drew a mix of celebrities and public figures, including actress Joan Collins, footballer Ian Wright, former footballer Jamie Carragher and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, the report said.

Collins reportedly described the coats on show as "very chic" and said she had her eye on an ivory evening dress with caped shoulders, while Badenoch said she planned to buy a classic black tuxedo jacket, according to The Guardian.

The Guardian characterised the event as a gamble for both the retailer and the fashion industry, noting that London Fashion Week has traditionally showcased high-end designer pieces such as £2,000 handbags and impractical footwear, in contrast to M&S's reputation for affordable, practical clothing including elasticated waistbands and rainwear.

The newspaper reported that the retailer aimed to pick up on current fashion trends while offering styles intended to be accessible to a broad range of customers, distinguishing its approach from the more exclusive presentations typically associated with the event.

According to the report, the reception from the celebrity-studded front row suggested the show could resonate with the wider British public, though the ultimate commercial response from M&S's customer base remained to be seen.