LONDON (AFP) - True to its roots, Versus Versace brought the glamour to London Fashion Week on Sunday, a daring appetiser ahead of the keenly anticipated return of Armani to the British capital.

Versus, the Italian brand's laid-back line, transformed the city's Central Saint Martins college, a hub of British design talent, into a temporary nightclub for its 2018 spring/summer collection, with bass-heavy electro music booming from speakers.

The collection celebrated the mini and the transparent, the provocative and the daring, with short dresses in mesh worn over the top of black bikinis and low-waist shorts with printed chain designs.

The label remained faithful to its cherished black, which it embellished with lime green earrings, handbags and belts with geometric and mottled prints of American classic cars.

"Versus is about individuality, bravery and pleasure. This is for everyone who dares to express themselves in everything they do," said chief designer Donatella Versace.

On a more demure note, Versus presented a range of comfortable trousers, jackets and dresses in grey tartans, enlivened by flashes of bright colours.

After Versus, fashionistas were eagerly awaiting the Emporio Armani show, which promises to be one of the highlights of Fashion Week.

The Italian fashion giant, more accustomed to the Milan catwalks, is using the show to celebrate its renovated flagship London store in the upscale Mayfair neighbourhood.

Fellow fashion giant Tommy Hilfiger was to arrive in Britain on Tuesday in another coup for Fashion Week, which has always sometimes lacked big-name appeal.

Their presence is "proof that our city is an international crossroads of creativity and culture", said Ms Caroline Rush, director of the British Fashion Council.