It is known for being a night of glitz and glamour to showcase the best in British haute couture.
But it seemed even the British Fashion Awards could not escape the credit crunch effect as some stars graced the red carpet in high street designs.
Model Erin O'Connor and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor both opted for a touch of Topshop and said the flailing economy part-explained their choices.
High Street honeys: Pregnant singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor in a Top Shop dress and Girls Aloud Nicola Roberts arrive for the 2008 British Fashion Awards at the Royal Horticultural Hall in London
O'Connor, 30, wore a Stephen Jones hat and Vivienne Westwood gown teamed with a sparkling silver Topshop jacket.
She said: 'I was wearing a black dress and I wanted something that was going to up the anti.
'I always think about finding an item I like rather than something that's by a top designer.
Mixing couture with High Street: Erin O'Connor wears a Top Shop jacket
'And I hate to bring up those awful words "credit crunch" but you can't really get away from it. Everyone is looking for items that don't cost as much money but still look great.'
Pregnant Ellis-Bextor, 29, also opted for the high street look in a black Topshop dress which draped over her baby bump.
'I never think too much about what I want to wear. I just throw on something I like,' she said.
Famous friends: Jade Jagger, Alice Dellal and Pixie Geldof
'Not everybody can afford designer outfits. Some of the people I say are most stylish are my friends. I like to look at what they're wearing rather than in magazines.'
But there was still plenty of room for the pricier catwalk designs as a host of celebrities posed for photographers at London's Lawrence Hall.
Claudia Schiffer looked stunning in a floor-length green gown with bright red lips, while Yasmin le Bon shone in a burnt orange backless satin dress.
Back to black: Sadie Frost and Claudia Schiffer show off their choice of little black dress
All eyes were on swimmer Sharon Davies who left little to the imagination in a black Herve Leger gown.
The athlete left her lycra swimsuits at home and showed off her ample cleavage in the figure-hugging dress.
Jade Jagger wore a black satin dress and pearls from her own Jade Jagger collection, while Sadie Frost chose a Ruth Tarvydas dress.
Battle of the bosoms: Tara Palmer Tomkinson squeezes her chest together, but swimmer Sharon Davies has the advantage, right
'I'm here to support British fashion. I've got a lot of friends here,' Sadie said.
'I'm here to support everyone really. I'm looking forward to seeing who's won.
'It's a great occasion. It shows off British fashion to the world and celebrates the industry.
Fabulous frocks: Mariella Frostrup and singer Anastacia
Asked how she keeps in shape, the 43-year-old actress said she practises yoga and pilates - as well as the trapeze.
'I've been doing the trapeze for three years now,' she said.
'I go to circus school. I do both static and flying trapeze. It's great fun and it gives you a lot of upper body strength.
'I've always been into performance arts. I've just started letting go of the trainer and flying through the air solo and being caught.
'It's a great way of overcoming your fears.'
Floor-length: John Sergeant's former dance partner Kristina Rihanoff and presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones
Designer Stephen Jones showed he really is a fashion King by sporting a black crown on the red carpet.
Speaking before being honoured with an outstanding achievement award, he laughed: 'What other chance am I going to have to put one on?'
Other stars in attendance included Christian Slater, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Mariella Frostrup, Twiggy and Elton John's partner David Furnish.
Family values: Twiggy Lawson and her daughter
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