Julien Macdonald's ahead of the pack

Dame Shirley Bassey joined Joan Collins and other Macdonald customers to see glamorous, sportif-clad models sashaying down the catwalk.

It is difficult to envisage Sanya Richards running the 400 metres in a feather-trimmed bodyhugging sequin dress. Or Zara Phillips competing in a trademark beaded flapper dress. That is not the point: he was making a play on the aesthetic. "The show had a sporting theme," he said. "It was a toast to the Olympics before it comes to town." "Sporting" doesn't mean a >scratchy vest and running shorts - but a luxed-up version of sporting classics.

Salmon, turquoise and white striped Lycra zipped-up cycling tops were teamed with equally tight shorts - worn with diamond-encrusted Gina sandals. Black silk satin dresses revealed diamante bra straps, black cobweb vests were layered over print slips.

The models' hair was in long swinging ponytails and their make-up had a St Tropez glow.

Diamonds are Forever played as the lights dimmed, and huge disco balls created sparkles filling the Park Lane Hilton ballroom.

"If Julien had a theme tune I'd love to write it," Bassey said backstage. For now he was happy to use one of her songs as the soundtrack to his show.