Edinburgh embraced its first Fashion Week with enthusiasm this weekend as the catwalk show played to packed audiences.

Some 5,000 visitors were expected to visit the main marquee over the opening weekend as retailers displayed a selection of ranges showing the best of high street styles.

Edinburgh Fashion Week is part of a £1 million campaign funded by the City Council to win back support from city residents and retailers who suffered during the tram works.

As well as catwalk shows, the opening day featured displays by local shops and a tutorial on body shapes by fashion stylist Laura Russell, providing guidance on how women defined as aqua, pear, athletic or hour glass can gain some insight into what best suits them, and what does not.

The marquee,  next to the National Galleries on Princes Street  is the main venue for events, enabling the public to sample a number of wares from city centre stores and boutiques.

Organisers were delighted with the turn out. Paul Wakefield, head marketing and commercial at Marketing Edinburgh, said: “It’s been great so far, there is a real buzz around the place. A great start for us.”

>> Interview with Paul Wakefield 

This week’s events include special shopping evenings, styling tips, drinks and goodie bags with several stores offering discounts.

There is also a tie-in with the MoonWalk, breast cancer fund-raiser on 13 June which is the official charity for Edinburgh Fashion Week. Walkers are invited to look for creative ideas for decorating their bras at special workshops on the theme of the Mad Hatter’s Midnight Tea Party, sponsored by Edinburgh Fabrics.

 Photography: Vizualedinburgh www.vizualedinburgh.co.uk