THE city is officially back in the fashion spotlight, as the third annual Oxford Fashion Week gets under way today.

Over the next month, fashionistas can enjoy events featuring more than 100 designers and speakers along with five runway shows.

It begins tonight when shops across Oxford will party for ‘Oxford’s Fashionable Night Out’.

Retailers including Gap, Whistles, French Connection and Miss Selfridge will open until 8pm, with bargains and free Champagne galore.

OFW was launched in 2009 by executive producer Carl Anglim and has attracted more than 3,000 spectators to 38 events.

Mr Anglim said: “Oxford is a fantastic city and it is madness that there was no major fashion festival before.

“Oxford Fashion Week is able to happen and grow because of the enormous generous support provided by so many in Oxford who have helped to build it. The ‘Oxford’ part in Oxford Fashion Week really means something.”

Last year attracted hundreds of spectators to see established and up-and-coming designers.

This year’s designers include Velda Lauder, Kailique and Feng Ho.

It will include an event in East Oxford for the first time when the Concept Show’s outrageous designs come to The Regal in Cowley Road tomorrow.

Mr Anglim said: “Moving the Concept Show from the Randolph Hotel to the Regal could be the most dramatic and exciting change to Oxford Fashion Week this year.

“We have never produced a show in East Oxford.

“Yet the Concept Show, with its unbridled creativity and boldness, so perfectly fits the vibrance, open-mindedness and energy of the Cowley Road.

“The Regal has been incredibly accommodating in welcoming us, and not only will this show be the opening show of the week, but it also has the potential to be both the largest and most spectacular show we have ever produced.”

He added: “This is not a show you want to miss.”

The Fashionable Night Out is tonight between 6pm and 8pm at Gap, Reiss, L.K Bennett, French Connection, Cult, Miss Selfridge and Fat Face.

For information and tickets visit oxfordfashionweek.org