Natalie Massenet collects her DBE on opening day of London Fashion Week

Chairman of the British Fashion Council Natalie Massenet collected her DBE for services to fashion from HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on the opening day of London Fashion Week. Dame Natalie attended her investiture shortly after opening London Fashion Week at the Brewer Street carpark in Soho where she declared London to be the "greatest capital in the world".

Massenet, who has extended her term at the British Fashion Council for one more year, was informed of her Damehood in the Queen's New Year's Honours List. The founder of NET-A-PORTER.COM had previously held the MBE for services to fashion.

Natalie Massenet holds her Dame Commander Insignia, after it was presented to her by the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony, at Buckingham Palace, London.

News of the award which came on 31 December topped off a landmark year for Massenet. She stood down from the company she founded in 2000 last September after its merger with Italian etail giant Yoox. She has since gone on to set up a company called Imaginary Ventures Ltd, which is believed to be a vehicle for investing in new projects.

Before putting on her custom made Ralph & Russo suit and heading to the palace to pick up her award, where she said she had cried tears of joy, Massenet attended the opening of London Fashion Week in Soho. There she said London was the world "capital for fashion and technology".

This season London Fashion Week is being broadcast to up to 35m consumers nationally as part of a joint initiative with Ocean Outdoor. Technology is also set to play a strong role in some of the major shows this season. Leading fashion photographer Nick Knight, for instance, will be taking over Toyshop's Instagram account and Periscope accounts on Sunday, to bring its Topshop Unique show to the brand's social media followers.

Dame Natalie Massenet from London is made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) by The Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London.

Images: PA