"U Got the Look" Prince hits the London catwalk

LONDON, Sep 20 (Reuters) US pop star Prince had fashionistas at London Fashion Week on their feet when he staged a surprise performance at Matthew Williamson's catwalk show.

The diminutive singer, who is playing a series of concerts in London at the 02 Arena, at first appeared to be only a front row guest at the spring-summer 2008 collection. But the usual fashion scene became a pop concert venue when a Prince track struck up and the first two models onto the catwalk a pair of identical twins -- started to dance.

Prince, wearing a black suit and hat yesterday, then began singing into a microphone from his seat before jumping up and performing from the start of the runway flanked by his band.

By that time, many in the audience, who included musician Sting's wife actress Trudie Styler, were on their feet snapping photos with their mobile phones and clapping as he sung his hit ''U Got the Look''.

''He really wanted to do this, and you don't say 'No' to Prince,'' Williamson told Reuters TV after the show.

After the unexpected start, Williamson, who is celebrating 10 years as a designer, sent models down the catwalk in richly embroidered skirts and dresses.

Striped jackets -- a theme throughout London Fashion Week were offset with bold splashes of blue, pink and orange.

The show closed to the strains of Prince's ''Kiss'' from his best-selling 1986 album ''Parade''.

Reuters SZ DB0932