Designer Paul Costelloe kicked off London Fashion Week on Friday by breaking with his old-school traditions, offering a brash, eye-catching show filled with little, flouncy dresses in soft colors.

Abstract checks and some diamond-shaped art deco styles finished the look.

Costelloe was the first to present his vision for the spring and summer 2011 collections as fashionistas descended on Somerset House next to the River Thames for London’s five-day, champagne-fueled extravaganza.

Costelloe typically opens fashion week with a rather sedate show emphasizing cut and quality, but he kicked it up Friday with a display described as “Tinkerbell-turned-party girl.”

The short dresses included metallic weaves and twills that indeed twinkled in the spotlights, a lot of featuring high waists and subtle pleats. A handful of floor-length dresses were topped by silvery metallic-style jackets by a space age look.