Sir Paul Smith said it was not "appropriate" to go ahead

"The fashion industry is very sensitive to what has happened in the US," he said.

He defended the decision to go ahead with the event saying that: "The show just has to go on."

The BFC believes it is essential that businesses try to return to normal.

'Tragic'

Burberry chief executive, Rose-Marie Bravo, a New Yorker from Manhattan, has said it would be inappropriate for the event to continue.

A spokesman for Sir Paul Smith said that the designer pulled out due to the "sad and tragic" event.

"Paul Smith does not feel it is appropriate to show his collection within the format of a fashion show so soon after these tragic events and whilst there is so much uncertainty in the aftermath," the spokesman said.

Farhi: Designers and models stranded in the US

Others pulled out because it would have been impossible to produce their shows as planned.

New York Fashion Week had been in full swing when the attack took place and many models and stylists remain stranded in the US as a consequence.

A spokesman for Nicole Farhi said: "Due to the disruption to transatlantic flights it is not possible for us to produce our show as it was originally conceived."

The event launching next year's spring and summer collections will go ahead at London's Natural History Museum until 23 September.

The traditional glamorous fashion week party has been cancelled as a mark of respect to the victims.

The BFC has also announced it will be making a "significant" contribution to the US attacks relief fund.