Brave celebrities trod a slightly soggy red carpet for the launch of Dame Vivienne Westwood's latest exhibition at Sheffield's Millennium Gallery.

Click on the green play icon to see slideshow from the launch. When the player shows - double click to view full screen.

TV stars Fearne Cotton and Toyah Wilcox were among those eager to get a first look at the unique exhibition which showcases Vivienne's extraordinary career in fashion, spanning the 1970s to the current day.

"I think Vivienne is an incredible human being - such a warm person and very approachable," said Toyah.

"I'm so pleased that she has an appeal which stretches worldwide."

TV presenter Fearne Cotton, who was swamped by fans when she first arrived, made jokes about the rain and praised the Steel City.

"It's great to be back in Sheffield," she said.

"I haven't been here since we filmed Xtra-Factor this time last year so I have been looking forward to returning."

The exhibition, which opens to the public today, features more than 140 designs selected from the V&A collection and Vivienne's own personal archive.

Millennium Gallery is the only venue outside London chosen to host the momentous exhibition.

Items on display include the famous blue mock-croc shoes Naomi Campbell wore when she fell on the catwalk in 1993 and sections of the exhibition have been devoted to tailoring, tartan and accessories.

Fans paid homage to Vivienne's unique dress sense with people turning up in kilts, platforms, punk clothing and prom dresses - as well as a few of Vivienne's own creations.

Other celebrity fans included former footballer and reality TV star Lee Sharpe, South Yorkshire crooner Tony Christie and Sheffield artist Pete McKee - all of whom braved the rain before Vivienne herself swept down the carpet.

Dressed in a dazzling yellow creation she signed autographs for waiting fans and told onlookers she was pleased with the venue choice as it was "intimate" and "wonderful".

She spent time posing for the cameras before going to join fans at the private launch event.

The invitation-only event was hugely popular with queues of guests snaking right along Arundel Gate.

Vivienne Westwood: The Exhibition runs until September 21 exploring her unique incorporation of historical references from both fashion and culture often reflected in her work. Prior to the exhibition launch last night, Vivienne held an exclusive audience event at Sheffield Hallam University. The style guru read out her own cultural manifesto, called Active Resistance to Propaganda, alongside performing arts students at the university.