Fashionistas give Amsterdam a makeover

Amsterdam is getting a city-wide makeover from the capital's fashion designers, as the deputy mayor signals a new era.

The 33-year-old Lodewijk Asscher has outlined his plans for sweeping reform of one of the city's less attractive elements, with efforts being made to address the red-light district.

With the city undergoing something of a clean-up, Mr Asscher has called on some of the city's top designers to help Amsterdam flaunt its sartorial wares.

Mannequins dressed in the latest trends have appeared in windows across the red-light district, with the authorities keen to make the area a more welcoming place.

Around one-sixth of the area's windows were given over to designers, with the mayor confident it will mean bringing a new wave of people to the city.

"This is sending a message that Amsterdam will always be a very exciting city, but without criminals," he said in comments carried by the Times.

Ten million visitors descend on Amsterdam every year, with its cultural heritage and colourful history as a busy port making it a must for many tourists.