Each year around this time the French capital braces itself for an influx of industry buyers and style pundits as the fashion world's heavy hitters present their latest spring/summer collections. There is always a generous sprinkling of A-list glamour, too, as big names from the worlds of music and cinema jet in to check out what sartorial goodies their favourite designers have to offer.
This year was no exception, with a roll call of stars taking their seats alongside the other well-connected fashionistas lucky enough to be offered a seat in the front row. Rock chick Avril Lavigne was among the famous faces drawing sideways glances when Karl Lagerfeld unveiled his latest haute couture creations for Chanel.
The 21-year-old was no doubt interested to see catwalk queens like Lily Cole strutting their stuff, as she is likewise hoping to make her mark in the modelling game. "I want to do those really beautiful ads with the high-end products," confessed the singer, who has just signed a deal with top agency Ford. "I look through magazines and stare at ads and think, 'I'm not six feet tall, but I know I can do that'."
Avril, who until recently was best known for her tomboy image, has been developing a more sensual persona of late. "I'm starting to feel more feminine," she explained. "I'm getting into hair and make-up and image - that's the best part of being a girl."
North American stars weren't the only ones enjoying this year's event, however, as movie icon Sophia Loren was turning heads at her fellow Italian Giorgio Armani's show. The 71-year-old seemed particularly taken with an ice-coloured cocktail dress, applauding enthusiastically as it sailed down the runway. And British celebs Lady Helen Taylor and Charlotte Rampling were likewise in attendance for the presentation, which once again confirmed the silver-haired maestro's reputation as the master of understated chic.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
