Watch video coverage of the haute couture shows
The big decision, for those lucky enough to be able to add a Lacroix haute couture creation to their spring/summer wardrobe this year, is which of the latest collection's two key themes to choose from - Spanish señorita or ethnic chic.
The French designer sent bolero jacket and tulle affairs inspired by sultry Spaniards down the runway alongside Andean pueblo-style gowns in bird of paradise hues. Colours were bright, prints were polka dot, and flowers bloomed on embroidered bodices. Even the wedding gown took on a Latin tone, with a heavily, gold thread-embroidered matador jacket adding an edgy feel above a skirt of cascading frou-frou layers.
At Givenchy the emphasis was on monochrome confections interspersed with the odd splash of spring colour, like a sheer, raglan-sleeved number in daffodil-yellow silk chiffon. The overall feel was feather-light, explored through translucent blouses, pastel-hued gowns and barely-there layers.
Karl Lagerfeld's collection for Chanel had a very different feel, being dominated by white, heavily detailed designs featuring pailettes, oversize sequins and a liberal sprinkling of organza blossoms.
Structural-bodiced affairs, sparkling with icicle-like sequins above a tumbling swirl of chiffon, turned models into ice queens, as they paraded against a backdrop comprised of drifts of snowy white paper flowers.
Photo: Getty Images
