Watch the Dior show
Watch the Givenchy show
Fashionistas lucky enough to be in Paris this weekend were spoilt for choice as some of the industry's biggest names presented their autumn/winter collections.
Christian Dior's John Galliano kicked off proceedings on Friday with an exotic oriental-themed show aimed to "restore a sense of fantasy to the world". Genghis Khan-style fur-trimmed hats, brocade tunics, harem trousers and pieces in vibrant-hued silk and chiffons featured in what was a defiantly luxe collection from the top French fashion house.
The black fishnet tights attached to the invitation to Saturday's John Paul Gaultier show forewarned of the risqué tone to the Frenchman's latest collection. With coats, dresses and even boots made edgier with fishnet-filled apertures, the theme of the day was exposure, right down to the visors covering some of the models' eyes.
And unusual headwear was something explored by fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld as he opened Sunday's schedule. Working in collaboration with a motorbike helmet manufacturer, the Hamburg-born designer presented a military-themed show that allowed for experimentation with shoulder silhouettes, one of next season's key looks.
Flamboyant French designer Christian Lacroix also embraced sharp shoulders in his show, emphasised by gathered or puffed sleeves. The normally opulent craftsman, who stated he had to "fight with (him)self" to keep his designs simple, presented a relatively minimalist collection that included tailored day dresses in navy and black and full-skirted cocktail gowns.
Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci, a designer known for his gothic touches, presented a collection dominated by black that was dramatically broken up by a pure white section of the show. One memorable highlight included a dress made of hair that stood alongside garments with tufts sprouting from the shoulders, and elaborate headdresses laden with plumes of feathers.
Photo: Rex
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
