Roundup of Paris Haute Couture Week

Yesterday saw the end to Paris Haute Couture week, but with a whole host of designers having presented there extravagant creations, reminiscing is never too early.

The opening saw Dior's Bill Gaytten fail to evoke any form of enthusiasm or admiration from viewers, yet with it being the first season in 15 years since his predecessor had opened-it's fair to say the pressure was higher than fashion normal.

Roman-born designer Giambattista Valli however did nothing but dazzle on the opening day, with 45 perfectly cohesive but still varied designs which reflected the work of someone twice his age, say someone like Bill Gaytten.

After Day one's conflicting day, day two saw Chanel glittering in, literally with the floors and seats covered in black glitter. The usually clean cut label house kept to its iconic cropped jacket, but played to the 'Haute Couture' premise with displays of ruffles and lace skirts/dresses in bouts of bright magenta.

However it was Givenchy that stole the day with unanimous praise for his white, heavenly 10 gown collection. The only emphasis was on the cut, stich and embroider, sounds basic but in fashion it seems going back to basics works. Highlights included beads covered in net and lace tulle as trims on bolero jackets and quivering hand-sewn beadwork on tops that looked like real coral.

The closing day saw three giants Valentino, Elie Saab and Jean Paul Gaultier all fearlessly feature on the runway show, each to their own very high esteem.

Starting with Ellie Saab, who first saw fame when Halle Berry wore his design when winning her first Oscar 2002 proved that saying if it isn't broke don't fix it, by sticking to that winning red carpet recipe. Sticking to warm natural colours of sky blue, white and nude cream Saab created simple stunning floor length dresses. All subtle dipped in intricate beading, which gave a certain fairy-tale feel.

Next saw Jean Paul Gautier, who did nothing but play to his playful, sometimes controversial attitude towards fashion. Much of his collection exhibited menswear elements-with some stating was a ploy to plug the fact that he is to launch a new menswear fragrance.However there were lots of Gaultier signatures including padded bomber jackets, military parkas and Doc Martens-style boots reworked in luxurious fabrics.

Finally Valentino who's layered, heavy embroidered lace collection did nothing but cast away any doubts about the extensive handwork that goes into couture. His velvet flowers, mosaic cut-outs and balanced sparkle had many referencing a Russian like fantasy.

See our sideshows for the Paris Haute Couture designs by Dior, Chanel, Ellie Saab and Jean Paul Gautier.