COUTURE SHOWS PRESENT OSCAR-READY GLAMOUR

COUTURE SHOWS PRESENT OSCAR-READY GLAMOUR

The actress nominees for the upcoming Academy Awards will no doubt be keeping a beady eye on Paris this week, where a host of designers-to-the-stars have been introducing their spring/summer haute couture creations. There were plenty of red-carpet-ready gowns to guarantee headlines, including the more extravagant ensembles we've come to expect from the enfant terrible of fashion, John Galliano.

The Brit designer put on an extravagant display of Oriental splendour for the house of Dior, inspired by a recent trip to Japan. His kimono-style creations, featuring origami-effect pleating and hand-painted silk, whisked the entranced audience into the Land of the Rising Sun.

Models with full geisha make-up and platform shoes hit the catwalk to the strains of Puccini's Madame Butterfly as fuchsia, lime green and coral-hued satin gowns dazzled the fashion set. Bringing together fabulous fabrics and intricate embroidery, the dresses certainly lived up to couture's reputation for full-on luxury.

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