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COUTURE SHOWS PRESENT OSCAR-READY GLAMOUR

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24 JANUARY 2007

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.

Another riot of colour burst onto the Christian Lacroix runway, where romantic heroines ruled the day. Bustles and balloon sleeves harked back to the age of elegance, while floral chiffons, bright buttercup yellow and fuchsia heralded the arrival of spring.

At Elie Saab the Lebanese designer proved yet again that he's a master at A-list glamour, sending a host of extravagant but wearable creations down the runway. His clients, who include Oscar-winner Halle Berry, are guaranteed to fall for his latest designs which included diaphanous, empire waist gowns with a softly flowing silhouette.

Another couturier familiar with dressing the biggest stars on Oscar night is Valentino. The Italian designer's collection, which included a beautiful lilac number, exuded silver screen glamour.

With the race now on to see which designer dresses which star, there's no question that Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz et al will be thoroughly spoiled for choice.