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Armani and Galliano kick off haute couture shows in French capital

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"Couture needs a bit of a shake-up, no?" asked Giorgio Armani as he prepared to showcase his latest collection in Paris. And for two designers sending their creations down the catwalk on Monday it seems the answer was a resounding "yes".

John Galliano served up an electrifying mix of bold colours and daringly experimental silhouettes for Dior, including a striking, bulb-shaped affair whose contrasting hues were as statement-making as its unusual puffball lines.

Highlights of the show included a Belle Epoque-inspired gown in leopard print and a bejewelled, cinch-waisted affair with fishtail skirt, with the British design maestro's extravagant creations glowed jewel-like against the runway's gothic backdrop. Saucer-shaped, metallic hats, skyscraper platform shoes and larger-than-life hair and make-up complemented the innovative outfits.

Giorgio Armani also had his eye on this season's silhouette. The Italian designer flirted with outsized collars, bubble skirts and short puffed sleeves to create new outlines explored through a surrealist-inspired use of fabric and colour.

Parading in front of VIP guests including burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese and Hollywood star Hilary Swank, models presented eye-catching snakeskin jackets teamed with a floaty, bow-detail skirts in a colour palette of beige and silvers.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
John Galliano shares the catwalk with models wearing his extravagant designs for Dior Photo: © Getty Imagesy
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Playing with familiar silhouettes the British maestro offered up this sumptous pink bubble dress with paillette detailingPhoto: © Getty Images
Photo: © Alphapress.com
At Armani the Italian design icon presented a collection of chic ensembles in a muted palette to an audience including Dita Von Teese and Hilary SwankPhoto: © Getty Images

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