By Anna Beesley

Once again, Paris has played host to fashion royalty during this wonderful time of year that is Haute Couture Week. As one of iFashion’s favourite events on the fashion calendar, we thought we’d give you a round-up of our favourite designers’ decadent collections.

First up was Armani Privé’s ‘Hommage au Japon’, a show dedicated to recovery efforts in Japan after Mr Armani himself has been financially supporting a UNESCO program to help child victims of March disaster. Traditional Japanese icons ranging from parasols and cherry blossoms were used amongst Armani’s sharp, origami-like tailoring highlighting the structured nature of his couture style.

Ricarrdo Tisci at Givenchy gave us one of the most beautifully pure, modernist approaches to Haute Couture. Ten garments were suspended from high ceilings at the show, so the fashion press and the lucky buyers could witness the flawless couture work close-up. Every single piece was dripping in embellishment. There was a tulle dress decorated with tigers-eye pearls that had been inserted with crystals arrayed in the exact pattern as the marks on ostrich skin. Another dress was spun from real gold thread. Tisci wanted to show the wonders that his fashion house could achieve, and boy did he do it- the gowns were pieces of art that just happened to be clothes!

One of the most hotly anticipated shows was Dior, the first couture collection after the departure of John Galliano. Bill Gaytten was finally deemed his predecessor after years of working under Galliano, so this was his time to shine.

Architecturally-influenced pieces strutted down the catwalk in folded, tiered, unfinished taffeta and organza creating dramatic silhouettes in ’80s inspired prints and pastel colours. Topping it all off was a fantasy finale with luxurious gowns accessorised with Napoleon style hats, moons, stars and even a Pierrot-style clown… is it a sign that Gaytten’s dreams have come true?

Finally we had the Roman house Valentino, where Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Picciolo have been quietly making their mark after they took over the reigns from the perma-tanned fashion king, Valentino Garavani. This collection saw the transformation finally complete, as their 41 flawless gowns floated down the runway in pale colours of gold, nudes and creams. The clothes were fit for a princess (step forward the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlene of Monaco!) full of regal elegance, exquisitely cut and buzzing with precious decadence.

See our up close review of Chanel’s collection HERE