We are just about catching our breath from Milan and we’re right back to the beginning again with all the latest shows from the French capital.

PFW opened with Anthony Vaccarello, who was chosen as this years ANDAM fashion award winner. A collection predominantly in black, the promising new design talent constructed a sexy silhouette for his models to walk in. Later, snakeskin print featured and necklines were detailed with fine metal hardwire. Powerful and seductive, Vaccarello’s woman dressed to impress.

Monochrome or muted tones picked out with vibrant block colours ran through the Commuun show. Simple lines and layering with chiffon panels kept the aesthetic flowy and fresh.

In sartorial opposition to a downplayed silhouette, Gareth Pugh created a futuristic vision of the world with architectural structures. Stiff latticework cages encased the models bare figures and long black trenches, calling The Matrix to mind, presented a stark and almost dystopian feel. One thing is for certain, fashion is art and Pugh is master of his craft.

Lady Gaga, projected on screen, opened the Mugler show. “Do you want to anger Mugler woman? She will eat you,” Gaga sang fiercely. Yet the commencing show was far more calm than one might have expected. Sandy tones, silk maxi dresses and softer cut outs toned down the severity of the opening song. To up the ferocity, black leather made an appearance towards the end. The show finished with Abbey Lee Kershaw walking in a magnificent wet-look tailored blazer.

Giving fashion fans something not yet seen for next season, the Balenciaga show was an intriguing triumph. Broad shoulder bomber style jackets were worn with high waisted knicker shorts. Dresses had shoulders as wide as the A-line hem. Chiffon shirts were tucked into skirts made from tinsel fibers. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, yet somehow it does. We will be unsurprised if tinsel skirt imitations appear on the high street next summer…