My Top 3 Moments from Paris Fashion Week Shows

Haute couture is an expression of French national pride and Parisian self-belief – and this season’s catwalk shows were the boldest, bravest and most forward-looking the city has seen for ages.

The spring 2014 women’s couture shows wrapped up a few days ago in Paris. From the fashion to the runways these were my top 3 moments for you to see..

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Raf Simons' designs at the Dior couture show last Monday featured graphic layers of sequins, lace and tulle in a dreamy color scheme, paired with bright vinyl pumps and set to a David Bowie soundtrack. “He’s a chameleon, able to reinvent himself,” Simons told. “But he’s also the materialization of something else. Much more than a man- an idea.”

CHANEL

The catwalk at the Chanel couture show Tuesday was set inside a giant terrarium, with a centerpiece of life-sized tropical flora made out of white and grey paper. Karl Lagerfeld's 73-piece collection boasted bare midriffs, tweed suits, crystal flowers and tulle gardening hats.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

This collection was a bold statement of intent, from a designer not content with the (lucrative) position of being the fairytale wedding-dress designer of the moment.