Here Comes The Couture

Having whetted our fashion appetite with last week's menswear shows, it's on to the second course, as Couture Fashion Week begins in Paris (although, strictly speaking, it should be dessert, if the frothy, colourful and delicate confections that we are expecting materialise). Kicked off in some style by Donatella Versace's Atelier Versace label last night (with Lady Gaga on the front row), the week promises plenty to look forward to on and off the catwalk - including the world's most expensive dresses, all our favourite models, and almost as many stars as the Oscars' red carpet.

Particularly exciting is the first Schiaparelli runway show designed by new creative director Marco Zanini, which is today's first show, as well as another debut by Hussein Chalayan for Vionnet demi-couture.

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The debut show at couture week by London-based Ralph & Russo on Thursday is the first by a British couture house in more than 100 years - while Giorgio Armani will be celebrating for other reasons, as his Privé couture collections will be celebrated with an exhibition following the show tomorrow.

Add to all that the delights of Christian Dior, Giambattista Valli, Jean Paul Gaultier, Stéphane Rolland, and the drama of Chanel - and we can all look forward to a very filling second course, with just enough room for a fluffy meringue or two afterwards.

See the couture shows as they happen, here.