Paris Couture Week: Versace, Valli and Dior strut their stuff

Before the flowers bud, Paris's Haute Couture show proves that spring (fashion, at least) has sprung

This was the first time that fashion house Versace presented during Paris Couture Week in a number of years. Kicking off the three days of shows, the Atelier Versace presentation had the scenic elements of a beauty pageant - or game show.

But this being couture, the collection showed off intricate detailing and embellishment beyond standard hostess garb. Here, model-of-the-moment Lindsey Wixon sports a look that would go over well on a Saturday night in South Beach. Zesty.

But seriously, Versace Atelier can turn out gowns that Hollywood actresses are happy to plug on the red carpet (think: Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie). The latest of these go heavy on the glamour while also incorporating sculpted, space-age accents that would befit a Jetson's movie.

And credit is certainly owing to the show director who instructed the models to give good elbow. Does anyone else look at this and see Real Housewives of Rome?

Young go-getter Alexis Mabille seems to like literary themes. For his Spring/Summer 2012 collection, he latched onto a Proust quote about colour. A rainbow of dresses is one thing; a rainbow of painted faces is another altogether.

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