Latest Paris shows: John Galliano a/w 09

Click here to see the show

In a cold and barren warehouse, he seated his expectant crowd on hard wooden benches, and as the show started, snow began to fall. Illuminated by an ultraviolet light, it created a chilly Siberian snow tunnel on his catwalk and set the scene for his a/w09 theme.

Not allowing a pesky recession to get in the way of his boundless creativity, he let his imagination run wild through the snowy Siberian plains of Russia, across Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, – taking folkloric costume references like embroidery, printed chiffon, pom-poms, wool fringing, lace veils, gold coin trims – and piling it all on with flamboyant courage. (Click here to see the collection) There were ornate and lavish headdresses, wide full wool skirts and beautiful floor length chiffon gowns that played to his cutting strengths.

Wearable, commercial, thrifty? Absolutely not. This is not in Galliano's DNA as one of the world's most courageous fashion forces.

Taking his infamous bow – which has become one of the most humorous highlights of fashion week - the audience craned necks and stood up on benches to see what Galliano himself would appear in. After making them wait a few moments he stepped out in a Napoleon meets George Washington ensemble, in a three pointed hat, trench coat and ridding boots, complete with eighteenth century white curled locks.

By Melissa Dick

Posted: 12th March 2009