The creations on show during the Paris extravaganza included designs with many obvious Asian references to them – ikat prints, harem pants and lavish brocades adorning the multitude of hats, tunics, jackets and shoes that were all on parade  down the catwalk. The assembled audience that consisted of A-list celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Eva Green, and Milla Jovovich, royalty, the rich and the not-so-rich, were treated to a spectacle of happy, vibrant colours that created a rather happy feeling to the whole proceedings. Blue-violet, reds, pinks, oranges and yellows were all on show in what was more of a summer feel than an autumn/winter collection.

The clever inclusion of blacks and grays beautifully complemented the vibrant colours, giving the whole show a more realistic feel while Galliano cleverly gave the impression of a slight 1920’s feel by making his models wear their hair in pin-curled wavy twenties style bobs. Big shouldered suits with richly coloured peplums, round bubbled skirts and harem pants were all on view in the new collection, and for the more daring, braless (and sometimes underwear-less) chiffon gowns raised a few eyebrows amongst the more conservative at the show, although they really shouldn’t have expected anything less from John Galliano!

All in all, Galliano managed to display a simple theme of beautifully thought out ideas that were harnessed and then expertly presented during the Paris show. In the end, all those present were in agreement that this made a refreshing change to the usual exaggerated designs Galliano usually throws into the mix – although many await the next installment in the spring with some trepidation, wondering whether the flamboyant designer will fall back to his old ways. Only time will tell.