Paris Fashion Week round-up

If Chanel and Balenciaga are the French fashion houses to follow, American Sportswear will be a key trend next season. Karl Lagerfeld , who on the runway showed denim swimming suits,
tennis-inspired knits and even tweed stripey sweaters, told the Herald Tribune: “Sportswear is what we wear every day," he claimed. "And America because the dollar is low! And without America, we would all be terrorists - or Communists!" Meanwhile, at Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquire took sportswear to the next level showing baseball-like lacing traced on curvaceous seam lines, body conscious dresses, and innovative fabric compositions. Think sportswear mixed with couture.

At Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilato brought back the jacket for spring, this time giving it a fresh cut and roomy volume. Fitted, drapey dresses in navy and washed mauve added to the modernist feel of the show.

The much-lauded Giambatista Valli showed full skirts of soft white dresses, billowing kaftans, and voluminous, couture-esque pieces. The designer told WGSN: "As always I start with a muse - this time it's Verushka. I love these strong independent women. And I love the psychedelic touch too.”

Elsewhere, at Dries van Noten, the designer focused on colour and contrasting moods. Mixed prints, set against white, were juxtaposed with yellow-tones, acqua, apple greens and peach. All the rules were broken as pattern was mixed with shift dresses, sarong skirts and halter tops, 50s-style shorts and soft wrap-front pants - casual blousons or soft throw-on jackets added to the relaxed vibe.

Valentino showed his last ready-to-wear show before his final couture presentation in January. The designer sent an array of colourful dresses down the runway, including the house signature red. Polka dot prints, ruffles on hems and corded lace added an extra dimensions. The finale of show stopping gowns were evidence of the designer’s master of elegance and cut