Schiaparelli gets haute couture shows underway amid civil unrest in France

Schiaparelli got Couture Fashion Week underway in Paris today with a show that blurred the lines between the 'real and the unreal' as civil unrest grips the French capital and many major towns and cities across France.

Under the creative direction of Daniel Roseberry, who last season caused a stir with his hyper-realistic animal heads, Schiaparelli this season played with proportion and texture, accessorised with plenty of out-sized surrealist jewellery.

Cardi B attends Schiaparelli

Under the gaze of stars such as musician Cardi B and actors Tracee Ellis Ross, Gwendoline Christie and Philippine Leroy Beaulieu (of Emily in Paris fame), the show kicked off with a look featuring a sculptural black and white skirt suit with oversized collar, cuffs and hem, which set the tone for the collection.

The brand is perhaps best known for its historic use of shocking pink, much of its collections are in fact based around a signature black and gold colour combination.

Black and white winter coats came with voluminous sleeves and collars, or were made from thick, shaggy fabric, while a gigantic metallic puffer coat was teamed with strings of equally enormous gold beads.

More vibrant looks included a pastel-toned, long-sleeved dress that looked like it had been painted on the model. Flashes of electric blue and turquoise also appeared throughout the show with models adorned with statement necklaces and huge bangles.

The show concluded with glamorous evening looks, including a rust satin corset gown with a flowing tulle skirt modelled by South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech.

Russian supermodel Irina Shayk closed the show in a diaphanous black gown and textured cape with electric blue lining.

Always one of the big draws at Haute Couture Week, Schiaparelli has become known for its eye-popping catwalk designs, surrealist take on fashion and stellar front row.

The label has recently been worn by stars such as Adele, Beyoncé and Naomi Campbell, who today announced her entry into the very opposite end of fashion from haute couture with a design collaboration in partnership with online fast fashion brand PrettyLittleThing.

Images: Michel Euler/PA