Givenchy's autumn winter 2010/2011 couture collection by Riccardo Tisci was shown not in a grand palace full of oversized props, but in an intimate salon. Real customers were invited to inspect up close the fine handywork of the label's current custodian, a man who loves to show off his flair for trims, fringes and lace.
Tumbling curtains of flapper-esque fringe reached the floor, kilograms of gold sequins adorned gowns and Charlie Le Mindu-style hair coats were wrapped over skinny shoulders.
Tisci kept notes of the previous 2009 couture collection - a studded gold belt here, a chunky gold ring there. Few of us may be able to place an order with the six-year Givenchy veteran, but we can definitely afford to hanker after his accessories.