Anyone who is anyone in fashion goes to Paris Fashion week. Much more than an industry event, Paris FW showcases the very best in fashion talent to prospective buyers and eagle eyed viewers. Most importantly, it lets us know what is ‘in' and what to bin.

Established way back in 1973, Paris is one of the ‘big four' fashion week venues, joined by Milan, New York and London. The final destination of the cycle, designers make sure they pull out all the stops to squeeze the final pennies from the buyers and headlines from the press. As always, Paris is the venue for ‘Haute Couture' - high fashion, custom fitted clothing with laborious attention to detail and a typically flamboyant style.

A sure show-stopper: Lacroix Haute Couture - Autumn/ Winter 2009 - 2010

It's not just about fashion either. Getting a celebrity to attend your show adds that certain ‘je ne sais quoi'. The right celebrity dressed in the right label will increase sales tenfold. It is no surprise; for example, that the quirky head-bow that Madonna wore to the Met Gala is one of Louis Vuitton's most ordered items of the season (how she got it before it was shown at Paris is a mystery, however.)

At previous fashion weeks the celebrities were thin on the ground, so it was good for designers and public alike to see a good front row turnout. Oscar winner Charlize Theron, for example, was spotted shopping at Dior for a red-carpet show stopper. A frivolous Peaches Geldolf was at the Karl Lagerfeld Chanel show dressed as the man himself (We wonder if he approved - both Audrey Tatou and Heidi Klum have fallen victim to his acid tongue!) A glamorous pairing of Cate Blanchet and breakout star Megan Fox were sat together at the Armani show - we wonder what they were talking about!

Finally, those at fashion week, like all of us, have been saddened by the death of Michael Jackson. Paul Smith decided to honour MJ by changing the set list at the last minute, and have ‘Thriller' play his models out. And PFW was thrilling, not only for the celebrities that arrived, but because of the simply beautiful clothes.

Balenciaga kick-started the show, their collection a tribute to the 80's with a Parisian twist. Colours were muted, and tailoring and drapery as standard. Not the most inspirational collection, but it was chic and slick as always.

The eponymous Balmain was on stellar form, shown at the quintessentially Parisian Salon Impériale in the Hotel Westin. As always, the most notable pieces were the jackets, which were ripped, stuffed, studded and cut into weird and wonderful asymmetrical shapes. The show was a hit; partly due to the consistency of the designers, providing truly special and wearable pieces.

Beautiful military jackets: model wears Balmain - Spring/ Summer 2010

Only theatrical designer Jean Paul Gautier could combine gothic looks with a glitter ball twist. His show was, as always, confusing, utterly cool and completely brilliant. Models emerged from the darkness and had to make their way down the maze-like, zigzag runway without faltering a step. Our favourite look was this medusa-like breathtaking number. Not so practical in the office, we fear, but totally unique!

model wears Jean Paul Gautier Haute Couture - Autumn Winter 2009-2010

The British winner of the Andam award (one of the most prestigious in fashion), Gareth Pugh, showcased his first collection this Paris Fashion week to a general affirmation of his brilliance. His completely black-and-white themed runway show combined Arthurian ruffs with space-age sublime tailoring, and attracted celebrities like Solange Knowles and Roisin Murphy.

It was a wildly animal affair for McQueen, whose show was titled ‘Putting the Juice Back in the Orange' - and that it did. Inspired by Darwinian ideas of conservation, the models sashayed down the catwalk with a variety of corsetry, panelling and eco-print that was decidedly McQueen. The sequinned cat suit worn by supermodel Jourdan Dunn was the standout item; we expect a very long waiting list!

Abbey Lee Kershaw models for Alexander McQueen - Spring/Summer 2009

Miu Miu closed fashion week with another homage to Paris. Channelling old school glamour, the models were draped in fur, velvet and jewels. Sheer chiffon revealed cheeky glimpses of underwear, which was just as beautiful as the outerwear. The palette was beautifully muted, and details were as exquisite as intricately bejewelled socks: nothing was left unembellished! All agreed, the show was a classy and timeless way to bring Paris Fashion Week to a fabulous close.