Star turn: Actresses Blake Lively and Jessica Alba as well as model Lily Cole were front row at John Galliano's Christian Dior haute couture show at the Rodin Museum in Paris todayHe's not exactly known for his shy and retiring identity - but John Galliano stunned even his most ardent followers with his ravishing haute couture show for Christian Dior in Paris today.
Even a front row of A-listers - among them Jessica Alba, Blake Lively and Lily Cole - could not steal the limelight from the dazzling display of colour on the catwalk.
It may have been his fall collection, but the eccentric designer took his creative lead from the summer garden of Christian Dior's childhood home, Les Rhumbs, in Normandy.
'I'm having a floral moment,' explained Galliano, who had dressed as a glamorous gardener for the occasion in his straw boater hat.
Dresses took the form of upturned flowers, with layers of degradé petals and ruffles cascading over full skirts.
Sheath dresses in mohair and boucle resembled fields of wildflowers in bloom, while another was hand-painted with an oversized peony.
Heavy petal: Full-skirted dresses had layers of degradé petals and ruffles, making them look like giant flowers
Quality Street couture: Models wore cellophane-inspired headwear made by veteran milliner Stephen JonesThe floral theme was highlighted by a dramatic backdrop of giant parrot tulips (a signature of the fashion house) in a riotous shade of orange, and brought to life for a privileged few backstage thanks to a 3D screen relaying the action on the runway.
Models, all slender enough to make for convincing stems, wore undulating upswept hairdos, adding to their height.
Some also wore cellophane-inspired headwear by veteran milliner Stephen Jones, giving the impression they were fresh from the florist - or a Quality Street box. Either way they were a stunning sight to behold.
In bloom: Galliano took his lead from the garden of Christian Dior's childhood home, Les Rhumbs, in Normandy
Frilled: Layers of fabric moved like the lightest of petals, resembling fields of wildflowers in bloomAnd the star-studded audience at the Rodin Museum were clearly inspired. Gossip Girl star Blake Lively could be seen making sketches of each outfit - perhaps we can expect to see her wearing them on the red carpet soon?
Jessica Alba was also enthusiastic in her praise: 'I loved it, I want to be every flower in Galliano's garden,' she said.
Riot of colour: The garden-themed collection made for a dazzling display of vibrant hues
Having a floral moment: Galliano, whose set made reference to Dior's parrot tulip signature, dressed as a glamorous gardener for the occasion in a straw boater and rolled up trouserssource: dailymail