All eyes have been on Paris this week, as the world’s biggest fashion houses unveiled their spring/summer haute couture collections at the first ‘Semaine d’haute couture’ of the year. While every collection offered up its own personality and character, the one thing they all had in common were the jaw-droppingly beautiful embellishments. 

It’s difficult to pinpoint one wow moment. Where do you start? Versace coming back to the runway for the first time in eight years? Or Chanel’s reconstructed jumbo jet complete with luggage lockers, walkways and even a Champagne trolley!? It doesn’t matter where you start or where you finish, this week has had something for everyone.

Not one to shy away from bold statements, Armani’s collection concentrated on the idea of a man being transformed in to a monstrous insect. How many cups of coffee do these designers drink? Either that or they eat way too much cheese before bed. Armani’s final piece, a mermaid-esque gown adorned with crystals actually had people ‘whooping’, yes ‘whooping’ from their seats, and then pretending to ignore the fact that the model almost fell over her own fishtail.

From the banks of the Seine we return to our very own River Irwell which will receive its own magnificent catwalk this weekend, when the Spinningfields footbridge gets craned into place – all 44 metres of it.

While Avenue retailer DKNY’s new collection wasn’t made with Manchester solely in mind, it just so happens that the nanotech finish used on their Spring/Summer line of blazers and suits makes them both water and stain resistant. So when the rain that so often threatens Manchester’s skyline makes an appearance, it will be like water off a duck’s back.

The innovation in DKNY’s collection doesn’t stop there. Having taken American classics, such as the Marlon Brando bomber jacket, DKNY has given them a modern day twist, adding removable hoods and transparent iPhone pockets in the lining. Fed up of taking your phone out of your pocket to check for text messages and missed calls? Well this pocket makes that job a whole lot easier, giving you the ability to check your screen without ever removing it from your pocket. Genius.

And finally…..despite suggestions of a mole colony taking up residence in Hardman Square (thanks, Sleuth), the former home of the ice rink and Pin Up bowling has now been re-turfed ready for Spinningfields’ deckchairs to sweep the lawn. Please be advised no moles were harmed in the making of this lawn.