Cutting edge

fashion

For the first time this decade, fashion has turned again to elegance and glamour. In Paris, grown-up, ready-to-wear labels such as Lanvin, Balenciaga and Givenchy, all designed by fresh new talent - Ocimar Versolato, Josephus Thimister and John Galliano respectively - are giving Chanel some competition. Preen your hair, paint your lips and resurrect your high-heeled shoes. Sophistication is back in style.

Plum satin-backed crepe dress with black snakeskin belt by Givenchy, pounds 1,685, available at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, London, 0171-235 5000; sunglasses, pounds 175, by Paul Smith, available from Paul Smith, 41-43 Floral Street, London WC2

Oyster silk crepe satin and black chiffon dress, pounds 1,950, by Chanel; gold sandals, pounds 175, to order from Jimmy Choo on 0171-235 6008Plum satin-backed crepe dress with black snakeskin belt by Givenchy, pounds 1,685, available at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, London, 0171-235 5000; sunglasses, pounds 175, by Paul Smith, available from Paul Smith, 41-43 Floral Street, London WC2

Oyster silk crepe satin and black chiffon dress, pounds 1,950, by Chanel; gold sandals, pounds 175, to order from Jimmy Choo on 0171-235 6008Silver chiffon smoky lace dress, by Lanvin, Paris; necklaces, model's own