Tight grip on waists by Lacroix

Do not be alarmed by the hourglass figure shown by Christian Lacroix at his Paris haute couture show yesterday. These are clothes for women, not waifs, and all you need is a corset and supple bones. Most women would be happy to achieve a 28-inch waist, let alone an 18-inch one and the Lacroix customer will be forsaking liposuction for a girdle.

To accentuate the tiny waists, shoulders were narrow with leg-of-mutton sleeves which were tight but gently flared at the cuff. Skirts were short, landing an inch above the knee. It was a mix of belle epoque and 40s elegance with a touch of Mae West. Counterbalancing the waist was big hair, back-combed into huge manes. There was just enough sparkle with magnified fish scales in gold. Taffeta was woven with steel - you need strong shoulders to support these clothes.

Sulky tattooed model Eve Salvail actually smiled as she stepped down the runway wearing a plastic rain mac embossed with gold filigree.

Lacroix, who sold 20 corseted wedding dresses last year, finished with a heavenly vision. The bridal gown was encrusted with jewels and sequins and carried a train with five layers of ruffles.

(Photograph omitted)