Yousuf Sabahy explains why Egypt is ready for haute couture

The event's select audience included some of Egypt's wealthiest and best dressed women.

They filled the seats at the Cairo Opera House to view the latest creations of top French designers - elegantly cut suits and glittering evening gowns in reds, purples and yellows by Christian Lacroix, Emanuel Ungaro and Pierre Balmain.

There were party dresses with spaghetti straps and a few short skirts but nothing transparent or risque.

Jomana Yassin: "We put the veil on but are very well dressed"

Saudi Arabian magazine owner Jomana Yassin says Middle Eastern women may dress more conservatively than women in Europe but they do so with impeccable taste.

"We put the veil on, but are very well dressed, especially in Egypt," she said.

BBC Correspondent in Cairo Barbara Plett says economic reforms in Egypt have produced a growing class of newly rich, and although few Egyptians can yet afford the $20,000 plus for the dresses on stage, they are eagerly seeking the lifestyle promoted by the show.