In pictures: Paris couture collections

The super-glamorous spring-summer 2003 haute couture collections are being unveiled in Paris, where designers traditionally attempt to outdo each other by presenting their most daring creations.

John Galliano was as usual the talk of the town with his Asia-inspired collection for Christian Dior

The show was influenced by a recent trip to China and Japan, which the designer used to theatrical effect

Christian Lacroix created a joyous carnival in shades of pink combining opulence and romantic style

Karl Lagerfeld revisited the classic lines of Chanel haute couture in a now familiar twist

Jean-Paul Gaultier served up his own brand of irreverent elegance combined with fine craftsmanship

Swiss designer Laurent Mercier presented his first couture collection for the French house of Balmain