If Milan was about mainstream, Paris was pretty dramatic. Edgy, eclectic and energetic, the Parisian men were all that and more.

Crazy headgear, plush velvets, supersized stoles and sexy silhouettes were highlights of the fashion fiesta that gripped the French capital from January 22 to 25, a day before the haute couture shows took centre-stage from January 26.

The Japanese brigade of Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto and Junya Watanabe did what they do best — set terrific trends. John Galliano as always followed no rules, Gareth Pugh as always broke all rules and Dries Van Noten as always remained true to his simple rules.