Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld took his inspiration from Russia for the Chanel Couture show in Paris yesterday.

Models walked down a specially created runway at the Grand Palais in the French capital - walking out of a lion holding a giant pearl - in shades of maroon, brown, white and pink.

Although not a huge departure from what Chanel is known for - classical, flattering cuts in various tweeds - it was a solid collection, with fur-trimmed collars and cuffs teamed with mid-calf boots and seeming inspiration taken from Faberge eggs. Waistlines were kept high and shoulders boxy, with arms billowing, and as the show progressed, sequins and ornate detailing came in abundance.

The final model to walk down the runway was Karl Lagerfeld’s male model of the moment Baptiste Giabiconi, who donned a lion’s head mask while wearing the style of suit favored by the German-born designer - a black trouser and blazer combination worn with a high-necked white shirt.

Others to put on shows yesterday include Givenchy, who provided a decadent and glamorous collection and Giorgio Armani Prive, who worked a serious and sexy business-like chic.