One of my favourite shows from Paris fashion week FW10/11 thus far is undoubtedly Balenciaga. Always one to swim oceans apart from the current of the rest of the collections, Nicolas Ghesquière showed a string of pieces which were sublime in their colours and construction, despite being influenced and inspired by household basics like foam and packaging. The quilting, paneling and mix of fabrics were compiled to brilliant affect. Most impressive were the formica heels. I can imagine waitlists for these babies have already been created with many a member of the fashion set penciled in.

Of equal wonder however was the absenteeism of the French Vogue team from the front row, including the sublime Carine Roitfield. I have been googling what has caused the fallout all afternoon. Any ideas? Lets just hope the rift is repairable as I have heard that Balenciaga is also not allowing loans of garments to the team. Would be a sad story to see one of France’s premier fashion houses no longer included on the pages of one of France’s most respected fashion titles. andersen out.