1980s glam makes a Paris comeback as Chanel stays classy

"They are quite tough... but at the same time they have a frivolous note with a piece of jewellery of a flower there," he added.

A strong equestrian theme ran right through the collection with the hats decorated with rosettes and black riding boots open at the ankles.

Despite the set evoking the nostalgia of an old couture show, Lagerfeld, 82, said there was nothing old-school about his clothes.

"These dresses are not old couture, the collection has a more street attitude," he insisted.

The models were not tottering in high heels he said, because these clothes "were made for walking, like Nancy Sinatra's song"－"These Boots Are Made For Walking".

French designer Agnes b celebrated her 40 years in the business with a typically timeless and elegant collection that reflected women's fashion over decades, starting with a billowy white 1940s style silk skirt ensemble.

And in a witty final twist to mark International Women's Day, she sent two modern brides down the runway, one in a white catsuit and veil and in the other in a silver wool-trimmed bomber jacket, before the models held up letters reading "Vive les femmes!".

US actress Eva Longoria later sat in the front row at Taiwanese luxury label Shiatzy Chen, appearing in head-to-toe black with a long-sleeved see-through blouse and equally transparent skirt.

The actress is set to release her own autumn clothing line which she teased in an Instagram post a week ago.