Fashion Week brings another layer of chaos to Paris

“It will be a studio collection and Virginie Viard will not be present,” a Chanel spokesperson told AFP. The end of the Lagerfeld era has set off fashionistas’ favourite pastime: speculating on who comes next.

Among the names circulating: France’s Marine Serre, Hedi Slimane of Celine, Pierpaolo Piccioli (who recently left Valentino) and Simon Porte Jacquemus, whose eponymous label has been one of the big independent success stories of recent years.

While Valentino awaits the debut of its high-profile new creative director Alessandro Michele (formerly of Gucci), Givenchy is still looking for a lead designer since the departure of Matthew Williams last year.

This week will also see the final show by Belgian designer Dries Van Noten on Saturday. Though not a household name, the 66-year-old is retiring as a favourite among serious fashion fans for his avant-garde styles and expert tailoring.