Armani Paris show presents go-to label for red carpet crowd

Crystals, velvet, lame, sequins and statement sparkly earrings feature in high-end couture catwalk

Giorgio Armani's Prive show in Paris was formed around the core tenets of classic cocktail dressing. The fashion veteran, who celebrates his 88th birthday this month, presented crystals, velvet, lame, sequins and statement sparkly earrings. The colour palette shifted from silver and black to pinks and lilac with Armani's trademark midnight blue dominating.

With over 90 outfits, most of the collection felt familiar, part of the Armani wheelhouse since his heyday in the 1980s. The first four looks featured trousers, something that the designer has made a signature when it comes to after-dark dressing. Tailoring was strong - evening jackets featured in various different silhouettes, from a boxy sequined design to a longline jacquard version with geometric motifs. There were also classic gowns that would no doubt appeal to women with a diary full of black tie events - and a bank balance to fund a new frock. See a strapless black velvet dress with a slash of pink down the bodice or a mid-length dress in midnight blue silk organza, embroidered with tiny crystals.