Weekly fashion videos: Paris haute couture

(AFP PHOTO/PATRICK KOVARIK)

From red carpet-ready gowns to feathery cocktail dresses and sculptural avantgarde looks -- here are the highlights from this season's haute couture week in Paris, wrapping up with its jewelry presentations January 28.

From red carpet-ready gowns to feathery cocktail dresses and sculptural avantgarde looks - here are the highlights from this season's haute couture week in Paris, wrapping up with its jewelry presentations January 28.

What's it all about? - Many think that one-of-a-kind haute couture creations are out of place today. Hilary Alexander of the Telegraph tells you why we still need this "laboratory of dreams."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZA8D-XnZyA

Christian Dior - John Galliano showed an equestrian-themed show for Christian Dior. The video also gives viewers a short peek behind the scenes during hair and make-up preparations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAC1SwWlrzA

Giorgio Armani Privé - The Italian designer's moon-themed creations are likely to prove red carpet favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOwqWaqtHLk

Givenchy - Ruffles, feathers, and sequins abounded at Ricardo Tisci's show for the label.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xGoc-H1xqs

Chanel - Karl Lagerfeld used a palette of pastels and ice-cream shades paired with lots of silver for his cocktail creations. Only the shorts failed to impress many editors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGu1XK_wa7U

Elie Saab - The Lebanese designer did not only excite his Middle Eastern regular customers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEgv4rInylg

Georges Chakra - The Saab compatriot (together with Zuhair Murad, they form a trio of Lebanese designers that are high in demand for red carpet couture) wasn't part of the official schedule but showed his more than 40 dresses during the couture week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oi23-bn0Y0

Stephane Rolland - The designer, who worked at Jean-Louis Scherrer before launching his signature label in 2007, showed an inspired collection of highly structured cocktail dresses and evening gowns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCwN49-UcLk

Anne Valerie Hash - Using donations from celebrity and designer friends, Hash showed a collection of sustainable couture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQusMCBnrDM

On the street - Fashion photographers flounce at Valentino onlookers after the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n0N4aRjG60