An extra special show from AMI’s founder and creative director Alexandre Mattiussi took us to the highest point in Paris, taking over Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur high above a glistening Paris by sunset. Guests sat in the grounds of the basilica, on caned bistro chairs while a traditional kiosque was set up for extra immersion.

Show notes indicated that Montmartre has long held special significance to Mattiussi, with views of Sacré-Cœur a constant throughout the different Parisian neighbourhoods he’s resided over the years. “Everywhere I have lived in Paris, I could always get a glimpse of the Sacré Cœur from my windows,” said the designer via the show notes. “Montmartre is a concentrate of the spirit of this city, of its candour and energy, of its intertwined bourgeois and bohemian identities.”

The area and the artists who call it home drove the inspiration – from the likes of Picasso and Matisse, to a new generation of creative talent inspired by its quaint streets. Montmartre’s very own Amélie – Audrey Tautou – opened the show in a totally brilliant and unexpected ode to the location, wearing white cropped pants a louche shirt and beige trenchcoat.

Dressing doesn’t get more French than that. Or does it? Breton stripe tops and neckerchiefs continued this theme of reworking classic Parisian dress codes for today, as did relaxed denim and suiting combos – à la Serge Gainsbourg – while leather blousons were minimalist for the boys and cropped and tasselled for the girls. Voluminous silhouettes hinted at boho living as pops of colour mirrored the setting sun’s unique composition. On the front row sat icons of French culture Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Adjani and Carla Bruni – their smiles the ultimate approval.