Given the decadence of Clare Waight Keller’s latest collection for Givenchy, it made total sense that her catwalk at the Hippodrome de Longchamp was compiled of a series of spotlights. Titled Arthouse Beauty, this season the creative director intended to communicate “a silver screen allure,” as the show notes read.

Redolent of the historic Hollywood style of the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot, the designer unveiled pieces that were inherently glamorous. Super-wide-brim “Ombrelle” hats were the stuff of Guy Bourdin-lensed dreams, as they were teamed with turtlenecks and pencil skirts with dramatic slits. Wrap-over dresses with pleated asymmetric panels were at once delicate and dramatic, while asymmetric melton looks came complete with capes to give rise to extra-powerful silhouettes. Double-breasted coats with extreme shoulders were combined with darted trousers and evening gloves for impressive, workwear-ready outfits, while belted, high-collar macs in minimal check prints oozed with 50s chicness.

Trading in the florals of last season, Waight Keller opted for more unconventional fabrics and patterns this time around. Bold horizontal stripes and 80s-flavoured geometric prints were emblazoned across floaty dresses and statement blouses. Elsewhere, beaded fringing decorated the necklines and waists of simple dresses, as a top compiled of electric-blue feathers was offset by a pair of form-fitting trousers. Equally as striking, patchwork fur coats looked like they’d been plucked straight from the wardrobe of the alluring Catherine Tramell from Basic Instinct. In short, this was Waight Keller proving that, when it comes to combining sensuality and sophistication, her designs remain unmatched.