Pure theatre

Larry Elliot makes an unfashionably early entrance to the Chanel show Photograph: Paul Cooper/Guardian

Chanel: 'Some of the wackiness seemed contrived' Photograph: Rex Features

Chatting with Alexa Chung in the front row. Doesn't happen in the day job Photograph: Paul Cooper/Guardian

Givenchy: 'The fashion writers seemed to love this show ... But for someone who spends most of his time looking at the unemployment numbers, some of it was a bit weird frankly' Photograph: Jacques Brinon/AP

Studying the programme notes Photograph: Paul Cooper/Guardian

Dior: 'Haute couture shows are pure theatre. Some of the evening wear was over the top for my taste, but a real spectacle' Photograph: Francois Guillot/AFP

'Please don’t write telling me to stick to the day job because I intend to' Photograph: Paul Cooper/Guardian