Galliano wowed critics with his mix of architectural tailoring and vibrant colours as he unveiled his Dior autumn/winter haute couture collection in Paris.

The former Central St Martin's School of Arts student's new range was influenced by the wife of photographer Irving Penn and photographer-cum-artist Lisa Fonssagrives.

He said of Fonssagrives: "I think her energy and input in creating some of the most iconic fashion and imagery we have today was just incredible."

Galliano received plaudits from notable celebrity fans at the Paris show.

Singer and old friend, Janet Jackson, gushed: "We met maybe 15 plus years ago, here in Paris. I've been a fan for a very long time."

Praising the show, supermodel Claudia Schiffer said: "Well the finale was just breath-taking, just the design."

She added: "I mean in terms of the detail of what was on it and how you could view it from all sides, it was just incredible from any angle and it was amazing.

"And everything is obviously very elegant, feminine and playful, but it always has an edge, which I love."

As well as drawing influence from photographers, Galliano explored the Dior archives for his new collection.

Paying homage to fashion luminary Christian Dior, Galliano contrasted monochrome black-and-white colours in the first section of the show with vibrantly coloured outfits in the second half.

Other notable trends in the collection were the heavy use of waist cinching corset bar belts, cloche hats and leather studs.

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