Matthew Williams

Paris Fashion Week returns tomorrow, bringing some much-needed light relief to a country in the throes of political chaos.

Menswear week runs until next Sunday, followed immediately by the haute couture shows until June 27.

France has been in turmoil since President Emmanuel Macron called surprise legislative elections after a surge by the far-right in European polls.

Menswear proved to be in reinvigorated form as Paris Fashion Week ended on June 26 with spectacle, innovation and the return of big-name designers to the catwalk.

The week concluded with the surprising return of fabled French designer Hedi Slimane, formerly of Dior and Saint Laurent and now with Celine. Two years ago, he had announced he was done with the official fashion calendar.

French couture house Givenchy, owned by luxury goods giant LVMH (LVMH.PA) and known for once dressing Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn, said on June 15 it had named Matthew Williams as its new creative director.