In Paris last week at the couture shows, six internationally recognized designers showed collections which ranged from elaborate theatrical concoctions to inspiring fantastical creations.

The fur accents and accessories shown throughout couture week may be some of the most magnificent to date.

Dior revived the vision of turn-of-the-century Viennese princesses with a breathtaking spectacle of a show - complete with extraordinary crowns, giant fur trimmed opera coats and one masterpiece in particular a mermaid shaped gown made of satin, crystals and a great fringe of ermine.

Jean Paul Gaultier introduced a spectacularly chic and flamboyantly take on capes from vivid fur-trim patchwork capes to leather capes with fur linings to the most dramatic floor length fur cape that hung off the models shoulders all the way to the ground over a barely-there sequined mini that Beyonce would love! JUST fabulous you would want to live in this cape.

The theme - about luxe fabrics and texture was summarized by Ralph Rucci's tunic made from crocodile so supple it looked like cashmere.

But it took Valentino to bring us back to what haute couture is all about. His show was the ultimate embodiment of pure, all-out feminity. His first show stopping dress was a a sparkling, micro-pleated white floaty number with a tiny white mink bolero snuggled on top. That was followed by a white fur coat, belted in diamanté and falling into petaled panels. He used fur (fox, honey sable, mink, leopard) at every conceivable opportunity, in cropped jackets, on sleeves, trimming suits and coats, even in décolleté of evening dresses.

Couture week offered up fantasy and magic that was irresistible. You will need to have all of it!