Haute couture highlights: all the trends from the catwalks in Paris, autumn/winter 2008/2009

Down goes the curtain on next season's HC catwalk shows in Paris, an extravaganza in every colour under the sun.

From bubble shapes that looked made for the rain to new takes on smocks, bright pieces that are going to light up winter, and the comeback of YSL’s iconic smoking jacket, sophistication was the order of the day.

The economic gloom resulting from the credit crunch has hit the world of haute couture, but while the designers are all out to sell, they're staying true to their dreams.

We take you through the catwalk creations that will translate into next season's trends.

Photo: Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture show, A/W 08-09 collection

Article Plan Paris haute couture A/W 08/09: All the top catwalk trends ▼

• Catwalk trend: bright flashy colours
• Shimmer trend: catwalk autumn/winter 2008-2009
• Catwalk trend: wasp waists at the haute couture autumn winter 2008-2009 shows
• The comeback of the YSL smoking jacket
• Lefranc.Ferrant haute couture autumn/winter 2008-2009