John Galliano tried and tested the theory 'many hands make light work' with his latest collection on the opening day of haute couture spring/summer 2009 season in Paris on Monday.
It's rumoured that nearly 100 people worked on the collection which takes its inspiration from the old aristocratic paintings of Flemish Old Masters, Van Dyck and Vermeer.
The clothes celebrated structure and wealth with plenty of fabric, workmanship and attention to detail.
Dresses were bold and feminine with ruffled arms and neck detailing. Skirts were either big and flowing or figure hugging.
Gowns were tight at the waist, heavily embroidered and opulent in style.
Pearls were worn around necks paying homage to Vermeer's 'Girl with Pearl Earring.'
Colours like rich gold, deep red and yellow were striking, while pale pink and sky blue also left their mark.
The First Lady of France, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who is a big Dior fan, was not present at the show but to compensate songs off her album were played while the models walked down the catwalk.
A-list celebrities sitting front row included actresses Michelle Yeoh and Misha Barton, Ivana Trump, burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, who said she "especially liked the first half of the show," and French actress Marion Cotillard who called Galliano "a real artist."
AP