Rollcall selected the best of Paris Fashion Week Fall 2009 on Thursday.  The collections may be viewed at New York Magazine.  The selected fashion houses are:

• A. Christian Dior
• B. Christian Lacroix
• C. Lanvin

Christian Dior presented a dazzling collection; it had all the splendor of the roaring twenties. The twenties-inspired show was a movie siren’s dream come to life.  Dior’s  gowns were light and heavenly; John Galliano superbly captured all the glamour of old Hollywood. 

It had everything, from an array of colors well representing the rainbow, to paisley prints in the sheerest of fabrics.  Then you had the shoes, the shoes needed a show of their own.  They caused one to do a double and triple take. 

Christian Lacroix started with beautifully made coats accompanied by lovely accessories.  The skill of this artisan is evident in each piece, and nowhere is it more evident than in a printed brocade coat with pouffy upper sleeves, fitted waist and A-line skirt. 

His looks were perfectly tailored, soft and feminine.  Lace permeated the collection. The jersey dresses were draped so expertly that they appeared deceptively simple.  Lacroix’ prints were cheerful and bright, just what is needed for fall 2009. 

The Lanvin show was divine.  Alber Elbaz has earned the right to be called the master of draping and origami. 

The first look drew you in, and you were enraptured.  His technique leaves you speechless.   Elbaz manipulates fabric with the utmost skill.  The industrial runway site only highlighted his exquisite collection.

Christian Dior and Lanvin made it to the Showdown.  They were the shining stars of Paris Fashion Week 2009.

The winner is Christian Dior.  John Galliano continues to take Christian Dior to greater heights.