Five trends from the Paris fashion shows

PARIS - Paris fashion wrapped up Wednesday after nine days of shows that saw designers burning the candle at both ends while also keeping one eye on the Oscars.

Host Ellen Degeneres' tuxedos were a triumph for Saint Laurent's Hedi Slimane while Angelina Jolie shimmered in Elie Saab and Penelope Cruz wore Giambattista Valli.

On the catwalk, the highlight of the autumn/winter 2014/15 collections was undoubtedly former Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere's debut for Louis Vuitton.

Here are five key trends that emerged from the Paris catwalks:

Exposed nipples

Yves Saint Laurent was the first designer to expose nipples, but only time will tell if the looks served up by Guy Laroche, Emanuel Ungaro and Valentino will catch on. Vivienne Westwood even flaunted nipples in a wedding dress. The only person doing it for real so far, however, was Rihanna who turned up at an after-show party in a nipple-exposing fishnet top.

Real fur

Isabel Marant, Yiqing Yin, Dior, Chloe and Giambattista Valli all featured real fur, from Dior's sleeveless minks to Marant's rabbit fur pieces. Valli told AFP he never shied away from using it. "I think it's part of the wardrobe of a woman," he said.

Burgundy

From Damir Doma's shin-high boots to trouser suits by Dior and Stella McCartney, burgundy was everywhere. Elie Saab really went to town with heavily embroidered evening dresses in his "Dark Opulence" collection.

Power dressing

Forget shoulder pads. Modern tailored and casual looks from Dior and Isabel Marant showed how to power dress for the 21st century. Dior's double-breasted coats were laced like corsets at the side while Marant's big shoulders were perfect for the "modern warrior" woman.

Pleats

Pleats, pleats and more pleats. From Veronique Branquinho's metallic green and blue to Damir Doma's shimmering pewter and Guy Laroche's asymmetrical looks, no wardrobe will be complete without them.