Paris is fashion 365 days a year, but that special time when the city plays host to next season's glorious offerings is upon us at the moment, and it's got Paris buzzing even more than usual!

I was fortunate enough to get an invite to Cacharel's showroom and with a smile on my face and a flutter in my stomach I made my way there yesterday. Their offices are located in the Champs Elysees area (of course), in a grand building with a cathedral-like lobby. I was met by Annabelle, who does press for the brand, and was brought into the spring showroom first which was filled with the gorgeous Liberty print dresses, tops, baby clothes (so adorable) and accessories from the show that have gone into production (my favourite, the strapless dress with the buckle detail along the top didn't make the cut!). What I love about Liberty is how simple, pretty and easy the clothes are - as if they're made for that carefree, blissful life we sometimes wish we had.

I must make a point of saying that everyone at Cacharel was so accommodating and really, just so nice! Especially Annabelle, who was as sweet as the Liberty dresses. So I was able take my time and snap lots of pictures.

But that wasn't it! The reason I was invited in the first place was to view the fall/winter 2009-2010 collection and when we walked into that showroom my eyes got wide and I found little 'oohs' and 'ahhs' making their way out of my mouth. There was a buyer in there doing some business and in stark contrast I felt a bit like a kid in a candy store but I was not there for such formalities - I was there to adore! And that I did.

I didn't know what to expect from the new collection as Cacharel parted ways with their creative directors Mark Eley and Wakako Kishimoto of the London brand Eley Kishimoto after their spring show. The duo are wonderful print masters and one of my most favourites so I was disappointed with the split. And they've not yet been replaced so I had no preconceived notions as to influences this new collection may be reflecting. Rather, the in-house design team did the job and I have to say it was breathtaking. It was everything you want from Cacharel - beautiful, soft, feminine clothes and prints that make your heart flutter. The palette was well-balanced with navies and blacks, earth tones and soft, pale pinks as well as vivid fuchsias which I am so happy to see back season after season. Stand-out pieces were voluminous, knee-length skirts with shoulder straps, made in duchesse satin as well as silk organza in a variety of solids and prints done up with a thick, tubular belt in matching fabric that was echoed elsewhere in the collection, and a fuchsia double-lapelled jacket with Liberty print lining.

And the accessories - oh, the accessories! Colourful belts, adorable socks, slick fedoras. There were printed tights to match that of one of the dresses (do you not love the head-to-toe print look?) and that just about did me in. I wanted so badly to take them with me!

I loved my afternoon at Cacharel and fingers crossed they will show their spring 2010 collection, I would love to see those gorgeous clothes float down the runways on the models.

And the momentum continues - I've had a few more invites! Unfortunately I missed the Ivana Helsinki show last night, I got back from Cacharel as it was starting. But tonight I will be seeing a sister duo from Istanbul called Etcetura, this is their first time showing in Paris and I'm really looking forward to it. And then on the 9th I'm going to Dupre Santa Barbara who have been doing Haute Couture for the past seven years and are now doing ready-to-wear for the first time. Good photos can be a tough slog at shows but I'll do my best to capture the essence of the collections!

I'm now off to find an internet cafe with a printer so I can print my invitation for tonight!

Au revoir!

Denise xx
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