Whether it was metallic silks, crinkled cottons or sheer chiffons, the runways were aglow with shimmering fabrics.

Balmain’s (photo 1) Christophe Decarnin maintained his fascination with shoulder pads and sequined disco dressing but ventured into the military arena by melding chain mail and gold sequins with epaulets, distressed jeans and leather loin-cloth skirts.

John Galliano showed a smooth, slinky set for Christian Dior (photo 2), using shiny chiffons and silver and copper lame.

Even minimalist brand Jil Sander (photo 3) jumped on the bandwagon with a glistening green and gold foil number.

English-pattern maestro Matthew Williamson (photo 4) took a sci-fi meets tribal turn with polished-linen sheath dresses and leather and metallic embellishments.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.