The high fashion and pret-a-porter collections of Autumn / Winter 2022 2023 are presented and the streets come alive again; a hive of designers, models, celebrities, protagonists of this separate universe; that of luxury and genius; sometimes sophistication, other times eccentricity.

This is a moment when couture houses such as Givenchy, Valentino, Dior, Chanel, Elie Saab, Versace, and Armani Privé offer their latest creations on the catwalks. A time for reverence and worship for some, for others it is a chance to see what will be in the shops next season and to get an idea of what trends will be popular.

What makes these shows so special? It is the skill of the designers and their teams who have worked tirelessly to produce unique garments using the most luxurious materials imaginable. The result is a veritable feast for the eyes; a dazzling display of fashion that is both aspirational and unattainable for most of us.

And yet, these shows are not just about pretty clothes. They are about business. They are about selling a dream; about persuading us that we need something that we may not even know we want. They are about marketing an ideal lifestyle; one that is symbolized by these beautiful clothes but one which few of us can actually afford or even relate to.

And so, whilst we may marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship on display at Fashion Week, we should also be aware of the manufactured mystique that surrounds it. We should view it with a critical eye and ask ourselves whether we really need another handbag or pair of shoes that cost more than our monthly rent. But ultimately, we should also enjoy the spectacle; after all, it is one of the few occasions where fantasy and reality collide so spectacularly.