Ballet was on John Galliano's mind for his latest autumn / winter collection. Inspired by The Black Swan and the V&A's Ballet Russes exhibition Galliano took his audience on the usual decadent jaunt through his indulgent fantasies. Using ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev as a muse Galliano dressed and undressed the models in Russian inspired attire throug his signature lavish and high energy presentation. The master story teller, Galliano loves to spin a yarn and the richness of the Russian ballet provided an ample platform for faded grandeur and decadence. Was this Galliano at his best? Not quite - although some strong tailoring it lacked the exquisite lightness that defines Galliano's usual genius.

Report by Hywel Davies on 22 January 2011.