WITH poignant timeliness Givenchy quoted Michael Jackson as an influence over its spring 10 menswear collection. The fashion house had been charged with creating Jackson’s costume for this summer’s world tour.

The King of pop was not the only influence though. The show also wandered through North African influences, using Moroccan mosaic prints on tops.

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Like many of last week’s shows at Milan Men’s Fashion Week, Givenchy menswear and accessories designer Riccardo Tisci used shots of bright red to enliven an otherwise black and white palette.

Other trends to be underscored in Paris were the use of narrow db fastenings on tailoring and the continuing prevalence of the grey palette.

Separately, the global traveller theme that whispered through the catwalks in Milan last week was amplified in by John Galliano, amongst others in Paris this week, with luxurious utility underpinning the garments.

Kriss Van Assche used kurta and djellaba length tops over calf-length trousers while over at Kenzo, creative director Antonio Marras centred on lightweight loose-fitting tailoring, which took travels to Africa as its theme.

John Galliano meanwhile used swaddling headgear and a spicy palette to enliven his Egyptian inspired collection.

Strip away this explorer-vibe though and what you are left with is a clear nod to utilitarian styling. Cargo pants, multipocket shirts and outerwear and drawstring fastenings were the order of the day, all rendered in luxe fabrics.