The Associated Press has reported from Paris, where designers pitched their most elaborate evening wear as the romance capital of the world launched couture week on Monday, hoping to seduce celebrity clients at a time when Oscar fashion has become almost as important as its films.

John Galliano put on a sumptuous display of Oriental splendor in his collection for Christian Dior, drawing on a recent trip to Japan to produce kimono-style gowns featuring intricate origami pleating and shimmering floral embroidery.

The slow-paced presentation of the British designer had models posing languidly on a gray set that evoked Dior's historic headquarters on avenue Montaigne, where the founder of the house first unveiled his revolutionary New Look 60 years ago.

The nominations for this year's Oscars were announced Tuesday, and Christian Dior joined other top fashion houses in aggressively bidding to dress the nominees on the big night.  In recent years, picking a fashion winner has become a little like playing the lottery, but the event can generate millions of dollars of free publicity for a handful of savvy brands.

Just ask Elie Saab. The Lebanese designer became a household name overnight when Halle Berry wore one of his dresses to accept her Oscar for best actress in 2002. He is now a Hollywood fixture, dressing clients from Beyonce Knowles to Sheryl Crow.

Who will be this year’s top designer for the most important night in Hollywood?  Let us know if you have any guesses.

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