Paris launches legendary fashion week with big names

Background: Paris Fashion Week, the last stop of the traditional "big four" fashion weeks, kicked off on Wedneaday with a host of big names set to debut their Autumn/Winter 09 collections. Taking to the catwalk on the first day of the legendary event are Anne Valerie Hash, Kris Van Assche, Fatima Lopes and Gareth Pugh. It's said that New York knows the business, Milan makes the workmanship, London lays the courage, yet Paris presents the dream.

Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes (C) appears surrounded by models at the end of her Fall/Winter 2009/10 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week March 4, 2009.