"For Me, the Best Show of the Season So Far" Givenchy AW11

The rumor around Paris is that Riccardo Tisci is in the running to head up Dior. But at last night's after-show fête at L'Arc, it was all about Givenchy. Well, almost. "I think Riccardo deserves the [Dior] position," said a Balmain-clad Anna Dello Russo. "He's becoming a very mature artist. For me, Givenchy was the best show of the season so far."

Judging by the celebratory dancing in the roped-off VIP section—some of which occurred atop couches—other partygoers, like Karen Elson, Kate Moss, and Florence Welch, shared Dello Russo's sentiments. "It was amazing. The hats were genius!" gushed Nicole Richie, who, clad in a Givenchy black leather zip-trim dress, had to call it an early night due to an a.m. return flight to New York, where she'll work on her new range of Fall handbags. But other guests, like Kanye West, Giovanna Battaglia, and Gareth Pugh, continued to toast Tisci until the very wee hours.

Lea T, who chatted with a veiled Catherine Baba for much of the fête, admitted she had some serious pre-show jitters before strutting down Tisci's catwalk earlier in the evening. "I'm so proud of Ricky! I just want to find him and give him a big kiss," she said. And as soon as he arrived, arm in arm with Liv Tyler, who was layered in two pairs of Wolford stockings and a Givenchy menswear top, she did just that. But what does the much adored Tisci have to say of those Dior rumors? "I felt this was a strong, positive season. And I'm happy at Givenchy." How could he not be?

— Katharine K. Zarrella, style.com