Princess Charlene of Monaco's surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week elicited a collective gasp in the beautiful Palais de Chaillot. Despite arriving amid the popping of flashbulbs and excited whispers, the royal didn't appear fazed at the presentation by Akris – a label she has supported for some time.

The princess wore one of their simply cut grey coats for the royal wedding in Britain and a draped pale green silk gown for her own official engagement photos. Asked whether she would be able to wear some of the more revealing garments on display, the stunning blonde replied: "There are certain protocols.

"Obviously I wouldn't show too much – it [Monaco] is a Catholic country."In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, she also seemed to suggest that high street shopping, à la Duchess of Cambridge, is not her cup of tea.

"I wouldn't want to compare myself to her," she replied. A sound very familiar to Prince Albert's new wife signalled the start of the show – the high-pitched whirr of Formula One racing cars.

Creative director Albert Kriemler was exploring a Grand Prix theme. He sent models down a two-lane runway split by racking track markings, a soundtrack of revving and roaring.