Though the current opinion is that haute couture is dying, it still remains the most anticipated show in Paris, when the rich and famous gather to snap up those exquisite outfits.

With Yves Saint Laurent gone, and the crown of Couture King almost at the hands of Jean-Paul Gaultier, talents still abound in the City of Lights for Couture's Crowned Prince.

The most awaited show is by Laurent Mercier of Balmain, his first couture show. The young designer showed his mettle during the Spring 2003 ready-to-wear season. And on Tuesday, January 21st, he is expected to throw his hat on the ring for the next couture crowned prince.

Mercier is not alone vying for that honor. Up and coming Nicolas Le Cauchois had shown that 'youthfulness and freshness' are powerful tools when it comes to attracting a wealthy clientele. His show last couture season was well attended by the financially endowed.

The old guards are not sitting still either. Valentino, Emanuel Ungaro and Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel continue to titillate the fashion world with their beautiful creations that just get better with time.

Great talent and lots of experience give them that cutting edge in fashion.

Other established houses like Torrente and Carven are slowly revising their image, making the nearly forgotten names to fashion powerhouses once again.

The House of Versace and Christian Lacroix also enjoy top billing. Versace chose to skip the runway and hold a presentation of 10 couture designs at it's atelier.

For Christian Lacroix, you can expect his collection both colorful and exquisite, as always.

So, who is saying that couture is dead? Not by a long shot! It's alive and well.