Paris' Champs Elysees gets star turn as a catwalk

The Champs Elysees avenue in Paris got a makeover on Sunday as a giant outdoor catwalk, as celebrities and models took to the runway in the first show of its kind by L‘Oreal, the French cosmetics firm.

Movie stars such as Jane Fonda and Helen Mirren - who twirled a cane as she strutted down the specially-erected runway on the tree-lined boulevard - rubbed shoulders with models, some of whom sported elaborate hairstyles and dramatic make-up.

Various fashion houses provided outfits for the show, which drew crowds of tourists and onlookers. It coincided with Paris Fashion Week, which runs until Oct. 3.