[1/5] Model Alek Wek presents a creation by designer Thom Browne as part of his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collection show at the Opera Garnier in Paris, France, July 3, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah MeyssonnierPARIS, July 3 (Reuters) - Thom Browne marked his debut on the Paris haute couture calendar on Monday with a dramatic display of voluminous fashion in the French capital's famous opera house. The curtain lifted at the start of the show to reveal a full theatre -- the red velvet seats and gilded balconies occupied by rows of cardboard cutouts of a man in a grey suit and sunglasses. Some wore headgear in the shape of birds, while others had bandages wrapped around their heads, worn with elaborate grey wigs. The Paris Haute Couture shows run until July 6 and include fashion houses Chanel, Balenciaga and Valentino.

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Persons: Thom Browne, Opera Garnier, Sarah Meyssonnier PARIS, Browne, Mj Rodriguez, Chanel, Balenciaga, Valentino, Mimosa Spencer, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Haute Couture, Opera, REUTERS, of Fashion Designers of America, Paris Haute Couture, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, American