We are in the heart of London, in one of Britain's most prestigious cultural institutions, surrounded by the works of one of Italy's greatest artists, Raphael. But wouldn't you know it - the French have taken over for the evening.

A catwalk has been set up along the length of theRaphael cartoons room in the Victoria and Albert Museum, dedicated to the latest haute couture creations of the French designer Christian Lacroix.Sullen-faced models swagger up and down the normally sedate chamber, striking sultry poses and showing off a collection that seems to be obliquely inspired by the bloody theatrics of the bullfight arena.