Superglam Carla Bruni-Sarkozy shows Hollywood stars how it's done at Paris Fashion Week gala

France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy stole the show at a Paris Fashion Week gala in a traffic-stopping purple dress.
Showing her move into politics haven't dimmed her fashion roots, the 41-year-old singer was the epitome of Gallic chic as she arrived at the annual Gala Sidaction-Diner de la Mode in the French capital last night.
On a day when one million French workers took to the streets in protest at her husband Nicolas's handling of the economic crisis, Bruni-Sarkozy was partying in a Yves Saint Laurent column dress.

Perfect in purple: France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy looked stunning in a purple column dress and matching wrap as she is escorted by Sidaction charity president Pierre Berge (r)

Thirty rioters were arrested and 22 police officers hurt during the 'Black Thursday' clashes over the Government's perceived failure to protect jobs.
But Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy could happily forget all that as she dressed to the nines and mixed with the cream of fashion and Hollywood.
Her solo engagement came just days before the couple celebrate their first wedding anniversary on Monday.
On her arm was Pierre Berge, the president of the Sidaction AIDS charity which organised the bash.

Also in attendance at the star-studded bash was burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, supermodel Laeticia Casta, model/actress Milla Jovovich, singer Vanessa Paradis, actress Mischa Barton and celebrity couple Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson.
The annual dinner, which takes place during Paris Fashion Week, was held in the ornate 18th century hunting lodge Pavillon d'Armenonville.

Damsel in damson: The First Lady looks demure in purple

 A-list stars from all around the globe joined the throng in the French capital to see the new season designs.
In keeping with the high-glamour theme, celebrities were clad in couture from top French designers, including Jean-Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Sonia Rykiel.
Mrs Bruni-Sarkozy wasn't the only celebrity female flying solo last night .
French model-turned singer Vanessa Paradis, 36, looked svelte in a pink satin mini dress as she partied without her long-term partner Johnny Depp.
Earlier this month, reports claimed the pair were finally preparing to wed this year after dating for 11 years and having two children Jack, six, and Lily-Rose, nine.
 

 

Flying solo: Vanessa Paradis (l) and Mischa Barton (r) attended alone, leaving partners Johnny Depp and The Kooks frontman Luke Pritchard at home

Meanwhile, former O.C. star Mischa Barton went for full-on couture in a flowing sea green one-shouldered dress with floral detail.
The actress, who celebrated her 23rd birthday in Paris last weekend, has been travelling back and forth between France and London, where new boyfriend, The Kooks frontman Luke Pritchard is based.
Also alone was Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, 32, the rumoured fiancee of actor Adrien Brody, who opted for a more low-key little black dress.

Glamour girls: Burlesque artist Dita Von Teese and Spanish actress Elsa Pataky were spotted deep in conversation

Coupled up: German actress Diane Kruger and boyfriend Joshua Jackson dressed up for the dinner

She was spotted deep in conversation with Marilyn Manson's ex-wife Von Teese, who has been seen in the front row of all the fashion shows this week.
Burlesque star Von Teese was immaculate as usual in an aquamarine embroidered satin dress and plunging neckline.
The cream of French society had paid 500 Euros each for a ticket for the exclusive event, which raised over 800,000 Euros for Berge's Sidaction charity.

 

 

Because we're worth it: Actress Milla Jovovich wore a floor-sweeping silver gown, while fellow L'Oreal model Laeticia Casta kept it simple in a little black dress and feathered bondage shoes