The new kid on Paris' fashion block sparking a comparison to YSL

Charles De Vilmorin hand paints most of his designs with acrylic paints and Chinese dyes. Photo: AFP

Just 24-years-old, Charles De Vilmorin pulled no punches as he launched himself into the rarefied world of haute couture last month.

There was nothing understated about the young star's inaugural appearance at Paris Fashion Week, as he presented a wildly colourful collection full of hand-painted butterflies and rainbows alongside extravagant kimonos and slightly sinister clowns.