The fashion industry is not known for its subtlety, and as such, catwalk shows are as much an opportunity for theatrics as they are for parading clothes. 

Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs remain reigning kings of the runway spectacle, frequently pulling jaw-dropping presentations out of the bag for Chanel and Louis Vuitton (though it remains to be seen at the latter whether new designer Nicholas Ghesquiere will continue the tradition). A real iceberg in the centre of the catwalk? A moving steam train? Sure, nothing is off-limits for the style industry's very own Elton Johns. 

Marc Jacobs may have parted company with Louis Vuitton (with his most spectacular show yet, no less), but if shows for his eponymous label, one of which starred a massive marching band playing Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit, are anything to go by, there's no doubt his showmanship will continue.

And it's not just these two – Alexander McQueen never shows quietly, Victoria's Secret blows the budget every year, and John Galliano's days at Dior were as much about his performance as his clothes. 

Click the gallery to see the most extravagant fashion shows ever, from a parade of models walking along the Great Wall of China, to birthday celebrations at the Palace of Versailles.