Galliano's women's ready-to-wear Autumn/Winter 2011/12 collection was originally scheduled to be held at the iconic Paris Left Bank brasserie La Couple, but was later downsized to a low-key presentation inside a private mansion in light of the recent controversy.

Galliano faces trial over accusations he made racist remarks in public last week and in October. He has apologised and left Paris, allegedly for a rehab facility in Arizona.

It is not clear yet what will happen to the John Galliano brand as it cannot survive without Dior's financial backing. Dior owns 92 percent of the brand whose wares are sold mainly in department stores and multi-brand stores. However, Dior Chief Executive Officer and President Sidney Toledano was present at Sunday's presentation and was even seen clapping as the models showcasing Galliano's creations waltzed through the sumptuous salon.

Though some fashion editors and buyers said earlier this week they planned to boycott the John Galliano show, industry heavyweights Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley of U.S. Vogue, Kate Lanphear of U.S. Elle, and Hilary Alexander of Britain's The Daily Telegraph, still attended Sunday's presentation.

Though the no-frills event was devoid of the theatricality and extravagance of a typical Galliano show, attendees were still moved by the collection. "It's really really beautiful," said fashion blogger Bryanboy. "You're there to see the clothes and to see the craftmanship, it's just incredible, really incredible."

Susan Tabak, another invitee who is the author of the book "Chic in Paris: Style Secrets & Best Addresses" and a regular on the Paris fashion circuit said she actually preferred the more-scaled down version. "I actually, in a sort of ironic way, prefer this. I know his amazing creative wild side comes out in his shows, but somehow I felt that this was more luxurious, demure... it was more special in a sad way."

Paris Fashion Week ends on March 10.