Oh do, beehive: Fashion maverick Rick Owens sends models down the Paris runway wearing giant HAIRBALLS 

He's known for his outlandish runway looks, and taboo-breaking styles and Rick Owens's AW16 show at Paris Fashion Week today did not disappoint.

The California-born fashion maverick had models walking the runway with their faces obscured by bizarre, hairball-like structures that left them all but unrecognisable.

The designer, who has in recent years wowed the FROW with bizarre creations from 'human backpacks' to step-dance formations, left his guests stunned as 14 models debuted his new collection in beekeeper-style hairdos that encased them from head to shoulder.

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Nothing to see here: Models sported bizarre, hairball-like creations as they took to the runway for Rick Owens' new SW16 collection

Long-flowing capes and overcoats were the order of they day in Rick Owen's AW16 collection which he debuted at the Palais de Tokyo

High drama: Models sported back-combed hair balls which obscured their faces and necks as they marched down the runway

One model sports a sweeping, velvet-look cape with pale pink leather boots, left, while another wears a burnt orange button-up coat, right

It was in stark contrast to the flurry of famous faces that walked the runway for Balmain's star-studded showcase on the same day. 

According to hairstylist Duffy, the bubbles were kept in shape with hairpins, hidden top knots and balloons that were popped just before the show began.

Not all models were subjected to the bizarre hairball look, however; others sported long, flowing locks and fluffy, dandelion-inspired barnets.

The collection was marked by Rick's signature neutral colour palette, dramatic ruching and sweeping overcoats. 

The California-born designer is well known for his outlandish designs, with one recent runway show featuring a 'human backpack'

One model rocked a black all-in-one with a shawl that resembled a puffa jacket, with her face obscured by back-combed hair

Three of the more outlandish looks from Rick Owen's AW16 collection which he debuted today in Paris: A toga-style ensemble in emerald green, left, a hairy, bear-like shawl, centre, and a grey all-in-one with baggy trousers and large pockets, right, at the Palais de Tokyo

Models' faces were completely obscured by the dramatic hair balls, which were held in place with hair pins and top knots at the Paris show

Not all of the models sported the dramatic barnets; some wore natural, flowing hair as they made their way down the runway in Paris

Models were also largely covered up, with slouchy thigh boots and long gloves. They also sported fresh-faced looks with minimal make-up.

The show, set at Paris's Palais de Tokyo had a decidedly macabre feel, with bare cement walls and dark lighting defining the mood. 

Ahead of his show, the designer had shared Salvador Dali's 1937 painting Swans Reflecting Elephants across social media channels, hinting at the show's Surrealist inspirations - and models were seen descending down a spiral staircase before making their way down the runway.

The first models to make an appearance were wearing largely plain, white ensembles, before more pops of colour were seen. 

Man of the hour: Designer Rick Owens, left, poses for a photo with a friend backstage at his AW16 showcase

Rick Owens went for a signature neutral palette, with creams, browns and just a hint of colour in the form of light green leather boots

Pale and interesting: One model sports a fresh-faced look with her blonde locks swept back into a frizzy mass

Some baffled fashion fans took to Twitter to marvel at the bizarre look, labelling it the 'walking hair ball', while some were full of praise.

Dolo Nomad tweeted: 'Rick Owens is a special kind of genius,' while Christopher Fenimore gushed: 'Rick's FW'16 women's collection is f***ing perfect.'

Kara wrote: 'Rick Owens always has the most eccentric but amazing fashion shows.' Steph Fleck wrote: 'Bury me in #rickowens. Kthanks.'

Model Tasha Moore, who was sporting one of the designer's hair pieces, tweeted a photo of herself backstage with the caption: 'Life's too short to have boring hair, right?' 

Last year, Rick set tongues wagging when he sent men down the catwalk out in loose hanging, draped smocks with groin peepholes, treating the FROW to the sight of model manhood in all its glory.

A slightly less surreal offering: Some models sported fluffy, dandelion-inspired barnets instead of the gravity-defying hair balls

Models sport hairy, bear-like suits and shawls as they chat backstage; a hair piece can be seen in the background, supported by a balloon