But stepping out in the French capital again in co-ordinated outfits, Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes looked the firmest of friends.

Once again David Beckham and Tom Cruise were left at home, while their wives sampled the delights of the catwalk.

Back in the city for Paris Couture Week, the pair were besieged by photographers as they arrived at an Armani event last night.

Mrs Beckham, 32, led the way in a simply cut black prom-style dress, complete with taffeta petticoat, puffy sleeves and fifties-style peeptoe heels. A wide black belt accentuated the former Spice Girl's tiny waist.

Meanwhile the new Mrs Tom Cruise looked every inch the Hollywood starlet in a jet black velvet dress and high-necked jacket ,made from the same material, with an unusual fan design across the left side.

The 27-year-old was clutching a jewelled purse which matched her silver insect broach.

In the past year the two women have bonded, with Miss Holmes turning to the mother-of-three for advice during her pregnancy with Suri.

Last October they were pictured together in Paris for fashion week a month before Miss Holmes and Cruise were married in a Church of Scientology ceremony in Italy.

Beckham earlier this month announced he had signed a huge ¡ê128million five-year deal to play for the LA Galaxy football team.

The two couples have become increasingly close in recent months and the footballer has said he deliberated with Cruise on the phone before deciding to take the leap to leave Madrid and move to America.

The two women may soon be neighbours when the Beckhams move to Los Angeles. Mrs Beckham has been pictured looking a house five doors from where Cruise and Miss Holmes live with their baby Suri.

Last week Mrs Beckham shared a limousine with Miss Holmes, Cruise and Jennifer Lopez at last week's Golden Globes nominations ceremony on LA's Sunset Boulevard.

The Beckhams are also said to be already planning two lavish parties to mark their arrival into the midst of California's showbiz elite.

The first, a ¡ê500,000 British-themed affair, with roast beef by Gordon Ramsey, will see Cruise and his wife as guests of honour and J-Lo singing.

At the second, Mrs Beckham will introduce herself to the LA Galaxy wives and girlfriends.