Never mind the economic doom and gloom. The Paris couture shows get under way this week, and houses are optimistic about the season, expecting strong attendance as wealth flourishes and interest in high fashion surges in such emerging markets as Russia, Asia and India. The week, featuring spring collections by such labels as Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Elie Saab and Armani Prive, is bound to end on an emotional note with the swan song show of retiring Roman couturier Valentino. Noteworthy newcomers to the couture party include Alexis Mabille and Avalon Vega.