MILAN, Dec 15, 2005/ FW/ --- Gianfranco Ferré might have made the deal of the year as he signed Julia Roberts to be the face of the Spring / Summer 2006 ad campaign for his eponymous fashion house.

Roberts, who is currently America’s sweetheart, one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood and the highest paid actress in the industry commanding $20 million fee per movie is one of the most well-known faces on the planet.

According to reports, Julia Roberts, who took time off from the movies to have twins is already shooting the ad in Los Angeles with no other than famed fashion photographer Mario Testino on the other side of the camera.

But Julia Roberts fans in the U.S. will not see the ad. The agreement covers the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Japan, the Far East and Ocenia, excluding North America.

The ad, which will break in the international market this February, will probably feature Julia Roberts wearing white, which was the dominant color on the Spring / Summer 2006 Gianfranco Ferré collection previewed in Milan last October.

And speaking like a true architect, for that was he was originally trained for, Ferré said “the intense, dazzling midday sun reverberating on the facades of colonial buildings and Mexican cathedrals inspired him.

So out came trousers paired with loosed-fitting blouses cinched at the waist that sometimes ended in box pleats, a definite reference to Mexico’s Spanish heritage. Long sleeves were puffed between the shoulder and the elbow.

On loose fitting frocks, the waist was emphasize by obi-sized macramé belts held together by a ribbon on two rings.

The finale was an off the shoulder white lace gown that clung to the bodice, then flared right before the hips, a jet-set Mexican senorita.

Though it was supposed to be an all white collection, colors have to be added. The Mexican fiesta is after all a kaleidoscope of colors. But instead of bright and bold, Ferré opted for the darker muted shades, sending trousers embellished with laser cut eyelets and mid-calf halter dresses accentuated only with a big bow.

Now, which will Julia Roberts wear? Will it be the finale white lace gown, or the floor length voile frock finished off with a macramé belt?

Or would it be the black low-rise pants matched with an organza trench coat with biased skirt?

But, her fans need not worry. After all, Gianfranco Ferré knows how to dress the ladies. And like what he said, “I adore [Julia Roberts’] vitality, her natural ease, and her free spirit. Everything about her makes her the authentic Ferré woman."

So, how can anything go wrong with that?