MILAN, Feb 24, 2006/ FW/ --- Historically speaking, the turn of every century marked a change in the costume of dressing. And, as the world becomes more entrenched in the 21st century, this transformation is becoming apparent. Donatella Versace is at the spearhead of this movement simplifying lines, shapes and style of dress while ‘adding new words to the lexicon of seduction.’

Tonight at the Palazzo Mezzanote, Donatella Versace proposed for Fall 2006 razor sharp silhouettes that are graphic and geometric, creating a new aesthetic that is abstract yet feminine, a new kind of sexiness that is strong but not overbearing.

Donatella defined it the ‘new alphabet of style,’ wherein every silhouette corresponds to a letter on the alphabet.

The classic A-line was the starting point, the tone set with the opening piece - Daria wearing an asymmetrical double-breasted coat, the 4-buttons slightly following a diagonal line. This was seen in the multiple variants of the coat from the heavily beaten wool, to double cashmere and of course the fur.

It was the belts that sometimes came with buckles with Versace logo spelled out that identified the H. Observed in both mini dresses and coats, the belts and half belts loosely cinched the waist; it had a slimming effect while keeping the shape tailored.

The Y was delineated through stitching and fabric markings. The upper two legs of the letter were outlined as knit adornments on a sweater dress and as a funnel collar on an upper coat. It was the pencil thin trousers that characterized the I, while the rounded car coats marked the letter O.

The most prominent though was the letter V. Created as a new logo for Versace; it was projected on the background during the whole show. The V was seen in coat pockets. Done in patent leather, it was easily identifiable but subtle.

And ‘subtle’ is a new addition to the Versace lexicon in this new collection. But, don’t think of it as ‘understated’ because every piece is strong. Think of it as ‘unfussy’ the way the women of today, and in the future are.

Because truly, Donatella brought Versace into a new direction with this new aesthetic, moving the label forward and in more ways than one successfully defining the look of Versace for this decade.

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