Versace: Being Donatella Versace
By Mari Davis
Photos by FW

PARIS, Jan 20, 2004/ FW/ --- On Versace’s return to the runway for haute couture, Donatella was in a playful mood, proposing that all women be like her – slim, beautiful, and lead a fabulous jet set life.

Last night at the Hotel Ritz here in Paris, Donatella sent all of her models sporting waist –length hair (shorter than the designer’s current hairstyle), with their hair color ranging from blonde to brunette.

Starting with Karolina Kurkova’s sexy, all white bell-bottom pant suit set which was slightly reminiscent of Elvis (the keyword is slightly), it was easy to see from early on that there will be hints of rock & roll and red carpet appearances in the collection.

From the outrageously sexy mini skirt made of silvery thread paired with a backless bodice-hugging shirt encrusted with crystals and jewels, topped off with a high-collar made from the same material, but made to look like a necklace, Donatella was in her top form.

As each model walked the runway, showing off exquisite beading, decisive cuts and masterful tailoring, it was not hard to imagine seeing these clothes at the Oscar red carpet next month, or the Grammy Awards.

With Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé Knowles topping the long list of celebrities who are always seen in Versace, and Donatella’s close relationship with Hollywood and the music industry, celebrity stylists will definitely be knocking at Versace’s door once this collection has been made public.

When the designer came out to take her bow at the end of the show, she was greeted by a thunderous applause by the full-capacity crowd at the Hotel Ritz.

Donatella accepted the kudos with a big smile and said thank you, which was drowned out by more applause.

And as she walked back, and see her fine form, you realize, that she can easily have modeled all of her creations herself!

Ah, to be Donatella Versace! And to use a colloquialism, let us just say, “You go girl!”

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