Naughty Lolitas at Versus -- Gorgeous Baby Dolls at Versace
By Godfrey Deeny
Photos by Gruber-FWD
MILAN, Oct 3, 2002/ FWD/ --- Next time anyone complains that fashion folk dress in black
too often, let them see a video of this joint Versus and Versace show, an explosion of
acid colors, multi-hued stripes and enough silver to trim a Cadillac.
"With everything that's going on now I thought we need an overdose of color and glamour,"
Donatella explained to FWD backstage when the thundering applause had died down after
this powerful show.
Donatella kicked off with Versus, the house's funkier, younger line with plenty of punk
looks like chains as shoulder straps, necklaces or wristbands, and eyelets piercing bags
and belts and covering the rear of the tight black cocktail dress worn by Fernanda Tavares.
Generally, however, the colors echoed the bright Andy Warhol silk screens that kept popping
up on two giant screens at the back of the catwalk in the courtyard of the Versace's via
Gesu palazzo.
Donatella joked in her program that the message for this collection was "naughty school girls
taking their first communion."
Well there better be a strong-hearted priest on duty as the models had flaming red eyeliner,
black lipstick and enough hair extensions to jinx a banshee.
They were so made up, the Versace collection that followed featured an entirely different
crew of models.
The look was reminiscent of a baby doll on the red carpet, and drew plenty of claps from
Britney Spears and Jade Jagger, who sat front row in the shadow of some linebacker-sized
security men with diamond earrings.
Irregular stripes, optical prints and sizzling florescent tones dominated in a collection
that got hotter and hotter and culminated in a series of dreamy slip dresses edged in lace
that stylists will be demanding for all the hot premieres.
Models, editors, stylists and a few privileged guests were then invited upstairs into the
family's apartment to dine on black squid ink risotto and truffle canapés.
Donatella made an entrance at dinner with Amber Valletta, and when the crowd began cheering
and clapping, the designer waved towards the model and said. "No, applaud her."
Britney managed to effect a quick change of dress from the pink curvaceous fall 2002
gown she wore in the front row.
After midnight the world's most famous virgin strutted around into a turquoise asymmetrical
dress with one spider-web arm, the better for a little late night dancing.
By 1am, that's exactly what she was doing on the palazzo's top floor.
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