PARIS, May 5, 2003 /FW/ --- Versace Couture presented the Versus, Jeans, Lingerie and Sport collections to the press recently in the Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré Paris boutique.

As fresh grapefruit and orange juice was served by the tall glassful, guests were offered an enticing array of hors d'oeuvres, from melon wrapped in pancetta to miniature chocolate diamonds crusted with real gold shavings.

And the elegance of the buffet matched the new-fashioned sophistication of the lines, as subdued, and at times, understated collections were presented for Fall 2003.

The men's side was especially fetching. Sweaters were knitted with a patchwork of leather rectangles, and sewn with a collage of abstract designs.

Glistening plastic pants contrasted with sleeveless outer vests and fox lined parkas.

In an imaginative turn, denim jackets and aviator pants were pinned with enough medallions and decoration to make Tommy Frank's 5 stars look dowdy by comparison.

For men's lingerie, robes and pajamas were spun of black silk, and then ‹an assortment of gossamer underwear was encrusted with the appellation in rhinestones, a diminutive concept that is best described as brief, briefest, and well, you get the picture.

That peccadillo aside, the House of Versace presented a modified concept of menswear, one that is both innovative and novel.

For women, the Versus collection is an intermingling of sophistication and chic rebel, with passing references to both haute couture and haute leather (à la Hell's Angels).

Metal, ribbon and insertions offer a study in contrasting elements.

Add to that printed disco-style T-shirts, and the message becomes provocative, though feminine.

Wool, jersey, silk mousseline, and satin were combined with fox fur, metal and semi-precious jewels.

The silhouette is striking, whether it be in micro skirts or coats inspired by a military theme.

These were imaginative collections from Versace, and ones destined to do well in a fast changing world.

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