"This season felt like the right moment to make a change from the runway and bring the collection back to our boutique," says the designer of her upcoming spring/summer 2003 couture presentation, which will be staged inside her boutique at 62 Rue Faubourg St. Honore on Monday.

The intimate presentation will feature an installation of specially-designed mannequins draped in hand-sewn garments, each accompanied by an over-sized video screen with model Georgina Grenville sashaying in the frocks.

Instead of the 40 exits, which Donatella normally shows and are required for entry to the Chambre Syndicale's official calendar, Versace is limiting the presentation to just 10, super-edited looks.

Although low on quantity, be prepared for an impressive wow-factor - FWD has heard the gowns will display unprecedented volume and size, the likes of which the house of the Medusa has never seen.

Donatella's inspiration for the concept arose largely last October after researching and preparing for the comprehensive Versace exhibit at London's Victoria & Albert museum.

The designer says she was struck by the positive impact of letting viewers get within inches of the workmanship of the clothes, much like the positive response she receives in the atelier when press and clients see the collection up-close.

"It's just much more personal and intimate and will let us focus on the clothing in a different way."

Universal money-losers, the fate of couture businesses continues to be questionable for all fashion houses, especially in today's lifeless economy.

Asked whether Versace's new format is indicative of the house distancing itself from couture, a spokesman said, "Absolutely not. We are 100 percent committed to couture."

Versace's normal 500-person guest list will be adhered-to this season, and the group will be treated to an unusual couture gift: a hard cover, silk-bound book featuring sketches and descriptions of each piece in the collection.

"This season's approach is different," said the spokesperson, "but this presentation is as official as ever."