MILAN, Sep 26, 2007/ FW/ --- On a cold rainy day here in Milan, Roberto Cavalli provided a much needed heat with a high energy catwalk show for the Spring 2008 collection of his eponymous line.

With as big as life photo of the Hall of Mirrors of Versailles and rock & roll music filling the airwaves, the stage set reminds one of Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie-Antoinette’ movie starring Kirsten Dunst.

But, this is Roberto Cavalli, who always provokes and makes us think, so when the models came out with big hair and romantic dresses, it was as if the Ewings of ‘Dallas’ fame took up residence in Versailles!

The brashness of ‘Dallas’ mixed with the elegance of ‘Marie Antoinette’ turned out to be a sure-fire collection that even non-Cavalli fans will surely enjoy wearing. It is a softer Cavalli that can even be described as dreamy.

Chiffon dresses and gowns are willowy that suggests sensuality instead of overt sexiness that we are used to when it comes to Roberto Cavalli. The Italian designer who is known to push the envelope for everyone in fashion changed his tempo this season by tackling his own creative juices to come out with a collection that respects his own code yet reinvent himself at the same time.

White square neck frocks decorated with delicate beading and paillettes, A-line mini dresses that hides the figure yet hints at a svelte one inside as it was crafted in translucent fabric.

Bell-bottom pants made to look like cowboy chaps with the soft layering of tiny strips of fabric. This effect was repeated in the collarless spring coats that worked great with the drop down waist dresses and tunic blouses over wide-legged pants.

Daywear was very casual with the air of innocence of a mischievous young debutante. But, it was the eveningwear that is the true pearls of the collection. Big floral prints silk screened in dégradé effect adorned the gowns; this new styling showed the audience another facet of Roberto Cavalli.

Known of his affinity to rock & roll, the series of evening gowns that were proposed are artistic. Christina Aguilera might not wear it on the red carpet, but Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron could easily be the new Roberto Cavalli women on the celebrity scene.

Spaghetti straps held ruched bodices with V-shaped necklines, the rise of the breast a suggestion rather than blatant. It was very sexy, although it was also obvious from the whole collection that Roberto Cavalli was trying very hard not to sexy at all.

This was a very restrained Roberto Cavalli, his usual exuberance held in check by the romantic bent this season. It’s beautiful and covetable.