Show report: Versace A/W’11

You can always rely on Versace for a heady dose of drama and on day three of Milan Fashion Week, Donatella delivered just that

You can always rely on Versace for a heady dose of drama and on day three of Milan Fashion Week, Donatella delivered just that.

In the sumptuous tented garden where her brother Gianni always showed, a starry guest list including Duran Duran and all the major fashion players took their seats for some high-octane glamour.

The lights dimmed, the opera that had ushered us in was faded out and Prince’s ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ started up – so we did, in appreciation of another fabulous offering from Milan’s favourite fashion house.

The label’s signature Medusa swirls were simplified and enlarged into a single, curled vine that was emblazoned on the runway as well as much of the collection. The distinctive print appeared on black and white shift dresses in rich purple and what’s already being dubbed, 'Versace Yellow' – a hue that’s sure to enter the style lexicon for seasons to come.

It may be the autumn/winter collection but Versace still demands that we show some flesh.

Dresses were one-shouldered or sleeveless for a more subtle sex appeal than the label’s looks of recent years. One concession to the no-doubt sub-zero temperatures many of us endure in A/W was the sharp-cut, belted coats with military-style epaulettes and oversized gold buttons in white or black wool and a to-die-for navy leather number.

The look was completed with super-sleek, blunt-cut hair that hasn’t been seen anywhere else this season – as well as the obligatory Versace all-over tan.

Versace must-haves for A/W’11: - A shoulder baring dress - Peep-toe boots - Double-breasted, belted coat with gold buttons - Anything fabulous in ‘Versace Yellow’ - St Tropez

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