Spring 2001 RTW

A sudden downpour did not keep anyone away from Donatella Versace's high-powered show, including guests of honor Courtney Love, Christina Ricci and Bruce Willis.

Lou Reed's "Vicious" was an appropriate theme for the skin-hugging white leather skirts, draped chiffon dresses with corset-like belts and bloused boat-neck tops that opened the show. Donatella's mood was relentlessly sexy: Clingy jersey dresses followed, ruched, bat-sleeved or off the shoulder, sometimes hanging on for dear life from a single strap. Black patent-leather coats and dresses, metallic-heeled pumps and nude backs screamed for a night of sin. Less conspicuous looks included Grecian floor-length gowns and brick, magenta and cobalt paint-splattered cocktail dresses that will surely be a spring favorite.

With her adrenaline-pumped vision of glamour, high-energy shows and talent for cutting perfect little party dresses that attract paparazzi by the flock, it's no wonder Versace's show has become the social event of the season in Milan.