Modernity mixed with elegance

The show was a success for his sister Donatella, who took the helm of the fashion empire after Gianni was killed on the steps of his mansion in Miami last year.

Many in the fashion world had been waiting to see how she would cope with her brother's legacy as one of the greatest leaders of design and style.

The house continued to produce its ready-to-wear lines presented in Milan but suspended couture for a season out of respect.

Donatella's first haute couture collection was greeted with warm and enthusiastic applause.

But for some the absence of the great showman was palpable.

Simple yet sexy

Stunning debut for Donatella

Sex and glitz were always big selling points for Versace and Donatella did not disappoint.

She kicked off this year's haute couture winter collection with a stunning debut show at the Ritz in Paris.

The outfits throughout the show were simple and yet glamourous and sexy.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell was first on the catwalk. She appeared in a sharply tailored white sheath dress typifying some of Donatella's strongest ideas for next winter.

Provocative style

On display were just-tight-enough dresses and short suits in shiny or feathery new fabrics that got catcalls throughout the show.

There were ostrich feathers stuffed into white tweeds, many effects with copper threads that almost translated into cotton-candy weaves, and shimmery mermaid looks.

Daysuits hugged the body, with elongated jackets in boiled wools, bouclé and mohair.

The message was thoroughly modern and, according to most critics, very Versace - a collection imbibed with Gianni's messages of provocative, outrageous fashions, and innovative techniques.