Versace: Still Not Tacky

Versace looks from Fall 2008; photos from style.com

Every season, critics are shocked, shocked, that Donatella Versace -- she of the Steven Tyler lips and peroxide blond locks -- has sent something, um, not tacky down the runway. It's so demure, so restrained, so sophisticated, critics say. This is not the Versace we know! Where's the bling? The cleavage? The vulgarity? The infamous dress J. Lo wore to the Grammys that tenuously held together with a single brooch that barely covered her, ehem, lady parts?

I'm really surprised critics are still in disbelief over Versace's evolution. Donatella has been sending pretty ladylike coats and lovely dresses for four or five seasons now. I wonder what critics would say if, next season, Donatella went back to the chain metal and leather dresses that were associated with the house back when her brother Gianni was designing. They're probably waiting to say, I told you so! But will they welcome the vulgarity with open arms or scoff at it?