Versace put on a stunning display on the opening day of Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week yesterday.

The Italian fashion house showed at the Ritz Hotel – the venue where Gianni Versace put on his last couture show before he was killed.

Atelier Versace Haute Couture FW'12

Current designer Donatella Versace – who is rumoured to be planning a new men’s fragrance - had previously admitted she was terrified about the presentation, but the pieces on offer showed no hint of nerves.

The Fall/Winter 12 line was reminiscent of Gianni at his best, with the 26 gowns flashing plenty of the models’ flesh.

They came in purple, rose gold and pale pink and were either floor length with thigh-high splits or cut well above the knee.

One nude gown was skin-tight and made of lace, falling straight to the floor and so transparent the model’s large knickers were visible.

Another came in bright purple, boasting a bustier top with sweetheart neckline and a skirt made of chiffon and cut straight up the front, so it rippled around the model’s legs as she strutted on the catwalk.

Studs were prolific on the designs, with those looking for a party piece offered a metallic gold minidress which was warrior-inspired.

Stars flocked to the show, which was one of the most eagerly-anticipated of the week.

Lea Michele, Cory Monteith and Matthew Morrison were all there, while Mad Men star Christina Hendricks chose the presentation as her first ever couture show.

Also in the audience were Pierce Brosnan, M.I.A and Milla Jovovich, who couldn’t help reminiscing about previous Versace collections.

“When I was 15, Gianni hired me for his couture show in Milan. I didn’t know how to walk, but he loved me so much, he put me on a swing, and so I just swung on this beautiful swing throughout the show,” she told WWD.