2 OCTOBER 2002
Britney Spears and Donatella Versace have become fashion’s hottest pairing, with the Italian designer hosting the pop star at her palazzo and revealing the sexy blonde inspired her latest collection.

“Britney is multi-talented,” explained Donatella, who invited the 20-year-old singer to be a front row guest as Versace’s spring/summer 2003 collection brought the curtain down on Milan’s fashion week. “She sings, she dances, she acts, she’s reached a success nobody has before. The woman on my runway, is Britney off (the runway).”

The designer went on to describe the season’s creations as “very young and rock and roll – Britney things” as she reclined on a sofa alongside her fashionable new friend before the show.

“I’m incredibly flattered,” Britney replied to the style icon. “You are so sweet. You let me into your home, and you’re so nice.”

The singer, who commented, “It’s like a dream come true being here right now”, revealed she might be returning to the recording studio, despite her current six-month break from pop. “I think I may just go to Los Angeles and record a little bit. But other than that I just plan to hang out,” she told Reuters.

Buddy Donatella seems to agree that Britney should be taking it easy. “She needs a vacation,” says the designer. “She’s worked so hard for so many years. She’s a young girl and she’s a little tired.”