Most, if not all designers do a dress rehearsal. Some do it an hour before the show. Some, a day before the show.

For instance, Versace held its rehearsal at about 4pm EST today. (That was 10pm for me.) The real thing takes place tomorrow at 5.30pm my time, 11.30am EST. (There’s another showing 45 minutes later.)

I, along with a few other very lucky bloggers, got to sit and watch the rehearsal at the Versace Teatro.

While I’m not permitted to publish my pictures from the rehearsal until the actual show takes place, I can give up some hints on what’s to come:

1. The Models: This isn’t a typical runway, so the models–including some of your favorites–have more work to do than usual. If I were them, I’d be a little confused.
2. The Players: Along with Versace’s very devoted senior staff, Donatella was there, and so was Pat McGrath, who is doing the makeup. (Christopher Kane was in the back of the Teatro working on Sunday’s Versus presentation.)
3. The Music: Fierce.
4. The Runway: Reflective.
5. The Clothes: I want you to enjoy the surprise, so all I will say is this: Viking warrior princess.

Tomorrow I’ll be covering the show from backstage. Can’t wait to see Donatella prepping the models!