One night in Hoxton with all the glamour of 4 days in LA

THE East End's Hoxton Square has never seemed quite so glamorous.

Usually the setting for downbeat Brit Art happenings, the preview of American super-snapper Steven Meisel's Four Days in LA: The Versace Pictures exhibition at the White Cube 2 drew the highest celebrity count of the summer.

Braving the torrential rain - well from car to umbrella to the paparazzi huddle is a long way in high heels - Donatella Versace, Liz Hurley, Kate Hudson, Stella McCartney, Victoria Hervey and Janet Street Porter all gamely made an appearance.

Not that the event could really be classed as a party, with only a couple of bottles of champagne to spare and not a nibble in sight. The real party was set to take place later with an A-list sit down meal at a French restaurant just around the corner.

No, this was the perfect setting for a photo-opportunity with the chic white gallery walls and even more chic blowups of Meisel's winter 2000 Versace advertising campaign as a back drop.

All were beautifully framed with price tags in excess of 7,000.

Meisel, 47, who spends his time between homes in LA and New York aswell as frequent flyer visits to Europe, had popped in specially, wearing his trademark bandanna and black shades, and seemed more than happy to be snapped with old friends Donatella Versace and Italian Vogue Editor Carla Sozzani.

As well as the bevy of Versace-clad women - Liz Hurley in a fetching low-cut peach number and Kate Hudson in ruched electric blue - there were glamorous males in the form of Rupert Everett and David Furnish.

Tim Jefferies seemed right at home - especially when caught cuddling up to Ms Hurley.

Even Victoria Hervey brought new beau, male model Paul Sculfor, to brighten up the proceedings.

Alexander McQueen and Ms McCartney turned up, the latter with a female friend showing off one of her latest designs - a spangle beaded champagne shift dress.

Noted by her absence was supermodel Kate Moss who is hosting the second of this week 's celebrity photographer extravaganzas - the launch party of Mario Testino's new book Alive at the swish Sanderson hotel this evening.

Copyright 2001
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