BLONDE AMBITION: As if the New York party schedule weren't packed enough next week, Donatella Versace is jetting into town to bring a little of la dolce vita to fashion week. The blonde designer is here to work, however. On Wednesday, she'll host an invitation-only shopping night at her Fifth Avenue store for American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders. (The hands-on designer is picking the models herself for the event). The next day, she'll be back at the boutique to do her first launch effort for a new accessory — the house's Hit bag. Hopefully she'll teach a thing or two to the 30 young socials who have been invited for Champagne and lunch.

But Versace is saving a little time to play before heading home: she's planning to stop by for dinner at Amy Sacco's Bette, check in at the Esquire House to survey the progress of the Versace room and fete a few fellow designers at their parties.

CFDA WEIGHS IN: Diane von Furstenberg and Steven Kolb haven't forgotten the weight debate regarding ultrathin models. Last week, the pair sent a letter to designers highlighting the need "to promote health as beauty when working with models." As a gentle reminder, members received the recommendations developed by the CFDA's Health Initiative earlier this year. Von Furstenberg said Thursday, "I wanted to remind everybody of what we had decided last season. We just wanted to say everything is not fluff."

The letter was a follow-up to the panel discussion held with Natalia Vodianova in February. "We thought it was the appropriate thing to do. Actually, it was Steve's idea," said von Furstenberg.

"For this season, we will not focus on press but we do remain committed to the idea that health is beauty," the letter reads, "...the biggest impact was quieter. Many agents, casting directors and designers took this seriously by encouraging healthy behavior and connecting support directly to the girls they work with."

Kolb said Thursday, "Our intention is to be low-key, industry-focused and one-on-one. With the shows just around the corner, we thought this was the responsible thing to do."