Daniela Petroff, Milan, Italy: Fashionistas spend a lot of time trying to figure out what's behind a collection. Dolce and Gabbana make it easy: What you see is what you get.

"For next winter, we've upped the ante from 'molto sexy' to 'molto erotico,"' said Stefano Gabbana, chatting with reporters before Thursday's show.

Once the show began, despite the dimly lit catwalk meant to recreate a club atmosphere, the message was crystal-clear.

Riding crops, stiletto heels, eye masks and wide metallic belts with chastity lock and key, spoke of X-rated fashion for tony temptresses. Madonna, on soundtrack, belted out tunes from her 1992 "Erotica" for those who still didn't get the point.

Fashioned in metalized silk, crinkled like a squished soda pop can, the outfits were often veiled in demure tulle. Hemlines on skirts and dresses varied from mini to maxi, but almost all outfits were cinched at the waist with one of the no-nonsense belts.

Details were as delicate as they were daring. Crystal tassels dangled temptingly from zippers, while rubies served as luxury paste-ons for a breast-bearing, see-through chiffon top.

To best show off the new look, the designers picked Brazilian beauty Gisele Bundchen, who closed the show in a body clinging gown submerged in Swarovski beads and accessorized by the ubiquitous chastity belt.

A photo exhibit clearly showed that the daring duo, who gained fame by turning underwear into outerwear in the 1990s, intend to push their sexy edge as far as it will go.

Set up in an upscale art gallery in downtown Milan, the 12 photos by photographer Steven Klein titled, "Secret Ceremony," tell the tale of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana at the villa they share in Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

The first shot, showing Gabbana sprawled on a luxurious bed wearing nothing but Dolce and Gabbana briefs and a pair of blue stiletto heels, is only the beginning.

In general, sex seems to be less on the minds of the Milan designers than usual, with a sort of latter-day couture the favored style for this round of winter fashion.

A flared silhouette, almost always belted at the waist, with wide sleeves and generous lapels harks back to a made-to-measure 1960s look. Shiny techno fabrics and knits give the look its contemporary feel.