VISCOUNTESS Serena Linley, the former Lady Stanhope, makes a splash when she steps out in a Herve Leger number - especially when it has a deep-cut cleavage. But the slim and attractive royal buys the dresses from her favourite French designer because he has achieved the rare distinction of being able to make a woman look sexy. Leger, who initially created something called the 'bandage dress' - which is exactly how it sounds - has become one of high fashion's most respected designers. Coats are maxi-style in the softest cashmere, or discreetly shiny silk for trench coats, while the Leger suit is almost equestrian in its styling: jackets are fashioned out of whipcord and given tails, and worn with riding boots and wool stockings. Perfect little dresses are in knit viscose or jacquard. In powdery shades of off-black, deep green and dark purple, Leger's evening dresses feature his famous low cuts, this time trimmed with muslin.