The ripping yarn of Kate and Courtney out partying

But usually her outfit - if not her reputation - survives intact.

The vintage gold satin gown she wore to a fashion gala in London, however, was not so lucky.

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Calm and then the storm: Kate started out the night looking a picture of glamour, but ended it with her dress torn at the rear

Putting a foot wrong: Kate Moss and Courtney Love pose for a photo

Miss Moss had arrived for the Golden Age of Couture exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum a shimmering picture of old-school glamour.

Unfortunately that's when Courtney Love put her foot in it. Or rather on it.

The 43-year-old American actress, not noticing Miss Moss's two-foot train, stomped all over the delicate satin.

As a distinct tearing noise reverberated around the museum, the 33-year-old supermodel anxiously looked over her shoulder to discover a tiny rip in the material.

As the night grew longer, so did the rip - until Miss Moss's beautiful £650 gown was in tatters.

Eventually, there was nothing for it but to hoist the full-length skirt to safety and tie it just below her hip.

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Rip-roaring evening: Last night Moss' dress was torn at the shoulder and under the neck fastening. She tried to avoid more damage by tying the dress out of the way

Who knows? With Miss Moss's fashion savvy, (she has her own range for Top-Shop) the look could be the Next Big Thing in the High Street.

"Kate arrived looking absolutely radiant and was on fantastic form, smiling at fans on the red carpet and happily greeting everyone she knew," said a fellow guest.

"But just seconds after her grand entrance, Courtney, failing to spot the huge train at the end of Kate's dress, trod on it with both heels causing a very slight rip.

"Throughout the course of the evening the hole, which started just above the small of her back, began to spread.

"She took it in surprisingly good humour though, shrugging it off with a giggle and helping herself to another glass of wine.

"At midnight she went outside to the courtyard and watched some jive dancers strutting their stuff and started clapping and whooping along with everybody else.

"Unfortunately, this wasn't great for her dress and the tear gradually began to spread until eventually it reached her armpit.

"But it is to Kate's credit that she didn't let the rip spoil her fun. Instead, she simply rolled up the gown and disguised the hole as best she could."

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Damage: the fragile gown was in shreds by the end of the night

Then, with all the determination of an expert party-goer, Miss Moss continued to another do at the Dorchester Hotel.

She mingled with guests including Nigella Lawson, Prince and Sir Philip Green at the hotel's China Tang bar.

Miss Love, whose old band was - perhaps appropriately - called Hole, was also there. Miss Moss, still wearing the evidence of the Love stomping, kept her distance.

Both remained with their respective groups of friends at opposite ends of the bar.