Purple faces = Your videocard driver doesn't add the skin to the model it is drawing - purple, pink, etc. That's the base color with any model. Seeing bright pink or purple items won't cause a crash. From time to time I see people riding horses on bright pink saddles. No big deal.
It sounds like you have a driver issue with Vista - time to update your videodrivers, or file a bugrapport with the people who produce the drivers.