Talk of the Tents

A sign posted backstage at Michael Kors

Well, that's it for the fall 2008 collections!

Let's take a look back at some of the week's highlights:

Best Show Theme
Betsey Johnson, punk rock chic

Best Backdrop
Cynthia Rowley, 3D forest

Best Runway
Rebecca Taylor, pink sparkle-encrusted catwalk

Best Fashion Week Swag
Heart Truth Red Dress, Bobbi Brown lip palette

Best Hairdo
Vivienne Tam (the original look)

Best Backstage Advice for Models
Michael Kors, "Be glamorous, powerful and sophisticated ... You are superstars!"

Tune in next season for more Talk of the Tents!

- Korin Miller

Michael Kors, Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham and Nina Garcia at the "Project Runway" finale

Leave it to a reality TV show to draw the biggest star power at Fashion Week.

Victoria Beckham, Meryl Streep and Harvey Weinsten joined a slew of celebrities for the "Project Runway" season four final runway presentation.

And speaking of reality TV, navigating the show's front row was like flipping through Bravo's lineup: "Project Runway" hosts Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum were joined by the show's judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, as well as "Make Me a Supermodel" hosts Nikki Taylor and Tyson Beckford, "Top Chef" contestant Dale Levitski, Ted Allen from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi and "Project Runway" season four ex-contestant Ricky Lizalde.

"I'm here to show support," Lizalde said before the presentations. The lingerie designer also said he's rooting for Jillian and Rami because "I think they have a really strong voice."

Reality TV stars also turned up on the catwalk (they're everywhere!) with "America's Next Top Model" winners Jaslene Gonzalez and Danielle Evans strutting their stuff alongside Cycle 9 contestant Bianca Golden.

Also at the show: A very pregnant Ana Gasteyer, who sat in the front row unnoticed with her hands folded over her big belly. The "Saturday Night Live" alum said she attended the presentation as "a Valentine's Day present to my husband," who stood nearby. Plus, you know, it's her favorite show.

"I've learned more about fashion from this season than anything else," she said.

Keep reading Talk of the Tents for details on the show.

* Check out all of the Project Runway photos here

* See videos for each designer's collection, and audience and judge reaction, here

* Read our sister Project Runway blog's take on the day here

- Korin Miller

A model wears Christian's feathered gown at the "Project Runway" fashion show

* See new after-party pix from the Project Runay season finale with winner Christian Siriano

* Check out all of the Project Runway photos, here

OK, "Project Runway" fans! Here's a rundown of the collections featured in today's final presentation, broken down by designer:

Sweet P.
Applause rating: Big
Opening quote: "I hope you enjoy my collection as much as I do."
Standouts from the collection: Yellow jacket with a cinched waist, over a fitted, strapless purple shimmery gown; High-waisted red and green plain trousers; Striped dress with ruffles at the sleeves and up the skirt

Verdict: One of the best collections

Chris
Applause rating: Huge - the loudest of the presentation
Opening quote: "I ... holy cow. ... I never knew that living my life one day at a time would leave me to this day, this hour and this moment."
Standouts from the collection: Cinched waist jacket with human hair sleeves, burgundy one-strap evening gown; burgundy cocktail dress with slight bustle
Verdict: Good, but the human hair was distracting. (Really - what was he thinking?!)

Jillian
Applause rating: Decent
Opening quote: "This is my first collection. ... I was so inspired and I hope you all can see where I was coming from."
Standouts from the collection: Belted trench with fedora; flouncy cocktail dress; corseted metallic gown
Verdict: Some items hit the mark, others fell short

Rami
Applause rating: Decent
Opening quote: "I think women should be cherished and treated as beautiful muses every day."
Standouts from the collection: Teal two-piece tailored skirt suit; boxy magenta shift dress; gold Grecian one-strap gown
Verdict: Lots of draping (of course) and the evening wear was phenomenal

Christian
Applause rating: Huge, only second to Chris
Opening quote: "Ooh - everybody here looks fierce."
Standouts from the collection: Black ruffled bubble skirt with fitted black shirt; cream and brown ruffled belted gown
Verdict: Some outfits were "fierce," as Christian would say, but others were a bit hideous. One oversized ruffled collar looked like a beard on the model while a feather-emblazoned dress was simply too much.

Audience reactions

* Check out all of the Project Runway photos, here

* Read our sister Project Runway blog's take on the day, here

* Celebrities at Project Runway show, here

* 21 of the most crowd-pleasing outfits from Fashion Week, here

* 175 photos of celebrities at Fashion Week, here

* See photo galleries from 60 runway shows, and videos from more than 20 shows, here

- Korin Miller

Zac Posen

Rumor has it there won't be any bold-face names at tonight's Zac Posen show.

A source told us the designer disinvited celebrity attendees because they continuously accept free clothes from him - and never buy anything in return.

Can anyone blame the guy?

For photos of the Zac Posen show, click here

- Korin Miller

People wait outside Gotham Hall for the Cynthia Rowley show (Korin Miller)

Well, we should've known.

Fashionistas had to wait outside Gotham Hall for upwards of an hour to see the Cynthia Rowley show - just like last season.

This time around, the line stretched around three quarters of the block-encompassing building.

Once inside, guests were handed a generously-sized bottle of prosecco (with a straw in it, naturally) to warm up. Who would complain now?

Rowley got big props for her 3-D runway entrance that unfolded just before models took to the catwalk, but spectators seemed a bit confused by the lack of a final walk. Well, hey, they got over it quickly. Some even nabbed more bottles of prosecco on the way out.

In the front row: Parker Posey (who arrived early and patiently waited around for things to get started), Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Smart, Alan Cumming, Karen Duff and Aisha Tyler.

For photos of the Cynthia Rowley show, click here

- Korin Miller

Aisha Tyler

Who knew Aisha Tyler was hitched?

The actress' husband, attorney, Jeff Tietjens, was seated next to me at the Rebecca Taylor show while his wife sat among the other celebs in the front row.

"We've been married for 10 years," Tietjens said. Say what?! That's forever in Hollywood years.

Tietjens seems to have no problem being Mr. Aisha Tyler, adding that he's pretty used to the craziness that follows his wife by now. Tietjens also chatted about all the womenswear shows he's seen with his wife and noted that he's excited to be out and about in New York.

The man just oozed niceness. Aisha's a lucky girl!

For photos of the Rebecca Taylor show, click here

- Korin Miller

A quick-thinking model earned a round of applause at Rebecca Taylor after she tripped on the sequined runway and removed her heels.

The catwalker eventually waltzed barefoot past celebrities like Carmen Electra, Aisha Tyler, Eliza Dashku and Beth Ostrosky, wearing a slightly mortified expression.

Pre-show, Ostrosky said she's on the hunt for a wedding dress designer now that she and fiance Howard Stern have scheduled their wedding for October: "I'm starting to focus and really narrow it down on who I'm going to ask."

For photos of the Rebecca Taylor show, click here

- Korin Miller

Chanel Iman Robinson (left), Tyson Beckford (right)

It wasn't hard to tell who was Tyson Beckford's favorite catwalker at the Reem Acra show.

The "Make Me a Supermodel" host clapped enthusiastically every time model Chanel Iman Robinson slunk by, prompting her to shyly break into a grin before resuming her serious runway face.

During her final turn, Beckford let it all out, shouting, "Yeah! You work it, girl!" Finally, she giggled.

This might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship between the famous male model and up-and-comer: After the show, Iman's mom went up to Beckford and introduced herself.

Iman may have a chance to heckle her new pal tomorrow. Beckford said he "might" walk in a show, but wouldn't reveal which one. Good thing his friend was nearby. "Sean John," she supplied, with a grin.

- Korin Miller

Robert Verdi and Eva Longoria at Naeem Khan

The big buzz at Naeem Khan was the impending arrival of Eva Longoria. And arrive she did - at the last minute, when everyone had taken their seats. Yes!

The "Desperate Housewives" star briefly posed for photos and promptly started chatting on her phone until the lights went down mere minutes later.

Post-show, she stayed mum, smiling despite the questions that were shouted at her while she left, clutching the hand of Robert Verdi.

Thankfully, "Project Runway" judge Nina Garcia was a little more chatty, but wouldn't reveal who she thinks will come out on top of the Bravo show this season. "We'll see tomorrow," at the runway show, she said. "Not until you see that runway will you know."

- Korin Miller

The following e-mail was sent out today:

"It is with great regret and sadness that we announce the Anne Bowen show scheduled for this Friday, February 8 at 4pm will be postponed due to an illness within her family.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to sharing the images of this collection as well as presenting the collection on the runway in March."

- Korin Miller

Isaac Mizrahi, after the unveiling of his fall 2008 womenswear collection

Between writing his upcoming book and new position as the creative director for Liz Claiborne, it's hard to believe Isaac Mizrahi would even have the time to put out a high fashion line this season.

Well, believe it.

"It's very pure and every single thing is bold down to the barest bones," the Brooklyn-born designer said of his spring 2008 collection. Mizrahi used pinks (his favorite color, he says), purples, taupes and greys to create a "dreamlike quality. ...In a way [the colors] almost don't exist," he said.

And while he was reluctant to chat about his other endeavors, Mizrahi did plug his new Internet show, "Watch Isaac," and upcoming fall 2008 menswear collection. Oh, and he has a blog that's updated several times a day.

How does he find the time?!

For photos of the Isaac Mizrahi show, click here

- Korin Miller

Vincent Gallo has a thing for womenswear. Just ask him.

"One of my favorite things is to buy girls clothes," the indie actor said at Anna Sui. "But I don't have anyone to shop for right now." Any takers?

Gallo said he's a big fan of Sui's "dynamic" work, and added, "I think she's really underrated."

Alas, don't expect this thespian to attend any menswear shows: "I have my own ideas of what I like."

- Korin Miller

Ellen Pompeo strikes a pose just before the Michael Kors show

Celebs on parade!

Big name stars at Michael Kors skipped the traditional front row posing, opting instead for a random red carpet-like situation just before the show got underway.

Natasha Richardson was the first to be escorted in to pose for photographers at the end of the runway after spectators had taken their seats. Once Richardson was photographed, Ellen Pompeo and her husband were ushered in to vogue for the cameras, followed by Debra Messing, Sigourney Weaver, Rebecca Gayheart, Eric "McSteamy" Dane, Eva Longoria and Stanley Tucci.

Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, also attended the show, but took their seats and chatted to the media well before the others arrived. Raquel Welch and Angie Harmon also arrived early, causing a near riot among the assembled photographers backstage - even though plenty of folks didn't seem to know who they were.

"Who the heck is that?" one photographer asked when Harmon arrived. "Angie Everhart? ... Angie Carmen?" Um, no. He snapped her picture anyway.

For photos of the Michael Kors show, click here

- Korin Miller

Lorraine Bracco (right) with her daughter, Stella Keitel

No wonder Lorraine Bracco turned out to watch the Nanette Lepore show. She's practically family.

"My sister is good friends with Nanette," the "Sopranos" star said. "And my daughter works in the SoHo store."

"Mom, don't say that," her daughter pleaded.

Bracco recently shifted gears from her role as psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi to a gig playing the nemesis of Brooke Shields, Kim Raver and Lindsay Price in the new TV series "Lipstick Jungle," a role she says she loves. "There's a lot less testosterone," she pointed out.

And, yes, Bracco keeps in touch with her "Sopranos" co-stars: "We're still pal-sy wal-sy."

For photos of the Nanette Lapore show, click here

- Korin Miller

Attention, "America's Next Top Model" fans: Cycle eight winner Jaslene Gonzalez will strut her stuff on the catwalk at the "Project Runway" show Friday.

Gonzalez told us backstage at Vivienne Tam yesterday that she doesn't know yet who she'll be wearing. Ah, the suspense!

For photos of the Vivienne Tam show, click here

- Korin Miller

A model displays the original Vivienne Tam runway hair (left), and final hair (right)

Hair was a big topic of conversation backstage at Vivienne Tam, where models ran around pre-show with hair out to there.

The designer "wanted to make a statement," said hair stylist John Reynan, as he carefully curled, teased and sprayed a model's locks. To acheive the memorable look, Reynan said, "We used a lot of extensions."

"I love it," Tam said of the hair style, adding that the tresses meshed with her collection's Tibetan theme.

But, hold up: Fifteen minutes later (just before the show's scheduled start time), models were quickly brushing out their carefully coiffed 'dos. What happened?!

"We just changed the style," said a Tam worker who declined to give her name. "With our clothes, it's better to slick it back." Huh.

Fast-forward to 30 minutes later and models strutted down the catwalk with sleek ponytails.

Despite the hair-raising experience, model Hannah Wilson said this was nothing: "I've had my hair spray painted white for a show."

For photos of the Vivienne Tam show, click here

- Korin Miller

Chace Crawford (back left) hid in the second row at Diesel

The retractable rope was back in full force at the front row at Diesel, but, well, we've already seen a lot of these celebrities.

Fashion Week regular Brittany Murphy strolled out from the backstage area gripping her publicist with one hand and her husband, Simon Monjack, with the other. Socialite-turned-model Lydia Heart arrived quietly, with a handsome fellow in tow, just after "Gossip Girl" star Chace Crawford turned up - completely unnoticed and sat in the second row.

Luckily, we have a wicked celebrity radar.

Crawford chatted a bit about the show and said his life has changed drastically since he took on the role of Nate Archibald on the CW series. "I have a job now," he pointed out, grinning.

For photos of the Diesel show, click here

- Korin Miller

Waleed Khairzada

Waleed Khairzada just might be the most laid back designer at Fashion Week.

The man behind Cynthia Steffe's feminine tailored suits and flirty dresses was serene as can be backstage less than an hour before his show kicked off. And several of his models hadn't even arrived yet.

"We're sharing five girls with Rodarte," he said, seemingly unfazed. "They'll get here with Rodarte hair ... and makeup." Keep in mind, Rodarte wrapped just 20 minutes before the Steffe show was scheduled to begin. Uh, wow.

According to Khairzada, there's really no reason to sweat the small stuff: "I think when you get to this point, it's important to stay focused and calm. That way, you can stay more focused on the collection."

The man is a walking ad for yoga.

For photos of the Cynthia Steffe show, click here

- Korin Miller

Simon Monjack and Brittany Murphy at Monique Lhuillier

Mr. Brittany Murphy isn't exactly a fan of the limelight.

"It's awful. I hate it," Simon Monjack said as his wife posed for pictures before the Monique Lhuillier show. After being caught on the wrong side of those blinding flashbulbs, I can't say I blame the man.

Despite the craziness, Monjack said married life is, "fantastic. We're so blessed to have each other."

Before Monjack and Murphy arrived, J. Alexander chatted about his satchel - or man purse, as it was once labeled on an episode of "Seinfeld." The "America's Next Top Model" panelist said most fellas can't pull off carrying a bag, noting, "I'm not your average man."

Also at the show: Amy Smart, Jaime King and "Entourage" star Perrey Reeves, aka Mrs. Ari Gold. Ooh!

Reeves said thanks to the WGA strike, she's not sure what's in store for her character, but predicts there'll be "lots of fighting with Ari." She's also crossing her fingers for more scenes with Rex Lee, who plays Ari's flambouyant assistant, Lloyd, on the show.

For photos of the Monique Lhuillier show, click here

- Korin Miller

Spotted booking it out of the Badgley Mischka show this morning: Anna Wintour with a posse of eight, including two body guards.

Wintour has surprisingly been one of the first to enter several of the major shows this season, although she still refuses to do interviews. She seems to have no problem posing for photos, though.

Vogue!

For photos of the Badgley Mischka Show, click here

- Korin Miller

Chace Crawford hates to shave. That’s why the “Gossip Girl” actor sported some of his signature sexy scruff at the John Varvatos show.

To go along with put-together yet not-trying-too-hard facial hair, Crawford was spiffed out in a dark jacket and gray tee.

“I like to look sharp when it’s called for and casual when it’s called for,” he said.

His juxtaposition of sharp and casual jived perfectly with the rock ‘n’ roll vibe – and music – at the Varvatos show. The designer’s always-amazing soundtrack certainly wasn’t lacking this season, with tunes from David Bowie and The Who and a fabulously amped up version of “House of the Rising Sun.”

“I like a show any time when it’s not just models walking down the runway,” said Damien Fahey, there with girlfriend Grasie Mercedes. MTV taught you well, Damien.

Besides the models and the music, there was another force heating up the scene: McSteamy (or, Eric Dane, if you prefer). Yes, the “Grey’s Anatomy” actor made his scheduled appearance, looking much skinnier – though still extremely Mc-nickname-worthy – in person.

-- Julie Gordon

The good people at Rock & Republic let a fella such as myself into their backstage area before their show on Saturday night. Usually, that's a recipe for disaster, or at least attempted Class C misdemeanor.

Being backstage is typically an overrated experience, but it does provide a neat glimpse into all the stuff that goes into producing the finished product that every sees.

Click the pic below for a little taste of life behind the scenes.

Max Azria and Rose McGowan

Speaking of new hair dos ...

Rose McGowan has a new look. The "Grindhouse" star showed off her new strawberry blonde locks this week — and she looks unrecognizable at first glance.

So, what's the deal? McGowan said she dyed her hair for a role right before the WGA strike and has to maintain it. "I'm stuck with it," she said at the Max Azria show. "It's a lot of upkeep. I have to do it every 10 days."

McGowan was one of the few celebs at the show who actually said anything. Rihanna, Jaime King, Joss Stone and a sunglasses-sporting Fergie stayed pretty silent, thanks to help from die-hard publicists.

A rope was even put up to separate media from the stars, with the stern warning that there would be no interviews and very few photos. Well I never!

— Korin Miller

Look out, everyone!

Low crotch pants have made yet another appearance at Fashion Week. Last season, whimsical menswear line Duckie Brown debuted slacks with inseams down to there; This season, Max Azria adapted the look for women in a sweat pants-style slack.

Is the slouchy crotch inseam here to stay?

— Korin Miller

Betsey Johnson with her granddaughter, Layla

Betsey Johnson's daughter Lulu has been a fixture at her mom's shows for years. Now, Lulu's daughter Layla is carrying on the tradition.

Layla was carried down the catwalk by her grandma last season, but, for this collection, the 2-year-old walked on her own. The tot has been practicing her cartwheel in order to keep up with Grandma Johnson's regular trick during her final bow, mom Lulu said, noting, "She's been practicing the walk, too." And it showed.

Layla strutted down the runway (and back) gripping Betsey's hand, past the celebrity table, which included Nigel Barker, Tyra Banks and an unusually chatty Russell Simmons.

"She sticks to her guns and her guts," Simmons said post-show of his designer pal, after watching a parade of crimped hair, leather, big skirts and leopard. "Those last 20 or so outfits were all Betsey."

The man who founded Phat Farm admitted that he didn't quite complete his Fall 2008 Argyle Culture collection in time for this season, but plans to show the next time around. The new line is for those "of us who got older," he said, adding, "I'm not getting older."

- Korin Miller

Hilary Swank enters the Jill Stuart melee

If looks could kill, the woman who stood in front of Hilary Swank at the Jill Stuart show would be long gone.

Swank, by far the most buzzed about celebrity at the show, arrived just before things got underway in the midst of an eight-man deep posse - and then proceeded to ignore the throngs of camera folk who struggled to snap a shot.

The Academy Award-winning actress casually chatted with the woman who stood with her back to the cameras - blocking the shot, of course - before security was called in to haul everyone away. Yowza!

There were rumors that Swank wouldn't pose for shots (per one veteran shutterbug), inciting a near-photographer riot: "No! no! no! That's not right!" one shouted.

Pre-Hilary, Vanessa Carlton made her appearance and noted that this was her first fashion show. The singer said she's a huge fan of the clothing line, adding, "The store is really close to my house."

Other celebs at the show: A svelte-looking Tyra Banks, who swam through a sea of media to locate her seat next to Nigel Barker, Amy Smart and maternity wear designer Liz Lange.

- Korin Miller

Paparazzi have to jump through all sorts of hoops to cover New York's nightly soirees, but the United Nations has upped the ante for obtaining press credentials to Wednesday night's Madonna-Gucci bash by telling journalists they need a "valid passport from a member state of the United Nations" just to work the red carpet.

“A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF” is the first event of its kind to take place on the North Lawn of the Turtle Bay landmark, which is technically international territory. The bash coincides with the opening of Gucci's new Fifth Avenue flagship store.

The party will include performances by Madonna, Alicia Keys, Timbaland and Rhianna, as well as a special presentation by Columbia professor Jeffrey Sachs. Expected guests include Drew Barrymore, Adrien Brody, Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault, Sting and Trudie Styler, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Gwyneth Paltrow, Arpad Busson, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, Téa Leoni and Lucy Liu.

We're betting that even though Madonna moved to England, she won't have to cough up ID at the door.

-- Robert Kahn

A woman uses a Swifter on the runway before the Malo show.

Well, it's happened.

Despite a great start, nearly all the shows at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week are running at least 30 minutes late. Jill Stuart pushed the envelope today to begin nearly an hour late, but I have high expectations for the wait on the ever-popular Betsey Johnson show, set to kick off in a half hour.

Even Malo, one of the smaller shows at Fashion Week, started 40 minutes late - just after two women in white booties methodically Swifter-ed the catwalk while spectators sat patiently. (And this was after the usual tarp was removed. Can't say I've ever seen that before.)

One headset-sporting woman at the show seemed to give in to the tardiness, wiling away the time by knitting a scarf.

- Korin Miller

Piper Perabo at Peter Som

Attention, everyone: Piper Perabo has a new 'do.

The actress, best known for her role as super shy Violet Sanford in "Coyote Ugly," debuted a textured blonde bob at the Peter Som show. "I just cut it off," she said, giggling. "I've never had short hair!"

Perabo arrived just after Ginnifer Goodwin, who said she's "bummed" about the Patriots loss last night. But, she conceeded, she's "a big fan of the Manning family," including Giants quarterback Eli Manning. Atta girl!

Chick lit author Plum Sykes also turned out for Som. And, sorry ladies - the former Vogue-ista doesn't have any new books in the works. Sykes just cranked out an HBO screenplay based on her novel "The Debutante Divorce," she said, adding, "It was really good fun. And really hard."

- Korin Miller

It’s nice when a designer believes in his product, and Patrick Robinson, the newish executive VP of design at the Gap certainly does. He told us that since he’s been at the helm of the company – he started last May --he has worn everything Gap, every single day, “including my socks.” He looked darn good in jeans and a v-neck sweater and pointed out his rugged-meets-chic Pierre Hardy desert boots, also from the Gap. Robinson, who hails from big labels –Armani, Perry Ellis, Paco Rabanne – is one cool cat. Cool enough to keep his Sunday afternoon presentation closed for a few extra minutes so he could meet one-on-one with fashion royal Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue. "Anna at the Gap? How absurd," exclaimed one not-so-in-the-know fashion type. But then she may also not have known, Robinson has an in – his wife, Virginia Smith, is Vogue’s fashion market editor and accessories director. – Anne Bratskeir

Tracy Reese smiles at her parents before taking her final bow

Designer Tracy Reese might want to consider adding her mom to her PR team.

"Are you kidding?!" Pat Reese responded when asked what she thought of her daughter's latest line.

"This is fabulous," Mama Reese said. "It's so wearable - no matter what your body type." The Reese matriarch, seated alongside Tracy's father, clapped wildly when the show concluded and doled out hugs when her daughter took her final bow.

The proud mom noted that Tracy's grade school teachers always said she was great with her hands. Plus, she added, her daughter got her start designing clothes for her Barbies when she was a little girl: "We had the best-dressed dolls in the city."

- Korin Miller

Grasie Mercedes and Damien Fahey

Damien Fahey was all about being a dutiful boyfriend at the Tracy Reese show.

"My girlfriend is a huge fan," the MTV VJ said of the line, grabbing the hand of gal pal Grasie Mercedes.

As for Fahey, well, he's not really a big fashion guy. "It's Superbowl Sunday," he said, grinning. "Any straight man in his right mind would be home."

The VJ said his woman plans to support him later during the big game, when he hosts a party at his apartment. "She'll be in the kitchen cooking," he said. "Not to be like that ... she's good at it!"

Also at the show: Slimmed down "Run's House" stars Vanessa and Angela Simmons and Miss USA Rachel Smith, who said she has big dreams of becoming an entertainment reporter when her reign is up in April.

- Korin Miller

Bobbi Thomas, with her pup

Oh, the trials of being a Fashion Week photographer!

Shutterbugs at Twinkle by Wenlan struggled in vain to find a famous face seated in the front row before the show began.

One photographer resorted to shooting everyone in the front row on both sides of the catwalk - presumably to cover his hide.

"Is anyone here famous, Bill?" one asked. "Nope," came the reply.

Well, "America's Next Top Model" judge Nigel Barker finally arrived. Pre-Nigel, photographers were left to fawn over some woman with a dog, who no one else seemed to recognize. Turns out, it was "Today" show fashion reporter Bobbi Thomas.

Uh, can I bring my Labrador to the next show?

- Korin Miller

"What the f-?"

That was the reaction of the guy sitting next to me after the odd Herve Leger by Max Azria finale.

Azria rolled out the usual 25 or so outfits during his main presentation - and then unleashed another 15 new dresses when models took their final walk, followed by two gowns that we'd already seen.

Spectators were confused as to whether they should start clapping when the models quickly strutted out after each other or sit quietly like good fashionistas. There was a smattering of applause, responses like the one from my row mate and a bunch of folks looking just plain confused.

This is one of Azria's three shows, by the way. How did he find time to design so many clothes?!

- Korin Miller

Word on the street is that this Dallas, Texas-based Rose is still in the running to design first daughter Jenna Bush’ wedding gown for her upcoming nuptials.

The lovely last look at Lela Rose's Sunday morning show -- a slim, ivory silk job with a gigantic wool back bow -- might be just the thing.

That said, the collection described as “Sporty Cocktail,” bordered on conservative – lots of drawstring tops, pencil skirts, mid-calf hemlines and big, flouncy collars that were a tad mumsy. Young women might well drool for Rose’s paillette-covered racer back tank dress in cardinal red, and anyone would covet the dove gray ripstop trench, but some of the feather embellishment was . . . well, for the birds.

Of note, and in reach, Rose’s terrific black pumps with pretty bows on the back…at Payless.

– Anne Bratskeir

“We took the great Gap classics and made them relevant. We got the cool back in,” said top design talent Patrick Robinson, the Gap’s new executive vice president of design, who worked the crowd at the presentation-style show at Exit Art on 10th Avenue on Sunday.