Talk of the Tents

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

That's all folks! The last show has wrapped for this Fashion Week. What's a gal to do? Recap on all the things she's learned.

And so, here it is: My list of (fashionable) life lessons from Bryant Park ...

* Models have cellulite and stretch marks, just like the rest of us.
* A celebrity can pose, immobile, for up to 20 seconds. Trust me, that's a long time to hold a pout.
* Patience is a virtue that will be tested (and tested and tested) during Fashion Week.
* A show's real start time is roughly 30 minutes (or more) after it's supposed to begin.
* Some photographers have no shame. Case in point, a lensman at the JustSweet show, who screamed, "Uncross your legs!" to ladies in the front row. 'Cause, you know, their gams were in the shot.
* With the exception of Baby Phat and Heatherette, runways are ground-level.
* No need to turn off that cell phone during a show: Runway music is always played at a deafening decibel, guaranteeing it'll overwhelm any ringtone.
* Models don't always wear underwear. (And, no, I don't want to talk about it.)

There you have it! Stay tuned next season for more Talk of the Tents!

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

The man behind the last official show of Fashion Week is just hours away from his big moment. And it couldn't come soon enough.

"It's finally, finally here," designer Tadashi Shoji said backstage. "I'm so nervous!" The Anne Klein crew is celebrating in the neighboring backstage area - loudly. It doesn't seem to be helping.

Known for his pageant gowns, Shoji said this season's collection was inspired by "sea waves and nature." Take notes, future Miss Americas! The Japanese-born designer said his team actually wrapped things up yesterday at 4 p.m., leaving time for him to attend a Bergdorf Goodman party and go to bed early.

And, did he have his Wheaties? "I had tea," he said, and a craft services sandwich. Breakfast of champions!

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Anne Klein's runway was highly lacking in the bold-faced name category - save for Vogue's Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley.

The notorious editor in chief who (allegedly) inspired "The Devil Wears Prada" sat alone, wearing her oversized sunglasses and a belted dress. Did I dare approach her? Heck yeah!

"Anna, may I ask you a few questions?" I asked. Wintour sniffed, turned her head in the opposite direction and shook it ever so slightly. Guess not.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

Singer Mya and I arrived at Style 360's Henri Bendel b-day bash last night at the same time. But as I walked through the entrance, Mya seemed to have disappeared. And then she was nowhere to be found the rest of the night.

JoJo was supposedly there too, but I couldn't find her either. Even the event publicists seemed baffled. Maybe there was a VIP black hole eating up all the celebs.

So what was a girl to do? Dance and sip mini bottles of champagne (from new brand Karma), that's what.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

With a joint movie under their belts ("El Cantante") and an upcoming dual tour, it should come as no surprise that Marc Anthony was front and center for wife Jennifer Lopez's JustSweet show. Apparently it was to some.

"Ohmigod! There's Marc Anthony! I can see his profile!" a spectator gushed yesterday. It's the little things, folks.

"I think this is the finest representation of her vision so far," the Latin crooner told me. And, yeah, he's very proud of his gal: "Ah, man. Not a second goes by that I'm not."

Let's get to the juicy stuff! The couple have been married for over three years - a record for the thrice-wed J. Lo. So, how do they make it work? "I think being able to be together so much is the secret," Anthony said.

Obviously something's working. Lopez rewarded her devoted hubby with a smooch after her final wave/runway walk.

Aww.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Bad girls galore!

Rehabbed party girl, former Miss USA Tara Conner and "America's Next Top Model" cycle seven mean gal Melrose Bickerstaff both made it to Custo Barcelona. Yes!

Conner says she doesn't miss her crown at all, but came out to support the current Miss USA, Rachel Smith, who walked in the show. "I'm recognized more," she said of her life, post-scandal. "But it's good, not bad. I've completely changed my life around."

On to Melrose, who managed to get on the bad side of puh-lenty of her "Top Model" castmates when she was a contestant. "I'm not a b*&^h," she said, getting to the point. "I don't think I was portrayed very accurately."

"Top Model" judge Nigel Barker was just down the row ... Did he say hi? "I saw him at another show and he didn't say anything," she said. Bummer.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

Fashion faux pas alert! A girl waiting to check in at the Tibi show had a
huge tag sticking out of the back of her dress. From Marshalls. (BTW, the
dress cost $49.99).

Now, don't get me wrong. I love a good bargain. I just don't advertise the
fact kick-me-sign-style.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

There are many kinds of models. At the Tibi show, I took note of those types
as the ladies worked the runway.

There is the girl who:

-Tries not to smile, but you can see one peeking through
-Is so tall, there's nothing else she could do but model
-Really does need a bra
-Has an extremely cropped haircut
-Tries not to blink
-Is so fierce, I wouldn't want to meet her in a dark alley ... Unless I was
with her taller, fiercer counterpart

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

It's all fun and games until Diddy arrives.

The man, the myth and (some think) the legend hit the scene at Heatherette five minutes before the show got underway. Photographers immediately came running from every which way - even those who were mid-snap, capturing Bijou Phillips' repeated, over-the-top seat-dancing antics.

The show's stage manager appeared out of nowhere and threw herself in front of the cameras. Who needs a bodyguard when she's around?! When that tactic royally failed, security was called in to try their darndest to keep things under control. Uh, yeah. That took a while.

Diddy just casually fiddled with his phone and simply propped his feet up on the runway during the insanity.

The music mogul's appearance only fueled the pre-show chaos. Former 'N Sync singer Lance Bass was nearly run over by a slew of cameras trying to get to JoJo, while "America's Next Top Model" judge Nigel Barker had to practically push his way to his seat. Once again, Brittny Gastineau was butted out of the way by photographers when Diddy arrived.

"This is such a fun show," Bass said, between texting a pal. (Or, at least, it is when he isn't being accosted by a roving band of reporters.) The ex-boy bander said he's busy with the Broadway's "Hairspray" at the moment, but will be launching a new show soon: "It's like 'Making the Band.'" Uh oh, Diddy.

On the runway, transexual icon Amanda LePore worked the catwalk like it was nobody's business while former porn star Jenna Jameson strutted her stuff - and purposefully showed the camera's a lil' tush after her pose.

But before the madness got underway, the design team's stage manager/human shield stole the show with an animated run-through with the models (some of whom were pint-sized).

"Ooh! I like that!" she squealed, when a teeny girl struck pose at the end of the runway. "Yes! Yes! Work it!" You could just see the 'tude oozing out of these kids, trying to out-diva each other. Their parents must be so proud.

Tori Spelling sure knows how to rile up a group of photographers.

The former "90210" star arrived at Betsey Johnson with a slew of cameramen hot on her trail. And Spelling's publicist wasn't too pleased. "Everybody just hold on!" she yelled. "Dean is here." Cue Spelling's second husband, Dean McDermott, who preened and posed with his wife before the publicist furiously dispersed the crowd.

Off to one side of the melee was Mya, looking highly displeased with her unnoticed entrance. She eventually took her seat (still unnoticed) next to R&B singer JoJo, who texted on her phone and sang along to "Real Love" during the show, occasionally checking out the clothes that paraded by. What? This is a fashion show? Oh, right!

Across the aisle LL Cool J perched at his front row table. The rapper said he was "curious" about the show and added, "I want to see what this is all about." J's been to a few shows already, although his super-built body makes it a wee bit difficult to find new duds. He listed John Varvatos as a favorite designer so far, but reiterated, "I've got to find something that fits me."

J made sure to plug his own clothing line, Todd Smith, which he promises will be "street, but not ghetto." Roger that.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Ohmigod! There's water in the tents!

Who knew a little liquid could cause so much chaos?

Torrential rain has somehow found its way inside Fashion Week's white fortress (go figure. It is a tent) and Bryant Park workers are doing their best to fight off the flood. In one corner, a guard-turned-FEMA employee is attempting to wet vac up the waves that keep forcing their way in. Lofty goal, but he seems up for the task.

In another, publicists are bustling about in brightly-colored (yet chic, natch) knee-high rain boots. Stylishly dressed folk are all being held hostage by the downpour outside.

After all, someone could (gasp!) get wet.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Marc Jacobs' much-delayed show was a common topic of front row conversation at Monique Lhuiller this morning.

"Oh my gosh!" exclaimed Michelle Trachtenberg. "I think it finally started a few minutes past eleven." (As in, over two hours since the show was scheduled to begin. Baby Phat's one hour record is toast!) Despite the extreme delay, the actress said the show went "really, really well ... it was a packed house."

LeAnn Rimes' sharply-dressed hubby Dean Sheremet stood off to the side while his wife was surrounded by a pack of photographers. "We tried to go to Marc Jacobs," he said. "We were sad to miss it - he always has a great show. It was kind of a letdown."

Sheremet said he's been to a few shows with his country star wife, but hasn't found any new duds for spring: "They've all been women's wear, so that would be kind of awkward." C'mon, LeAnn! Throw your man a (men's wear) bone!

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

A disgruntled mob of fashionistas faced off against a lone headset-sporting publicist outside the Marc Jacobs show tonight.

"We won't be letting people in until at least ten - maybe later," he said. It was 9 p.m., the show's scheduled start time. "I'd honestly advise you to go to a bar and have a drink," he added. "Don't wait in line." Don't wait in line?! Yowza!

Outside the Armory Building, where the action was supposed to happen, a few editors were hitting the road. "This is ridiculous," one said. "They told me the show won't even start until 11 p.m." Rumor has it there was some problem with the clothes. And, as we all know, no clothes = no show.

I headed a few blocks west, before running into "America's Next Top Model" judge J. Alexander, on his way to the MJ runway. Once he was updated on the situation, his eyes lit up. "This I've got to see!" he said, and headed off to check out the scene.

As for me, I eventually headed home. My dog waits for no one - not even Marc Jacobs.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Designer Marc Bouwer has green on the brain. And on his dresses, runway and show lighting. You get the picture.

"It's important for all designers to incorporate eco-friendly things into our collections," he said backstage before his show. "I want the world to be a better place for animals and our children. ... Sometimes I can't sleep at night, thinking about the cruel things we do to animals."

Bouwer is so into helping his four-legged friends, that he has big plans to open a rescue shelter down the road. "I'll have to make money with fashion first and then do that," he said, laughing.

On to the show! Kathy and Rick Hilton arrived unnoticed (for five minutes, at least) by the press as they chatted with pals. I managed to snag Kathy for a moment to find out why, exactly, her paparazzi-magnet daughter, Paris, wasn't present for her little sister Nicki's fashion show last night.

"Well, all anyone has to do is turn to the Internet to know where she was," Kathy said. Hmm, OK.

Paris "is filming a movie," Mama Hilton explained. "She came in from Toronto to Las Vegas," where she attended MTV's Video Music Awards ceremony - instead of her sister's all-important Nicholai runway show in New York.

Despite her daughter's no-show, Kathy said Paris "loves" her Nicki's line and added, "she sent beautiful flowers."

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

It's never a good idea to seat two media-friendly celebs right next to each other.

Former 'N SYNC-er J.C. Chasez entered the Luca Luca show mere minutes before Carmen Electra arrived and was immediately beseiged by the press. But Electra had her own group of photographers, cameras and adoring fans that needed to fit in the same two seat-wide area as Chasez's media posse. Uh-oh!

Chasez's publicist was attempting to regulate the crews when the singer spotted the petite bombshell and shyly said, "I'm seated next to you, so, uh, I'll see you in a bit?" In a flash, each were swallowed up by their respective crowds. Smooth.

"Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi, who settled in down the row after the mayhem died down, said she's a huge fan of Luca Luca - and the line's designer, Luca Orlandi. "Luca designed my wedding reception dress," she said. "He's a really good friend of mine. He's like family."

Lakshmi is super-thin (not to mention, gorgeous), despite her food-friendly job. So what gives? "I box, I lift weights, roller skate ... I do whatever I can," she said.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

Just as it seemed like the Jill Stuart show was about to start, there was a
photographer frenzy. Tori Spelling and hubby Dean McDermott were there! I
guess they could take a break from the "crazy" life of running a bed and breakfast.

Tori's figure looked amazingly fit (did this woman actually have a baby in
March?) in a cream, body-hugging dress. Her hair was also perfectly straight
and in place -- guess she wasn't running around in the heat like the rest
of us.

Also at the show: Carmen Electra (in purple) Tinsley Mortimer (in plaid),
J.C. Chasez (looking mighty fine), Nigel Barker (who called Stuart hip, chic
and cool) and Beth Ostrosky.

"I've been known to buy Jill Stuart as gifts for friends," Ostrosky said.

Hey, Beth, my birthday's at the end of September!

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

I'll admit it. I watch "The Hills," MTV's reality show that follows the life and times of "Laguna Beach" star Lauren Conrad (you know you love it, too). And I was beyond psyched to see Conrad's Teen Vogue boss, Lisa Love, sitting front row at VPL by Victoria Bartlett.

It can't be fun to have a camera crew invade your work space, can it? "How would you feel?" Love said with a slight smile. (Lengthy pause) "I think it's great for the magazine."

The teen mag's west coast editor said she's never seen the reality show and clarified that Whitney Port, Conrad's work pal, is actually a contributing editor - not a full-time employee. Gasp! That's not what it looks like on MTV!

Love said she's never actually seen the show (since she doesn't watch TV), but has discovered she has a solid fan base among airport security guards. See? Everyone watches "The Hills!"

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

No sleep 'til show time!

Luca Luca designer Luca Orlandi clocked in less than three hours of sleep last night. "I went home at six in the morning and came back to the office at nine," he said backstage before the show. "We rarely sleep the last night."

Yikes! Despite his lack of zzzs, Orlandi said he felt "perfect." And he certainly seemed relaxed. The designer didn't make even make it to the tents until an hour before the show's scheduled start time. "He's Italian," a publicist explained.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Let's hear it for Nigel Barker!

"The America's Next Top Model" judge and photographer has shown up on time (and even early) to every show he's attended. The same can't be said for his celebrity peers.

"Somebody has to do the right thing," he said, after I called him out on his good habits. Barker said he's been to 12 shows so far and was especially impressed with Lyn Devon. "She had a completely concurrent look," he said. "It really stood out and a young designer needs to do that."

At 11:10 a.m., 10 minutes after the Nanette Lepore show was supposed to begin, Barker was ready to check out the clothes. But he doesn't blame designers for their tardiness. "Really there's a lot going on," he said, diplomatically. "Everyone's running around like crazy.They spend months planning for a six minute show, so it's understandable that it may run late."

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

Are we back in seventh grade? One editor seems to think so.

"Oh my God. It's like my Bat Mitzvah!" declared one editor, who was juggling
20 invitations (not to 13-year-olds' parties, but to fashion shows, of
course) on the way out of the Kate Spade press preview this morning.

Now, if only every fashion show had a cocktail hour.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Darn those VMAs!

Nicky Hilton's Nicholai show had very little star power - and a less-than-packed house. Hilton's paparazzi-magnet sister, Paris, didn't even make it, choosing instead to attend MTV's awards show in Las Vegas. Priorities, people!

Standing room guests were redirected to fill several vacant seats and at least one security guard was utilitized to occupy empty front row real estate.

Among those who chose the runway over Sin City were Russell Simmons, Jenna Jameson, Bijou Phillips, Heatherette design team Richie Rich and Travor Rains and doting parents Rick and Kathy Hilton.

"I feel very excited and happy," the Hilton patriarch said before the show. "I saw some of [the line] beforehand. It was great." Ever the proud papa, Rick snapped photos of family friends before the show and even made sure to take his very own picture of the Nicholai sign on the runway.

Hilton pal Brandon Davis didn't get a sneak peek of the clothes beforehand, but noted, "I saw what Nicki was wearing," before the show. "I loved it."

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Celeb on the run? Cue the photographers.

Ellen Barkin was hounded by a posse of fashion photographers-turn-paparazzi at Bryant Park as she attempted to make a quick getaway. The "Oceans Thirteen" star skipped the main entrance (where a slew of fans and photographers wait for celebrity entrances and exits) and instead opted to walk outside (big celeb no no) along the south side of the tents where plenty of normal people hang out (another big no no).

A semi-peeved-looking Barkin was immediately surrounded by a photography crew eight-people strong, with one man running to catch up. But most park goers didn't seem recognize the actress. "Excuse me, do you know who that is?" one man asked. The guy next to him just shrugged.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Fashion - it's all about the decolletage. Just ask former Queen of Porn, Jenna Jameson.

The just-retired adult film star (and her adorable pup, Chester) welcomed Aurelio Costarello designer Ray Costarello, his stylist and me into her hotel room for a fitting, while a TV quietly played the New York Jets v. New England Patriots game in the background. Jameson contacted the Aussie design house after wearing one of their dresses during a photo shoot and had her eye on a certain little black dress. But, oops! That gown was recently photographed on R&B singer Rihanna.

Sidestepping a celebu-faux pas, Costarello sold Jameson on a ruffled, vintage frock, which she'll wear in the front row at tomorrow's show. The v-neck dress fit her requirement to feature her newly reduced cleavage. And it'll be shortened, of course, to show a lil' more leg.

Jameson just arrived in New York this morning to see the shows and plans to hit up Nicholai (Nicky Hilton's show), Marc Bouwer and Heatherette, where she'll take to the catwalk. But she's not just here to see the sights - she's studying up for the future.

That's right, the star of "Lip Service," "Wicked One" and "Convention Cuties" is going fashionista: Jameson plans to launch a couture line, Hello Jenna, by next year. "I'm starting at the top and I'm not messing around," she said. "I took my implants out. I think it's really allowed me to be accepted by the fashion world."

So, what advice can this future designer give the rest of us? "Have confidence," she said. "Accept your little boobies. I accepted mine."

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Peter Som's packed-to-the-gills crowd filled up every seat, row and standing area possible. Fire hazzards for fashion!

The show didn't even get underway until 35 minutes after it was originally scheduled (it's not even close to Baby Phat's unapologetic record of one hour, but still...).

Som's styles were gorgeous, but fashion-loving patrons appear to be losing patience with the long waits. "I don't even think this is worth it," griped the man next to me. "I wonder if I can just run for the exit now," his friend responded. Too late! We were surrounded by a zillion fashionistas. Good luck trying to navigate those oversized handbags!

Still, there's something about watching hundreds of heads turn in sync to check out a model as she saunters by. Anywhere else, we'd all be ostracized (or slapped) for our lil' staring problems. But it's Fashion Week, baby! Anything goes!

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Designer Michael Kors seemed completely and utterly relaxed an hour before his runway show. His co-workers? A little less so.

"I got a massage last night," Kors explained, after inspecting a model's frilly, flowered dress. The designer said he doesn't usually have the 1 p.m. slot and made use of his extra time by doing a few fittings - on the day of his show. Um, wow.

Guess that's what's happens when you're a seasoned pro!

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

It was so hot waiting for the Rosa Cha show to start I wished I’d been in one of the designer’s bathing suits. Well, not really, but you get my drift. And, obviously, there wasn’t a bottle of water to be found in all of Bryant Park.

But the heat didn’t seem to be getting to Ivana Trump, who looked stunning in a long-sleeved dress. “I’m shopping here today,” she told me. “I spend four months a year in Saint Tropez. I live in a bikini.”

So how does she keep her bathing suit-perfect figure? “There’s no secret. I exercise and eat very carefully and healthily," she said.

While Ivana couldn’t have been nicer, one star (or at least her publicist? manager? friend?) wasn’t as friendly. I approached Mena Suvari to ask a few questions, when her sidekick rebuffed my advances. “We really need a minute,” she said. Manners, please! But to Mena's credit, I will say she looked gorgeous, with her blond pixie cut, huge gold earrings and silky purple dress.

After that, I took my seat and was pleasantly surprised to find the most awesome gift bag idea ever: A pillow! Even if it was hot in there, at least I had a pillow to lean on.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

What’s up with the lack of water in the Tents?

The past two seasons, there were huge fridges and coolers stocked with bottles of H2O. But this year there are only a few coolers with energy drinks (yuck) and a few random bottles of water that have a weird aftertaste.

I’m thirsty!

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

The star wattage was a little dimmer at this season's Baby Phat show, but those who braved the packed house said they were there for one reason: To support celebu-designer Kimora Lee Simmons.

"Kimora's my girl!" Nick Cannon said, as he stood next to fiancee and Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks. The "Wild 'N Out" host said he'd only been to G-Star and "uh...something Bone" so far. (That's Rag & Bone, Nick.)

A woman of few words, Mary J. Blige attended the show because "Kimora invited me." Guess that's reason enough. And, finally, super-friendly "America's Next Top Model" judge J. Alexander said he served as Simmons' "third pair of eyes" for the line.

Other celebs surrounding the catwalk: Star Jones-Reynolds (who smooched Blige when she arrived), Lisa and Brittny Gastineau (repeatedly trampled by photographers en route to Blige - oops!) and, naturally, Russell Simmons.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

“I love Snoopy, but I also love Peppermint Patty because she ice skates and I ice skate,” Heatherette's Richie Rich told me backstage before the Snoopy in Fashion show last night.

The adorably fun designer was showing the love by dancing around with a little Snoopy doll and displaying his "Peanuts"-inspired, yellow and black press-on nail to everyone who crossed his path. Rich and Traver Rains designed the final dress to be shown that night – a wild wedding gown covered in dolls worn by model Omayra.

Also backstage was Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who designed a black and white frock for the show. The new mama-to-be looked glowingly gorgeous in a blousy black top, jeans and leopard heels. HGTV's David Bromstad designed and modeled, though he claimed, "I've never modeled. I'm not a model. I'm a TV host." He looked pretty comfy out there to me!

One of the few celebs walking the runway was R&B singer JoJo, who said she was nervous to model, but looked adorable in a pink dress by Kristin Chenoweth. Not so adorable? Models Jazleen and Caridee, the past two winners of “America’s Next Top Model.” Caridee kept swinging her hips like a madwoman and Jazleen had this intense stare the whole time that just made her look scary. I don’t think Miss J would’ve been proud!

Bold-faced names were noticeably absent from the audience. The biggest non-designer faces I spotted were Tim Gunn and Atoosa Rubenstein. I guess that’s what happens when you have a show at the same time as Baby Phat.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Some celebs are all about the fans. Others try to avoid them at all costs.

Nicole Richie was whisked to her seat from backstage at the Max Azria show by a slew of security folk just a minute before the festivities began. Seriously. I timed it.

The pregnant "Simple Life" star was swept up by her posse (including one who donned sunglasses, "The Matrix"-style) mere seconds after the lights went back up. Mingle with the hoi polloi?! You must be joking!

Richie was seated next to supermodel Molly Sims and across the catwalk from we're-just-friends Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, who whispered and giggled each other as models waltzed by.

Down the row were Mya, Ciara and Carrie Underwood. Pre-show, the former "American Idol" champ said she admires Gwen Stefani's rock-inspired line, L.A.M.B. Ooh! Any plans to design? "I'm sure you have to reach a cultural icon status and I don't think I'm there," she said. "I'm not quite a fashionista."

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Cynthia Rowley's audience was packed with hot, cranky people - some of whom were left to bake outside Gotham Hall for 40 minutes after the show was originally scheduled to start.

And it didn't even come close to starting on time. What's with all the delays at Fashion Week? "It's fashion," stylist to the stars Phillip Bloch declared. "It's fashionably late!" Yeah - no.

"Sex and the City" author Candace Bushnell didn't seem overly cheerful (got stuck in line too, Candace?), but still declared her love for Rowley. "She's just an absolutely unique human," Bushnell said.

Oh! For all you SITC fans: The movie based on the popular HBO series will start filming in three weeks.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

Chaiken used blocks of color throughout the show (as in seasons past): Black
and white at the beginning, tan and taupe in the middle, then soft greens
escalating to bolder green solids and patterns, which created a lasting
impression.

The breezy, extremely wearable collection featured a variety of styles, from
dresses to suits to one rockin' trench. My favorite item? A navy and white
striped "Regatta" dress -- perfect to wear sailing (if I only had a boat!),
out at night at a rooftop party or even to work. Very versatile and
extremely adorable.

Sitting front row was Lisa Rinna, who bopped to the beat in a leopard-print
dress. Not exactly Chaiken's style, but Rinna rocked it well.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

You know Fashion Week is well underway when a sequin-encrusted mouse and
an heiress are partying it up at the same soiree. The mouse: fashionista
Kenny Kenny. The heiress: Nicky Hilton. The place: G-Star's after-party on
the Gramercy Park Hotel's rooftop.

Nicky looked uber-skinny -- and uber-tan/orange -- in a very little black
dress and heels. The younger Hilton sister was in town for the debut of her
line Nicholai at the Tents on Sunday. "I have mixed feelings about the
show," she said. "It's very exciting but I'm nervous too." Expect to see a
jewel-toned palette inspired by Nicky's jewelry collection.

So what was she doing out last night? "Umm...," she stammered until her
gal-pal reminded her to plug G-Star. "G-Star," she finally said. Good
answer, Nicky!

Besides her unidentified friend, Nicky was laughing it up with hip-hop mogul
Russell Simmons, who made a brief appearance in a white tennis sweater,
button-down, jeans and Yankees hat.

On another musical note, seemingly laid-back Simon Le Bon
and Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran told me about their upcoming album,
Red Carpet Massacre, which Simon said has a new sound because "it's time for
a change."

Then, on my way to the ladies room, I almost passed right by my absolute
Fashion Week crush J.C. Chasez. Good thing that gorgeous smile stopped me in
my tracks! In our five-minute convo, I think he called me "honey" seven
times (Did he develop that nickname just for me or did he just forget my
name? Hey, let a girl dream!). While in New York for the shows, he'll also
see pal Lance Bass in "Hairspray."

Also spotted: Rocco DiSpirito, The Donnas, Paul Sevigny and adorable skier
Bode Miller, who was decked out in G-Star.

"Most of their jeans don't fit a guy like me with a big a$% and legs from
skiing. They fit little model guys. But these ... are really
good," he said.

Well, I checked out Bode's rear view (for research purposes, of course), and
I concur! Those jeans fit his behind just perfectly.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

Lisa Rinna is not one to mince words. "We're talking about boobs!" She shouted inside the tent at Bryant Park in front of a booth for Playtex bras.

"Playtex was my first bra," she informed me. Cool! So, do you wear them now? "Umm..."

"They're made for every woman," her publicist interjected. I guess not.

Rinna worked the crowd after the Tracy Reese show, which hosted celebs like Star Jones-Reynolds, Tim Gunn, Nigel Barker and Julie Newmar.

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

A show can't be sailing along smoothly when you start to count its mishaps. Was this tally the result of a long day of work? Maybe. Was it totally juvenile? Absolutely.

But, since the research is done, I might as well share what I counted at this season's Gottex show...

* Number of obvious wedgies on the catwalk: Five
* Number of models who blatantly tried to, ah, remedy the situation: one
* Pieces of jewelry dropped on the runway: three

Gottex fan Dr. Ruth Westheimer was there to witness it all (and to find new swimwear). "I hope they have something for a little old woman like me," she said before the show. The sex therapist then waved over former Ariel Sharon top advisor Asaf Shariv and informed me that she previously told him, "if he gets me a Gottex outfit, he'll have great sex."

This, coming from a 79-year-old woman. To his credit, Shariv didn't even blush.

By Julie Gordon, amNewYork

After seeing rail thin models on the runway at the Cynthia Steffe show, I
didn't think there could be a more out-there display of promoting
skinniness. Um, apparently I was wrong.

Outside the Tents, I was accosted by two gals decked in flight attendant
uniforms handing out "barf bags" for Jezebel. Huh? Barf bags? And then I
opened mine. Inside was a stick (apparently to make yourself throw up)
and a pack of Tic Tacs to freshen your breath afterwards.

Well, I didn't throw up -- but I did throw out the bag and promptly pop a
few mints in my mouth. Ha!

By Korin Miller, amNewYork

"I'm Fashion Week's grandpa," Tim Gunn informed me before the Yeohlee show got underway at the W hotel off Union Square.

Gunn, host of the new "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" and designer mentor on "Project Runway," listed off all the shows he's attended and plans to attend. Judging by his enthusiasm (especially for Charles Nolan), I think he can have that title.

Gunn says he's "terrified" about the premiere of his latest reality show tonight and didn't even schedule a private screening for himself beforehand. "If I had seen the rough cuts, I would have wanted to have a hand in it." He's so delightfully upfront, you just want to squeeze him! OK, well I wanted to, but exercised a little restraint.

Liz Claiborne's chief creative director also gushed over designer Yeohlee Teng's "intellectual capacity," adding, "she thinks first and foremost about social issues." Judging by the number of sheer blouses (read: exposed nipples) that filled her show, the designer doesn't have issues with nudity, either.