The action shifts to the dressing area. On each clothes rack is a poster inscribed with a model's name, snapshots of the four or five outfits she will wear, notations on shoes and accessories. One seamstress and one dresser per model stand at the ready. Out front, walkie-talkie static crackles as the crowd plods up the risers. Backstage, tension mounts.
Dressers help mostly nude models into yellow harem pants and blue-green peplum jackets.
Mary, let me introduce you to my aunt . . . It's a schmooze moment. It's an Emily Post moment. Barely contained patience. Backstage, eight models are coiffed, dressed and ready.