THE RUNWAY GIRLS TAKE OFF

For most of the year, midtown Manhattan adheres to the fin-de-siecle urban ritual of a working lunch. But during Fashion Week, held in Bryant Park every spring and fall, the bow-tied and sensibly heeled easily forgo risotto on an expense account for Quarter Pounders on a crowded lawn. Dazzled by the chic, they perch themselves near the heavily guarded white tents where designers unveil their seasonal collections. The businessmen, of course, do not come because they are interested in Richard Tyler's position this year on velvet. They want to catch a glimpse of the shows' real centerpieces: the famously angular beauties...