Style editor gets a behind-the-scenes look at one of New York’s biggest events

NEW YORK » From the spectator's view, all is calm and glossy once the models hit the runways in the Bryant Park tents. For a look from the other side, I got to go backstage at Temperley London Saturday afternoon, where Aveda was handling hair duty and MAC was responsible for models' faces.

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For Aveda and MAC, creating looks to go with the clothing takes place only a couple of days before the show, when they get to see the clothes and talk about the inspiration behind them. In this case, the 1920s and '30s as the birth of fun in fashion. I have to give them credit for keeping all the shows straight. MAC's head artist Charlotte Tilbury said she's creating the makeup for 10 New York shows, four or five in London, 14 in Milan and 10 to 12 in Paris. I can't imagine how stressful that must be. I've been just going to shows four days and I'm exhausted!

The quick-rising London designer Alice Temperley presented her first New York show last year, and will likely be as big stateside as she is in her home country, where she's known for dressing party girls. Her soft knit dresses were adorable, the look completed with sleek retro cloche hats. Ensembles also featured Oxford boots and lace-up granny boots in metallic snake and leather.

While there, I also got a chance to talk to the catwalk's "It" girl, Agnyess Deyn, who channels a sort of Edie Sedgwick-meets-"Who's That Girl"-era Madonna. I can see why she stands out with her dark brows and shock of bleached hair. The last thing designers want is to create superstars that require super salaries, but some girls, like Agnyess, just have star quality.