New York, September 11, 2006 – Leave it to Marc Jacobs to hit just the right note when his fashion show fell on the momentous fifth anniversary of September 11. Forgoing his trademark endearing kookiness - marching bands, cheerleaders - Jacobs’ show had a calming, almost dreamlike quality; the models walked serenely in the ladylike, garden party-style dresses of lace and linen. The new-agey music was soft enough that a ringing cell phone would have been an embarrassment; fortunately, that didn’t happen.

The bright green runway was set in a bed of soft blue hard candies, evoking freshly sprouted Spring grass and a lily pond.

A-listers returned to Jacobs’ front row after a hiatus last season. Lil’ Kim had to miss the last show due to that pesky prison sentence, but she’s free for fashion now. Marc’s buddy Winona Ryder was back, this time joined by Kanye West, LeAnn Rimes, Sofia Coppola, Dita Von Teese, Vincent Gallo, Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer.

When Eva Mendes heard that Kate Bosworth would be in the seat next to her, she said, “Oh good, I love Kate”. Mischa Barton ended up in that seat, but we didn’t find out how Eva feels about her. Jared Leto was in full makeup. The seats were bleacher benches, so rapper Fifty Cent couldn’t throw any. Ashton Kutcher furiously took notes during the show - we can’t imagine what for - while Demi Moore whispered to him occasionally. Victoria Beckham was with Harper’s Bazaar editor Glenda Bailey.

The energy was a bit higher at the after party, at the newly redone Gramecy Park Hotel, not far from the show venue.

Photos: Kristin Callahan/AcePictures, Caroline Torem Craig/LFI