Though the L.A.-based designer of Rock & Republic, Michael Ball, has expressed disdain for the Bryant Park tents in the past, he had no problem showing there on Saturday, Feb. 2.

It was a standing-room only spectacle. Socialite Lydia Hearst, wearing a sheer white deconstructed dress, had to be hoisted up over the runway to the front row, where she clacked away at her BlackBerry and made hand motions at hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons across the way.

A full orchestra in a pit played The Beatles’ “Happiness in a Warm Gun” as a model in gangster hat, lady-cop inspired pantsuit and gun holster strutted aggressively down the runway. The rest of the women's line rotated among deconstructed evening jersey frocks, some sporting long trains; boat-neck trench coats; and leather mini-dresses. The menswear on offer featured sharply tailored tailcoats and trousers. Every stitch of denim arrived on the runway in black.

Afterwards the massive crowd headed over to 1 Oak on West 17th Street; this reporter, alas, was barred from entry.