It started with the line to get in, which probably would have stretched out to at least a block if people were standing single file, instead of elbowing toward the door at least three or four deep. In this case, it paid off to be fashionably late. (Or, in my case fashionably pushy.) The crowd was eventually tamed, but it took nearly an hour.

The people certainly showed their interest in fashion. It was a sleepy Tuesday in St. Louis, but no one seemed to notice. The organizers expected a descent turn out of a few hundred. But estimates pin the gathering at more than 700.

St. Louis apparently is very eager to show off its style. There were vintage dresses paired with cowboy boots, unique boutique designs with achingly high-heels and clever wardrobe choices all around. Guys wore shirts and ties in unpredictable ways. Others opted for vests and cute little hats cocked at intriguing angles. For the ladies, there was a glorious diversity. No ubiquitous graphic print dresses. Women flaunted a reassuring sense of individuality from head-to-toe.

So if the sheer number of spectators was an initial hindrance, it was immediately forgiven when everyone was people watching inside with a cocktail.

Then the grumbling started again with the show’s format. Models emerged from some backstage chamber, momentarily walked on an elevated platform and then wandered into the crowd to find these small platforms to stand on. There was no introduction, so it was almost impossible to decipher which model was wear which designer’s clothing. The first two were Kay Oss, then the next two Squasht by Lesley Timpe, then Paul Gibson and next At First View by Ashley Dayley and Felicia Pease and finally two by Suzanne Lay (I think).

It’s hard to get a solid impression when the show is disjointed. Kay’s clothes were mature, flirty socialite looks of pure silks. Timpe’s designs were vintage-inspired daywear items full of retro prints and Gibson’s clothes had a sophisticated air of clean. The quick changes from style to style made me dizzy.

The show would have done well in an intimate setting with collections presented together not piecemeal, perhaps, but the format got lost in the crowd. The show ended and the crowd reconvened at Lush for the first afterparty of the week and I hope people are pacing themselves. The club, which is normally closed on Tuesday had a healthy, happy crowd of fashionistas.

I’ll tell you more about the actual fashions in the next post and point out some of my favorites (and least favorites) in photos.

But here’s a video of the evening’s fashions and style trends from designer Paul Gibson: