Tonight, I got the chance to do something a writer rarely gets to do: Watch the runway show from backstage. Usually, the reporters typically visit before or after the show, desperate to get a quote from the designer–in this case, Donatella–or congratulate her on the collection.

Instead, I walked around with my “prosumer” camera (I’m told prosumer is jargon for a professional-grade camera made easy to use for a consumer) and shot rows of shoes, as well as models being primped and pinched, mostly by Donatella, the producers, and makeup artist Pat McGrath.

The best part for me, though, was when the show’s head producer came backstage after Donatella took her bow. She smiled the biggest smile I’ve seen on anyone this fashion week, as she was so happy the girls had figured out how to pose and where to go on the mildly-complicated stage. “They did a great job!” she said, as her colleagues surrounded her, waiting for the girls to trickle in. It felt like, for the first time ever, I really understood how much work they put into the show. (I’m sure last night’s preview reinforced that notion.)

I even stood with the “real” camera guys when Donatella posed with the models post-show. As for the clothes, they were tough and sexy, but also fun. And the shoes are sure to be a hit come fall. But I think this model said it best. Regarding her blue patent leather dress: “I don’t want to take it off!”

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