Even though the anticipation of waiting for Marc Jacobs nearly killed us after he postponed his show due to Hurricane Irene–it’s fitting that he showed last. Because not only does Marc Jacobs consistently present one of the best and most important collections each season (in terms of setting trends), but he also really puts on a show.

And last night, Jacobs literally put a show. A heavy gold curtain parted to reveal a full cast of models draped Fosse-style over wooden chairs across the length of the stage (think of the “Cell Block Tango” number from Chicago or A Chorus Line)–and you could actually hear the audience gasp (‘Are they going to dance? Sing?’ we hoped). Earlier that night, Jacobs’ sent out an urgent email canceling all backstage beauty press due to “a very long technical rehearsal” and now we understand why. The show was intricately choreographed, with models exiting the Broadway-esque tableau at precise times to walk the stage, which was set like a dance hall in a barn–a simple wooden frame lined with bulbs bisected the runway. And in another nod to Fosse, Jacobs, clad all in black (he was even wearing jazz pants), crouched behind his models, clapping along to keep time and give his dancers models cues–and all of it to a Phillip Glass soundtrack of voices counting to eight over and over–standard for choreography.

It was as if Marc was winking at us, taking the stage because he knew he was at the center of it as the name on the tip of everyone’s tongue to succeed Galliano at Dior. Jacobs told WWD that taking the job at the storied French house “has nothing to do with salary. I mean, I’d be honored to do Dior. But I work with a team, and I’d like to be able to keep working with them. I think it would be really exciting. I wouldn’t be able to say no.”

But we should talk about the clothes.

This week’s many wild prints, bright colors and feminine silhouettes had nothing on Anna Sui, perhaps because that’s always been what she does best. The vibe at last night’s show was cinematic, decadent and high-energy, with loud disco tunes and dramatic spotlights.

Karen Elson was the perfect show-opener. We hadn’t seen her all week, except as musician-Karen, when she gave us a taste of her undeniable ability to captivate an audience. She did it again last night as model-Karen–we were transfixed by her red curls, bright red lips and a maximalist, fully accessorized look that included a fur caplet, black turban, digitally printed floral shirtdress and pink, red and purple checkered sweatervest. A bevy of superstar models followed like Karlie Kloss, Jessica Stam and Jourdan Dunn. Also, Lindsey Wixson’s gap-toothed, red-lipped smiles were particularly memorable.