Seeing runway photos is not nearly as enticing as seeing the clothes live, and Nordstrom's Designer Preview 2008 reiterated that fact. For example, Bill Blass's gray/black tulle-bodice strapless dress — you know, the one Anne Hathaway wore at the Get Smart premiere — literally came to life before my eyes on the catwalk. While I admired it on Anne, I fell madly in love with it that night because I saw the way the bottom half of the dress danced as the model pranced down the runway. Donna Karan, Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, Missoni, Valentino, Michael Kors, Peter Som, Burberry Prorsum, Vera Wang, and Versace also each showed about a dozen Fall looks.

The night was centered around the runway, but the pre- and postparty was also a blast. Clothes hanging on tall racks gave guests, including myself, the chance to get up close and personal with their catwalk faves, while champagne and hors d'oeuvres kept us satiated. Oh, and I got to meet the ultimate San Francisco socialite, Joy Bianchi!

To go behind the seams of Nordstrom's Designer Preview, read more.