I'm out with the in crowd

Fashion week. Two words that strike terror into my heart. Because it's not just about going to the shows and seeing what's on the catwalk. It's just as much about what people wear to watch the shows. You need a different, trendy outfit for the whole week. Preferably with different matching shoes and bag (My choice: a fleece, or a fleece? A fleece I think. My smelly trainers or my not so smelly trainers?) Then it's about being looked up and down by your peers ("for goodness sake, did you see what she was wearing? That was last year's pattern/shade/shape/heel!"). Then you are studiously ignored by people who later kiss you slavishly when they are drunk at some ghastly after-show party. And lastly, you are judged not on your intelligence, wit or ability to remember Eagle songs when drunk, but on where your bottom is seated. This is also where you realise that most of what is written about fashion is utter bollocks, because nearly everyone is still wearing black. In a little twist to showing what was on the catwalk, I thought it would be fun to let you have an insight into what those nice fashion people wear to watch the shows they report on, and ask for their words of wisdom on Fashion Week. ANNALISA BARBIERI

FRANCES MLINARNIC, MANAGERESS OF BILL AMBERG SHOP IN LONDON

Leopard-print mac from Oxfam, sweater from Marks and Spencer, jeans from Top Shop and shoes by Office. 'I haven't seen any shows yet but I'd really like to see Antonio Berardi. For Autumn/Winter, I'll be buying colourful knitwear, preferably in rich scarlet and green. I think women should invest in accessories such as a good-quality bag and vibrant velvet scarves.'

JESSICA MORRIS, SALES ASSISTANT AT VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

Blue dress by Vivienne Westwood. 'I'm on my way to see Vivienne's show now. I wouldn't mind seeing the Alexander McQueen show here and Issey Miyake in Paris. For Autumn / Winter 97, I'd like to see people wearing trashy glamour gear and women with coiffured hair.'

JACQUIE ALLMOND, FASHION STYLIST

Jumper by John Smedley, leather jacket and trousers from a thrift store in Miami. 'I'm looking forward to seeing the Red or Dead show and Alexander McQueen. For Autumn/Winter, I'd like to see women wearing masculine suits with high, sexy shoes.'

CHANTELLE STEPHENSEN, MODEL.

Jacket from C&A, sweater from Oxfam, t-shirt from Dorothy Perkins, trousers by Levi. 'I'd like to see other shows but I'm participating instead. It would be really nice to see women wearing more feminine clothes, such as chiffon and lace dresses.'

MARK PALMEN, PR CONSULTANT FROM NEW YORK

Jacket by Vexed Generation, sweater by Vivienne Westwood, gold chain belt with heart locket designed by Mark and made by Erikson Beamon, trousers by Levi and patent boots from Trash and Vauderville. NYC bag bought at New York airport. 'I've been to see Vivienne Westwood, Amaya Arzuaga and I'm going to see Antonio Berardi and Alexander McQueen. This Autumn/ Winter women should expose more.'

JEMIMA DYER, DESIGNER FOR JS CARRIER BAGS

Stripe sweater by Clements Ribeiro, skirt by Issey Miyake, shoes by Bronx. 'I'd like to see the Clements Ribeiro show and Hussein Chalayan. Next Winter, I'd like to see people wearing velvet accessories and colour, not black.'

CAROLINE TITCUMB, FASHION ASSISTANT AT VOGUE

Navy skirt by Elspeth Gibson, sweater by TSE Cashmere, coat by Sportmax, bag by Gucci and shoes by Cesare Peciotti. Will attend all the shows during Fashion Week. 'I'd like to see lots of luxury velvet and antique pieces of clothing.'