LONDON, Sep 15, 2002/ FW/ --- Working during fashion week usually means a very hectic schedule of seeing runway shoes while you sit on the sidelines and take notes with a clipboard (or using a PDA in this digital world).

So, when I arrived at the Pringle of Scotland show, it was a pleasant surprise to see that the place was made out to be a tea party - tables, chairs and tea plus frosted cupcakes being served.

As an American growing up during the 1980s, the nearest thing I've ever been to a tea party is via books and movies. So, attending one although it was only via a fashion show is a new experience. But I would not change it for the world!

Seeing Jodie Kidd, Erin O'Connor and Jasmine Guiness sashaying around while I sip my tea and take notes (thank goodness, I am writing on a real table this time!) reminded me of the golden 1950s Hollywood when movies were movies, and leading ladies were stars.

Then the models stepped on square platforms stragically scattered and posed like mannequins in a store window for the photographers.

Both Jodie Kidd and Erin O'Connor are literally "mannequins" in real life, with Adel Rootstein Mannequins (another British firm) capturing their youthful beauty in fiberglass.

The models did more than justice to the clothes, the same way that designer Stuart Stockdale did more than justice to the 187-year old brand Pringle for this show.

In fact, with this presentation, it made attending London Fashion Week worthwhile. With all the bad rap that London is getting regarding its fashion week, it's sad for me to say that there is some truth into that.

But, Pringle's show presented by Stuart Stockdale just erased all that bad rap in my mind. The 33-year old designer played Pringle's strength to the fullest, and in effect, single-handedly announced to the world that this venerable English brand is truly enjoying a revival.

Using the argyle in tube-tops and skirts identified the brand as young and hip. And when Jodie Kidd walked came out of the stage wearing a score of strings of pearls, with some of them oversized, I almost burst out laughing, not because it was out of place, but because I saw Stockdale's humour.

The designer dug deep into Pringle's heritage, and updated it. He was also confident enough to inject a sense of humour, hence erasing any doubts that Pringle is a staid brand.

If a company which is nearing its bicentinneal and holds a Royal Warrant, can make fun of itself, it's as hip as hip can be. This is a first-ever fashion show for Pringle. And I cannot wait when I see these clothes in stores.

Hopefully, a Jodie Kidd or Erin O'Connor mannequin will be wearing them when the clothes are displayed in the store windows.

Pringle of Scotland

Pringle of Scotland

Pringle of Scotland

Pringle of Scotland

Pringle of Scotland