PARIS, Jan 21, 2004/ --- Like most Americans, I have a Starbucks habit. So, when I saw that the famous coffee shop finally has a Paris franchise, I have visited it everyday.

And that is where I met another American journalist who works for Southern TV station, also getting his cup of java for the morning.

Since it was early enough, we decided to walk from the Starbucks located near the corner of Avenue Opera and rue Saint-Roch to the Theatre Marigny (a good 20-minute walk), so that we can catch up.

Like most of the fashion flock, we get invitations to the fabulous parties given by the fashion houses after their shows.

I had to shamefully confess to my compatriot that I had been so tired each evening, that I have not attended any parties at all.

But he had, and because of that, he had heard so many rumors and whispers about the fashion season, it can give you a headache.

Top of the heap according to him is that Yves Saint Laurent himself will head up the fashion house that bears his name when Tom Ford steps down as Artistic Director of YSL come April.

And then he said, that he also heard that Stella McCartney is also on the short list of likely candidates.

As a woman, I felt a little lift in my fashion spirit. Since Domenico De Sole and Tom Ford announced that they are leaving the Gucci Group, likely candidates for the latter’s replacements at both houses have always included only male designers.

This is the first time that I have heard that a woman, i.e., in the person of Stella McCartney, being considered.

And as it is with great catching up during the season, there is never enough time to exchange news.

By the time we finished our coffee, we have reached Theatre Marigny, and we were in work mode once again, as we lined up to be admitted to the venue.