After passing numerous security checks, the guards pulled back a black curtain, giving access into the world behind the scenes.

Before it all began, a relaxed Hedi Slimane made the rounds, chatting with his models and his assistants.

He also spoke with a few well-wishers, despite the fact that the press was urged to keep their distance.

The makeup artists were busily fixing up the boys, and the boys were busy conversing animatedly in the language of choice, English.

At the same time, a flurry of young ladies, buyers from Japan, were trying to get into some of the pieces that were hanging on racks, and the sizes fit.

Each piece is tagged with the models name, order of passage, plus various special remarks. One ticket read, "Davy can keep the sunglasses after the show."

Hedi's staff, a group of young and energetic professionals, kept an eye on everything.

There's a strong sense of team spirit about them, and they are rightly proud of the work they do.

Thirty minutes before the scheduled start of the show, the area is closed to all journalists, visitors, or anyone not directly connected with the show's productionŠ

Afterwards, backstage swarmed with cameras, VIPs, television producers, editors, journalists, staff employees, friends, and friends of friends who got access.

Karl Lagerfeld made an entrance worthy of an opera diva, a trail of flash bulbs following him wherever he went. He was wearing one of Hedi's black blazers, a thin tie, Dior Al13 sunglasses, and pointy dress shoes.

Next was Kal Ruttenstein, who was escorted to a chair near Sydney Toledano, president of Dior.

Isabella Blow was coifed with white rings pinned into her hair, and the effect looked like something right out of the Jetsons.

Cathy Horyn came, and went, pressed to reach another engagement.

After greeting his fans, Hedi began a series of television interviews for both French and Canadian stations. Then it was my turn.

Although he is perfectly bilingual, we spoke exclusively in French, and his answers were off the cuff, clear and articulate.

He is one of the kindest and most polite people that can be imagined, his intense smoky hazel eyes focusing in on you when he speaks.

Just as the interview was concluding, the lighting people cut the cable and we fell into darkness

As the set came down, and the guests began to leave, the staff continued working.

Within a few brief hours, the curtain was closed on another successful season.

Hedi Slimane, Stephen Gan and Karl Lagerfeld being interviewed by a TV crew.