Outside, we were in SoHo.

A throng of hoisted cameras rushed an unmarked elevator, but a frenzied, red-lipped woman with a high ponytail and a clipboard acted as gatekeeper, keeping the onslaught at bay. Somehow, The Observer found ourselves inside.

One of the cameramen broke through to the elevator’s threshold, which was ready to depart for the Levi’s Fall 2012 collection preview. “I need to get my spot,” he told the woman.

“Absolutely,” she said, nodding. But it wasn’t an invitation to ride.

“No absolutely,” he said flatly. “I am Women’s Wear Daily.” He stepped in, gained clearance from someone else with a clipboard, and we ascended.

Inside, we were in Brooklyn. Read More