Last week was my absolute favorite time of year (well, it’s twice a year): New York Fashion Week. It’s impossible to describe the thrill and adrenaline rush you get when you run around the city from show to show. But there’s one designer runway that I have gone to for the past three years that I am always most excited to see...Sherri Hill. She surprises me every year with her fresh take on feminine clothing. Each piece—whether it’s a blazer, ball gown, or fringe mini dress—makes the girl wearing it feel both chic and empowered. And I should know: I’ve worn several of her gowns over the years.

This year, I went backstage before the start of the show to see how the magic takes shape. There was a rack of bedazzled “Sherri Hill NYFW” robes that models grabbed to put on as they rushed into hair and makeup. As Scarlett Leithold, one of the brand’s top models was getting foundation blended all over her face, she chatted with me and described what she loves most about Sherri Hill: “It’s just really feminine. And there are so many options for all types of women out there. It’s so empowering to walk her runway!”

Sailor Brinkley, daughter of supermodel Christie Brinkley, agreed, adding that “what makes you feel beautiful makes you feel powerful.” This was Sailor’s very first Sherri Hill show and she hoped much more would follow.

Hollywood royalty Ireland Baldwin (her mom is Kim Basinger and her dad is Alec Baldwin) was also backstage to support her best friend Sailor. Although she wasn’t walking in Sherri’s show, she talked to me about her memories of the brand as she got her makeup done for the red carpet: “When I think of Sherri Hill, I'm reminded of all the times that I've looked at Cosmopolitan and ripped the prom dresses out of the magazine. I’d pin them up on my bathroom wall and pray that one day, I'd be able to get that dress for prom many, many years later.”

YouTube sensation Teala Dunn—who walked the red carpet and sat in the audience later on—asserted that “[Sherri Hill] makes me feel like a princess!” Awww!

I also made sure to ask these gorgeous girls what spring trends they were eager to embrace. Without hesitation, Sailor said “bodysuits,” while Ireland said that she was really interested in all of the new and innovative outerwear (“sweatpants of different materials”). Scarlet explained that she’s not really into specific seasonal trends--since it’s warm in her hometown in LA all year long--but springtime usually means a classic tee and jeans. And perhaps a splurge on an “It” bag: “It’s a big go-to for me.”

Around 5:15 pm, celebs started to flood the venue (the stunning Gotham Hall) for the show. Attendees included Sailor Brinkley’s father, Peter Cook; The Real Housewives of New York’s Kristen Taekman; popular band R5’s Rydel Lynch; former Disney child star Madison Pettis; Ricky Garcia and Emery Kelly from the boy band Forever in your Mind; Miss America, Cara Mund; YouTubers Eva Gutowski and Sierra Furtado; and supermodel Halima Aden. I made sure to snap pics with all of my faves.

The show itself was absolutely spectacular, as usual. Sherri Hill presented a wide display of fall and winter trends on the runway, including beaded tribal print; fringe; festive silver and gold designs; gossamer fabric trains; and tuxedo-inspired looks, a clever nod to menswear. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach also sported the dark velvet trend, strutting down the runway in a black strapless ruffled velvet ball gown. When the last model left the runway and the parade of models came out, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause for the new collection. Sherri briefly and modestly stepped out onto the runway to wave to the crowd. Then the lights went up and everyone dispersed to take pics and order their Ubers to the next fashion week destination. It’s a rush and everyone’s in a rush...welcome to New York Fashion Week.