Who hasn't heard of the New York Fashion Week? It's that one week every year when New Yorkers and wannabe New Yorkers tear themselves away from their power lunches, power walks, and high-powered careers - all in the name of fashion. It's a must to be seen, and it's not unheard of for average New Yorkers - from waitresses to Wall Street bankers - to do whatever it takes to get the coveted tickets to the multitude of fashion shows occurring all over the city. There is a hierarchy of sorts, with seats closest to the runway often reserved for the crème de la crème of New York society. Yes, we all know that New York is a jungle and with Fashion Week, the city becomes even more so. The turnout is predictably particularly appalling among the bigger fashion shows of the more popular designer brands. People flock to the spectacle put on by Roberto Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, and Ralph Lauren, to name a few, not only to see the season's latest designs, but to hobnob or at least catch a glimpse of the rich and famous.



It's a Jungle Out There

If the ruckus in front of the runway in these shows is ghastly, you should see the riot backstage. Here, you can find models in varying stages of nakedness, disgruntled production assistants - fashionably called P.As - and harassed make-up artists and hairdressers. With the high level of tension, it's a wonder that they haven't started killing each other. Not only that, the possibility of theft increases tenfold while in the presence of yet to be seen designer creations. Not surprisingly, designers safeguard their precious masterpieces by hiring the best and most expensive security team that money can buy. Naturally, this includes video security.

It's Not Tacky If I Can't See It

Days before the event, the latest and most high-tech video security systems are surreptitiously set up all over the show's premises. New York being New York, a video security camera in its full glory is considered tacky and offensive. Of course, the security teams would have already anticipated this. Video security cameras are often hidden behind clothes racks and mirrors, or disguised as cute, little, seemingly innocent pots of makeup or inconspicuous accessories that will never see the light of a runway. This way, the sanctity of fashion is guarded without offending any inflated egos.

It's Not a Man Thing

Video security cameras pick up both routine and out-of-the-ordinary activities. Possibly one of the best jobs in the world is watching the surveillance footage from the video security cameras. You get to see models expose their young, nubile bodies as they change from one glamorous outfit to another. However, because these watchers are trained professionals, you can be sure that the video security provider has chosen the most un-sexual man - or woman - for the team. This way, the models' privacy is safeguarded. But they really need not bother. Models are not bothered by nudity. Still, good video security providers go the extra mile to uphold their integrity and reputation - even if it means keeping that juicy surveillance footage to themselves.

Excellent video security can reduce the jungle that is New York during Fashion Week to a harmless petting zoo. Versace, anyone?