We made our way through the crowd to the burly security guards. They stood thin lipped and vigilant, scanning the crowds of curious onlookers behind the barricades. All except one were wearing the exact same black, wing-tipped shoes. Most had the exact sa me buzzcuts; not much for fashion statements these guys. They looked like Secret Service agents fresh out of the 1960's.

We had ourselves checked off on the guest list, then stood with other members of the press and waited. . . and waited. The boutique in front of us was one of four brand new Victoria's Secrets to open that day. This one is located at 115 Fifth Avenue betwe en 18th and 19th Streets. It was to be unveiled by Claudia, who was to be assisted by a handful of other Victoria's Secret models, Frederique, Ingrid Seynhaeve and Catherine McCord Mogull among them.

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