Fashion folk who've grown used to scoring serious swag at the tents during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week have been known to turn their noses up at some of the freebies on offer (we noticed there weren't many takers for T3 haircare products being thrust at the crowd leaving Monday's Carolina Herrera show). Forget about cookies (though those DHL biscotti are tasty) and all the newspapers you can carry -- how about a new car?

Those aiming to drive off with the gleaming new Mercedes SUV parked in the tent lobby were sorely disappointed after being lured over to the display booth by the luxurious ride and images from the upcoming Sex and the City flick that were playing on a giant monitor behind it. Several social swans and wannabes lined up to fill out what they thought was an entry to win the car only to be told it was merely a form to get emails from Mercedes-Benz. "Forget it then," huffed one overdressed attendee. "You're not giving anything away?" asked another, sounding mildly annoyed. When asked how she was coping with the collective disappointment of the crowd, the rep mustered her best smile: "I'm getting used to it."

--Diane Clehane