By LINDSEY WOJCIK

Editor in chief

It’s hard to believe that while our seemingly normal lives continued at Oakland University, the past week has been a whirlwind of color and texture for New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park.

Had I had the opportunity I probably would have gone to Detroit Metro Airport, followed the next person on a flight to LaGuardia and slipped into their suitcase in order to get closer to the action. But because I wasn’t afforded that opportunity, here’s a run down of what happened on the runways. (And you don’t have to be a fashionista to understand, just appreciate the beauty of it all.)

Friday, Feb. 13: The star-studded Heart Truth runway show kicked off fashion week to raise awareness of women’s heart disease. Hilary Duff, Patricia Arquette and Katie Couric were among the celebrities that served as the show’s models. The celebrities-turned-models all wore red dresses created by a variety of designers down the runway. <[AP]

Saturday, Feb. 14: Rumors circulated weeks before Fashion Week analyzing whether first lady Michelle Obama would make an appearance at the tents. While the first lady didn’t end up making a fashion statement this week, Jason Wu, Obama’s designer, certainly impressed top fashion editors and buyers at his show that featured romantic ruffle dresses and light chiffon tops. [fashionweekdaily.com]

Sunday, Feb. 15: Two to three models hit the runway hard at Hervé Léger’s show as towering stilettos proved a serious challenge . Despite the slippery wooden runway, Léger by Max Azria showcased an updated “bandage dress” (made famous by Léger) that featured rich textures. [examiner.com]

Monday, Feb. 16: First leggings slowing weasled their way back on the runways then it was skinny jeans and now it looks like Marc Jacobs is bringing the 1980s popular neon colors back for Fall 2009. Neon-yellow jackets, metallic-blue minis, green drop earrings along with bright makeup hit the runway for Jacobs’ show. [The Cut Blog]

Tuesday, Feb. 17: William Rast, the Justin Timberlake dream up line,with childhood friend Trace Ayala, drew a star-studded crowd. Timberlake who was recently ranked one of GQ’s most stylish men in America, proved his style, debuting a line of leather jackets, distressed denim, fringed accessories and plaid separates. [fashionweekdaily.com]

Wednesday, Feb. 18: The 80s inspired looks continued to hit the runway, particularly in the Michael Kors show. Vibrant day-glow colors made up a collection of power suits and little dresses accessorized to the max along with neon knit scarves and hats. [New York Post] Totally awesome, ladies don’t forget your day-glow and oversized accessories this fall.

Thursday, Feb. 19: “Project Runway” season -four winner Christian Siriano makes his first Fashion Week debut. “So now the collection has been picked up and taken to the tents. I’m so excited,” Siriano writes for the Time.com Fashion Week blog. “I’m ready for a long list of press interviews, but don’t worry I will squeeze in a kiss to my mom. I can’t wait for the girls to arrive and the make-up and hair to begin. It will be the total package brought to life.” [Time.com Fashion Week Blog]

The Fall 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ends today in New York City with runway shows by “Project Runway” finalists, Ralph Lauren, among others.