If you were in the city this weekend, you might have noticed a number of freakishly tall and thin girls running around town, their books in hand,which means one thing – it’s casting time for New York Fashion Week! Over the course of six hours, hundreds of girls — from up-and-comers to  bona fide runway stars — ushered through the Hudson Hotel‘s gorgeous library to see and be seen by Andrew Weir and his team of professional model wranglers from ACW Worldwide.

“I met her seasons ago in Paris when she was 14,” Weir later tells me once Tanya Dziahileva has left, with more than a hint of wistful sentiment. “I could never pronounce her last name and I don’t even try. She’s always been Tanya D. to me.” On his note card he writes “No Words.”

Mr. Weir seems to have a personal relationship with many of the models that stomp through his biannual casting. He jokes with them, asks them about their vacations, their families and boyfriends — anything to make them feel at ease. Meeting a doe-eyed 16-year old Brazilian who spoke little to no English and who was wandering about the city all by her lonesome, he seems genuinely concerned. But he is also impressed with her walk, noting that she indeed has potential although she’s not quite ready for the runway.

Whenever a girl does strike his particular fancy, Weir has them walk twice, maybe more and he personally takes their photo. In the case of Arlenis Sosa and Ajak Deng — both big names in the industry — a fuss is understandably made with Mr. Weir remarking to Ajak, “You’re going to lose three pounds by show time we’re gonna make you walk so much!” But sometimes there is a new girl that also warrants a fuss, such as a statuesque brunette who recently switched agencies. “If you’re at the wrong agency, I’ll never see you. It’s insane,” he says before taking some photos of the girl. After she’s left he confides in one of his agents, “She’s going to be huge. This is like a star moment.”

Which has to be a compliment to any young model — a seal of approval from one of the top casting directors in the business. However, only time will tell if he will cast her for one of the four shows ACW is handling this season: Jen Kao, Thakoon, Rebecca Taylor and Joseph Abboud. Sunday saw the second round of casting and the final list will be decided upon the night before the shows. For some girls it will be a busy season and for others it will be better strut next time.

One girl who made an impression had walked for Mr. Weir in the past, but like the doe-eyed Brazilian teenager, she wasn’t “there” yet. ”Quite an improvement from a few seasons ago,” Mr. Weir says with a smile of approval. He then gets up from his chair to take several pictures of the model, jots down a few notes about her then calls the next sartorial lamb to the altar.

Photos: Richard Guaty

Diane Kendal used MAC to create these bright orange pouts at Jason Wu, reminiscent of “Fifties and Nineties pop art inspired by the artist KAWS.” Photo via Style.com.

What’s the next hottest country or region. We had the Eastern Europeans, the Brazilians, the Dutch…who’s next?

AW: Asia. Never have I seen this many Asian kids in the market.

[Just as he says this, Varsha, a Wilhelmina model from Nepal, walks up.]

AW [to Varsha]: Are you the girl I’ve been hearing so much about? You’re like the first girl from –

Varsha: Nepal.

AW: Nepal. You’re the first girl to come from Nepal.

Varsha: Yes.

AW: How long have you been modeling now?

Varsha: 3 months.

AW: How were you discovered?

Varsha: I sent in my pics to Wilhelmina and they flew me over.

AW: I love a proactive girl. We’re going to be hearing a lot about you. What’s your name? [he looks at her showcard] Varsha. Varsha-Varsha-Varsha. Everyone’s going to be talking about Varsha. [to me] I’m glad you were here to see her. [to Varsha] Can you walk for us? Let us have it. [re: her walk] What is that? Are you crazy? That’s in your blood, you don’t learn that. You think you know what a girl’s gonna do, but you never do…

[Andrew then writes “SPECIAL“ on his note sheet.]

AW: We have an unlimited supply of gorgeous girls. I’ve never seen so many great new faces in a season. Ever.

What do you love about casting?

AW: I mean…[he looks around]

Click through for more photos — and to read the rest of the interview, visit Lookbooks.com!

A big trend for this spring that was seen on the runway is chain mail. From bags, shoes, jackets, to entire dresses, this medieval embellishment is definitely a different way to wear metallics.

I love the way Versace used it in this pink dress and I also like the multicolored tank dress by Jen Kao.

Will you be wearing this hardware anytime soon?

We all know that this Mean Girl has sticky fingers when it comes to fur jackets and Elle photoshoots, but it seems like her spree of crimes against fashion continues with her 6126 line. The “designer” has stolen looks from Black Milk and Jen Kao.

The designer behind Black Milk is outraged and speaking out against the failed actress on his personal blog. [Click Here To View]

Of course, the thievery doesn’t end there. Lindsay was recently spotted wearing a Jen Kao dress which surprise, surprise was stolen for her 6126 collection. The designer responded to WWD on the drama, saying, “While we are all well aware that being ‘mimicked’ or ‘copied’ has always existed in this industry, I think the evolution of it all has grown to an alarming level. It’s a shame to support the concept of taking advantage of designers who are still trying to develop a name and solidify the image of their design aesthetic.”

Lohan hasn’t made a statement yet, but Kristi Kaylor, president of 6126 is on the defensive stating, “The alleged ‘copying’ claims made by these companies are false and have absolutely no merit or validity whatsoever. … This is merely an accusation based upon a pencil sketch with no concrete viable evidence to back up the allegations.”

Weigh in indies, is Lindsay up to her old habits again or is this just a case of design deja vu?

Taylor Momsen attended a New York screening of He’s Just Not That Into You in Jen Kao “sky rider” leggings. I love the boots, but the shiny colored leggings and the shapeless top make Taylor look like a poor man’s blonde Pat Benetar.

More photos at Just Jared.

Taiwanese designer Jen Kao is brand new on the scene but already featured on several lists as a top new designer and someone to keep an eye on. Her breakthrough sequin jackets and intricate dresses are favorites of young stars already and the campaign for her Spring 2008 Collection was shot by the credited Ryan McGinley.

Read about her inspiration here.