Ellen DeGeneres Catwalks for Fashion Crowd

Talk-show host turns model for a night to kick off Fashion Week

Models and tutus and Ellen, oh my! Maybe catwalking can be Ellen DeGeneres' post-Idol career.

The one-season judge surprised even New York's most jaded fashionistas last night when she suddenly appeared on the runway of designer Richie Rich's show at Lincoln Center, strutting her stuff in a shiny pantsuit and jaunty little hat for the show's finale.

"Nobody knew she was going to be there, never mind walk," said one show insider. "People backstage had to sign a waiver earlier saying they wouldn't leak it."

Ellen arrived early for a quick run-through, and instead of staying in a cordoned-off area backstage, she mingled with the show's ballet dancers and rock violinists and chatted with the designer's family. 

"She was telling them how much she loves the tutus," said the backstage source. "She really made herself part of the group—they were spinning around her and making her laugh. She was talking to the drag queens and camping it up. She was having a great time."

"She really wanted to walk in a show in New York," said the source. "She wasn't nervous, but wanted to do a practice run before the show."

It obviously worked out well for the comedian, because the audience gave an audible gasp when she appeared. 

Ellen also sat for professional hair and makeup by the Warren-Tricomi team along with the professional catwalkers, while wife Portia de Rossi took her front-row seat.

The openly gay Richie and Ellen had previously become friendly in L.A., and she chose his show because of her support for gay designers.

But it appears the show was enough for Ellen. Afterward, everyone moved the party to the Whiskey Blue at W New York where there was dancing on the bar, but Ellen decided to pass on the festivities.

Hey Ellen, real models live for champagne and late nights!

Well, there's always next year.