With yet another fashion week recently concluded in New York, I am reminded of a fashion show which had no equal. It was in 1968.

This one was in Washington, D.C. -- the first, and I am sad to say, the last such fashion show held at the White House.

It was all about the red, white and blue and the importance of our American designers who were always playing second fiddle to Europeans as innovators.

We could use some patriotic fervor about now, even if it's aroused by pointy-toe shoes or dangerous decolletage.

Those years were actually magical for the fashion industry, thanks to great garment industry publicists such as the late Eleanor Lambert, who never allowed expense or lack of trying get in the way of a show. And introducing us to American designers, not haute couture European style.

I've forgotten many fashion shows I have attended, but not this one.

Fortunately I got there, but inclement weather in New York that last day of February, 38 years ago, kept top talents Geoffrey Beene, Adele Simpson, Mollie Parnis and Oscar de LaRenta from attending. Their clothes made it as part of the 25-designer run of show.

Also missing: Norman Norell, who was in Palm Beach, James Galanos in Europe, Donald Brooks in Hollywood, and Jacques Tiffeau and Adolfo, who were snowbound.

The names might not be familiar to the current generation, but they were the labels seen in high-fashion salons around the world.

There were plenty who did make it: Rudi Gernreich, John Moore, Sydney Wragge, Don Simonelli, Pauline Trigere, Chester Weinberg, George Stavropoulos, Herbert Levine, William Travilla and Jerry Silverman.

No, Gernreich did not show his topless swimsuit, the item that eventually put his name in the fashion history books.

Only de LaRenta is still actively designing as a major star.

Most had major careers for many years following the unique presentation.

First lady Lady Bird Johnson was the hostess, and Simpson and Parnis were two of her favorite designers. Her inaugural ball gown had been designed by John Moore.

"Imagine sitting in the White House and watching my clothes on a runway,'' said Simonelli, a new young talent. "This is a great thing for American fashion."

I remember Mrs. Johnson wore white, and Pauline Trigere dared to wear red. Try as I might, I don't remember what I wore, but I know I carried white gloves. Didn't everybody?

Everyone received a special Americana silk scarf designed by Frankie Welch, who had a popular boutique in Georgetown. It was very rah-rah-rah for America.

Professional models are usually cool and collected, but one, Denise Linden, very popular on New York runways at the time, was beside herself with chills, especially with the fact she had fittings for her outfits in the Lincoln bedroom, the former president's portrait beaming down on her.

"Nothing I've ever done matches this," she said, as she gathered patriotic banners from the show to take home to her children.

No fashion show is easy to assimilate. This was a huge task. In this case, organizers were dealing with many egos as well as the logistics of getting clothes and people to the capital in February.

The industry then was red-hot. American designers were getting some respect, racing up the coat-tails of the Paris couturiers, often credited with being first with a trend.

Mrs. Johnson's interest in the environment and her travel-in-America program, encouraged by her husband, admittedly helped get this show on the road.

Eventually she would head the dedication to beautify America with her wildflower plantings project, which I saw first-hand years later, traveling along roadways from Austin to Galveston in Texas. It's quite a sight, if you have never seen it.

American designers, such as Adolfo, Galanos, Blass, Nipon, Cassini, Capraro, Parnis, Simpson, Halston, Silverman and de LaRenta, were among those who added to their reputations dressing our first ladies through the years.

Oddly enough, the strongest fashion influence from the White House, who immediately preceded Lady Bird Johnson as first lady, was the late Jacqueline Kennedy.

We recognize her as a fashion icon, and although an American designer, Oleg Cassini, who died earlier this month, was credited with many of her clothes as her "official" designer, it was also highly publicized she favored European designers such as Hubert de Givenchy and Chanel, among others.

The timing isn't right, of course. We have far more to think about than American vs. European designers' egos in 2006, or an invite to a chicken salad luncheon to the White House. Positive pizzazz in the White House requires far more serious considerations as we are into our fourth year of a controversial war in Iraq.

I'm just day dreaming, and remembering what was, and what I'd like to see again. Some day, perhaps. It would be nice.