I'm trying to figure out how she draped the fondant to acheive that gathering at the top. Do you think it's done from the sides rather than over the top?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I tried to find her books at the library but no luck.

I would bet that it's a separate piece that was formed and dried that way, then attached to the top. Just my guess! (That's how I would do it)

Ive done that cake and have the instructions.
You roll a long piece of fondant and then gather it. Dry it in a round container with some foam to support it. Attach it to the cake with some soft fondant and cover the seam with the ribbon.
I added some tylose to my strip to get it to dry faster.