Let's face it; we're all into fashion. Whether you're a stuffy no-nonsense business type, an off-the-meter eccentric, a two-bit hustler or a high-post brotha, you like to look good! Especially if you were born and raised in Bermuda, a country famous for her superficial gloss. Well, superficial or not, fashion indeed is a high priority for pretty much anyone you can think of on the globe (even peasant wear is pretty criss looking ain't it?), and that is why Revelations 2002 was sold out well before last Sunday afternoon.

The show was presented at the luxurious Newstead Resort and featured designs from three of Bermuda's top local designers. The atmosphere around the pool was electric, with all but a few seats filled, and a large group congregated on the steps and courtyard overlooking the pool. Each face revealed just enough anticipation to evoke hunger, passion and desire; emotions all very much apparent in the modern fashion world, as well as the designs we were all about to experience. DJ Brother Richie took the early shift, dropping hot music and cool vibes like nothing even mattered, while Truneh Flood and Fires Of Africa came in on the introduction shift, drumming us all back to the land of milk and honey. The breeze was sweet, the sounds were divine, the setting was simply stunning, and all I wanted to do was jump in that glistening pool! What more could we ask for? Well, the show was something we could ask for, and we got it a bit later than expected, but the time wasn't really what made it seem late, it was the bated breath that made us restless and fidgety.

Sometime around 6.30, Definitions by Deane was unveiled. The designs in this collection were basic linen dresses in black, accented by sheer, animal printed chiffon wraps and scarves and displayed by a cadre of stunning young models. The dresses were simple, knee-length pieces that exuded an air of timeless style and sophisticated elegance, and a few full-length chiffon robes rounded the collection out quite nicely.

Anthony D. Williams designed the pieces, and the eminent Tori Simons led the cadre of models. Tori was, in fact, the one constant of the entire evening. She led the presentation of each collection with considerable style and timeless grace. Each collection brought with it a new group of models, with only a few spillovers. Tori was easily the pick of the women, but up-and-coming talents like Xenia Dill and Shantel Fray also made a few waves, as did veteran Manuel Palacio and Earl Bean, representing for the males.

Lincoln Raynor was the next designer to present his `Life' collection. This line was linen all the way, with bright oranges, yellows and reds leading the charge toward summer comfort. The men were sharply dressed in linen suits that featured acute V-neck collars, large, prominently placed pockets and very interesting ventilation ideas. This collection was pretty moderate, displaying a knack for designing practical clothes for the casual minded male, but there was nothing outstanding, and certainly nothing we've never seen before. Don't get me wrong, the clothes looked very good, and I might be up at St. Monica's looking for one of those suits with all the slits, but not because I haven't seen one before Sunday, that's all.

Perhaps the most magnificent moment of the entire show occurred during this portion. That was when Jennifer Stovell emerged from the side of the dressing cottage wearing a fitted red suit that was cut in the centre to fully expose her very pregnant belly. Stovell became a fixture in the show from that moment on, illuminating the pavilion each time she modelled, and proving that pregnant mothers don't really need to limit themselves to the maternity department anymore!

R.E.L Designs put together a pleasing display that went a good bit longer than most of us expected. I mean, the red suit was awesome, but did we really need to see Jennifer walk around the pool four times in it? And why'd that guy keep taking his shirt off? At the end of the day, this portion was interesting, but not outrageous; good, but not great; solid ... you get the picture.

SpiritWear by Amethyst was next, and this is where the designs got groovy! Earl Bean and Manuel opened the collection with skimpy male saris that caused quite a stir along the Northern side of the pavilion (ya'll know who you are!). Then came the flowing white linen suits and the simply majestic black evening gowns, which hung on the models like purple robes hang on Queens. These clothes were creative, adventurous and very comfortable looking, and the Fires Of Africa blazing in the background made each piece seem like a symbol of rich spirituality.

About fifteen minutes into the presentation the proceedings ground to a halt, and we were asked to bear with them as a `surprise' collection was being prepared for display. And oh, what a surprise! The bridal collection was absolutely stunning. The line was made entirely of iridescent taffeta, which had been torn by hand and put together in less than thirty minutes (per piece).

We were told also that the collection had been designed and made without the use of scissors, an impressive feat for something that looks kinda shabby, let alone a line of clothing that has the ability to leave you breathless.

Tori Simons stole the show again in this section, wearing an indescribably dazzling red bridesmaid's dress that drew gasps from every lung in the place. Other standout pieces included Joy Barnum's winged bridesmaid's dress, Manuel and Earl's male shoulder strap robes and the spectacular wedding dress, worn by Jaz Furtado. Amethyst's designs were easily the outstanding ones. Loose fitting robes and dresses, pants with freedom written all over them and creative corsets by Zakiah Jabbar highlighted this collection throughout. Each piece exhibited a sharp eye for style and an acute concern for comfort, a practical outrageousness that is bound to be very popular for years to come. Now it's just a matter of getting this collection on the store shelves, and then rapidly off if you know what I mean.

For now the designs displayed at Revelations 2002 can be acquired at Signature Hair, which can be found in Jamita House (upstairs of Radio Shack on Reid Street extension). Go through and pick up a criss outfit for every occasion, tell `em I sent ya!

Vejay Steede