Linens and rayon will dominate this year's local fashion scene; at least that's the most logical conclusion one can arrive at after witnessing the unveiling of three new collections for Spring 2003.

Definitions by Deane, Spirit Wear by Amethyst and Dam R by newcomer Deborah Rhoda exploded onto the scene from high atop the BIU building on Saturday night. ‘Shades of Orange' is the theme of the Dam R collection; a simple collection of spacious linens and shiny rayons designed specifically for the fuller figured woman.

Splashes of Oriental inspiration glide throughout this collection, and orange is the dominant energy, creating a light, cool and breezy thesis.

Definitions by Deane Burrows inspiration from the earth, highlighting ‘Flora and Fauna' with landlocked colours (ecru, mauve, green, soft browns and lavender shades dominate) and a plethora of tree-flavoured patterns and designs.

This year's collection finds Deane taking many more risks, and exposing more skin than he ever has. Long, sloping sleeve holes plunge below the waistline and short, sheer silks reveal Victoria's not-very-well-kept secrets.

Deane's collection is held together more often than not by Hemp strings, adding to the already quite prevalent earthy feel. Hemp laces and highly creative circular drawstrings appear throughout this surprisingly whimsical collection, which is designed entirely for the ladies.

Amethyst, the senior designer in this revelation (cleverly dubbed ‘Clothes Minded'), has always been the most adventurous of our local designers.

This year's collection of the much celebrated ‘Spirit Wear' line certainly does not disappoint.

His colour scheme is still quite basic, with the classic black and white linens doing most of the grunt work, while mauves and tie-dyed lavenders aim straight for the gullet, and gasps are involuntary and inevitable.

The real thrill here are the accessories, as Bamboo and galvanised steel wire merge to give this collection a hardness that contrasts perfectly with the soft, light feel of the rayons, cottons and linens that bring this stunning collection together.

Men wear ridiculously baggy pants and stylishly tapered tops, while women flow in the breeze like natural mystics and carry Bamboo charms to ward off evil spirits in the Spirit Wear universe.

The new collections are pretty easy to describe really. In fact, I'm about to attempt it in one word: inspirational.

Get on ‘round to Signature Hair on Reid Street to check out the designs and see if you don't agree.