Katie Jane Orton, executive buyer at Calypso, advises the over-riding fashion theme this season is the millennium! "This New Year's Eve, more than ever before, we will be reflecting on the past and looking to the future. This is the inspiration for this season's evening wear and accessory designs,'' she said.

For a small island, Bermuda has a wealth of ranges to choose from which is just as well with the myriad of events to attend and dress for. The season starts from the end of November as many organisations arrange their functions early to beat the rush and then of course the finale will be the event of the century New Years Eve. So what will we be wearing this year? Ms. Orton says fashion has reverted to the past Hollywood style of glamour and luxury. Sophisticated looks, timeless designs and bold classic colours-red, gold and black are showcased at Calypso. Be a star for the night in old school glamour.

Choose Column dresses with matching stoles, full skirts with net tulle and embroidered busters, illusion necklines so that you can seem to bare more than you dare.

Long sheath dresses with embroidery trailing down one side will elongate the body and slim the waist.

Calypso offers classic elegance to suit all ages, shapes and sizes.

The details that mass-produced fashion had left behind, new techniques make possible. Embroidery and beading give a luxurious feel to these new dresses.

The biggest party of the year deserves the richest looking outfits. Calypso has it all with Chinese silks with butterfly embroidery, midnight blue velvet separates, and black velvet gowns woven with gold thread.

Themes of the future space age and the night sky are seen at Calypso.

The future is in shades of white, metallics and black. These colours stand out against Bermuda's tanned and dark skins. New colours and new shapes define this millennium spirit.

The black is the focus of the eye with many of the dresses having plunging backs and high square neck "bib'' fronts. Calypso has a futuristic silver version and a racy backless style in both silver and copper lurex. If you do not want to go that low, choose a strapless gown where a strapless bra can be worn comfortably underneath.

Strapless outfits give the opportunity to show a new accessory, the "shrug''.

The shrug is a shoulder blade length cardigan, which may be with or without a front fastening.

Its popularity comes from being able to cover the arms, a weak spot for any woman an still look sexy. The most glamorous is the Benetton version in black with three-quarter sleeves trimmed with ombre sequins.

Separates from Benetton include halter-tops with wide sequin bands, tank tops and long sleeve tops with diamante studs scattered across the front like stars. Transform a business suit for an after work function with lurex bib front tops or 3 sleeve silver zebra print top.

Their classic black strapless dress comes with detachable diamante straps and there is a matching strapless tunic which looks divine worn with black fluid pants.

In the days of casual dressing, this season's evening wear is not limited to formal gowns. Calypso offer jewel coloured sheer organza shirts to throw over plain separates for an instant make over.

"Accessories are given a new lease of life during the party season. In keeping with the idea of luxurious adornment, they are more highly decorated than ever before,'' Ms. Orton advised.

Shoes from Calypso and Voila are metallic for the modern look or have silver details. Be vampish in leopard stiletto mules or elegant in rose embroidered pumps.

The clutch bag has made a return this season and purses are worn as jewellry with all of their feminine details. Popular styles include Indian mirror pouches and small snap top purses with rose sequins.

New for this season is the stole. Cool winter nights mean that the craze for Pashmina shawls will be very noticeable this party season. The pashmina shawl epitomises luxury in rich jewel colours. This lightweight but extremely warm fabric is perfect for Bermuda's damp evenings.

Also hot are the Indian sari stoles in vibrant pinks and turquoises with their gold detailing. Benetton revises the feather boa with feather chokers and bracelets in hot pink, fiery red and cool black.

Jewellry is all-important and Calypso's new French line is as dramatic as it is inexpensive. Chokers where the beads fall from the neck like starbursts with coordinating bracelets and earrings.

Pearls are updated with micro-cord and gold goes modern with wide cuff bracelets and collar chokers. The new ethnic bamboo collection gives a unique look and is perfect for dressing up day wear to evening.

Ms. Orton and the Calypso staff await you.