"The Introduction" is being hailed as the ultimate fashion show of the summer.

It has been organised by Alyssa-Dawn Smith, as a way of building her university portfolio, which requires evidence of fashion show coordination.

Miss Smith spoke to The Royal Gazette about the show, her plans of using the funds to assist with her studies and of her passion to aid cancer sufferers who use PALS as a resource.

She plans to study fashion marketing at the American Intercontinental University, in London, but like many youngsters who are the children of single parents she has had to become innovative about funding her studies.

Since January, she has worked with the JaKoMa Group's Lamont Robinson and Cha'Von Clarke, as a way of making her dream come true and tomorrow night she will lead models out onto the catwalk at Coco Reef, during her debut show.

Speaking in reference to the title of the show, Ms Clarke said: "She chose the title 'The Introduction,' because it will enable her to represent her passion for fashion and it will be her first fashion show. I think she is phenomenal!

"I taught her at Berkeley Institute and witnessed her coordinate the 2005 Berkeley Institute fashion show to raise money for the senior students.

"From there I introduced her to JaKoMa and she has assisted with several shows, volunteering her time. Now that she has been accepted in the school, it is only right that we assist her with her dream"

The fashion show she co-ordinated at the Berkeley Institute in 2005 was sold out.

"Her unique, yet eclectic style of choreography was displayed during the 'Generation Kidz Fashion Show,' which took place in December of 2007," added Ms Clarke.

"Since which she has assisted with JaKoMa for the past year. This show will serve as her formal introduction to Bermuda's fashion industry."

"The Introduction" is scheduled to take place at the Coco Reef Hotel tomorrow evening.

When asked about her inspiration for this show, 20-year-old Miss Smith said: "My imagination, I love bringing my ideas to life. "I've been working with Cha'Von and Lamont since December, but the actual planning began in May.

"Cha'Von Clarke was my teacher at Berkeley Institute and she introduced me to Lamont Robinson and the JaKoMa Group when we worked on the DRC Generation Kidz Fashion Show in December last year."

Although her show will not feature local designers, she explained: "The following retail stores will be featured: Choices; Secrets; A.S. Coopers & Sons; New Life; Calais; and Duchess Boutique.

"The theme for this show is classy meets urban funk!"

Like many youngsters, she has high hopes, not only for the success of this show, but also on her aims and ambitions across the water and back in Bermuda.

"I hope to gain exposure in the fashion industry in Bermuda and then upon completing my degree in England, I plan to bring my knowledge and expertise back home to enhance our Island's presence within the fashion world."

Although she is thinking about cancer sufferers, she is taking the old adage of charity begins at home, quite seriously.

"I would also like to contribute profits from this show to my first year's educational expenses, so that the funding does not fall entirely on my mother," said Miss Smith.

"And the reason that I chose PALS, as a benefactor, is because over the years several people that I have been close to have fought the cancer fight and the charity has always been a support to them. I just wanted to return the favour."

"The Introduction" fashion show will feature three tiers of tickets. Regular costs $45 and includes hors d'oeuvres.

Patrons are $65 and offer a meal and one drink ticket. This also offers an excellent view of the models, as seating will be arranged around the pool area.

VIP ticket holders, and donations of $100 or more will receive a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival, a full meal, which includes dessert, two drink tickets and a first class view of the models via the private D-deck. There will also be dedicated servers for this section.

Doors open at 6.45 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres served at 7 p.m., 7.15 p.m. dinner served for patrons and VIP.

Show starts at 8 p.m. sharp. All tickets can be purchased from Upscale Fashion and New Life. For more information ring: 441-533-5476 or 531-1881.

Coco Reef is offering a special room rate of $250 (inclusive of all taxes and gratuities) with the mention of the show and presentation of a ticket at the Front Desk.