The event on Sunday, October 6 at the Hotel Tower poolside - which was essentially a fund-raising activity in Odessa's honour - saw among the cream of the local designers who came forward to lend of their time and talent in support of the cause the likes of Michelle Cole, Margaux Wong, who is a relatively new kid on the block, and Derek Moore, who is also coordinator and artistic director of the Guyana leg of the pageant.

Local clothier, Pushpa Tiwari, also did her bit with her unique but fashionable 'East-meets-West' type of clothing, as did dance veteran, Brian 'Straighty' Nobrega, who not only had members of his dance school do a ‘rhumba’ but also took to the floor himself with partner, Kathy Vyphuis, in a hot salsa.

The show began with Compton Hodge's soulful rendition of R Kelly's 'I Believe I Can Fly', followed by Elton John's 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me', which many felt was more within his vocal range than the former.

Ironically, whether by accident or design, the sun was indeed making its leisurely way west, thereby lending beautifully to the ambience of the poolside area, which had an attraction all its own with its strategically-placed potted plants, muted lights and makeshift catwalk spanning the width of the aqua-tiled pool.

Below, intermittent gusts of wind set the water, simulated to effect the colour of the Caribbean Sea, a-ripple.

Among the models in the fashion segment of the evening's short but well-presented programme was the 'lady of the moment' herself, Odessa, as were other royalty, namely, reigning Miss Talented Teen, Shamaine Davis; her predecessor, Asha Pieters who is also the reigning Miss West Indies; and Miss Guyana World 2001, Olive Gopaul.

Not to be left out, the few males participating in the programme also gave a good account of themselves, their sometimes-jaunty gait lending some semblance of balance to the women-dominated affair.

Odessa, who left for London Thursday, was also roundly supported by many of the girls with whom she was in hot contention for the Miss Guyana title, including runner-up Marita Persaud.

The proceeds from the event, which was aptly titled 'Farewell Fashion Show and Dance Extravaganza', said Moore late Wednesday, were used to supplement Odessa's wardrobe, which, though considerable, could have done with a few more pieces.

Among those who were instrumental in helping him put it together, he said, were Rayon House of Fashion's proprietor, Mr. Prince Wills, Keishar's, and sponsor, Empire Trust Enterprises, even though their duty to her ended on the night of the pageant. A few of the local designers also gave her an outfit a-piece, Moore, who is also in London, said.

Though it was a struggle, not having the wherewithal with which to do it on a grand scale because of financial limitations, he said she now has a full wardrobe of about 30 pieces of clothing.

And, while it is not as extensive as Olive's was last year, it is enough to see her through.

As he explained, the Miss World pageant is not as hectic or as demanding as the Miss Universe competition. Odessa was scheduled to attend two main functions while in London. One was held the day after she arrived there. It was a dinner hosted by Miss Guyana World franchise holder, Mr. Ken Chung, in her honour at the Guyana High Commission in London.

The other major event she has to attend is the one the Miss World organisation traditionally hosts for all the girls participating in the contest.

While in London, Moore said, he will again be doing a fashion show, this time around for the St Joseph High School London alumni.

Last year, which was his first outing in London, he did one in aid of the local charity, Kids First Fund, which was founded and headed by First Lady, Ms Varshnie Jagdeo.

His presence at the finals in Nigeria, he said, is primarily in his capacity as designer, since one of the main attractions is the annual designers' competition, for which he has already submitted the design and legend of the piece he intends competing with.

This year, he is going with the theme 'El Dorado', as it is a term that best applies to the positive things for which Guyana is most known internationally, such as the high quality of its gold and timber, the beauty and importance of its pristine rainforest and the majesty of the mighty Kaieteur Falls.

Last year, his turtle conservation theme didn't secure him a place at all, even though it was, and still is, a topical issue, not only here but internationally as well. The prize went, instead, to Korea.

On the bright side, however, is the fact that even to this day, people still remember Olive as "the girl with the turtle dress." Olive's dress, he said, "had these nice little turtles all over."

Moore is staying with friends in Windsor while Odessa is the guest of the Deputy High Commissioner to London.

On November 7, she will be checking into the Heathrow Sheraton with the other Miss World delegates pending their departure for Nigeria.