IT WAS a night of triumph and Tata, a treat for the eye and the ear.

There is only one Tata, and that's Tata Young, and last night she talked of Michael Jackson and sang of life and love.

Along the way, Phuket proved it is up to staging a Fashion Week and Music Festival to high international standards.

With US Navy sailors and young teenage fans among the huge crowd, the parades of casual silks and colorful swimsuits down the long catwalk provided a memsmerising sight in Jungceylon's courtyard.

On display were the dress designs of Phuvasa, followed by the Elle casual wear collection and Elle Lingerie. The show's finale featured the stunning, exotic swimwear line of Phuket Mermaids.

Onlookers packed the balconies and the waterspouts added to the theatrics.

Then Tata Young did amazing things with her voice, bringing the entire audience to its feet. She sang four songs, three in English, and the audience cried for more.

If she was the sound of Phuket last night, then supermodel Odet was the body and the look.

Behind her came a string of models, demonstrating that fashion is something the island needs.

Patong has never seen a show quite like this. Those who were there will remember it, perhaps, as a historic event: the night the fishing village became a fashion hub.

There's more to come each night until June 30. But Tata, Odet and company set standards last night that will be difficult to top.


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