Cutting-edge designer clobber, sultry supermodels and hundreds of exhibitors offering discounts galore; the revamped fashion extravaganza Off the Rails -- The Total Experience is set to kick off with a bang this evening.

Final preparations were well under way at the RDS Simmonscourt this morning for the weekend-long event, which insiders are predicting "will blow fashionistas away".

The Herald was given an exclusive sneak peak preview and we can reveal RTE, who have retaken the reigns from MCD to cut costs, have pulled out all the stops to ensure the show's 10th year will be the highlight of the 2009 fashion calendar.

Show stylist Graham Cruz said: "You don't want to miss this year's event. If you do, you'll be very sorry because we've really raised the bar again this year.

"Yesterday was a 14-hour day and today will be the same. We started work on this almost three months ago and I've found things that no one will be expecting. I think this year will be the best one ever. There are lots of surprises."

Sparkle seems to be a common theme among the hundreds of big brand and independent exhibitor stands making it the perfect place to find all your party essentials for the festive season from dainty handbags and lacy lingerie to festive frocks and hair extensions.

Grooming

Visitors needing to recharge their batteries can sip champagne at the Bubble Bar or be transported to relaxation and grooming in the Pamper Zone.

Off The Rails presenters Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney have had a major input into this year's "theatrical and interactive" operation, which has been produced by Doll, one of the UK's leading fashion events agencies and responsible for London Fashion Week's trendy OnOff event.

A dozen of the best known leggy models will be sashaying down an uber-cool black gloss catwalk for three daily fashion shows.

"It's insane backstage," said Graham. "There are literally 60 people running around and it's absolutely crazy, but in a good way."

Due to illness, Texan catwalk queen Jerry Hall has been forced to pull out of tonight's inaugural Off the Rails Fashion Awards, but British supermodel Jodie Kidd has jetted in to fill in.

Aside from the cream of high street labels and Irish designer wear, stunning creations from top international designers such as Manish Arora -- better known as Katy Perry's go-to man for her quirky clobber, will also make Irish debuts at the event.

Crowds are tipped to be on a par with last year, which attracted 33,000 people. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster or at the door and prices start from €18.00.

aanderson@herald.ie

- Aoife Anderson