The Futura Fashion Fair, with 600 exhibitors and the prospect of achieving £20 million in orders, has been opened by the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mrs O'Rourke. Her opening words, about the feeling of excitement at seeing so many clothes, gave the buyers, and 5,000 are expected to attend the three day event at the RDS, their starting orders, and by the end of the speech, about the bright face and fresh look of fashion, they were off.

This is the 25th anniversary of Futura, which began modestly in the Burlington Hotel with 40 exhibitors. Now stands are taken by international manufacturers, including some of the world's best known labels, while Irish fashion forms a core group. Over 2,000 spring ranges are on display, with a greater number than ever for children and young adults.

Apart from many new exhibitors, the introduction of several fashion shows daily is considered a great help to buyers. The chairman of the Irish Fashion Group, Mr Terry Rowan, has brought on board the Innovators, which is a Welsh/Irish net work giving a platform to young designers.

Futura was founded by Mr Gerry Murphy and Ms Maureen Ledwith, and was taken over by Ms Ledwith in 1996, who has been upgrading, and expanding the fair since then.

She recalls one major disaster when, in 1979, the opening of Futura clashed with the arrival of the Pope in Ireland, and no one turned up at the fair. To show they could still smile in adversity Futura voted him, "Best Dressed Man of the Month". And after that Futura went from strength to strength.

The Futura Fair runs until Tuesday September 7th at the RDS and is for buyers only.