I joined a competition: Triumph Inspirations Awards 2008. The theme was Female Fascination, and the main story behind it was to create a bra and panty set for competition. The winner from each country will go on to compete in Beijing, with the other winners and the winning piece will recieve, on top of a cash prize, the chance to have his/ her piece adapted into limited edition wearable pieces for sale in Triumph boutiques.

My inspiration was Gaia, Mother Earth. But I avoided going sweet and florally, rather I went ahead with myinterpretation of it. The story is how the world is driven into destruction and dying, and just as all hope fades out, the warrior Gaia arises from the shadows to fight for her beloved Earth and all its inhabitants.

I dabbled in a lot of materials before making my mind set on using more recyclable and unconventional materials. Wood and paper, which are very obvious choices to tie in the "nature" theme, was made into origami that would swirl around the body. A trail of origami flowers and pheasant feathers ensue behind. I made an extra hairband and hand-painted cloak for more show-drama.

Saving the long story, my piece was eventually shortlisted amongst the Top 10 finalists which is quite a feat considering I've only been in one year of fashion studies. It did not win, but my piece was featured heavily in the newspapers, as well as featured in Singapore Fashion Festival which is Singapore's premiere fashion event.

To view the runway video, here's the website: http://www.asiaone.com/specials/sff08/video/video37.html

To view the backstage video with me in it, here's the url: http://www.asiaone.com/specials/sff08/video/video35.html

Lycra, metal, paper, satin, rattan rods, lots of glue, paint, poly-organza ribbons, pheasant feathers, cotton polyester and hard interface.