Mini chiffon fans sewn on your bikini top to look like rosettes may not quite beat Madonna's conical bra in terms of creativity.

But the design (right) by Raffles Design Institute (RDI) student Afton Chen beat 37 others to win the Singapore round of the inaugural Triumph Inspiration Award held last Friday at Hotel Rendezvous.

The finals of the lingerie design competition organised by the German lingerie giant will be held in Beijing on July31.

Contestants from 30 countries will vie for the top prize of 15,000 euros (S$32,277) and a shot at fame. The winning design, based on the theme Female Fascination, will be adapted for sale in a limited run at selected Triumph boutiques around the world.

In Singapore, 38 students from RDI and Temasek Polytechnic took up the challenge.

Chen, 22, won $3,000 for her ultra-cute lingerie set that contrasts a G.I. Jane look - think knee-high boots and an officer's cap - with the floral cups.

First runner-up Joyce Wong, 29, came up with a 'flower angel' concept while second runner-up Alice Jiang, 30, turned to burlesque star Dita Von Teese for inspiration.

The two, who are also students from RDI, won $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.

The designs of the 10 finalists will go on the catwalk at the Viva La Eve Triumph lingerie show on April3 during Singapore Fashion Festival 2008.

Too bad the underwear isn't for all to see - the event is for invited guests only.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Mar 20, 2008.