On 31 July, fashion and design students from 31 countries and regions around the world, presented their showpieces to the world in a fabulous catwalk show at the Triumph Inspiration Award '08 in Beijing.

An inspiring expert judging panel, consisting of the Dutch design duo Viktor & Rolf; Danish top model Helena Christensen; German fashion photography icon Ellen von Unwerth; Colette's chief purchaser and creative director Sarah from Colette, and Chinese top model and actress Lv Yan, together with Triumph's Jan Rosenberg, chose the design piece that deserved to be called the most inspired of them all in 2008.

Awarded their prizes by gold-medallist Linford Christie and actress Michelle Lee, the show was a true spectacle in pre-Olympic Beijing.

Under their skin

Midori Matsuo (20) from Japan's kinky outfit convinced the judging panel of her win, and she took the title of winner of the Triumph Inspiration Award '08.

Her design was named 'Under Skin' and she will pocket not only a cash prize of €15 000 but also a career boosting a limited edition of the winning piece.

Midori Matsuo will see the showpiece adapted and interpreted by the Triumph design team, leading to series production of the set and would be sold in selected Triumph stores worldwide.

Theresa Bachler (21) from Germany with the design 'Once Upon a Time…' received €10 000 and Stine Fagervik-Rosèn (28) from Norway with 'Desire for Beautiful Trash' received €5000.

All finalists from Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania met and competed in pre-Olympic Beijing at the avant-garde 798 Art Zone situated in the Dashanzi Area. Tucked away in Beijing's bohemian quarter, the final was celebrated in the Factory Hall 706, which will be home to Switzerland's National House during the Olympic Period, the House of Switzerland.

Creativity abounded

The international jury judged all entries according to the same criteria: innovation and creativity in interpreting the design theme, female fascination, individuality and uniqueness, concept, aesthetics, quality in design and execution, as well as presentation.

"What we love most is the fact that the students were asked to free themselves of the commercial side of things — almost no restraints were put on their creativity," stated Viktor & Rolf.

The grand final the Triumph Inspiration Award, inaugurated this year, is a global design competition created by the lingerie specialist Triumph International. The Award challenges students from prestigious international design schools to create a conceptual showpiece-set, comprising of an under-wired bra and brief, dedicated to the design motto for 2008: 'Female Fascination'.

For more information visit www.triumph-inspiration-award.com