While her peers were confused as to what to do after graduation, Temasek Polytechnic graduate Audrey Lim has managed to blaze a trail for herself.

The 20-year-old has had an exciting year since taking part in Star Creation, a regional fashion- design competition, and emerging as one of three winners last April.

Ms Lim, who studied fashion-design, competed with 12 others in the fashion contest, and clinched a $10,000 prize with her edgy, six-piece collection.

She also won a one-year internship with leading fashion retailer F J Benjamin.

In an e-mail interview with my paper recently, Ms Lim said that her experiences in the contest and her attachment have exposed her to different aspects of the fashion industry.

"Over the last couple of months, (the other winners and I) got to attend planning meetings, communicate with overseas factories and get a feel of the whole production cycle," she said.

Ms Lim, who is the only Singaporean winner of the competition, added that one of the main highlights of winning the competition was working on projects with the other two winners during their internships.

Unlike, say, contestants in design shows like Project Runway or The Fashion Show, the trio thrive on working together.

"We're one another's pillars of support," Ms Lim said of her relationship with Ms Kitty Miao, 32, from China and Mr Daniel Ngoo, 22, from Malaysia.

The three up-and-coming designers are now set to launch their debut capsule collections as part of the Audi Fashion Festival show on May 17.

Star Creation is an Asia-wide fashion-design competition which was launched last year by the Textile and Fashion Federation Singapore.

Part of the annual Asia Fashion Exchange organised by International Enterprise Singapore, Spring Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board, the competition seeks out young talents like Ms Lim.

Ms Lim took part in last year's Star Creation with the encouragement of her lecturers and friends.

It was her first competition. She encourages aspiring designers not to hesitate to take the leap and gain exposure by taking part in competitions.

However, she cautioned that the industry is a tough one and added that it is not for those who are not serious about it.

"It is truly a long-term commitment - but a rewarding one," she said.

For more information on this year's Star Creation contest, log on to www.starcreation.sg
Applications close on Jan 31. Prizes include a year-long internship with F J Benjamin,  and a chance to launch a capsule collection.

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