MELBOURNE: An Armadale fashion student will represent Australia in Milan after scooping the national Triumph Inspiration Award for lingerie design.
RMIT University student Katinka Poole was a stand-out performer among 12 finalists showcasing their lingerie designs at Sydney's ivy bar.
Madison fashion director Fiona Lane, Triumph Australia product development manager Shirley Jones and fashion journalist Melissa Hoyer were tasked with judging the designs, which related to the theme "icons".
Poole's "Harbour Mirage" lingerie was deemed the most inspirational by judges, with second place awarded to fellow RMIT fashion design student, Romayne Scott.
Poole will now head to Milan to battle it out against young fashion and design students from around the world. She said she was excited to have taken out the award among such strong competition.
"Travelling to Milan for the international final is such an amazing opportunity for someone starting out in their fashion design career - I can't wait to see the other entries at the international show."
This year finalists will not only be judged by an expert panel in Milan but also visitors to the www.triumph-inspiration-award.com website.
The winner of the Triumph Inspiration Award will be announced in September 2009 at the International Finals during the Milan Fashion Week.