The Competitive Undies

I can’t even count to the number five with regards to the number of posts I have written on lingerie, so bear with me whilst I wade through new writing territory.  Even stranger that I’m posting about Triumph, a brand that I associate with my first proper bra and also their very strong presence in the lingerie departments in Hong Kong and Singapore (rewind to many mandatory lingerie shopping sessions in SOGO where they..erm…cater to the fried egg boob ppl…). 

However, 2008 gives us their first Triumph Inspiration Award, that actually gives a ‘no-limits’ take on lingerie.  Working with over 60 design schools from 31 countries, the award will culminate in a final competition in Beijing in July this year where a representative finalist from each country will compete for a EUR15,000 cash prize (2nd and 3rd places get 10k and 5k) and for their winning design of a bra and brief to be produced and sold as a limited run of 10,000 sets. 

From the UK, 10 finalists were selected, all Central St. Martins 2nd year students and let’s just say if we saw any of these hanging on a Triumph rack, even those who take a high disinterest in lingerie would take a second look…

Guo Jian Aloysius Liew’s design called ‘Curious’ was particularly interesting seeing as the given theme was ‘Female Fascination’ and he in turn was inspired by childhood and toys…

Adele Riley with ‘Adelphi’ inspired by Roman goddesses // Amy Drumm with ‘Le Bateau’ inspired by oil tankers      

Moira Cristescu with ‘Strip & Tease’ inspired by erm…strip tease // Scott Arnold with ‘Sir Hoodie’ inspired by underwear in motion

Viktor Smedinge with ‘x 3’ inspired by patchwork // Weston Gordon with ‘Fosse’ inspired by Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz

These were the three that were selected as 3rd, 2nd and 1st prize winners with the 1st prize winner being the one who will compete in Beijing as UK’s finalist.

3rd Prize – Gregory Lewis with ‘Staci’ inspired by 5-a-side women’s football teams // 2nd Prize – Rachel Hewitt with ‘Botticelli’ inspired by the structure of crinolines // 1st Prize – Valerie von Kittlitz with ‘Velocity’ inspired by the contrast of strength and fragility within women

The winners were announced at an event on Wednesday evening where jury members including the likes of Hilary Alexander of the Telegraph and Louise Redknapp,the current Triumph ambassador…. and the teensiest ‘sleb (ok minor, ‘sleb who only children of the 90’s will remember….) presented the awards.    Louise Goldin was also on the jury but wasn’t present (would have loved to quiz her about her juicy juicy knits…).  I think the final three were a good mix of simplicity, innovative use of materials, technical prowess as well as unique design.  The design that won was quite complex in its composition with a red chap-like structure overlaying the bra and brief.  It did look fantastic on the model at the show.  I’ll be interested to see how the competition progresses and what other countries will produce… 

I did however digress my thoughts for a bit to the few seasons-old Miu Miu shoes that Gregory Lewis used to pair with his perforated leather, football-inspired bra and brief set.  Now footie shinpads and socks paired with dresses are next on the agenda for me…. ho ho ho…