Although model Bonnie Chen was one of the judges in this year's Triumph Inspiration Award held in Shanghai, it was her modelling responsibilities that worried her most.

The 27-year-old Nanjing-born model, named by CNN as one of the top five Asian models to watch, closed the event by taking the catwalk in the winning piece.

No one would have guessed that it was her first lingerie show.

She tells The New Paper on Sunday: "I was very, very nervous about it.

"I didn't know if I had the body for lingerie."

She blames her time as a rhythmic gymnastics national champion in China.

"I was a gymnast. I have a very muscular body, it's not feminine enough."

And that was why she chose the UK entry as the winner.

She said: "I still remember my first ever show in Paris was for (French designer) Haider Ackermann two years ago.

"I was very impressed by how delicate the design was and I really want to own one piece for myself.

"That's how you win over your consumers. And that was how that piece made me feel."

And she admits that put pressure on her.

"I wanted to do as many shows as possible each season but my agencies want me to focus on the quality of the shows, the campaign and the editorial.

"Now, I have to spend time between Asia and the West and we have to decide which job will improve my career most in the long run."

But what happens after her modelling career is over is still vague.

"I don't know what I'll do after modelling. Maybe find a job to make enough money to travel around the world."

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