THEONE YAN, 27

HOW is this for a fashion track record: a graduate of Milan's prestigious Domus Academy, freelance work with Italian menswear label C&C and stints with Italian designer Maurizio Galante and Israeli designer Tal Lancman on fabrication projects and exploring new silhouettes in womenswear.

Oh, and the Temasek Design School graduate also notched up a three-month internship last year in London with Alexander McQueen, where she worked with the label's womenswear designers.

Not surprisingly, Yan describes that as 'one of my biggest achievements to date'.

She will introduce her own label, Enoeht, for the Star Creation competition.

Yan says the line is 'about going against conventions and breaking the rules', a trait displayed by her favourite labels Prada, Balenciaga and McQueen.

Inspired by a music box and the concept of a reluctant ballerina, her six-piece collection features an unorthodox spin on the ballerina's outfit.

No sweet pink tutus, but designs rendered in black and sporting rebellious details such as chains, locks and uneven pleated organza and chiffon.

Yan says the Star Creation competition is significant as it offers far more than the usual three-month internship.

'It is something to be excited about because of the year-long learning opportunity with FJ Benjamin. The exposure could be key to a successful career in fashion design.'

>> Talent spotting

This article was first published in The Straits Times.