Contestants had to sew a ladies' jacket according to specified design criteria and measurements within 10 hours.

More than 20 teenagers signed up for the competition, organisers said. But as they had to attend an intensive one-month course on sewing to prepare for the two-day challenge, some decided to withdraw.

After winning the competition, Camilla sewed herself the same jacket, adding an extra layer of fabric and two additional pockets.

Mastering sewing skills has allowed her to design clothes more practically, she said.

'I get great satisfaction from the process - starting with an idea in my mind and ending with a product that I made with my own hands,' she said.

Despite being eager to further her fashion design skills, Camilla said she would probably limit her interest to a hobby.

'Macau's market is too small for my designs to sell,' she said. 'My dream is to open a small boutique. Half of the clothes would be sourced from outside, and half I would design.'

Cristina Cheong Hang-fong, who claimed her trophy for second prize with tears in her eyes, studied fashion design for three years at her polytechnic secondary school, Luso-Chinese Technical Professional School.

But, like Camilla, Cristina is not planning to pursue a career in fashion. In less than a year, she will be starting a law degree.

Winning a top honour at the sewing competition meant a lot to her.

'Anyone can sew, but it is extremely difficult to do it well,' Cristina said.

'It takes a lot of skill to sew fabrics together neatly, and then tailor the garment so that it fits beautifully on the body.'

Although in decline today, the manufacturing of textiles and garments still generates three-quarters of Macau's export earnings.