Designer wins contest by taking a leaf out of Flintstones' catalogue

If you have to wear fur, there was no better night to do so than last Thursday, when the Fur Federation's young executive committee hosted its annual design competition dinner. Forty animal pelt outfits featured over a three-course meal at the InterContinental Hong Kong.

It was second time lucky for Polytechnic University fashion student Natalie Yau Yim-fun (right). The 24-year-old first entered three years ago while studying at the Institute of Vocational Education but came away empty-handed. This time, her poncho in white and black (pictured) claimed the top prize.

'The outfit was inspired by how humans have evolved all these years,' she said. 'The mink ruffles on the left shoulder symbolise modern humans and the mink tassels on the right offer a more raw feeling representing early man.'

Yes, that's right, tassels were all the rage in the early Flintstones era.

For her effort, Yau received a trophy, a cash award of HK$5,000 and a one-week scholarship at the Saga Design Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark, on top of six days in any European city of her choice. And she already has one in mind. 'I have been to Milan, Italy, before, but it will be nice to go check out Rome this time,' she said.