The 33 year old from Montreal scooped the title at a glittering ceremony held in New York last night (15 November), beating off strong competition from 16 other entrants from across five continents.

Pao Lim said: "I am incredibly proud to win the Smirnoff International Fashion Awards 2000. The judging panel included some of the biggest names in global fashion, making it especially exciting for me to win the top prize."

Competition judge Antonio Beradi said, "The quality of entries for this year's awards was simply breathtaking and we deliberated long and hard before making our final decision, but felt that Pao's stunning design had an originality that best reflected the theme of this year's competition, Liberation."

Andy Fennel, President of The Smirnoff Company, who presented the awards trophy to Pao Lim, said: "We are all convinced that, like many previous years' winners, Pao will very quickly establish himself on the international fashion stage."

"The success of this year's event underlines the reputation of the Smirnoff International Fashion Awards as a unique discovery showcase for the world's very best new fashion talent."

The awards ceremony, hosted by supermodel Eva Herzogiva at Pier 59 in Manhattan, was staged in collaboration with The Council of Fashion Designers of America Fund for Aids, and raised over US$40,000 for Gay Men's Health Crisis.

R&B star Mya provided entertainment for the 600-strong audience.

As his prize, Pao has opted to take up a one year MA placement at the world-famous Central St Martin's College of Art & Design in London. Upon graduating he will receive sponsorship for the launch show of his debut collection and will also receive free public relations advice for a year.

Pao Lim's Winning designs: