Muhammad Hafiz Tahir says he gives his 101 per cent at work.

His recent creation was a Merlion-inspired costume for this year's Miss Singapore Universe, Miss Shenise Wong.

When it was previewed two weeks ago, it drew mixed reactions.

'It's impossible to please everyone. Criticism is a growing process,' said the 18-year-old student of fashion design at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

'Ultimately, I stand by my creations. Each design - by any designer - is lovingly crafted,' said Hafiz, who volunteered to design the costume without getting paid.

Weaving the national icon into a design and yet 'staying true to the Merlion and maintaining respect for it' was the challenge for him. He describes his style as nostalgic, in giving a modern twist to an image of the past. He spent a month making the costume. Miss Wong will represent Singapore in the global finals in Vietnam on July 13.

Hafiz also designed a gown that combined Malay, Chinese and Indian elements for Miss Singapore Universe 2007.

'It's never about the fame. I will leave that to the people who wear my creations,' he said.

The young man, who wishes to work with world-famous supermodel Iman, recently set up a support group named Fashion Connects.

'The fashion and design scene in Singapore is certainly growing. There are opportunities but the hardest step is the first,' he noted.

So Fashion Connects aims to provide young designers with a chance to showcase their works.