She may be better known for being a prolific lingerie designer, but Lily Zhang has in recent years been utilizing her particular set of skills in another similar field instead - swimwear for China's Miss Universe contestants.

Having joined the Miss Universe China team in 2014, Zhang has regularly wowed industry experts and fashionistas by using unconventional materials such as candied fruit, stuffed panda toys and Chinese lanterns to create newfangled swimwear.

"For me, there is no rule or boundary when it comes to fashion design. I just go with my instincts," says Zhang.