What would be the price tag on Singapore's most expensive bra?

In Malaysia, it seems the going price is RM26,000 (S$10,600).

At least, that's what the opposition alleges is the price of a bra owned by minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

Ms Shahrizat, Malaysia's Women, Family and Community Development Minister, has been plagued by allegations about misusing public funds meant for a national cattle project for the purchase of luxury condominiums by her family members.

Her party colleague jumped to her defence, tickling the Wanita Umno's annual congress by saying: "If her bra costs RM26,000, I wonder how much mine would cost since my size is bigger."

Though one wonders why any woman would spend so much on an item that, one presumes, would be hidden from most eyes, The New Paper on Sunday went in search of Singapore's most expensive bra.

A check on some premium outlets found that their most expensive bras cost less than $200.

But we did manage to find a $1,210 bra at luxury lingerie brand La Perla.

The Soutien-gorge Triangle is La Perla's most expensive in-store bra. Matching panties cost $672 each.

The bra, which is made in Italy, is the product of a collaboration between French haute couture fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier and La Perla.

Entirely handmade from high-quality silk and delicate tulle, the bra features braided straps.

La Perla Asia's regional marketing manager, Ms Anne-Sophie de Guerry, said it costs so much because of the sophisticated level of workmanship required to make it.

Local celebrities and businesswomen are among those who support La Perla's premium range of bras.

"Some of the women who purchase such bras are spa owners, while others own their own PR company or jewellery brand," Ms de Guerry said.

"They tend to be well-travelled and understand the kind of quality our brand offers, and want the best for themselves."

Another of La Perla's designs, the LP Design Exclusive Triangle, which features Swarovski elements, retails for $1,137.

This bra is also made of silk and tulle, and comes with a matching pair of thong panties, which costs $449.

Ms de Guerry said La Perla had previously made bras costing up to $4,000, which feature gold strands and are sold only at its best performing outlets.

While La Perla bras don't come cheap, the most expensive bras in the world tend to be one-offs by lingerie brand Victoria's Secret.

In 2001, supermodel Heidi Klum modelled its Heavenly Star Bra, which was valued at US$12.5 million (S$16m now). It was studded with 1,200 Sri Lankan pink sapphires and featured a 90-carat emerald-cut diamond as its centrepiece.

In 2002, the brand created a US$15 million bra and underwear set titled "Red Hot Fantasy".

Made of red satin and 1,300 gem stones, including rubies and diamonds, it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "most extravagant and expensive items of underwear ever created".

But with bras in Singapore available for as low as $4.90 apiece, would you pay thousands for your bosom buddies?

This article was first published in The New Paper.