With the Merdeka mood in full swing, who better to turn to than Malaysian fashion designers for a celebration of the country's vibrancy and colours? In conjunction with the country's upcoming National Day, StarTwo asked eight of the country's top couturiers to come up with an outfit that best reflected the Merdeka spirit for them.

Bill Keith’s play of the Oriental classic, cheongsam.

And who better than Janet Khoo to model the outfits? The Penang-born beauty has made a name for herself in the local TV and movie industry, winning over Malay fans with her acting and a flawless command of the national language. (See
Janet Khoo the workaholic.) Amidst the tranquil surroundings of Bangsar Tea Club – a new exclusive restaurant-teahouse that specialises in all matters tea – Janet effortlessly got into different moods befitting the clothes, from girlish and playful to over-the-top flamboyance.

Where the designers' works were concerned, most of them opted for contemporary creations instead of the expected traditional garb. For instance, Khoon Hooi came up with a pink, flirty mini-dress to reflect the new generation's vibrancy while Melinda Looi opted for the colour red to indicate the country's fiery independence.

Those that took a classic but no less creative route included Eric Choong who painstakingly created a Baba Nyonya-inspired ensemble comprising brocade beading. Beatrice Looi designed a breath-taking Victorian-era dress with a bunga raya (hibiscus flower) motif while Bill Keith stuck to the can't-go-wrong cheongsam to flaunt the model's figure.

For a futuristic spin, there is always Hideaki Lim and his daring cyber interpretations. This time, he has put Janet in an eye-popping silver ensemble including a pair of hot pants. Perhaps, this is the way for future Malaysian superstars to shine.

Here is what each designer has to say about his or her creation, and we also included the clotheshorse's opinion ?

Richard Tsen

What the designer says: "I used shades of green and blue, a very neutral palette and soft chiffon fabrics to translate a calm and serene mood. It's an understated dress that is representative of social harmony."

What Janet says: "This is a sweet dress, with a modern touch of femininity. It fits into an urban Malaysian woman's lifestyle."

Eric Choong painstakingly created a Baba Nyonya-inspired ensemble comprising brocade beading.

Khoon Hooi

What the designer says: "The design of the dress is light and youthful, to reflect the vibrant attitude of the country's new generation."

What Janet says: "At first glance, it looks quite sexy. When I put it on, I feel girlish and in a playful mood."

Melina Looi

What the designer says: "To me, red is a very strong colour. It is hot and fiery, and it reflects Malaysia's independence and passion. I love red myself, and it's such a refreshing colour and looks good on anyone."

What Janet says: "Whoa, this is a stunner! I'd wear it to attend parties."

Beatrice Looi

What the designer says: "I used the bunga raya motif around the neckline as it is one of the most identifiable symbols of Malaysia. But it maintains a Victorian-era feel which is my signature touch."

What Janet says: "The dress is so delicate and pretty. And I like the cutting."

Bill Keith

What the designer says: "The floral motifs of this Oriental dress represent the country's sunny, tropical elements. And the cheongsam is of course one of the most timeless traditional garments."

What Janet says: "This modern cheongsam makes me look elegant. Shows off the figure, too."

Hideaki Lim’s futuristic spin.

Eric Choong

What the designer says: "I created this outfit in about two weeks; the brocade beading is very intricate. It's a Baba Nyonya outfit given a modern twist."

What Janet says: "It's funky yet traditional. Unique in its own way."

Zang Toi

What the designer says: "Malaysia is such a peaceful, prosperous country, and red is such a happy colour to me. I wanted to celebrate the grandeur and glamour of the country and her people."

What Janet says: "Flamboyant best describes this outfit."

Hideaki Lim

What the designer says: "This outfit represents how I feel about modern Malaysian women. They look feminine on the outside but they are tough and resilient on the inside. I combined chiffon, organza and PVC to give it a cyber, futuristic look."

What Janet says: "Artistic and very daring."

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