Girly on top

One of Malaysia's biggest fashion names made the first of her two appearances at Kuala Lumpur Fashion week on Sunday, with an effervescent showing that had the heaving room nodding their heads in satisfaction.

Melinda Looi

Melinda Looi, whose ready to wear line will show later in the week, caused a stir with her urban-style diffusion line MELL.

She launched her bopping models down the runway in neon tights, bubble dresses and skirts, and mini waistcoats, all adorned with enough rosettes to put a gymkhana to shame.

Twirling their pigtails, kicking up their heels and shaking their hips to '80s tunes, the models looked at their best in a yellow striped bubble skirt, a pink print dress with a white cropped jacket and tropical-print shorts with a khaki tunic.

One half-expected to see Betsey Johnson to come cartwheeling down the runway. All fun, loud and lively, but nothing H&M isn't already doing.

A final, voluminous, belted, bell-sleeved black top over red tulle was the most intriguing look, proving proportion and contrast are the truly grown-up elements to play with today.

Looi may seem secure in her position as Malaysia's quirky designer of choice, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have competition waiting in the wings.

Donna Chew

And the girl snapping at her heels is Donna Chew, whose adorable collection also showed on Sunday. Her thoroughly modern dresses will please all those who want to take up this season's mania for day dresses without looking too ladylike.

"I like my clothes to be lively — not rigid," Chew says of her style.

"I want to promote a girlish look, but one with style and attitude."

A deft handling of multiple layers gives her dresses movement, not bulk, and the pleasing details — such as a red beaded trim at the neckline of a cream draped cocktail piece — are anything but prissy.

Watch out, Miss Looi. Your crown is looking a little wobbly.