The holidays are a great time for family bonding. Whether it’s going out for picnics, shopping, meals or even to celebrate special events. One such occasion that has parents all over Malaysia excited is National Day and Malaysia Day. As the country commemorates its 65th year of independence, hundreds of families gather at parades in their Sunday best. Some in bright colours, matching outfits and even in Malaysian themed ensembles featuring our beloved Jalur Gemilang. In honour of National Day, these parents have gone above and beyond with their kids’ wardrobes. From the cute to the outlandish, here’s how our Malaysian social media personalities styled their children for Malaysia’s independence.
Dressed for the Occasion
Many schools take advantage of the National Day spirit to host competitions and events for students. Luckily for sisters Luna and Luya, their mum knows just how to style them for such occasions. Here Marlisa Kamil has appropriately dressed each sister in their respective national garb. Luya in a patriotic military uniform for her singing competition and Luna in a dazzling Jalur Gemilang themed gown for her fashion show.
And of course, not forgetting the youngest member of the family, Laura, who also wants to join in on the fun. She’s dressed just like her sister Luna in the traditional Malaysian colours of red, blue, white and yellow with the iconic star and crescent moon symbols of the national flag.
Start ’em Young
Fostering national pride begins from the cradle, and for new dad Farid Rahim, this means dressing his young baby girl in all the colours of the Jalur Gemilang. Here, Ayra is wearing a colourful National Day themed dress, whilst waving a couple of actual Malaysian flags in both hands. She may not yet understand the significance of this special day, but she sure looks like she’s enjoying the photoshoot. The scene is set against the backdrop of the majestic Terengganu Drawbridge—truly a sight to behold!
Celebrity Treatment
Siblings dressed on Malaysia’s 2022 Independence Day with matching custom-made National Day themed outfits. Here, Mateen and Aura are looking especially patriotic in their national attire. A Teluk Belanga Baju Melayu for Mateen and a cute little dress for Aura. Both embellished with the unmistakable Jalur Gemilang elements like the red and white stripes and the fourteen-pointed star and crescent moon. If you’re wondering who their mum is, it’s none other than Malaysian celebrity and actress Yana Samsuddin.
DIY Dream Team
For Marina Bashah, last-minute preparations are her specialty. To save budget, and maybe score some creativity points, this mum of two decided to DIY National Day outfits for her daughters’ school fashion show. With some repurposed Baju Kurung, and shawls, she was able to put together these National Day outfits at the eleventh hour. As long as those iconic Jalur Gemilang colours are there to embody the Malaysian spirit. After all, aren’t we Malaysians known for our ingenuity?
Stylish Siblings
Another pair of siblings dressed for their school’s National Day celebration, again with Malaysia themed outfits. Brother and sister Adam and Hawa proudly wear their country’s colours in modern designs and beautifully tailored silhouettes. Definitely the work of a mother’s keen eye for fashion, which Nurul Izzati clearly has. These wardrobe choices reflect the patriotic spirit in wearable styles that are fit for kids. The modernised Tanjak (traditional Malay headgear) is a nice touch to Adam’s Baju Melayu. And the rose garland is an inspired addition to Hawa’s dress.
Young Warrior
This strapping young lad is poised to defend his country in the traditional Malay pahlawan (warrior) attire of his ancestors. Izhar wears the colours of the Jalur Gemilang and Malaysia’s star and moon emblem as a testament to his patriotism. A beautiful Songket Tanjak adorns his crown in red, blue, yellow and white. He wears an equally exquisite Samping around his waist. All evergreen Malaysian elements that truly compliment his outfit. Din truly knows how to style his son for this special day.
Wear Our National Colours Proud
National Day is one of the few opportunities where families and children can truly go all out in terms of fashion. After all, how many chances do we get to truly wear outlandish costumes and patriotic clothes that truly embody our national colours and symbols. But if you missed your chance this recent Hari Kebangsaan to do so, you can still plan something for this upcoming Malaysia Day in September. Hopefully these outfits will inspire you.
But of course, at the end of the day it’s not the colours themselves that we should celebrate, but the meaning and significance behind them. Red for courage, blue for unity, white for kindness and yellow for loyalty to king and country. As long as we embody these values, we will forever hold our national colours in our hearts. And this is definitely a great way to teach your kids about patriotism.
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