Peranakan outfits for APEC photo op -- No ponchos please, we're Asian

The traditional photo session for APEC leaders has been a source of amusement for many over the years. There's been some real "what-were-they-thinking" outfits in APEC history -- check out our photo gallery of the fashion hits (but mostly misses) from APEC.

The flower motif has 21 petals representing the 21 Apec economies.

Singapore's APEC organizers want to reverse this trend. So, they've roped in local designer and fashion guru Wykidd Song, previously one half of the Song+Kelly label. For this year's national dress, Song drew inspiration from the Peranakan culture, which blends Chinese, Indian and Malay elements.

"I see the Peranakan culture as a hybrid of the different cultures we have in Southeast Asia, and that is what is reflected here in Singapore," said Song.

For the gents this year -- long-sleeved linen and silk shirts with mandarin collars, with a choice of blue, red or green colors. The outfit comes with a set of round cufflinks made of sterling silver featuring either blue topaz, red rhodolite or green peridot precious gems.

For Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet -- the only female leaders at this year's APEC -- V-necked blouses in red silk with elaborate embroidery and lace, adorned with brooches of sterling silver featuring red rhodolite precious gems.

How confident are organizers that this year's outfit will break the trend of awkward imposition? For the first time in APEC history, the leaders will be wearing their outfits for an entire evening, long after the traditional photo session wraps up. Let's just hope no one spills their soup. That would be embarrassing.