International Designers Show

May 10, 2013

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Malta is a week long celebration of Maltese and international fashion that reaches its climax at the Vodafone RED Malta Fashion Awards on Saturday night.

Throughout the week fashionistas had the pleasure of admiring some of the best talent in the industry at the most amazing location; but none were as prestgious and exclusive as the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta, the Auberge de Castille in Valletta. Thanks to the support of the office of the Prime Minister and first lady Mrs. Michelle Muscat, herself an avid fashion lover, this is where the international designers show was held on Friday night.

Let’s take a look at how the bloogers described the collections…

MARELLA FERRERA

It’s not hard at all to see why Marella Ferrera is hailed as “Sicily’s most important atelier”. Her pieces are so intricate, you can just see the hours of hand labour and careful planning and execution that must have gone into each piece.

Her designs have an obvious, distinct Sicilian influence, and there were some classical pieces using lace handcrafting and beautiful jewel details whilst others were bolder and, less classical, with details such as sequins,crystals and flower petals.

Caroline’s Fashion Styling

This collection had a general theme of veils and intricate lace work. Apart from in some certain details, the only colours we see in this collection are black, nude, and orange. The pieces vary in length, tightness, colour and cut. The different shapes make the collection a well rounded one, from cocktail dresses to evening gowns. Some of the dresses had veils which looked very traditional and were very pleasing to the eye. Others had matching scarves or shawls wrapped around. One particular one had feathers which I thought was gorgeous touch. Sleeve lengths and necklines varied from one piece to the other.

All Things Lady

HOUSE OF JOLA

Wohooo!! Colour, patterns and lots of style and attitude… this Nigerian designer sure knows how to design clothes that make a statement… her pieces made me want to dance all night long, have fun and jump for joy… the tailoring is also superb… absolute perfection on all counts.

Caroline’s Fashion Styling

The theme of this collection was geometric shapes turned into patterns. Starting with the spiral motif, we saw triangles, perspective designs, spots, tiger print, and other geometry, some of which was inspired by the shapes of flowers… The dresses featured different shapes and were lightened up with Swarovski embellishments. The Nigerian models were so talented and completely professional, their posture perfect and the clothes fit them like a glove. They walked with attitude like they owned the catwalk, it was all very impressive.

All Things Lady

FABRYAN

This London-based Nigerian designer also loves colour and her pieces were bright and bold with a lovely elegant design and lots of beautiful detailing.

Caroline’s Fashion Styling

The collection started with the LBD, a classical basic that every woman should own. A mixture of blacks and whites followed with the very original peplum, dip hem blazer which was one of my favourite pieces. Evening gowns followed, with flowy, shiny satin, lace and ruffles. I did feel that the sequin dress did not fit in with the rest of the collection just because it had nothing in common with the rest. I’m still unsure if that is a good or a bad thing. One of my favourites was the maxi-dress with the satin polo neck. I thought the contrast of the materials placed together was so subtly effective and played the textures like it was music.

All Things Lady

KEVIN MUSCAT

Stylish !!! classy, elegant and somewhat minimalistic but with oodles of style and attitude, this Maltese designer did us proud!! I really admired how carefully planned each look was, from the styling for the catwalk to the actual design of each piece… I LOVE the way the orange and black colours meet at the shoulders on one particular piece, such a bold design!!

Caroline’s Fashion Styling

I’m not being patriotic here, but honestly, this collection was one of the best, not that I feel that any of the collections were not up to standard… Kevin Muscat featured mainly shirts and shirt dresses. Choosing the colours black, grey and orange on their own was the best decision for this collection. The orange satin lit up the room like nothing else and the contrast was just sublime. I also loved the few LBDs the collection featured, using pleats and skater skirts and contrast coloured pockets. Maxi skirts, maxi evening dresses, pencil skirts and coat like pieces were also presents, this collection did not lack one single thing. No wonder Kevin made it to the UK so successfully…

All Things Lady

BILJANA TIPSAREVIC

This Serbian designer had quite a versatile collection, from intricate designs with lovely gold lace threading to perfect white suits with lots of power and attitude. I was quite hooked. I really liked the suits, very clean lines, minimalistic but at the same time, making a statement.

Caroline’s Fashion Styling

Last but not least, the lacy collection from Serbia. Wonderful, minimal pieces… By minimal I mean, not over the top – the detail was by far not minimalist. Colours chosen were whites, off-whites, ivory, cream, gray and red. The collection started with subtle white midi dresses and finished with red sexy maxis. Paneled dresses combined with lace and fine mesh, belted skirts, suits and evening gowns, made this collection so diverse but yet within a theme, being classical, minimal and elegant. My favourites would have to be the first cream lacy dress and pretty much everything else. The designer’s dress herself was also show stopper.

All Things Lady

The show was followed by an intimate reception in the courtyard where guests got a chance to mingle. Thanks to the support of Meridiana Wines and other sponsors for making.