MFWA 2015 | Un/Burnished - A Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition by Nadege Renee Cassar

Date: Tuesday 12th May 2015

Time: 19:00hrs

Location: Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Republic Street, Valletta

Palazzo de La Salle is once again hosting a fashion event this year following the MFWA Press Conference and the myme pop-up concept store last week. And what better event is there to be hosted at the seat of the Malta Society of Arts other than an artistic jewellery exhibition by the very creative Nadege Renee Cassar?

Ms. Cassar is a design graduate and has been making jewellery since 2005 in her own workshop, hence this exhibition marks the 10 year anniversary from when Nadege Renee started her jewellery making venture. Her creations are mostly sterling silver combined with precious or non-precious materials where the designs are mostly contemporary and they are unique, limited edition pieces. The designer also creates bespoke jewellery by recycling her clients' own precious metals and stones.

The exhibition is hosting 34 hand-fabricated jewellery items of an exclusive, one-off nature; all of which explore and question the notion of preciousness. In her own words, Nadege Renee Cassar says of the exhibition that "nowadays the intrinsic value of jewellery is often marked by human intervention on gemstones, which have been categorised by humans since the mid-1800s as “precious stones” and “semiprecious stones” on the basis of various factors such as beauty, size, rarity and popularity. However, shouldn’t nature’s design on its own beautiful material formations be considered the most precious factor of all, regardless of all other factors imposed by us?

Un / Burnished makes use of stones in their raw natural form as well as fine cut stones. Their textures are contrasted with highly polished metal finishes or metal interventions."

my favourite piece from the collection

The exhibits were displayed on painted tree logs in clear showcases - a setting that is as creative as the pieces themselves!

photo by Dorianne Mamo of ask dorianne

The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Leonie Baldacchino from the Edward de Bono Institute for the Design and Development of Thinking. Her brief but very heart-warming speech was followed by a few words from Nadege herself and guests were then able to continue admiring the pieces on display.

Ms. Nadege Renee Cassar (far left) delivering her address

I really suggest you pay this exhibition a visit to admire the creative work and craftsmanship involved.

Un/Burnished will be open to the public from the 13th of May will the 9th of June at the following times:

13 - 27 May: Monday - Wednesday 08:00hrs to 20:00hrs

Thursday - Friday 08:00hrs to 15:00hrs

Saturday - Sunday closed

28 May - 9 June: Monday - Friday 08:00hrs to 15:00hrs

Saturday - Sunday closed

The exhibition is held in collaboration with the Mercedes-Benz Malta Fashion Week & Awards and the MSA and is supported by Eva Garden, Deco Manufacturing, NM Arrigo Ltd., Cleland & Souchet and Heritage Malta.

MFWA 2015 | Ferragiu' & Nilara Fashion Shows

Date: Monday 11th May 2015

Time: 20:30hrs

Location: Ordinance Street, Valletta (between new Parliament building and Royal Theatre)

Elegant, opulent, rich and sexy are the words that come to mind when I think of yesterday's double bill of excellently executed haute couture creations by Ferragiu' and Nilara. I have nothing but words of praise for both shows - from the exquisite setting and models' choreography to the dresses themselves, both designers have really outdone themselves! 

Ferragiu' presents Renaissance

This was my first time witnessing the capability of Dr. Juliana Scerri Ferrante and I was really looking forward to the show. I wasn't let down and the collection's name is really befitting - many of the garments are reminiscent of baroque Italy (a country with which Dr. Scerri Ferrante has strong ties) and the Renaissance period. I could also see 're-birth' of past trends in other outfits as well such as the tulle under-skirts. Animal prints, lush fabrics, lace and silk details all contributed to make this collection unique and covetable. Should you wish to see the collection again, it will be showcased during Malta's Fashion Gala Event in Rome this July as well as during another fashion event in Monte Carlo later this year.

Makeup (Eva Garden) and hair (Toni & Guy Artistic Team) for this collection was very minimal to allow the dresses to be the stand-out pieces.

All photos by Mark Soler Photography.

Nilara presents Paint It Black

After attending their Christmas reception last year, I was really excited to see what Nilay Topal Camilleri will create for this year's show. From the moment I knew the name of the collection, I knew Mrs. Camilleri will turn me into all-black-everything convert...and may I say, she succeeded! Clever use of sheer fabric, all black embellishments, feather detailing, capes and extraordinary head-dresses are what truly made this show a celebration of elegance at its best in the colour that fits it best - black.

The makeup, which was done using Eva Garden products was more experimental and it reminded me of rock band KISS and it was really fitting with the theme of the collection and the rock music which accompanied the show.

All photos by Mark Soler Photography.

This was by far my favourite show and it met all my expectations! I just wish I had that many occasions to wear every single creation to! Well done to both Dr. Juliana Scerri Ferrante and Mrs. Nilay Topal Camilleri for such wonderful presentations!

MFWA2015 | The Point Shopping Mall Fashion Show

Date: Saturday 9th May 2015 

Time: 20:30hrs

Location: Pjazza Tigne', The Point, Sliema

The Mercedez-Benz Malta Fashion Week kicked off yesterday night with the first fashion show, a satellite event hosted outside of Valletta which showcased collections from some 40 brands, starting off with Aldo Shoes & Accessories, one of the main sponsors of MFWA. The other brands were Armani Jeans, Guess, Sunlab, Debenhams, Hilfiger Denim, Sophia, Massimo Dutti, Gant, Lacoste, Liu Jo, Garbo, Luisa Spagnoli, Esprit, Nine West, Springfield, Piccinino, Mango, Nike, Pull & Bear, Oysho, Scholl, M Vintage, Lacoste, Stradivarius, Piazza Italia, New Look, River Island, Terranova, Bata, Calliope, Punt Roma, Skechers, Adidas, Bershka and Urban Jungle.

Some of the biggest trends were seventies' vibes with fringe detailing and flowy garments, floral prints in clashing colours and a good mix of colourful brights and earthy tones in different textures and materials.

Hair was trusted in the capable hands of Dean Gera stylists where the female models wore their tresses in sleek ponytails that complemented even the more formal looks. The makeup was applied by the very talented Biocare Academy makeup artists using Eva Garden Makeup. Bright lips were predominant all throughout with either complementing neutral eye makeup or even a pop of colour be it eyeshadow or coloured eyeliners - a major trend for the coming summer.

photos by Mark Soler Photography

After this first show, I am really looking forward to tonight's bridal show so stay tuned for a post about that soon ;)

All photos taken by me, unless otherwise stated.