MFWA 2017 | What goes on Backstage

As a blogger at Malta Fashion Week, I get to see the models walking down the runway in garments by the hands of the very talented designers and immaculate makeup and hairstyles to match. This is only the end product of such a big production as is Malta Fashion Week.

This year, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to have a look at what goes on backstage before the models hit the catwalk. Moreover, the day assigned to me couldn't have been a better choice - I got to have an exclusive peek at the makeup and hair being done for the shows of some of my favourite designers last Wednesday, namely Gaetano, Ivory & Co., Carla Grima, Desiree and Rosita.

My favorite makeup looks were actually the ones for the Carla Grima show with a natural, glowy look that perfectly complimented the flowy, bright silk kaftans and swimwear. I caught up with the very talented Talitha Dimech who was in charge of doing the makeup for the show and I really enjoyed watching her work her magic on the models. She was assisted by Jeanette Cardona, Karen Decelis, Daniela Zammit and Daniela Cremona who I must say all did a very good job!Lead The lead hairstylist for this show was Dean Gera, assisted by M'Cast Students.

Talitha Dimech applying makeup on of the models

As for hair, my favourites were the regal up 'dos for Ivory & Co. and Gaetano. The hairstylists in charge for these elegant looks were the Artistic Team at Toni & Guy for Ivory & Co. and Matthew and Roderick Castillo for Gaetano. For the Ivory & Co. fashion show, the makeup team consisted of  Elaine Galea (Lead Makeup Artist), Alexia Kind, Ruth Abela, Ruth Marguerat, Marina Muscat, Fabienne Bezzina, Miriam Pace, Marilyn Caruana, Moni Torok, Christina Moncholi and Marilyn Montanaro. As for Gaetano, the makeup team was made up of Marlene Vassallo and her assistants, Amanda Greaves, Henry Galea, Martina Bugeja, Rodianne Caruana, Rebecca Busuttil, Cristina Moncholi and Fabienne Bezzina.

With 5 shows happening on the night, backstage was quite busy. I was told they had to make up 100 models!!! In view of this, I was struck by how professional everyone is as I walked into the backstage rooms with colourful makeup palettes neatly displayed and the smell of hairspray in the air. What would Malta Fashion Week be without these people? Well done and thank you!

Yours truly with Gaetano!

All makeup used was Eva Garden and hair was done using TRESemme professional styling products.

All models' photographs by Kurt Paris, backstage prep pictures by me

Of ripped jeans and embroidered shoes - Outfit for Day 4 of MFWA 2017

The exhaustion of fashion week is taking it's toll and yesterday I was feeling quite worn out and wanted a comfortable outfit for the evening's shows. I went for a pair of ripped jeans and a flowy top with bell sleeves and paired them with floral accessories to jazz up an otherwise plain outfit.

The shoes were definitely a hit as I got a ton of compliments on them. I have to admit though they are not the most comfortable pair, they do pack a punch!

Photos by Neil Psaila and Bernard Polidano

Top, River Island | Denims, Zara
Shoes, Asos | Bag, ALDO | Necklace, Fossil at Sunlab
Sunnies, Marks & Spencer | Earrings, Michael Kors at Sunlab | Bangles, Promod

MFWA 2017 | Day 4 - Suits, Food & Flowers and Poison

Gagliardi - SS17 Safari / AW17 La Dolce Vita, Rome

Photos: Malta Fashion Week & Awards Facebook page

It was time for the men to open yesterday's shows with the Maltese international brand Gagliardi. I always look forward to their show primarily because I love their take on combining different colours and patterns to re-invent the traditional suit. I especially loved the silk scarves draped under the jacket lapels and the mismatched ties and pocket squares. From formal to casual, Gagliardi has it all for the men who want to look dapper all the time! This year, they are proposing a safari theme for Spring/Summer and for the Autumn/Winter season, a more sophisticated collection inspired by 1950's and 1960's Rome as pictured in William Wyler's film 'Roman Holiday' starring Audrey Hepburn.

Ef+facto Italy - Food & Flowers

Photos: Steven Muliett

Effacto was the first show from a foreign designer for the night. Loredana Meyer, from Italy, presented a collection that is equal parts stylish and environmentally friendly. She uses all natural fabrics and all the garments are made exclusively in Italy. I really enjoyed this collection for it had me written all over it! The simple, clean lines are what I look for for understated chic. Here are some of my favourite looks from the show.

Eymeric François - Poison

Photos: Bernard Polidano

The final show from yesterday's event couldn't get any sexier - red, black, lace, corsets all accentuating the female form, this is Eymeric François Poison all the way from Paris!

I must say that this was my favourite collection from the night. Of course many of know my obsession with everything French but who in their right mind can resist these sexy creations?! Well done Eymeric once again!

MFWA 2017 | Day 3 - Brides and Summer Vibes

Day 3 was the busiest day of MFW with 5 shows taking place back to back. Here is a run-down of four of them and click here to check out the show by Couture by Gaetano.

Carla Grima Atelier - Abloom

Photos by Matthew B. Spiteri

The first show for the night transported us to the now very near sunny summer days, lounging by the pool with friends and sipping cocktails in breezy printed silk kaftans and colourful swimwear from Carla Grima's Atelier.

The collection presented a number of beautiful pieces in a kaleidoscope of colours inspired by spring floral blooms, all meant to insinuate themselves around the human form for a luxurious resort-wear feel. The models took a stroll round the deck-chair and bar setup which further gave the collection a summery feel, and me a longing for more relaxed days!

Desiree - Less Is (not) More

Photos by: Go Raw Photography

Ever since I got introduced to Desiree and her work last year, I am always on the look-out for what she has to offer next, plus I always enjoy meeting this lady who exudes positive vibes with her contagious smile :)

This year, Desiree took her creations a step forward with leather bags created from scratch and then giving them her signature touch of paint. Of course there are shoes to match the bags. The theme is a play on words - Less Is (not) More and I think Desiree has really succeeded in challenging the common otion that less is more. Because of the recent collapse of the Azure Window, Desiree was inspired to dedicate this collection and pay tribute to some of our most loved icons especially Mdina Gate and the Azure Window and the Valletta skyline.

Well done once again Des!


Rosita Silk Sense - Serendipity feat. jewellery by Virag Andersson


Photos by: Ivan Borg

Following her amazing show last year, I was really looking forward to Rosita's show this year and even more so since I got to collaborate with her jewellery sponsor Virag Andersson. This year, Rosita's famous silk kaftans have made a comeback and she also launched silk ties and pocket squares for the men. Everything is literally a one of a kind wearable piece of art and I definitely know what I want from this collection.

As for Virag's jewellery, she uses metals, enamel and glass in her creations which is a combination unique to her. I got the pleasure to wear one of her necklaces and boy has it received a good feedback!

Ivory & Co.

Photos by: Steve Muliett

Lastly, we have Ivory & Co. who have presented a collection of bridal dresses and dresses that are more suited for wedding guests and close family members. I was really in my element yesterday with all these elegant shows happening. I just wish I could relive yesterday all over again (and gain another day of Fashion Week in so doing :P). 

Well, I gotta gear up for Day 4 tonight! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates from the night :)