Carla Grima, 28, Iklin - the Maltese Resort Princess
I missed seeing Carla Grima at the Malta Fashion Week, but we were invited to her show at Broadside Terrace at Corinthia Palace. It was wonderful, with a very vibrant and sophisticated mix of colours, using light and airy materials. The collection was delicate and sophisticated, yet playful and fun - just like Carla herself!
A word from Carla: "I grew up surrounded by ceramic artists at my father's ceramic factory. I always loved watching them painting and playing with clay. I was lucky enough to spend my summers working there, learning how to paint Mediterranean designs onto ceramics. I studied 3D design for three years at MCAST, experimenting with textiles and researching fashion designers and photographers. This inspired me to move to England and further my career in fashion - which all grew quite organically."
Ritienne Zammit, 29, Valletta - The Pattern Queen of Valletta
Ritienne is one of the best designers in Malta; her clothes are exceptional, wonderful and perfectly crafted. Where for some designers it is just about seasonal creations, Ritienne creates timeless pieces. She is true child of Valletta and I think - after living in Malta for eight years - that there is something very loyal and passionate about the people from Valletta. The love and pride they have for Malta's 'little-big' capital is wonderful.
A word from Ritienne: "From a very young age, I always enjoyed being creative. Drawing dresses on pieces of paper was one of my greatest pleasures and my passion for design prompted me to study it at college. I developed my own style, learned different techniques and also pursued my love of Fine Arts and the history of art and design. When I left college I continued developing my design skills by founding and developing my own brand."
Désirée Azzopardi, 28, San Pawl Tat-Targa - The Fashion Artist
I liked Désirée from the moment I met her: she has a kind and very beautiful soul that shines through her eyes. She has a softness about her and is one of those people you find hard to imagine being angry or upset - and even if it she was - I bet she would look sweet! Her sensitivity also shines in her work - through her beautiful hand-painted shoes and bags: making ordinary things wonderful and unique.
A word from Désirée: "I've been a full-time interior designer since 2011 and designing and personalising shoes and bags for the past two-and-a-half years. From a young age I was always painting anything I could get my hands on, ranging from furniture to walls and all sorts of materials. I took up art immediately at school and studied it up to advanced Level. Then I became involved in design - studying it locally, as well as abroad, to degree level. In 2011 I opened my own business in interior design and that has been my full-time job ever since. And then there was a moment when I was staring down at my feet, clad in a pair of plain Nike running shoes, and I got the idea of painting them. I immediately began experimenting! When I checked online, I discovered that this is quite common particularly - particularly in the USA, where they even have sneaker-design competitions! However, being me, I didn't want to do something that everyone was doing, so I took my idea of hand-painting on to stilettos, all sorts of heels and occasion shoes. I began experimenting further with leather and synthetic materials and techniques and from there I developed my work on handbags and produced my own collection of leather bags. I took part in Malta Fashion Week last year and again this year - and I've never looked back!"
Line Young Peteri is the co-owner of roccamore.com and an ambassador for Dove Malta. Follow her on www.lineyoung.com and www.instagram.com/lineyoung