AmbiWear was created by the winning team of the designMT Fashion Jam 2025, responding to the theme “Green is the New Black”. Rooted in sustainability, the design embraces reversibility and modularity: a dress with two wearable sides and a detachable segment that transforms into a bag. By encouraging multiple looks from a single garment, it challenges fast fashion’s throwaway culture. Conceived for the dynamic lifestyle of the modern woman, AmbiWear blends aesthetic appeal with practical adaptability, enabling a seamless transition in appearance while promoting a more conscious approach to fashion.

The AmbiWear team was formed after winning the designMT Fashion Jam in 2025. This multidisciplinary group brings together five individuals from diverse backgrounds, each contributing unique skills and perspectives. Gabriel Grima is a fashion graduate with hands-on experience in the industry, particularly in creative pattern cutting. Sarah Camilleri is an environmental scientist and sewist with a growing interest in fashion design. Abigail Farrugia is a graphic designer passionate about sewing, fashion, and sustainability. Martin Gomez, also a graphic designer, runs his own sewing and repair business. Jelena Milanovic is an economist and entrepreneur who manages her own fashion brand.

Woven in Protest is a handwoven dress crafted entirely from recycled garments, a sculptural textile that stands against fast fashion. By combining diverse textures, colours, and remnants of personal clothing, the piece embodies sustainability, identity, and the reclamation of material value. It challenges consumerist habits while celebrating the creative potential of reuse, transforming discarded fabrics into a statement of both personal and environmental consciousness.

Ruslana Grima is an emerging artist who has developed a profound personal and conceptual connection to weaving, a slow, tactile practice that stands in stark contrast to the accelerated pace of contemporary life. Her work is deeply informed by an acute awareness of environmental issues and the lasting impact of our daily choices. As a young woman, she feels a strong sense of responsibility towards the way we live and consume. This sense of accountability underpins her exploration of themes such as fast fashion, consumer behaviour, and sustainability, which she investigates through sculptural and textile-based artworks.

Kartelluni celebrates local cultural heritage and natural beauty through vintage-inspired travel poster art, reimagining Malta’s past with vivid detail, colour, and storytelling. Drawing on early 20th-century tourism visuals, the collections evoke nostalgia and wonder, reviving lost traditions and treasures. Happy Return reflects Malta’s historical leisure venues while symbolising the longing to return to normality – both post-war and after the recent pandemic; while Welcome on Board captures the romance of the golden age of travel. Both collections are illustrated by Nicole Sciberras Debono. A limited-edition collaboration with the Chocolate District, inspired by vintage safety match boxes, adds playful historical reference.

Janice Mercieca founded Kartelluni in 2022, a bold step that marked her transition from the structured world of finance to the boundless realm of visual expression. Driven by an urge to explore her creative side, she began shaping a brand where imagination takes form and collaboration thrives. Kartelluni is where ideas evolve through connection, and where she works hand-in-hand with a vibrant community of artists, designers, and illustrators to bring stories to life through poster art.

1920s Retro Futurism: Nostalgic Visions of the Future – Clement Gauci Peresso, Elaine Little, Holly Arrends Harding, Jodie Sammut, Maya Zammit, Shazy Bonnici, and Yelena Galea; Corrosive Centrepiece – Zapryan Zapryanov; Cultural Hybridity: Blending Traditions in Modern Fashion – Alex Cassar, Cassiel Maria Said, and Shania Apap; Terra Corpus – Alana Fava; Textile Weave – Chloe Ebejer; The Influence of Art Movements on Fashion – Faith Scerri, Kane Micallef, Kayla Borg, Mira Gauci, Sara Cristina Mifsud, and Sharren Kate Bugeja.

Students from the MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts are showcasing their work at designMT, representing two courses within the school. Second-year students from the Advanced Diploma in Fashion and Retail are presenting their final major projects, marking the culmination of two years of study in fashion illustration, textile design, pattern drafting, garment construction, and fashion retail. Alongside them, students from the Advanced Diploma in Art and Design are contributing diverse creative works that reflect their multidisciplinary training. Their collective participation highlights MCAST’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and bridging education with real-world creative industry experience.

Maleth Collection weaves together symbols of Malta’s heritage. The Gardjola watchtower signifies vigilance and protection, while traditional Maltese doors are numbered to celebrate the historic events whose anniversaries were marked in 2024: Independence, Republichood, Freedom Day, and EU membership. Vibrant Bandalori evoke the festive spirit of national celebrations, and intricate tile and wrought-iron motifs pay tribute to enduring craftsmanship. Framed by the Mediterranean and verses of the national anthem, the design balances colour and form, allowing each element to breathe. Originally a limited-edition silk scarf, Maleth has evolved into a series of artworks celebrating Malta’s beauty, resilience, and enduring spirit.

Since returning to Malta in 2008, self-taught artist and designer Stephanie Borg has devoted herself to celebrating and promoting Malta’s rich heritage and culture through her artistic creations. Through her fresh and contemporary approach, she has built a distinctive lifestyle brand, offering a diverse range of products, from wall art and homeware to fashion, deskware, and unique gifts. Inspired by the intricate patterns of old Maltese cement tiles, traditional wooden doors, and wrought ironwork, Stephanie’s work reinterprets these timeless elements with modern sophistication. Her creations invite us to cherish craftsmanship, heritage, and culture in a stylish and meaningful way.

The international participation of Kety Kaviladze – being supported by the Georgian Cultural Centre in Malta – presents a vibrant interplay of light, colour, and form. The Painted Stained Glass Wall and Stained Glass Painting refract ancient symbolism through cold-painted glass, capturing shifting rays in layered transparency. Her two Acrylic on Canvas works unfold in rich, gestural abstraction, while the Universal Spray suspends pigment in delicate, atmospheric veils. Completing the selection, the Triptych Canvas anchors dynamic colour fields with poised structure. Together, these works illuminate Kaviladze’s ongoing dialogue between material and emotion, where colour becomes both language and light.

Kety Kaviladze is a self-taught artist whose work carries hidden emotion and a distinct visual language that for years she shared without using her name. Her journey began seven years ago alongside her granddaughter Nutsi, whose curiosity and encouragement sparked Kety’s creative path. Since then, painting has become an integral part of her life, filling her days with colour, warmth, and humanity. Influenced by the watercolour master Yuri Skrynnikov and further trained in glass art at the Tbilisi Art Academy, Kety embraces every opportunity to exhibit, continually seeking growth, new challenges, and ways to share beauty with those around her.

Crypt Bag is the result of a unique collaboration between local fashion house Azzopardi and leathersmith Ozzy Chien of Birgu Blue Atelier, blending haute couture techniques with artisanal mastery. Drawing on Maltese folk traditions and history, the project transforms cultural elements into a luxury handbag that redefines local craft in a contemporary light. Immaculately finished and intricately designed, the Crypt Bag embodies heritage and modernity – a keepsake for those who appreciate beauty in impermanence. Its development was supported by the Malta Crafts Foundation after being recognised at the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti for Inspiring Artisanship and Innovation through Collaboration.

Luke Azzopardi, founder of his eponymous couture brand – Azzopardi, studied at Central Saint Martins and the University of Malta. His studio focuses on deconstruction and researched aestheticism, informed by his academic background in costume history. His couture has appeared at London and Dubai Fashion Weeks, and received multiple local and international awards. Beyond fashion, he designs for opera and dance productions, designed Malta’s debut pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2023, and published a book on the għonnella.

Taiwanese leather artisan Ozzy Chien established the Leather Atelier within Birgu Blue in 2019, creating refined, Mediterranean-inspired leather timeless pieces.

Ħsejjes ta’ Malta is an abstract visual interpretation of the Maltese soundscape, past and present, translated into rhythmic linework and colour. Wave-like lines, pulsating shapes, and symbolic patterns echo daily sounds – from church bells and fireworks to street vendors, construction, and sea waves. Softer, curved forms in warmer tones represent traditional sounds, while sharper, angular shapes evoke modern noise. By blending abstract and symbolic imagery, the work transforms sound into form, creating a living audio-visual portrait of Malta. It gives voice to the nation’s rhythm, culture, and transformation – not seen or spoken, but heard through the eyes.

Marylynn Naudi is a Maltese emerging artist with a primary focus on realistic drawing and portraiture, using traditional media to capture emotion, identity, and cultural depth. While rooted in realism, she also explores concept-driven projects that engage with Malta’s evolving cultural landscape. Through fine detail, observational accuracy, and thoughtful symbolism, her practice bridges classical technique with contemporary themes. Marylynn’s current work expands into culturally reflective compositions, highlighting the transformation of identity in modern Malta.

Glyphers is a unisex shoe collection that prioritises craft over fashion trends, highlighting the maker as the foundation of all design. Inspired by Maltese fishermen’s sandals and Mexican huarache weaving, it celebrates global cultural dialogue. Each pair merges mathematical precision with handmade artistry, offering designs that could be CNC-cut for larger production while remaining rooted in tradition. The bold yellow and white palette is for all, joyful, timeless, and striking without excess. Across four designs, Glyphers demonstrates how craft, culture, precision, and colour can come together to create footwear that is both accessible and emotionally resonant.

Becky Grech, Bx, is a Maltese shoe designer, educator, and researcher. She discovered shoemaking in 2013 and has pursued constant experimentation and preservation of the craft, winning various awards at the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti in the process. Poised to become a market-driven designer, she realised that demand and supply diminished her as an artist – a title she never imagined for herself – leading her to step from the public eye to explore a new artistic language. She is now commencing a PhD on the artisanal meaning and language of shoes in Malta, while experimenting with waste as a creative material.

The Sleeping Lady Egg fuses Maltese heritage with contemporary filigree art, inspired by Fabergé eggs and miniature craftsmanship. Handcrafted in sterling silver, the egg features traditional filigree patterns and African amethysts that highlight organic symmetry. At its heart lies a silver sculpture of the Sleeping Lady from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, connecting the viewer to Malta’s ancient culture. A custom hinge and elevated tripod showcase both delicacy and structure. This piece transcends decoration, serving as a dialogue between past and present—an homage to Maltese artisanship, history, and innovation through the meticulous art of silver.

A filigree artist who crafts intricate pieces, Mark Borg’s artistic journey began at the age of thirteen, when he studied the craft at the School of Art in Valletta. Over the years, he perfected his technique and expanded his repertoire to include not only traditional jewellery, but also innovative sculptures and automata. Mark’s work is characterized by a desire to push the boundaries of traditional filigree and explore new, uncharted territories. His creations are often inspired by the natural world, the passage of time, and diverse cultural influences, resulting in unique works that resonate with both history and modernity.

Historical Pathway is a textile mural crafted from white, maroon, and beige cotton threads, with a warp of over a thousand strands. The white section features a double diamond weave, while the maroon area incorporates three distinct patterns. Lace weaving defines the central section, and a large beige diamond is integrated using macramé braid. Above it, the motif references patterns found on ancient pottery artifacts. Combining traditional techniques with historical motifs, Historical Pathway celebrates craft, texture, and the continuity of Maltese cultural heritage through a layered and rhythmic visual narrative.

Alda Bugeja is a Gozo-based weaver, textile artist, and educator who began learning the craft from her mother and grandmother at age five. She specializes in traditional weaving, spinning, macramé, and kumihimo, sourcing and preparing local wool by hand. Over her career, she has won awards, exhibited internationally, contributed to documentaries, written instructional guides, created historical textile reproductions for Heritage Malta, and wove the stole for Pope Francis’ visit to Gozo in 2022. She teaches weaving and textile arts to all ages, blending tradition with contemporary designs to preserve and promote Malta’s artisanal textile heritage for future generations.

Geosmin explores the intimate harmony between portraiture and natural textures. The figure, rendered in delicate oil strokes, is partially abstracted to merge with woven reeds, evoking themes of memory, heritage, and rootedness. The rustic frame, crafted from traditional Maltese weaving materials, becomes part of the narrative, situating the subject within a distinctly Mediterranean context. Through the interplay of paint and natural fibres, Geosmin transforms portraiture into a tactile, immersive meditation on identity, place, and the enduring connection between people and the landscapes they inhabit.

Alfie Gatt has been shaping a bold creative path as a multi-disciplinary artist since 2022. Specializing in painting, he brings canvases to life with traditional techniques while also mastering digital media, including video editing, graphic design, and 2D animation. His work spans platforms and audiences, with collaborations including the Office of the Prime Minister, Visit Malta, Visit Gozo, and global brands with a presence in Malta. Constantly pushing boundaries, Alfie creates immersive, thought-provoking experiences that blend artistry and innovation, establishing him as a versatile force in Malta’s contemporary creative scene.

Modula Jewellery Series transforms repurposed computer PCBs into sterling silver necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants, and a bolo tie. The intricate patterns of microchips, gold-plated contacts, and colourful traces make each piece unique, blending technology with artistry. Semi-precious stones enhance the designs, while dismantling and cleaning discarded PCBs promotes sustainability by reducing electronic waste. With a modern, industrial aesthetic, the collection highlights upcycling, eco-consciousness, and innovative design, turning electronic remnants into wearable art. The collection offers one-of-a-kind accessories that celebrate the fusion of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental responsibility, making a bold statement about sustainability, innovation, and creativity.

Nadège Renée Cassar established her jewellery workshop, launching her namesake brand Nadège Renée in 2005. She designs and crafts contemporary pieces in gold and sterling silver, often combining them with precious or non-precious materials. Nadège specializes in unique, exclusive, and limited-edition collections, as well as bespoke jewellery created by recycling clients’ metals and stones. She is renowned for transformable designs that adapt to different styles and needs. Passionate about heritage, Nadège revives traditional techniques such as filigree, blending them with a modern aesthetic to produce jewellery that is both innovative and timeless.

Lumorack is a wall-hanging furniture piece that blends functionality with innovation, providing storage for coats, décor, and personal belongings. Its sensor-activated lighting enhances user experience, automatically illuminating when someone passes by, combining convenience with modern elegance. Designed to meet the need for organised, interactive storage, Lumorack balances practicality and aesthetics, transforming everyday utility into a subtle, elegant interaction. By integrating intuitive technology with thoughtful design, it elevates a functional object into a contemporary, experiential statement that engages users and enlivens the space it inhabits.

Federica Zahra is a Product Design student at MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts, specializing in furniture that blends functionality with innovative design. For the past two years, she has worked part-time at a local furniture manufacturer, designing and building custom pieces that address real-world needs, gaining hands-on experience with materials, craftsmanship, and user-centered design. Inspired from a young age by home renovation and interior design, Federica’s early curiosity evolved into a passion for creating thoughtful, practical furniture, a drive that continues to guide her emerging career in the world of design.

11:11 marks Parascandalo’s 11th anniversary, a collection inspired by alignment, intention, and bold new beginnings. Rooted in the brand’s ethos to dare to be different, it reflects a refined evolution of past work while charting the future, revisiting core elements with renewed focus on structure, silhouette, and storytelling. The collection explores denim in versatile, gender-fluid designs, reimagining the material across contemporary forms. 11:11 is a visual wish—a moment of transformation where past and future converge—offering a striking statement of identity, style, and creative evolution.

Marco Parascandalo is a Maltese fashion designer and the founder of the contemporary label Parascandalo. With a background in digital arts and a passion for bold, culturally rooted design, Marco launched his brand in 2014 to challenge fashion norms and celebrate individuality. His work blends urban edge with Mediterranean influences, often incorporating Maltese language and social commentary. Over the past decade, Parascandalo has become known for its fearless approach to style, streetwear, and self-expression. Marco continues to evolve the brand while remaining true to his ethos: fashion should be expressive, inclusive, and always daring to be different.

MINSUĠA – The Leatherace Collection by Captain’s Cut celebrates centuries-old techniques, revived and reinterpreted for the contemporary fashion lover. Rich leather in varied tones evokes rugged sophistication while remaining soft and malleable, shaping bold, refined silhouettes. Macramé elements combine fluidity and structure, their intricate knots recalling the artisanal spirit of handcrafted design. Maltese lace adds delicate, ethereal details, contrasting the sturdier materials and highlighting fine craftsmanship. This fusion of textures creates a collection that honours the past while looking toward the future, blending tradition and innovation into wearable art that is both striking and tactile.

A retired Armed Forces of Malta Captain turned artist, leather-craftsman, and designer, Keith John Caruana always craved to create unique long-lasting pieces of art that serve a purpose. Having lived in Tuscany during his training with the Italian Navy, he spent all his weekends getting inspired by the skilled traditional leather-craftsmen showcasing their art in the narrow alleys of the world-famous leather market of Firenze. Today Keith John is the man behind Captain’s Cut, a boutique leather brand specializing in bespoke belts and leather art using sustainable practices and no electrical machinery.