SIROCCO, Charles & Ron’s Fall/Winter 25/26 Collection, celebrates cultural fusion, heritage, and the winds that connect us. Inspired by the Sirocco wind, it explores movement, identity, and the blending of cultures. In collaboration with Heritage Malta, historic maps are integrated into graphic prints, reflecting journeys, borders crossed, and identities formed. Rich colours evoke warmth, passion, landscapes, mystery, and strength, while luxurious fabrics and textures create tactile layers that enrich storytelling, all with Charles & Ron’s signature aesthetic of effortless sophistication. With Sirocco, they craft a powerful narrative – proving that fashion, like the wind, knows no borders.

Charles & Ron is a contemporary Maltese lifestyle brand known for its distinct Mediterranean flair. Founded by Charles van Maarschalkerweerd Borg, a self-taught couture maker from a family of seamstresses, and his partner Ron van Maarschalkerweerd Borg, the duo has been shaping Malta’s fashion scene for over 30 years. Their collections, blending Mediterranean motifs with a timeless aesthetic, have been worn by global stars such as Ariana Grande, Alessandra Ambrosio, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Rowland, Lauryn Hill, and many others. In 2018, their couture was featured at Buckingham Palace’s Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, alongside designers such as Stella McCartney and Burberry.

Stephen Cordina’s installation is a sensory journey inspired by Maltese heritage, presenting perfumery as an immersive, multisensory art form. Elegant displays of glass flasks and scent pumps engage visitors visually and olfactorily, transporting them through time with aroma reconstructions that reveal the historical and cultural evolution of scent. Alongside a curated selection of historical perfumes, the exhibition features contemporary eau de parfums, scented soaps and balms, and the signature Cordina Bag scent accessory. The installation transforms fragrance into a tangible experience, inviting visitors to explore the interplay of memory, history, and artistry through scent.

Gozo-born Stephen Cordina is a qualified perfumer and clinical aromatherapist with a lifelong passion for crafting fragrances from natural ingredients and molecules. Since 2000, he has studied in the UK, Switzerland, and France under master perfumers and cosmetic scientists. In 2020, he became the first Maltese member of the Société Française des Parfumeurs. Renowned locally and internationally, Stephen is celebrated for his innovative perfumes, colognes, and scented products, each meticulously composed to weave together history, ingredients, character, and name into distinctive, evocative, and carefully constructed scents.

Twavel is a meditation on what is sent or given and received, what is wanted, desired, accepted or rejected, sent back. In a globalised world where millions of packages cross geopolitical borders every day, the act of mindful giving personalised gifts is elevated to an act of resistance to the dominating ethos of meaningless overconsumption.

Glen Calleja is a bookbinder, writer, and multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores poetry as process and the book as object. His work often incorporates alternative book structures, found content, and performative elements. He runs Kotba Calleja, an artisanal bindery dedicated to traditional bookmaking techniques, and is co-founder of Studio Solipsis as well as president and co-founder of Fondazzjoni HELA, which advocates for the Maltese literary sector. Calleja has received several awards for his literary and artistic contributions.

Tal Baha, Sirena, and Manta form the Coral Collection, a series of hand-built, textured, and glazed stoneware vessels. Inspired by the foamy blue waters, eroded stones, and sands of Gozo’s Xwejni Bay, each piece reflects the seabed’s colour, texture, and movement. Hours of carving and texturing follow the hand-building process, with the vessel’s shape and identity evolving organically. Only once the form exists can glazing techniques be applied to achieve depth, tone, and harmony. Each work is entirely unique, a tactile dialogue between material, process, and the natural landscape, impossible to replicate exactly.

Jane Birchall is a ceramic and visual artist whose work has been exhibited in the UK and the Maltese islands, with permanent pieces on display at the Arthall Gallery. Her creations are part of private collections across Europe, London, the UAE, and the USA. Working primarily in stoneware using traditional hand-building techniques, Jane draws inspiration from the textures, colours, and forms of the Maltese coast. She incorporates natural tools and motifs from traditional Gozo lace and crochet to create textured, eroded surfaces. Her contemporary acrylics on canvas often serve as dynamic backdrops for her ceramic pieces.

Concrete Gestures is a series of one-off sculptural forms cast in hand-pigmented cement. Each piece explores the tension between industrial material and human touch, carefully shaped, pigmented, and polished to reveal tonal depth and natural variation. The collection reflects a dialogue between process and presence, form and texture, inviting viewers to engage with both materiality and craftsmanship. Contrasts abound—weight and contour, industrial and organic, raw and refined—while subtle imperfections and nuanced surfaces celebrate the intimate imprint of the maker, turning each object into a sculptural study of balance, tactility, and quiet sophistication.

Mary Ann Attard is a Maltese designer with a background in product design from Edinburgh College of Art. Her work explores everyday habits, material qualities, and the balance between form and function. Since returning to Malta in 2010, she has worked as a graphic designer while pursuing her creative practice, exhibiting locally and internationally, including Designersblock London and a solo show in Valletta. Awarded 2nd Prize in the D&AD Yellow Pencil Vitra Furniture Award, she now works under Xineza Studio, focusing on cement-based sculptural pieces that investigate colour, texture, and material transformation.

Lucentini are handmade ceramic tiles inspired by the history, heritage, traditions, and sometimes mysterious aspects of Maltese culture. Each tile is an artistic reimagining of Malta’s cultural legacy, where craftsmanship, imagination, and historical fragments converge to create a rich interplay of ideas and visual narratives. By fusing traditional skills with contemporary techniques, Lucentini transforms heritage into timeless, colourful expressions of art and design, illuminating spaces and celebrating the depth, creativity, and enduring beauty of Maltese culture.

Charles and Dorothy Cordina are husband and wife and are the faces behind Lucentini. Charles takes care of the creation, the art and design of the Lucentini, while Dorothy handles the operation of the business. They both come from a business background, so they thrive to see that their Lucentini succeed. Coming from their cultural upbringing, the love for their heritage background, and business intuition, they take inspiration from what they see around them and what makes them Maltese in order to create the Lucentini.

Paper Grace is a handcrafted paper doll that blends elegance with intricate design, transforming paper into ornamental décor. Through Paper Grace, the material becomes a sophisticated medium for storytelling, design, and cultural exploration. Whether framed, illuminated, or displayed as sculptural pieces, these creations reveal the versatility of paper, highlighting the artistry, imagination, and craftsmanship that turn a humble material into a refined, expressive work of art.

James Dimech has been professionally involved in design for 30 years, with vast experience ranging from residential to commercial property interior design and architecture. Artistically inclined, he achieved a BA Hons in Design and further specialized in Italy, which led to a successful debut into the world of fashion design, creating garments from recycled and sustainable materials. His work focuses on the incorporation of three-dimensional sculptural forms into fashion, exploring the dialogue between the organic human body and geometric structures handcrafted through paper folding techniques.

The Twisted and Stitched collection, by two designers from The Filigree Connection, showcases contemporary approaches to Maltese filigree, preserving traditional techniques while reimagining them for modern jewellery. Through a playful dialogue of geometry, texture, and colour, the collection fuses hand-embroidered textiles, crochet, and gold-plated silver filigree to create sculptural brooches, necklaces, earrings, and ensembles. Works such as the Geometric 3D Brooch, Inverted Architecture Neckpiece, Purple-Spark Necklace, Gold Ensemble, and Inverted Symmetry Hoops explore inverted shapes, vibrant threads, and folk-inspired forms, presenting filigree as a dynamic, contemporary art form that bridges heritage and innovation.

Boryana Chaneva and Silvia Galova are jewellery designers and silversmiths who, alongside other artists, form The Filigree Connection, a collective dedicated to presenting filigree in a contemporary context while safeguarding its traditional techniques. Boryana draws inspiration from textile crafts such as knitting, crochet, and embroidery, translating their intricate patterns into silver filigree jewellery. Silvia explores traditional metal crafting techniques, pushing their limits in innovative, contemporary designs. Together, their collections, including pieces created for Milan Jewellery Week 2022, blend texture, colour, geometry, and folkloristic influences, making heritage techniques appealing to modern audiences.

Hawk-Moth Bag Collection draws inspiration from the freedom and grace of hummingbird hawk-moths. Though heavy-looking and fluffy, these creatures move with unexpected elegance, their mysterious behaviour and appearance captivating the designer. Found across Europe and active by day and night, they form a symbolic connection between the artist’s hometown in Hungary and her new home in Malta. Through careful material choice and detailed craftsmanship, the collection captures the essence of a free spirit, translating the delicate balance of weight, movement, and ethereal beauty into wearable art that celebrates individuality, lightness, and the wonder of the natural world.

Eszter März is a multidisciplinary artist and designer from Hungary, currently based in Malta. With a background in Textile Design (BA) and Engineering Management (MSc), her work bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary concepts. Her work explores the intersection of art, fashion, and everyday life, often drawing on themes from art history, cultural identity, nature, and visual storytelling. Her recent projects reflect a deep curiosity about the connection between her Hungarian roots and her life in Malta, explored through the symbolic lifecycle of the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth – a creature found freely in both countries, embodying themes of migration, transformation, and continuity.

Desert Grace bridges cultural storytelling and sustainable design, uniting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary environmental consciousness. Inspired by the vibrant aesthetics of Pakistani truck art, it celebrates colour, pattern, and cultural identity in a modern context. Crafted from stainless steel and adorned with the iconic peacock, each piece carries a narrative of resilience and belonging. The peacock – seen in South Asia’s deserts – symbolises elegance thriving in harsh environments, echoing sustainable living. Through Desert Grace, viewers are invited to rethink material, form, and fashion’s role in cultural preservation, ecological responsibility, and the enduring value of handmade objects.

Saima Murtaza is an art enthusiast and Master’s graduate in Fine Arts, specializing in metallic and sustainable art. Her work preserves cultural heritage by transforming traditional craftsmanship into meaningful, handcrafted sculptures and souvenirs. Honouring the hands that pass down artisanal skills, she incorporates sustainable materials and vintage patterns into her distinctive creations. Saima believes the future of art lies in blending heritage with contemporary forms, producing works that are simultaneously timeless and innovative, reflecting a deep commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the evolution of traditional artistic practices.

L-Għarusa is a curated collection of jewellery designed to complement bridal attire. The earrings, crafted from polymer clay with transparent beads and teardrop-shaped zirconia mounted on silver-plated wire, showcase a blend of clay artistry and intricate wiring techniques. The design echoes the floral patterns of the accompanying dress, creating a cohesive, harmonious aesthetic. The collection is complete with a matching headpiece, necklace, and bracelet, offering a fully realised ensemble that celebrates craftsmanship, delicate materials, and the interplay between jewellery and bridal design.

Marisa Zarb, a mechanical engineer, turned her unfulfilled artistic passion into Peprin®, a jewellery brand that reconnects her with the creativity of her childhood. Inspired by the small Mediterranean island of Malta, the brand’s name – ‘peprin,’ the Maltese word for poppies – symbolizes resilience, as poppies bloom even in the harshest conditions. Through Peprin®, Marisa channels her femininity, creativity, and perseverance into handcrafted jewellery, crafting pieces that celebrate individuality. Her work reflects a belief that the world thrives when people embrace their unique talents, bloom in adversity, and transform personal expression into tangible, meaningful art.

NemNem brings Maltese heritage to life through handcrafted, sustainable home fragrances. Their candles, made from natural soy wax with cotton wicks in reconstituted Maltese stone vessels, fuse traditional craftsmanship with eco-conscious design. Each piece is meticulously hand-poured, shaped, and scented, offering a sensory experience that is both safe and environmentally responsible.

Joe and Alessia Galea are the father–daughter duo behind NemNem Candle, a brand born from creativity during the quiet days of Covid. What began as a small idea has grown into a local name known for its thoughtful blend of tradition, artistry, and sustainability. Each piece is handmade with care, reflecting their artisanal spirit, eco-conscious values, and appreciation for local design. Guided by originality, they create concepts that feel both fresh and timeless, adding warmth and character to any space. Their work has been embraced locally and abroad, celebrated for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and heartfelt family touch.

FourPlay is a tactile celebration of transformation, woven through thread, shaped in clay, cast in resin, and expressed in art. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, designed to be worn or serve a purpose. The Marine-Themed Crochet Wall Art and Sea Corals Handmade Crochet Top draw from the vibrant colours and fluid beauty of Mediterranean underwater life. The Crochet Bag and Luna e Stelle Blanket translate nature’s textures into fashion and function, while the Ceramic Hand-Sculpted Lamp and Resinflow Bangles introduce luminous contrast. Together, these works form a rich sensory narrative, inviting viewers to explore the nexus of function and form.

Lara Parker is a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and artisan whose work spans graphic design, painting, crochet, resin, ceramics, weaving, and bobbin lace. Her creations blend tradition and modernity, inspired by nature, global cultures, and Maltese heritage, infusing storytelling and imagination into every piece. A graduate of the University of Kent at Canterbury, she holds a Master of Arts degree, Postgraduate Diploma, and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Visual Communication. Lara displayed her work at various esteemed exhibitions and galleries. Founder of two advertising agencies, she was nominated for Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2021.

Divina – A New Language of Heirlooms brings heritage to life through handwoven, lace-inspired designs that reimagine vintage textile artistry for modern wear. Rich gold threads and crystal embellishments capture light, evoking warmth, elegance, and high-impact glamour. Statement earrings, dramatic necklaces, and sculptural cuffs combine maximalist design with slow craft, ensuring durability and emotional resonance. Celebrating individuality and timeless craftsmanship, the collection fuses ornate detail with a bold, contemporary aesthetic. The result is a cohesive series of wearable art that shines both visually and emotionally – refined, radiant, and unapologetically unique.

Zelda Designs is a Maltese brand creating handwoven textile jewellery and accessories for the contemporary woman. Rooted in a late-blooming personal journey, the brand emerged from a deep need for self-expression and connection. Each piece blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design, honouring heritage while embracing individuality. With a focus on slow fashion, Zelda Designs encourages mindful buying – fewer, meaningful pieces that last. Innovation and sustainability guide every collection, including Art to Wear and Divina, which reimagine vintage textile traditions into bold, wearable art. This work is about beauty, memory, and becoming — one thread, one story, one piece at a time.

The Tin Box Guitar is built from discarded and repurposed materials. Its body is an empty drink tin that acts as a resonant soundbox, paired with wood salvaged from demolition sites, parts of a broken guitar, and sheet metal from a filing cabinet. It is fully functional as an electric instrument, producing a bright, jangly tone. The steel body can also be tapped to create percussive sounds that are amplified through its magnetic pickup. Combining found materials and careful craftsmanship, it gives new purpose to objects otherwise considered waste, transforming them into a distinctive and playable instrument.

Josef Camilleri’s passion for music and guitars led him to establish Cross Guitar Works, where he builds and repairs instruments for local bands. A standout project was redesigning and crafting a Harp Guitar used in traditional Għana performances, also known as Tal-Qrun or Tat-Tromba. Based in Qormi, Josef studied the techniques of renowned guitar maker and Għana musician Indri l-Pupa, learning the intricacies of his distinctive instruments. Committed to innovation, Josef updates traditional guitar-building methods, enhancing materials, playability, and sound quality while preserving the instrument’s cultural heritage.

Ganutell Ġojjell explores modern jewellery through traditional ganutell techniques, combining floral and abstract forms with contemporary components. Three collections are presented: Roża, an abstract, everyday-wear line in pink featuring earrings, rings, pendants, bangles, and studs; Ċelestina, a statement floral collection inspired by forget-me-not motifs, including necklaces, rings, bangles, and earrings for special occasions; and Biċe, a versatile series of rings, studs, bangles, and pendants, blending square and petal techniques for casual or formal wear. Together, these collections reflect a dialogue between heritage, innovation, and wearable artistry, translating traditional craft into modern expression.

Janine Cardona holds a B.Ed (Hons) in French and Maltese and studied Art and Design at Advanced level. Her craft journey began in late primary school with parchment and ganutell, eventually evolving into jewellery making. In October 2020, she founded Janine Jewellery, and in 2021 launched her line Ganutell Ġojjell, inspired by her first submission to the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti. Exploring ganutell as wearable art, Janine gained recognition locally and internationally, culminating in first prize in the textiles sub-category at the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti 2023 for her piece Ganutell: A Twist to Tradition.

The Galactic Wonders collection of fascinators explores the beauty of space—stars, nebulae, moons, and cosmic matter—through shimmering textiles, rich embroidery, and celestial-inspired forms. Midnight Sky evokes a tranquil, starry night; Vega dazzles with crystalline brilliance; Aether Noir channels the mysterious void; Orion and Karina Nebula celebrate dynamic colour and star birth; Luna reflects gentle light and softness. Crafted from upcycled silk, velvet, lurex, organza, and hand embroidery, each piece is meticulously handmade, sustainable, and entirely unique, inviting viewers to journey into wonder, imagination, and the infinite possibilities of cosmic-inspired design.

Gabriella Lukacs is a Malta-based designer and maker celebrated for her dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, and the preservation of heritage techniques. Her work explores the intersection of fashion, art, and nature, producing one-of-a-kind accessories that combine elegance with thoughtful design. Often created using upcycled materials and traditional methods, Gabriella’s pieces are timeless and poetic, reflecting a deep respect for artisanal heritage while engaging a contemporary audience.