Founded in Milan in the winter of 1978, Gioie 1978 began with vases and art objects, already characterised by the care and precision of traditional craftsmanship. Over the years, this expertise evolved towards jewellery, transforming materials into sculptures to be worn. Today, that legacy continues through creations in which tradition and innovation meet, shaped by the same commitment to craftsmanship and timeless mastery that has defined the brand since its beginnings.
Carlo Izzo has worked as an artisan since 1984, creating hand-forged sculptural jewellery together with his children using techniques rooted in Sicilian tradition. Gold, precious stones and coral are transformed into works inspired by Sicily, Baroque culture and the mysteries of the seabed. Carlo has developed and preserved this artisanal knowledge over decades and now shares it across generations, creating distinctive pieces deeply connected to their origins. His works have been selected and worn by royalty, actors and directors, and exhibited in galleries around the world.
Jihène Bouzguine is a Tunisian entrepreneur, international business leader and founder of JOWA, a luxury leather brand rooted in African craftsmanship and contemporary design. Following more than 15 years in multinational companies across the high-tech and FMCG sectors, she transitioned into entrepreneurship with a focus on purpose, identity and impact. Through JOWA, Jihène seeks to redefine luxury as an emotional and cultural experience, combining bespoke creation, responsible elegance and living heritage. Her work has represented Tunisia internationally, while her broader mission is to elevate African craftsmanship and demonstrate its place within global luxury.
Luke Azzopardi Studio approaches fashion as an art object, drawing on creative director Luke Azzopardi’s academic background in costume history. The studio combines research, artisanal design and visual narratives, championing concept-based fashion and the traditions of the couture atelier while exploring their place within contemporary design.
Mark Borg is an award-winning Maltese filigree artist and goldsmith with over 25 years of experience. His practice combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression, exploring movement, innovation and the possibilities of filigree while remaining rooted in Malta’s artisanal heritage. His creations have received national and international recognition.
Becky Grech is a Maltese shoe designer, researcher and Senior Lecturer at MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts. With a background in product design and a Master’s in Industrial Design, she has developed over a decade of self-directed practice in shoemaking, combining traditional techniques with experimental material exploration. She founded BX Design Malta, where she teaches and promotes the preservation of artisanal shoemaking. Her work has been recognised through the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti and an EPALE Award for the preservation of crafts. Her practice bridges making, research and education.
Second-year students from the Advanced Diploma in Fashion and Retail at the MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts are showcasing their final projects, marking the culmination of two years of study in fashion illustration, textile design, pattern drafting, garment construction and fashion retail. Developed through research, experimentation and hands-on making, the projects reflect each student’s individual creative direction while demonstrating the technical and conceptual skills developed throughout the course. Their collective participation highlights MCAST’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent, encouraging creative confidence and bridging education with real-world experience in the fashion and creative industries.
