Pocalocca's Blog: International Designers Show

Today was the last Malta Fashion Week show which featured 5 international designers from Serbia, France, Nigeria and Scotland. There was a mix of everything in this show due to the different cultures which were reflected in the collections.

Also, today was a very different kind of day. I had the opportunity to go backstage where I helped with the makeup application. I will do a separate post with regards to the experience. Anyway, on to the show.

The first collection was by Daniela Bozic From from Serbia. She studied at the prestigious Italian fashion academy, Accademia Del Lusso where she built a very clear attitude towards the direction she wanted her work in. That of Fashion. She describes her own style as a celebration of femininity, sophistication, grace and elegance and this is quite evident in her work. The collection is called Floral Rhapsody and it is designed for the woman who expresses her emotions through extravagant dresses with strong colours that represent the form of rare and exotic flora. Pearls and crystals reflect her deep feelings. She is dark and mystical but also very chic with a strong personality and passion laced with mysticism. The materials used for the collection are lace with crystals, satin, velvet and muslin.

The second show was that by Joan Isioma Okorodudu from Nigeria. Joan is the woman behind the very successful Nigeria’s Next Super Model and owner of one of Africa’s best connected modelling agency ISIS MODELS. She is a judge at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa and most recently her models and herself were featured on Vogue Italia. Joan is also the owner of ECOWAS Fashion Week franchise.

Her Collection - The House of Jola - contains designs which represent all that is Africa with bright colours and bold prints and clothes which all speak out to have fun with fashion.

The next collection was in my opinion the most detailed and most glamorous of all the collections. The detail in them was just insane and the designs where just timeless and classic but contemporary at the same time.

Jean-Paul Benielli grew up in France, Germany and Corsica. He graduated with an Honors Diploma from MJM Art School in 2002 and that same year he was awarded the “Talons Aiguilles Award” by Peter O´Brien, the former Art Director for Rochas. His collections were showcased on the catwalks of fashion shows in Paris, Monaco and New York and featured on various international fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper´s Bazaar, Mode Lifestyles Magazine, Kenton Magazine and Prestige Magazine. The Collection was titled “La Femme", which consists of evening gowns made from the finest fabrics including hand-embroidered laces, chiffons, organza and satin that are worked to create refined silhouettes. The laces, silks and luxurious embroidery are covered with Tahitian pearls, Swarowski crystals, sequins, glass beads and chiffons with everything being carefully hand-made with a personal and elegant craftsmanship.

The Sally Bawa vision was brought to life ten years ago amidst the hubbub of the busy Lagos metropolis and it is still a work in process. The idea has continued to evolve over time and morph into what we know today as one of the fastest growing fashion brands in Nigeria. The label offers beautifully crafted pieces in two distinct lines – ready to wear and exclusive, plus a service that offers clients total participation in the design process.

Sally Bawa’s collection includes stunning hand painted pieces with striking designs that combine different patterns and different colours. This collection was described as a revival for the love of art and combination of imagination and representation.

The final collection was by Judy R Clark who is a multi-award winning fashion label based in Scotland, but her work has travelled the globe showcasing in Japan, Italy, Russia, London, New York, Chicago and numerous platforms around the UK. The collection has been featured in Vogue Italia and Vogue.co.uk. The collection at MFWA2014 features Harris Tweeds, Scottish lace and tartans in Judy R Clark’s signature tailoring and flamboyant silhouettes. Each couture piece is hand made in her Edinburgh Studio using the best of Scottish fabrics. The eccentric British look of the collection has made the Scottish Designer of The Year and definitely one to watch.