With over 6000 years of history packed into its diminutive 314 sq km, Malta is an absolute paradise for history buffs and a muse for creators. Malta is said to be a hermetic Mediterranean fantasy with a combination of Arab influence and profound Catholicism. Many have found themselves enraptured by the frenetic atmosphere of Valletta’s harbour the nation’s capital, or captivated by the baroque cathedrals and megalithic temple ruins that can be found across the countryside of this beautiful country yet not many are familiar with fashion scene in Malta.

As it is our delight to discover exceptional talents in fashion and lifestyle we knew were in for a treat when we decided to turn a search light on Malta and trust me we weren’t disappointed.

Imagine our joy when we discovered Rosemarie Abela fashion studio, led by Rosemarie Abela, the young talented and ambitious fashion designer who is just 26 years old. The 26 years old designer is among those who are who are bringing attention to the fashion scenes in Malta. At 26 Rosemarie Abele has established herself a force to reckon with in the Malta’s fashion scene. The talented Rosemarie explores the links between Places, culture and design. Her designs stand for beauty, that unique mix of creativity, handcraft and style. What we love about her designs is the fact the designers create pieces that empowers you to create trends. Her designs reflect the personality of the woman who wears it she embarks on a rigorous and yet rewarding process of designing and creating clothes that renew tradition without forgetting it. She almost succeeds in convincing us that perfection exists in this unglorous world. Rosemarie Abele leaves no stone unturned when it comes to details; all her clothes are handmade.

Tag along as we learn about Rosemarie Abela inspirational story and the effect of her environment on her designs.

Spy News Magazine: Can you tell me about your brand, where did the idea come from?

Rosemarie Abela: Since my young age my mother inspired me, and gave me a penchant for art and textiles. So, I left Malta for Florence at the age of 17, to integrate the prestigious school of Fashion Design Polimoda University. Where I graduated in 2014, with a menswear collection which received rave reviews. On my return to Malta, I opened my fashion studio and worked with local menswear brand called Bortex. For the first time I participated in the Malta Fashion Week in 2014, and I won an award for the best new designer for my collection Kenshin.

After taking a short break, in May 2017 we participated again in Malta Fashion Week with the new collection, La Cupola. In October of 2017, I was invited to represent Malta in the Serbian Fashion Week.  At the moment I am preparing for 2018 Malta Fashion Week, and additional projects we are working on with Napoli fashion on the road and further exciting projects.

Spy News Magazine: What are the greatest sources of inspiration for your works, what goes into creating a piece?

Rosemarie Abela: I am usually combine together 3 different inspirations, usually a place and a culture that can inspire the style and look. Secondly an artist, so that I can create more original pieces and prints. And for last a muse. The research part is the most important thing in my opinion, usually for a collection we take up to 2 months to collect all the needed information. After we proceed with mood boards, colour pallet, fabric options and printing sketches that might be an option for the collection. I would do hundreds of rough sketches from where than i would choose my final 30 and proceed with further details, ideas and sewing instructions. I have 2 main seamstresses working closely with me to make all the technical bits possible, Mary Abela my mother and Marika Scicluna. We then create the patterns and proceed with cutting and sewing. The rest is history.
Spy News Magazine: Malta is one of Europe’s most beautiful country, Does that environment have any affect on your designs?
Rosemarie Abela: My nationality is who I am. The fact that we are a Mediterranean country and an island, affects even the way we think in my opinion. For sure it affects my thinking process. Malta is a historical place where you can find different architecture,  paintings from various era’s, churches built with different construction methods, our doors, iron work, typical Maltese boats and much more.
 
Spy News Magazine: What type of a woman wear Rosemarie Abela pieces?
Rosemarie Abela: I imagine my creations worn by modern with a strong attitude and character women. As always when talking and dressing a woman a touch of feminnity comes in.
Our brand is worn by fashionistas, a person who adores fashion and who understands it’s true concept as I like to mix different styles and origins in my creations. I like to think about new concepts and new designs. There is a part of experimentation in my work. I try to use different technics and I always looking for new fabrics to express myself.
Spy News Magazine: The first and most important and job of any brand is to tell its story. How are you leveraging social media in telling your brands story?

Rosemarie Abela: Our main hubs for social media are Facebook, Instagram and Website. We give our followers daily details, advise, share special moments with them.We try to be as original and as truly sincere so that they can get to know us better. We try to be as original and as truly sincere so that they can get to know us better. I am finding question difficult to answer, maybe you can advise me more.

Spy News Magazine: What future plans do you have for Rosemarie Abela fashion studio?
Rosemarie Abela: At the moment we are working to launch our Maltese shop, which will be opened most probably next year. Additional to this we plan to participate in fashion weeks around the globe and expand our clientele worldwide. At the moment we are taking part in a prestige project Napoli fashion on the road, where we will be showing our menswear collection.
Spy News Magazine: What style advice will you give to a lady going on a lunch date?
Rosemarie Abela: I would say for a lunch date, one should wear a fresh natural look, that can be enhanced with a unique piece for example or a printed skirt or a shirt or a jacket. The most important is not to make it too heavy, to over do. Just be yourself, this is the most attractive in women.
Spy News Magazine: Where can we buy your clothing line?
Rosemarie Abela: Our products can be bought through Facebook shop, Instagram, contact us trough our e-mail work too. Recently we are on Etsy shop too and Not just a label.
Photos: Kurt Paris
Make up: Elaine Galea
Hair: Dcolorpallet by Flavia Borg Attard
Model: Maria Tirone by ModelsM agency

 

By Anderson Azugbene