Local design duo Charles and Ron have done it again, crushing the runway at New York Fashion Week! Last Saturday, the pair launched their latest collection in New York, and well, we're floored! The Fall/Winter 2019/2020 collection is titled Fabiola, and as one would imagine, it took a lot to accomplish!

The inspiration behind this collection came from vintage family jewellery pieces that Charles and Ron came across while researching Maltese jewellery traditions. The tradition of gold and ornate pieces to show off one’s religion and status has always been strongly present in Maltese culture. An intriguing image of Saint Fabiola on a gold brooch further inspired the design process of this incredible collection.

The Saint Fabiola image was widely used by Maltese ladies as a decorative image, and interestingly, she is also the patron saint of divorced people, difficult marriages, and victims of abuse. Fabiola herself had two difficult marriages which resulted in her decision to renounce and donate her fortune, devoting herself to the church. Henner’s 1885 portrait of Fabiola was the inspiration for the graphic print on the designs.

Apart from the Saint Fabiola inspiration, Charles and Ron also used original Maltese jewellery pieces and graphic patterns in the stunning new collection, as well as graphic variations of their logo, not to mention luxurious materials and logo embroidered denim! #YAS.

The new collection is also paired with a new shopper bag, smaller bags that are new versions of the popular micro bag and a hand stitched saddle bag.

While the designers worked on these pieces, their dear friend and local icon Katya Saunders passed away. And befittingly, C&R dedicated this collection in her honour. The design duo say, “unconsciously, while designing and working on this collection, we included many elements that Katya loved: jewellery, Catholicism, tulle and silks. When we heard the sad news, we knew straight away that this collection which we premiered in her favourite city, would be dedicated in her honour.”

Are you loving C&R’s new collection?