Looking for inspiration on what to wear in the warmer months? We’ve got you covered (literally!). Three local fashion experts reveal the latest summer fashion trends to expect in Malta and Gozo on the latest issue of Guide Me.
Fashion stylist and model agent Carina Camilleri is a veteran within the local fashion industry, and is a mainstay on the FROW at fashion shows and industry events, where she stands out for her bold sense of style.
“I tend to follow specific designers rather than trends, as I have always been that way inclined,” Carina confides when asked about what she’ll be wearing this season. “From Comme Des Garçons to Yohji Yamamoto in the ‘80s to Helmut Lang in the ‘90s among others – now it is Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Max Mara.”
When it comes to accessories, Carina will be on the lookout for both local and foreign offerings, noting, “I feel that Maltese brands have really stepped it up in this regard, but of course I will be looking forward to anything big and bold and gold from the foreign designers too.”
Moving on to shoes, her must-haves are Valentino or Versace platforms, Prada mules and Balenciaga pool flats, but the one shoe to rule them all this summer, Carina says, is the Arizona Crystal Buckle at Birkenstock, by Manolo Blahnik.
Weekend by MaxMara (left) and Versace (right)
“Spring is my favourite time to dress up as I can play with shirts, pants, jackets and mix textures and fabric; but I despise summer for dressing up,” she laughs, looking toward the warm months ahead. Whatever the season, however, Carina’s ultimate advice about looking stylish is less to do with what you wear but more about how you wear it.
“Always get the right size. If it is a bit tight, go a size bigger if necessary – it will look better and make you look slimmer. Look in the mirror before you go out, and if you are tugging and pulling and arranging, change. Trust your gut instinct.”
Maltese fashion designer and creative director Luke Azzopardi celebrates the idea of timeless elegance in his designs for Luke Azzopardi Studio, and displays a distinct and artful aesthetic when it comes to his own personal style.
“People are more inclined to make bolder choices in the spring/summer season, because the sun revives them,” reflects Luke, delving into his pick of new season trends. The fashion designer expects to see “very long neck scarves, oversized denim for men, football gears and gender-blind tailoring!”
“After many years, sterling silver and tarnished silver are going to make their way back onto the runway and this is going to offer a break from all of the warm jewellery tones we usually associate with summer, to make way for more nocturnal, cool metals,” he continues, turning his attention to accessories.
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For shoes, Luke forecasts woven leather effects and new ecological nylon/recycled polyester base materials, adding “I also have a feeling light up soles on trainers will make a comeback (at least I hope so, as I really want a pair!).”
His advice on looking stylish, meanwhile, is more personal. “I think style comes from within. People look the most stylish when they are most comfortable. Comfort radiates style. Keep in mind that fashion trends always come back!”
Former model and award-winning fashion stylist Malcolm Gauci is one of the local fashion industry’s foremost content creators, celebrated for his individual style and love of layering.
“I’m a winter person so layering will be missed,” Malcolm reveals as he looks to the season ahead, conceding that “summer brings a new brighter colour palette and interesting patterns, which give us a lot to experiment with.”
Sharing his pick of summer ‘22 fashion trends, the stylist says it’s going to be a case of ‘back to the ‘90s’ with mini-skirts to “miniscule” lengths. “While I do tend to gravitate towards pants in my styling work, as a ‘90s kid I look forward to seeing mini-skirts in different hues, interesting patterns and fabrics. As a suit lover, I’m also hyped about the return of a staple piece, the white suit – think Erdem and you’ll be on the right track.”
As for accessorising your look, Malcolm believes “a bag can never be too big, and this is very much the spring/ summer ‘22 trend. I love big, bold and bulky bags. It’s time to put our micro and bum bags back in the closet and make way for big ones.”
Fendi (left) and Sunnei (right)
And on your feet? “Platform heels will dominate summer 2022 – think Versace and Saint Laurent; all high-street brands are following their footsteps. High shine shoes are also very in,” he highlights.
Malcolm’s final piece of advice for looking stylish this year is to keep it monochromatic, which is also very much on trend this coming season. “Look out for blacks if you’d like to keep it safe, and go for sharp and brighter hues if you’re adventurous,” he says.
This feature was first carried in the May 2022 edition of the Guide Me magazine, the sister brand to GuideMeMalta.com.
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