Calling all fashion lovers! Artist and local fashion designer Saz Mifsud will be exhibiting her artistic creations, inspired by the Sicilian island of Panarea, at the Courtyard of Palazzo de La Salle in Valletta for eight days only from this Saturday 3rd July.

The exhibition will showcase her new summer collection consisting of newly launched linen silk kaftans and sarongs, as well as various silk scarves and shawls, hair accessories, tote bags with matching clutches and purses. The show will also officially launch Saz Mifsud’s new collection of colourful hats which will be on display for the first time ever.

A little bit about Saz

Saz studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins in London and at the University for the Creative Arts in Kent, training specifically in creating designs for fabric printing. She also worked for the fashion house Peter Pilotto for a brief period. She’s thrilled to be exhibiting her works at the Malta Society of Arts’ (MSA) seat in Valletta. “Our summer collection is out now and what better way to show it off than a week-long exhibit in Malta’s history-laden capital? It’s been a long time since we’ve had events or pop-ups, so it’s really exciting to be able to reconnect with our customers and show them our new range of fabrics and products in person,” she comments.

Speaking to GuideMeMalta, she shares some exclusive insights into the story behind the creation of her pieces. “Our kaftans were an exciting new product for us! I like to create pieces that are versatile, easy to wear, and easy to gift. First, I chose a silk linen blend for the kaftans. This makes them light and airy, perfect for a Maltese summer. I then designed two shapes - a shorter closed kaftan resembling a top, and a longer open kaftan that ties at the bust with a ribbon.”

“Both styles are so versatile,” she continues. “You could wear them with a light pair of cotton pants to a day event, or some silk peg leg trousers and a camisole for a wedding or more formal event. They can even be worn as a cover-up on top of a bikini or swimsuit for the next time you’re by the pool and want to look like Brigitte Bardot on the French Riviera.”

The Panarea collection

Titled Panarea, this collection was inspired by the Sicilian island which forms part of the Aeolian islands off Sicily’s northeastern coast. “Panarea is a tiny island full of character: from charming, cobbled streets, to rows of sweet white houses adorned with bougainvillaea and prickly pear trees. It is what you’d imagine a typical Sicilian island in a storybook to look like. Picturesque and serene. I felt inspired in this peaceful, cut-off place.”

Saz describes how she photographed everything she laid her eyes on when she visited the little island; and when she got back to the studio, she eagerly pulled out all the photos and slowly started to translate them into designs. “The flora and colour scheme present on the island turned out to be the perfect combination for a summer collection and that’s how Panarea was born,” she adds.

“Saz’s silk designs are a luxurious feast for the eyes and the skin. Here at MSA, we are delighted to be hosting such a colourful and refreshing event in our summery, light-flooded courtyard,” remarks MSA’s President Arch. Adrian Mamo.

All visitors will get a feel of the luxurious nature of the textiles, and they can also purchase the creations on show. During certain opening times, visitors can take the opportunity to visit another exhibition – Rooftops by Thomas Scerri, this time at the Art Galleries of the MSA, situated on the first floor of Palazzo de La Salle.

Panarea by Saz Mifsud is open from 3 to 10 July 2021 in the Courtyard of Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta. Entrance is free subject to Covid-19 safety measures. For more information and opening times check out this website or this Facebook page.

Suzi Mifsud