An American woman of Maltese descent represented Malta during this year's 'Parade of Nations' - a annual showcase of diverse national costumes, organised by the Congressional Club in Washington.

Joyce Ann Said wore a blue-toned, traditional Maltese peasant dress with matching apron, enhanced by a white headscarf and handcrafted, lace collar-wear.

Josette Miceli-Farrugia, wife of the Maltese Ambassador to the US, borrowed the traditional dress from Malta - an heirloom of Victoire Borg Manché. Every year, the Congressional Club, composed of spouses of senators, congressmen, supreme court judges, and Cabinet officials, hosts a fellowship event for spouses of the Diplomatic Corps in Washington.

Viewers have the opportunity to compare the diverse, colourful and culturally rich national costumes of countries from around the world.

Ms Said, who is vice president at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Washington, enjoys dual American and Maltese citizenship. She and her US-based, Maltese-born, parents frequently visit their holiday home in Malta.