Best dressed guests at Malta Fashion Week 2026

This year’s Malta Fashion Week (MFW) took place from July 6 to 11 at Biskuttin Gardens in Floriana.

Corsets emerged as one of MFW’s defining trends, appearing in collections by several designers. Beyond the runway, guests showcased equally stylish looks. Here are some of Malta Fashion Week’s best-dressed prominent attendees.

Among the event’s distinguished guests was fashion industry pioneer Fern Mallis, who visited Malta as part of a collaboration between Malta Fashion Week and the US Embassy in Malta.

Best known for transforming New York’s fashion calendar, Mallis served as executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and, in 1993, brought together the city’s independent runway shows under what became New York Fashion Week. Her visit offered a rare opportunity for local designers and fashion professionals to hear first-hand from one of the figures credited with shaping the modern global fashion industry.

An event titled 'Breakfast with Fern Mallis' was organised by the Malta Fashion Week & Fashion Awards in collaboration with The Phoenicia, Malta, bringing together distinguished guests and local designers for a conversation about Mallis’s remarkable career in the fashion industry.

La Charrasca midi dress by designer brand Alémais worn by Fern Mallis. Photo: thebs.com

For the occasion, Mallis wore the sold-out La Charrasca midi dress by Australian designer brand Alémais. Crafted in a relaxed kaftan-inspired style, the statement piece shows hand-drawn illustrations in bold contrasting colours against the vibrant pink palette.

The US Ambassador to Malta, Somers Farkas, also attended the event. She opted for a sold-out Badgley Mischka neoprene shift dress featuring a laser-cut floral design. She completed the look with a pair of Roger Vivier Belle Vivier patent leather pumps and accessorised it with a formal hat, adding a refined finishing touch to the elegant ensemble.

Belle Vivier pumps in patent leather by designer brand Roger Vivier worn by US Ambassador Somers Farkas. Photo: Roger Vivier website

Another standout among the week’s best-dressed guests during the opening night’s runway shows was Rachelle Borg Dingli, spouse of Minister Ian Borg. She wore a Missoni-inspired dress layered with a short-sleeved cardigan by an Italian label Lafty Lie. 

Rendered in vibrant pink and orange hues, the ensemble showcased the iconic zig-zag motif synonymous with Missoni. She attended the event alongside TV presenter Rachel Powell and Sarah Agius. 

From left: Rachelle Borg Dingli, Rachele Powell, and Sarah Agius. Photo: Justin Ciappara/MFW Facebook Page

The dress worn by Rachelle Borg Dingli by the brand Lafty Lie. Photo: Lafty Lie Instagram page

TVM Sport presenter and producer Joanna Camilleri attended the final night of Malta Fashion Week wearing a floor-length Guess gown. The slim-fitting design incorporated a graceful halterneck, side slits, and a low-cut back, creating an elegant and sophisticated silhouette.

Camilleri accessorised the look with a Louis Vuitton Diane satchel crafted from Monogram Empreinte leather, featuring the Maison’s signature two-tone embossed detailing. Its vintage-inspired 1990s silhouette added both elegance and versatility to the look. She further complemented the outfit oversized Saint Laurent (YSL) cat-eye sunglasses, lending a glamorous finishing touch. 

Joanna Camilleri and her partner. Photo: Gordon Formosa/MFW Facebook Page

Lace long dress by Guess. Photo: Guess website

Louis Vuitton Diane Satchel. Photo: Louis Vuitton website

Yves Saint Laurent oversized cat-eye sunglasses. Photo: YSL website

On the final night, local designers Charles & Ron showcased their latest collection. TV presenter and producer Noelene Miggiani attended the show wearing a striking strapless gown by the designer duo. The vivid blue dress displayed an architectural-inspired print reflecting the collection’s celebration of Maltese heritage.

TV presenter and producer Noelene Miggiani in Charles & Ron. Photo: Gordon Formosa/MFW Facebook page

Classical motifs, including sculptural figures and ornamental stonework reminiscent of the islands’ historic baroque architecture, transformed the gown into a wearable tribute to Malta’s cultural identity. Miggiani completed the look with a wide silver cuff, and a silver pochette bag, perfectly complementing the gown’s cool-toned palette. 

The final night of MFW also welcomed Lydia Abela, who visited the backstage preparations and met with the models, make-up artists and hairstylists ahead of the runway shows. She looked elegant in a dazzling floor-length gown featuring a shimmering metallic pleated finish with a champagne-to-black ombré effect.

Lydia Abela with local designers Charles & Ron. Photo: Lydia Abela Instagram page

Chloe bag by Charles & Ron. Photo: Charles & Ron website

The design featured delicate spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline and a fitted bodice that flowed into a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. She completed the look with a black leather Charles & Ron Chloe top-handle bag, adding a refined finishing touch while complementing the gown’s black accents. 

For more looks, visit the Who Wore What in Malta Facebook page.