Maltese designers weaving success abroad

Beatrix designers Charles and Ron have just presented their winter 2004/5 evening wear collection, fresh off their sewing machines, at another international fashion show in Italy.

It is the second time they have participated in Moda in Gallaria in Naples, following the success that resulted from the fashion show last year. And it is the fourth time they have had their clothes modelled on runways abroad in the last 12 months. This time, they shared the catwalk with designers from Paris and Italy.

The event "means a lot" to the designers, who, before their departure, disclosed their usual trace of nervousness prior to a show.

"Moda in Gallaria is a highly professional and well-organised event, with state-of-the-art lighting in a top-class venue, taking everything to another level. Anything can happen. In fact, last year's participation really got the ball rolling for us," the designer duo said, prior to leaving for Naples.

The 2003 event opened many doors for the designers, who were approached and interviewed by several magazines and TV stations, including RAI. As a result of Moda in Gallaria, NBC is organising a Beatrix fashion show in Qatar next year, together with a Paris-based Lebanese designer.

The efforts of Charles and Ron to go international are still under way and the designer duo are meeting with an Italian company that had offered to produce and distribute the Beatrix bridal collection in Italy.

"The company is still highly interested and it is up to us to take advantage of this opportunity," they said, having just presented the Italian company with sketches and ideas for its 2006 bridal collection.

Beatrix is also creating wedding gowns for a large bridal shop in Tripoli.

The winter 2004/5 collection, which they have been working on throughout the summer months, is based on patterned silks from Cyprus in intense, deep colours - purples and oranges - enriched with hand beading on top of the designs, some of which are inspired by the works of artist Gustav Klimt.

Beatrix was asked to be the closing number both of Moda in Gallaria and of the first Fashion Weekend next month, where it is launching its collection in Malta.