Mary Spiteri’s 1992 Eurovision dress acquired by Heritage Malta
The singer had donated the dress to be auctioned in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund
The dress worn by singer Mary Spiteri when she represented Malta at the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, will become part of the National Textile Collection after being acquired by Heritage Malta.
Spiteri had donated the dress to the Malta Community Chest Fund to be auctioned, with the proceeds intended to help people in need of assistance from the fund for medical care, treatment or other support during difficult periods in their lives.
Designed in Milan, the dress features a magenta and fuchsia bodice with a sweetheart neckline and gathered pleats around the bust. The shoulder area is richly decorated with pink sequins and pearls, white appliqué details and intricate patterns.
The MCCF said this was “more than just a dress”.
“It is considered a tangible piece of Eurovision history, particularly Malta's Eurovision history, and a symbol of artistic achievement and national pride,” the MCCF said in a statement on Thursday.
In 1992, Spiteri placed third with the song Little Child, marking the first time Malta finished among the contest's top three.
Heritage Malta exercised its rights under the Cultural Heritage Act to acquire the dress and add it to the National Textile Collection housed at the Inquisitor's Palace and the National Museum of Ethnography.
The dress will first undergo the necessary conservation treatment.
Mary Spiteri wore this dress when she represented Malta at the 1992 Eurovision song contest in Sweden, placing third. Photo: MCCFThe formal presentation of the dress to Heritage Malta took place during an event organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund at San Anton Palace, attended by President Myriam Spiteri Debono, who expressed her appreciation for Spiteri's gesture, which will continue to support the fund's mission.
During the event, Spiteri shared details about her career and the story behind the dress, which she personally purchased and commissioned.
She explained that she had a hand in designing parts of the dress herself, including the sweetheart neckline and the pleated detailing, which reflected her own artistic vision.