Malta Fashion Week 2019 rolls on – Day 3 was no less exciting than the previous 2 evenings spent at Fort Saint Elmo. The mild weather and the brilliant atmosphere set the scene for another fabulous fashion filled affair!

Day 3 brought with it changes, which were as upsetting, as they were exciting. Sadly, the first scheduled designer from Nigeria – Chidinma Obairi couldn’t make it; but instead we got not one, but Two Fashion shows by the lovely, Australia based Jason Grech – a bridal show was added, apart from his scheduled event! And the evening was concluded by Khan from Russia, as planned. The evening remained fully International, except instead of 3 continents, we got 2…but not a drop of disappointment – what we saw on the catwalk was delightful, impressive and even refreshing!

Jason Grech – Bridal collection (Australia)

Jason Grech kicked off the night with his beautiful bridal collection. If you’re planning to tie the knot and looking for that perfect dress…look no further…or rather, look at Jason’s work because it is sublime! Truly. The beauty of it all is breathtaking, the quality and design are great too! The combination is what any girl would want is a wedding dress. The dresses are at one conservative / classy and yet very sexy!  It’d make both your rosary clutching relative and that one liberal aunt happy!

I was impressed by the designs – the silks; the flowing skirts; the metres upon metres of soft tulle to create long, beautiful trains, the low cuts adorned with lace, pearls, beads; super sparkly rhinestones, shining from the other side of the catwalk; plain designs and busy designs but both incredibly fashionable and gorgeous, something for everyone! I loved the show – the music was fun, we were singing in our seats while looking at the beautiful models while they glided by in their gowns! It was a bridal show but it was gleeful! Jason Grech showed us a variety of brides, I’m sure every onlooker could relate to one dress, or another and I have no doubt, some fantasies were born last night!

• 

• 

• 

• 

Jason Grech – Dancing in Portugal (Australia)

Jason Grech’s second collection for the night was different but no less fabulous! Unlike the first show, here we feasted on colours. From solid shiny gold, to joyful Portuguese patterns, to tulle, tiel and frills and tight, bold, beautifully wrapped fabric and beaded fringe creating beautiful evening wear!

This collection may come from Australia but is inspired by Europe, namely by Portuguese traditional Azulejo tile patterns. 20 distinctive and varied looks were presented, from pants and mini dresses to a gown dripping in Swarovski, glittering to everyone’s delight.

I love Jason Grech’s description, so for once, I am going to quote on my blog, for as much as I love my writing style and describing, I truly believe I couldn’t have said it better myself:

“Taking the classic tile pattern and digitally “smashing” it onto a print for his garments, he’s heightened the destructive effect with high-level detailing including fringe, glass beading and sequins alongside Swarovski crystals and metallic hardware.”

It’s was a real pleasure to enjoy Jason’s work, glad we have an opportunity to welcome beautiful works of Fashion from far and wide!

• 

• 

• 

• 

Khan (Russia)

We sat down for the last show of Friday night, Day 3 of Malta Fashion Week – khan from Russia and were excited to see what this designer had to bring to the runway! As soon as the first model came walking down the catwalk, we knew we were in for something different. Jeandor and I looked at each other and I dare not write the words that escaped our lips, but I assure you they were said because we were so impressed!

This collection was a breath of fresh air!

I assume that a number of Russian traditions were the inspiration – I got Matryoshka doll vibes; Russian scarves on top of the wigs and crazy curled hair of the models were a nice and very Russian touch; a mix of modern and somehow classically Eastern European; I loved the colours, the motifs and designs on the fabric; even the overdrawn lips were such a cool touch! One of my favourite things were the layering, the twisting and coiling and curving lines, the garments adorned with flowers… the whole thing was to die for, a gasp after a gasp let out by various audience members around me were proof, this was something else and I am a happy witness of this beautiful expression from one of the greatest and most enigmatic, misunderstood countries with a turbulent past, rich culture, and people rich in experience.

• 

• 

• 

• 

I have a confession to make and may my look be my testimony.

I am a flesh-eating Siren, I identify a member of the living-dead…on my bag I carry the bone of my last victim (I only keep the important bones) and though I kept some fresh pieces in my bag, I’ve eaten them all. I am sooo hungry, I mean, look at me, I’m all bones! And that waist… so tiny!

Anyway, I was looking around Day 3 of Fashion week hoping to find a new, exciting, delicious looking victim and I’m pretty sure I saw some fabulous specimen I would love to eat out…I mean EAT! Yes, devour! YUM!

Now, in all seriousness, my look on the night was of a dead mermaid and I loved it so much. I am after all, the Sin-Sational Siren of the Mediterranean so I believe it is a fitting look for me!

I was cinched in my training corset, so this is the one I use for my (almost) daily waist training routine. (I will write a special blog about my waist training journey sometime next month, stay tuned). The bag i from Kreepsville 666, a very cool brand! The shoes match too…apparently I am a edmaid with toes! I refuse to deny myself any pleasure! I mean, I need to dance!

• 

• 

• 

• 

It was a fun look to show off at Malta Fashion Week!
What are your thoughts?

Who rocked my world last night?

Well, well, well! There have been a few people who have been turning looks each night without fail! Luke Brincat, the brains behind DanceLab has been showing up looking unique and stunning every night. Yesterday his earing and jewel studded blazer shook me! Jeandor, all in Red and that harness…ugh! That’s what I call a stylist! Yesterday I Loved Yana Frost in her silver pants suit and faux fur on top! Caroline looked fantastic dressed in Drew & Crew, the latest collection we saw on Day 1 – what a stunner. All the VIPs looked stunning as ever and Tamara Webb in that green dress was just mesmerizing, and when I got closer, her green eyes…wow! That dress really made them pop. She is gorgeous with such ease…girl!!
Grazielle Camilleri looked so beautiful, what a power woman, in her suit…I am in awe! Chris and Matthew Mario Bord who were my top pick on night one did it again – matching but not…rocking faux snake skin… those two turn it out! Charles & Ron made an appearance, looking wonderful as always! Carina Camilleri looks stunning every night – every single night but she has to be mentioned – I mean, what is the Maltese fashion scene without Carina? It would not be the same!  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

My top pick though has to be Victoria Rotchenkova! That girl looked so unbearably cute and sweet in her Tommy Hilfiger outfit, pigtails and heels on socks… she even sat there, chewing on some gum. I died, went to mermaid heaven, came back to life and lived! School girl vibes, sweet and oh, so innocent but with a cheeky side. Victoria stole the show!

• 

• 

Hope you enjoyed my account of Night 3! I have to sit night 4 out as I have a fabulous show to dance at at the Thirsty Lawyer…but if you’re looking for a place to go after fashion week, drop by the venue, have a drink with me and give me the low-down on Night 4 of fashion week! I am dying to know what happens next!

Videos of Night 2 and 3 coming tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Stay Wicked and let’s Get Freaky! 😉

Yours,
Undine.

The dust had barely had the time to settle after the storm we whipped up on day 1, as eager patrons stormed the walls of Fort Saint Elmo for Day 2 of Malta Fashion Week 2019! Another day of Fashion and art awaits with 3 more shows in store, both local and foreign. The most obvious combining element was colours – bright, vibrant colours!

Isle & Aqua X Yana’s Jewellery.

The first show of the evening was swimsuits and jewellery. Maltese Swimwear designer Giulia Pandolfino and Maltese jewellery designer Yana Azzopardi teamed up to create a stylish beach fantasy on the runway! The two came together to create quite a combination of sleek, body hugging swimsuits focused of geometrical layering of the curves and Yana’s colourful, feathered and beaded jewels worked wonders!
I am a big fan of anything that is “harness-y”, strappy and features big metal rings…so Isle & Aqua definitely tickled my fancy! I loved the more intricate designs, those beautiful strappy lines on the backs of the models, not your average beachwear, this girl designs statement pieces for your sunny day at some sandy bay or an evening at Exiles, with one of her cute wrap around skirts / pants! Yana’s Jewellery added something a little extra to the mix and dressed the swimsuits up, elevating them to the next level! Looking to impress the crowd at your net beach party? Either one of those models could confidently walk right off the runway and into the hottest beach club on the island.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Maria Cutajar – Le Couleur Inivisible.

Le Couleur Invisible in Maria Cutajar’s take on the Casablanca movie, which she drs inspiration from however she injected it with colour! Intense and vibrant colours took over the runway again! The designs were clearly inspired by Moroccan style, patterns and shapes, harkening back to the 1940s. From day wear to evening wear, Maria Cutajar let her imagination run wild and she took to colouring the “Casablanca” of her dreams. The mid century vibe was there, your retro Morocco inspired wear lit up the evening with the colours that were invisible in the movie, hence, the name of the collection.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Agatha Ruiz De La Prada (Spain)

Agatha Ruiz De La Prada is back in Malta, or at least, her collection is. Last year she was all about pompoms, this year she is bringing more crazy and stunning colour to Malta!
Right before the show started, a video message from Agatha was played – sadly she was not able to attend this year’s Fashion week due to an injury. I’d like to wish her a speedy recovery from all of us!

This show was the perfect way to end Day 2 of Malta Fashion week – it was easy-breezy, flirtatious, happy and so much fun! The collection felt like a sugar rush! Like an overdose on bright pinks, yellows and sparkle! Chuncky textured shoes, heart decorated headbands; suits, dresses – outrageous patterns, plush hearts, stars and clouds literally sewn onto dresses and even a dress that is, in itself, a shiny wrapped candy! What a show!

And the best thing was the pure joy, the joy that was portrayed on the catwalk! Like that feeling of a sugar rush I was talking about earlier, the vibes were amazing and spirits were high.
I am not into pastels, neons and happy colours but this was just good fun! The models were obviously allowed to have fun and be as cute and silly as the wanted…seeing the gorgeous ladies let their hair down and have fun made everyone smile! What a burst of shades and hues of jubilation!

• 

• 

• 

• 

As for me… I went for a Fetish inspired look and one of my favourite things to wear – Latex!
Killer heels and latex are all I need to lift my mood (and transform me from a pocket sized vixen into a diva of a decent height) and make me feel shiny and slippery in my perfectly shined rubber dress! I just adore the feel of latex on my body, it’s like a being hugged by some cool, tight material…and it looks so good clinging to the skin, nice and shiny.
The dress is by Westwardbound Latex, one of my favourite rubber clothing brands (meant to be worn with bare breasts but I wore a cute mesh bra with a bow design underneath), paired with a pair of shoes, very Vivienne Westwood-esque – super high heels and platforms and a welcome challenge for me to move around in! (Proud of not falling over) I looove crazy shoes, one of my favourite things! With a high ponytail, some fishnets and dark makeup, I was ready to contrast the most colourful day of Malta Fashion Week 2019!

• 

• 

• 

Very happy with this look…less tightly cinched but still this a challenge – this time a balancing act!

What are your thoughts?

Every night the people come to slay Fashion Week – looks looks looks!
So let’s talk about looks!
Who shook me up?

Sarah Zerafa, Taryn Mamo Cefai and Jade Zammit Stevens all wore Isle & Aqua bikini tops / swimsuits and looked absolutely stunning. Taryn and Jade gave me mermaid vibes all the way, while Sarah looked classy (looove that hat). Jeandor Farrugia gave me life in his usual – open shirt, chains and a huge, over sized, green puffy jacket which was magic along with his green hair and eyebrows! Stella Cini looked gorgeous in a black pants suit, with long curly black hair! Mikaela Attard looked fantastic in Latex shorts and a net top with an applique design for some coverage! Yas girl, my alternative sister! Loved the looks! Luke Brincat slayed his look again, and Muxu looked fabulous, however my favourite thing that Muxu wears, is his Smile! (aaaw)

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Video of Fashion week Day 2 coming soon! Stay tuned.

Stay Wicked and let’s Get Freaky! 

Yours, 
Undine.

Maltas Fashion week officially kicked off with a bang and a display of an array of Fashion with varied themes, impressive style and bold cuts.  A worthy opening indeed!

Upon entering Day 1 of the much anticipated Malta Fashion Week, there was a crisp excitements in the air. Fort Elmo allows a perfect venue – Maltese heritage and history, the old coming together with Fashion, Innovation, Expression, at times even Risk, the new!
*mmm, sign me up for that RISK*

Once amidst the vibe, it all begins – Who’s who: who’s with who: who’s wearing what. It’s a fashion show on and off the catwalk – the celebs, the influencers, the general public and the crew do not disappoint; everyone made an effort and turned looks!

Soon enough, the now iconic voice of Colin Fitz was heard, announcing the first show and urging the patrons to take their respective seats.
Influencers, celebs and media took their front row (Frooooow baby, it’s called FROW) to best capture the ART that was about to ensue.

Rosemary Abela – The Cure.

Rosemarie Abela, a Maltese designer, had the honour of opening this year’s shows.
Her collection in called “The Cure” and aims to raise awareness about the oftentimes quiet suffering of the ill. The predominant colours were, as expected white, red and black, but other colours were also used to a great effect -greys, cream, transparent and some shiny materials. A good mix of fabric, textures and colours. I love all things transparent, I have been very taken by this year’s fashionable transparent plasticky looks a lot of my alt friends have been turning up, so was a pleasure to see that on the Maltese runway and of course the white gown with red lines coming down it…that was truly beautiful. After the show, my neighbours Jeandor (Nominee for best Stylist) and Maya (the MUA) all breathed “Great start” to each other still so impressed what we have just witnessed.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Architecture in Fashion (Switzerland)

This is something I have been very excited about – Architecture in Fashion (Switzerland) in collaboration with Nasim Akhavan – wearable architecture pieces – YAS!
Taking our Frow (front row, keep up) seats I was full of anticipation.
“I want lines, shapes, I want beautiful distortion and gravity defying designs!” were the thoughts in my head.
When the Fashion show number 2 of Fashion Week started, I realised that it isn’t as extreme as I had expected it to be BUT that is exactly what makes it wearable architecture. There are bold lines, there are shapes but they aren’t crazy and uncomfortable. They are delightful, they are eye catching, they are classy but they could be worn everyday!  Fashion is after all an applied art and these designers create architecture you could wear to work and to a cocktails party! The bags by Veni Morgan were definitely impressive, loved all the shapes. And throughout the show, the jewellery by Radian and Sheida Farrokhi did not fail to catch my eye – wow – the shapes and the bling contributed to the general feel of architectural wearables! I was left pleasantly roused by this collection!

• 

• 

• 

• 

Drew & Crew – SOS

When it came to Drew & Crew’s SOS – Statements of Style, I read “Bold, Sexy, Seductive”… “Sounds like Me”, I thought…so I was excited and in a state of anticipation, to say the least.  

I want to say right off the bat…boy did Drew & Crew deliver!! What a show to close the first night of Malta Fashion Week. As soon as the first model walked confidently out onto the catwalk, a murmur ran through the audience, a murmur of approval, of delight, of awe! “Wow!”, I heard someone beside me say! We knew we were in for a thrill, and a thrill it was! High fashion, outfits for an Occasion with a big O! The style and the quality and the execution were on point. I couldn’t keep my eyes and my camera off of the models. Rich tulle, cheeky mesh, shapely organza, shiny silk and floating chiffon; flowy skirts, tight waists and low cuts…I was living, LIVING I tell you! The final show of the night was an experience that is hard to describe, you have to see it! *watch the video at the end of the post *

• 

• 

• 

• 

Now that I have told you about the shows, let’s talk about MY LOOK! *YAY!* (She is modesty itself)
You know I had to kick the week of, not just in style but with a message and make a mark, establish my signature!  
I wanted to keep to my Burlesque and Alternative roots, so of course I had to be corseted and wearing pasties (tassels) BUT I was also inspired by the shows of the night.
I knew we would be looking at Architectural pieces, so I wanted to show off my curves – I have been sculpting by body over the last 4+ years, by means of almost daily waist training, so I had to show off my cinched waist!
I knew we would be watching some sexy and seductive design so naturally, I had to be sexy! BUT, I apart from all that I wanted to start off with a message!

I feel that there has been a lot of censorship of women, our bodies, and with the worldwide decline of our rights (you all know what I am talking about), I am livid! Taking away autonomy over and censoring of our bodies… it just won’t do and I will not stand for it! My protest was, mainly, the censorship of the female nipple on Instangram (and beyond of course). This does not just affect my community – Burlesque performers, artists, models,…this affect all women. Yes, YOU too! This is another way to cover us up, shove us into the background, put us in our place. I have seen so much beautiful art disappear from my feed…so I censored my breasts!

It would be too appalling not to, wouldn’t it now? *please do note the sarcasm*

• 

• 

• 

I hope you liked my look! I am happy to have gotten a lot of wonderful feedback, thank you! And a HUGE thank you to LovinMalta for the mention! I said you weren’t ready for it, I wanted to make you wait but their wonderfully snoopy ways revealed my look!
And a big thank you to Malta Fashion week for allowing me to Be Myself and to Express Who I Am in all my eccentric and weird glory! Thank you! ❤
https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/fashion/fierce-from-day-one-killer-looks-from-malta-fashion-weeks-first-night?fbclid=IwAR0Fn5eZjTH6gQGQdMkzQi4tIqRREMUTxzHxgDWZjXTQUhES5k4TTzo0UTU

All you favourite personalities were there looking Fab! Taryn mamo Cefai shocked with PINK hair, matched with a lovely pants suit and a cheeky lace top underneath! In case you are wondering – Stella Cini’s hair was Pink too, bright baby Pink! Beautiful, classy ladies in white – Karly Naudi and Tamara Webb were gorgeous, each in their own way! Sarah Zerafa looked like the queen of the black swans in her cute dress! Luke Brincat was quite architectural and I loooved his outfit! Rob Earth gave me Robotic heaven with his cool look!

• 

• 

My top picks though were these two gorgeous gents! I looved everything about these looks…what are you thought?

Day 1 of Malta Fashion Week was amazing and I can’t wait to be back at Fort Saint Elmo tonight for more exciting Fashion action!!
Video of Day 1 came out a little later! (I am human, I had to sleep, I apologise, no more of that nonsense!)

Enjoy the Video of Day 1:

Stay Wicked and let’s Get Freaky! 😉

Yours,
Undine.

Last night, MedAsia Playa was the place to be – the venue for Malta’s Fashion Week 2019 Launch party! And what a party it was! Undeniably another successful launch of the most exciting fashion event on the island! The atmosphere and the vibe were lit, the club was full of Beautiful people!

So many of Malta’s most interesting, creative and eccentric individuals and personalities were there! Some served fierce looks, while others looked wonderful in an attire of a more casual nature. From beautiful dresses and suits, to track suits, to conceptual looks it was a parade of models, celebrities and creatives all celebrating the beginning of a week-full of Fashion!

My personal top pics of the night were Sarah Zerafa and Iggy Fenech.

Sarah Zerafa wore a nude coloured latex dress which, as designed, hugged her curves ever so tightly, making it look as if it were moulded onto her skin…quite a sight. And anyone who knows me, knows how much I love latex and how often it features in my looks (You will see some latex on me during Fashion Week) so for me seeing the beautiful Sarah in a latex look was a thrill. If you ever need a hand, or two, to shine that latex for you, I am so there girl! *wink wink*

Iggy Fenech is quite a Fashion Week icon known to turn the most amazing, unexpected looks that make everyone gasp with delight! This year he graced the Launch of Malta fashion week in a beautiful suit but with real plants. No, not like last year when Iggy had a “backpack garden” with him. This year he had palm three leaves coming out of his suit jacket, giving me Rio carnival realness vibes and a pair of glasses, one lense however was replaced by a beautiful flower, a daisy! A celebration of the beauty of nature, but also, an outcry against Malta being filled up with concrete and the destruction of our nature was a beautiful message to complete this original look!

Here are some more amazing looks and people from Fashion Week launch party at MedAsia Playa! Photos by Justina Ciappara and Kurt Paris for MFWA 2019.

At a point in the night an interesting conversation ensued that got us thinking – why do we need Fashion week? What is the point? And many valuable points came forth – it’s a safe place to express yourself and show off your fashion choices without fear of judgement, without having to justify your looks; a free space to show your creativity; it pushes us to style up some jaw-dropping looks; it’s a great way to network and get together with other creatives, promoting each other’s work and of course, a whole week of art appreciation.

Fashion is art. Fashion is expression and creativity. A way for designers to show their work and for the beholder to view it with appreciation and derive inspiration from the art and the process. I personally also love Fashion Week because the attendees very often inspire me just as much as the designers! It’s the combination of all of those aspects that produces that unquestionable Magic and I’m glad that we have that magic in our lives!

• 

• 

Tonight we celebrate Fashion at Malta’s hottest dance party – Lollipop – The Fashion Week edition, category is – 1000 night of  Anna Wintour! Style Icon!

Sarting Thursday 24th May, I will be reporting on how Malta Fashion Week nights progress. More hot looks, a peak from the runway, the atmosphere and of course, my very own looks! (She is ready to shock)

To finish off, I leave you with this small video of Fashion week which I compiled from the footage I took yesterday – some of my favourite looks, some of your favourite celebs and influencers… and just to get you Into the Vibe! Enjoy!

Stay Wicked and let’s Get Freaky! 😉
Yours,
Undine.

Well hello there, stranger.

You have found yourself in the Weird and Wonderful Wicked World of

Undine LaVerve.

You are most welcome!

I am very pleased to present my spanking *oh!* new Website and, something I have wanted to do for a very long time – My Blog! A place where I will write about Burlesque, my shows, my travels, my escapades, various endeavours and of course, Fashion!

And we kick off with the super exciting Malta Fashion Week 2019!

My Media-Pass-Holding self will be covering Fashion Week day by day, or rather, night by night; showing off my own looks (she is ready to shock) and letting you know what went down and what I thought of the runways, the collections and everybody’s looks!

I am beyond excited, are you?

You’d better be! This year Fashion Week is promising to be bigger and better! What’s in store?

Get you Fashion week fix right here on my blog – we’ll have reviews, comments from some of the designers and your favourite Maltese celebs, and even a vlog with top moments of the nights of Fashion Week!

And now, before I go and continue getting my looks ready for a week of Fashion, fun and freakiness! (if you don’t know me well… you should know that I like to get freaky, beware and behold!)…let’s have a throwback to my look that shook ya’ll last year!

Photo by the super talanted Bernard Polidano. 

A little disclaimer and something you should know about me is this – I thoroughly enjoy pushing boundaries, I believe that as artists, it is our duty to broaden minds and break the mould. With my very existence, I hope, even intend, to do just that.

Through Burlesque, through my writing and through my looks, now and forever! 

See you tonight at the Fashion Week 2019 Launch Party!

So let’s have a great Fashion Week and Fashion Awards 2019!
Stay Wicked and let’s Get Freaky! 

Yours,
Undine.

PS: Happy IDAHO! Inetrnational Day Against Homophobio, transphobia and biphobia. Love it love. So let us love who we do and rejoice! Be kind!

“Undine LaVerve, the bubbly and charming performer who has taken it upon herself to introduce our island to the mysteries of burlesque.” – Times of Malta.