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A Fusion Of Heritage And Innovation: designMT’s Exhibition At St John’s Cavalier In Valletta

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As part of Malta’s first-ever design expo, designMT, the stunning historic venue of St John’s Cavalier in Valletta plays host to one of the event’s most highly anticipated exhibitions, showcasing works from 19 exhibitors.

St John’s Cavalier, designed by the renowned military engineer Francesco Laparelli in the 16th century, provides the perfect backdrop for this remarkable display of creativity. With its grand history as one of the two original cavaliers built to defend Valletta, the venue now houses exhibitions that reflect the innovation and artistic expression of Malta’s modern designers.

Here’s a look at the incredible exhibitors featured at St John’s Cavalier:

 

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Monoliths by Mark Borg

Blending filigree with themes of history and mysticism, Mark Borg brings a modern twist to one of Malta’s most iconic crafts with his intricate and thought-provoking pieces.

MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts

Showcasing the creativity of MCAST fashion students, this exhibition presents four unique fashion collections, each exploring different themes while highlighting the skills and talent of the island’s next generation of designers.

Tettiera® Maltese Townhouse by Joanna Micallef Farrugia and Diana Mifsud

Infusing Maltese architecture with the joy of gifting, Tettiera® brings the charm of traditional Maltese townhouses to life through a luxury advent calendar filled with teas and gourmet treats, adding a touch of elegance to the holiday season.

Beyond the Maltese by Charles and Dorothy Cordina

Inspired by Malta’s heritage and cultural fragments, this handmade collection of ceramic tiles by Charles and Dorothy Cordina brings a fresh perspective to Maltese history, tradition, and identity through art.

Ganutell Ġojjell by Janine Cardona

Blending traditional ganutell floral techniques with contemporary design, Janine Cardona reinvents this intricate craft to create bold and modern jewellery pieces, perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Penny by Chris and Lisa Gwen Chetcuti

Reimagining the Maltese door knocker, Chris and Lisa Gwen Chetcuti’s work brings this traditional object back to life with a blend of modern artistry and functional design, paying homage to Malta’s architectural heritage.

Woven Lace of Porcelain by Nico Conti

Through 3D-printed porcelain, Nico Conti marries the delicacy of fabric with the rigidity of porcelain, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship and offering a contemporary take on ceramics.

Mediterranea Collection by Stephanie Borg

Stephanie Borg’s Mediterranea Collection celebrates Malta’s traditional tile patterns through vibrant, modern designs that span homeware, fashion, and art, preserving and modernising the essence of local culture.

Fantasy in Stone by Charles Zammit

Exploring the versatility of Maltese limestone, Charles Zammit’s award-winning sculptures showcase his innovative approach to this iconic material, with each piece highlighting the natural beauty and potential of the stone.

Marì and the Golden Table by Christian Bezzina

With a focus on sustainable steel fabrication, Christian Bezzina’s work reimagines the traditional Maltese għonnella and modern table design, reflecting his innovative approach to handcrafted decor and advanced laser technology.

Blooming in Clay by Marisa Micallef

Through meticulous craftsmanship, Marisa Micallef’s floral-inspired polymer clay jewellery captures the essence of nature in bold, beautiful designs, bringing her mechanical engineering background into the world of intricate wearable art.

#0000FF et al. by Zelda Designs

Inspired by the vast spectrum of blue in the Mediterranean landscape, Zelda Designs’ statement jewellery pieces promote slow fashion, blending traditional and modern techniques to create bold, sustainable accessories.

Transforming Waste into Art by Emanuel Sammut

Emanuel Sammut demonstrates the potential of discarded materials by transforming reclaimed wood into timeless works of art, promoting sustainability and honouring the circular economy through his intricate sculptures.

Distinctively Maltese Chocolate by Mark and Dennis Aquilina

Inspired by Malta’s culinary traditions, the Aquilina brothers’ artisanal chocolate bars are wrapped by hand in designs that reflect local iconography, bringing a sweet taste of Malta to life.

The Marrakesh Collection by Clifford Carabott

Highlighting the beauty of natural materials, Clifford Carabott’s Marrakesh Collection blends elegance and simplicity, using hexagonal surfaces and brass frames to create functional, artisanal tables.

Oscuro by Keith John Caruana

Using sustainable, handcrafted leather techniques, Keith John Caruana’s custom leather accessories blend dark, symbolic textures with elegant design, creating long-lasting pieces that reflect strength and resilience.

Elysium by Mediterranean Ceramics x I+A

A fusion of Mediterranean tradition and modern design, this unique bar by Mediterranean Ceramics and I+A combines handcrafted lava slabs with sleek, contemporary forms, symbolising the harmony between the old and new.

Mewġa by Antoine and Jean-Paul Vella

Father and son duo Antoine and Jean-Paul Vella weave silver into striking abstract forms, reinventing traditional weaving techniques with a modern edge, creating stunning pieces of silver fabric art.

Wildflower Obscura by Tara Lois Mansell

Known for her avant-garde jewellery, Tara Lois Mansell’s pieces combine Mediterranean landscapes with technical artistry, creating wearable sculptures that reflect her signature luxury designs and emotional depth.

These exhibitors showcase an exciting mix of heritage-inspired designs and cutting-edge contemporary pieces, celebrating Maltese craftsmanship.

designMT’s exhibition at St John’s Cavalier is open to the public with free admission until Friday 4th October. If you’re passionate about design and eager to explore the future of Maltese craftsmanship, this is an event not to be missed.

Other locations for more exhibitions from designMT are located at Auberge D’Aragon, Fortress Builders and Valletta Design Cluster.

For more details about the expo, visit designMT’s website for additional information.

Will you be visiting this exhibition?

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Lovin Malta’s social media coordinator, Charlene is a massive Swiftie obsessed with animals, scrolling and travelling. If she’s in the country for more than a day, you can find her reading on @onlyforthebooks

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