One standout comment came from Keith J. Caruana of Captain’s Cut, who highlighted that his entire bespoke leather production process only requires one light bulb’s worth of electricity, emphasising the use of handcraft over energy-dependent machinery.

The conversation also touched on consumer behaviour. Charles & Ron co-founder, Ron van Maarschalkerweerd Borg, noted a growing awareness around sustainability but cautioned against the overconsumption of cheap, disposable fashion.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)

Becky Grech from BX Design echoed this concern, adding that society’s obsession with constantly buying new outfits has led to a decline in the value placed on each garment. However, there was optimism around Gen Z, who are increasingly embracing thrifting and seeing fashion as a form of personal art.

A recurring theme in the debate was education. While governments, particularly the EU, are pushing for change through regulations such as the Waste Framework Directive, which mandates separate textile waste collection by 2025, there are concerns that not enough is being done locally.

Becky criticised the lack of clarity in Malta, pointing out that residents are still being told it’s acceptable to throw shoes in black bags, when many components can be repurposed.

Craftsmanship and artisanal skills were also emphasised, with panelists like Ron of Charles & Ron discussing the importance of working with local artisans, such as glassblowers and weavers.

Charlene Joan Sant shared a similar experience, mentioning her attendance at an embroidery course in Paris. The course, set up by Chanel, was designed to safeguard traditional crafts like embroidery, ensuring that such skills are not lost in an age of fast fashion.

Marco Parascandalo also spoke about his collaborations with local craftspeople, underscoring the value of these partnerships in creating unique, high-quality fashion pieces that stand the test of time.

However, the panel voiced concerns that many traditional crafts are dying out, with fewer opportunities for younger generations to learn these manual skills.

Keith J. Caruana also called attention to Malta’s rich leather crafting history, expressing his desire to preserve it by opening a museum. Yet, he noted the difficulty in obtaining funding for such initiatives, a sentiment echoed by the other panelists, who discussed the overwhelming bureaucracy involved in securing financial support.

The Malta Crafts Foundation offered a ray of hope, reminding designers that they offer funding support and can facilitate connections with both local and international artisans. They encouraged designers to reach out if they wish to collaborate with craftspeople, either in Malta or abroad.

As the fashion industry grapples with the transition from fast to slow fashion, this debate underscored the importance of local efforts in driving global change.

It’s clear that Maltese designers are not only leading by example but are also advocating for stronger government support and education to ensure that the future of fashion is both sustainable and ethical.