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Maltese Model Becomes First Transgender Woman To Walk The Runway At Malta Fashion Week

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Photo credits: Kurt Paris (left) and JCiappara (right)

Fashion isn’t just about fancy clothes, it’s also known for pushing boundaries and that’s exactly what it did this Sunday during Parascandalo’s show at Malta Fashion Week. 

When Karly Naudi took to the catwalk for her big debut, it was a massive strut forward for Maltese society as she became the first transgender model to walk at Fashion Week.

“I’m honoured and humbled to be the first,” she explained, “but I’m also well aware there were others before me who had the talent to do it, but were unable to because of socio-political factors on the island.”

“I want to use this privilege to help inspire others like me who were made to feel unworthy in their past.”

Surprised to hear this, Karly says she didn’t even know she was the first trans model on the runway until a friend in the industry pointed it out to her. Getting to this point wasn’t an easy journey, and although she’s experienced her fair share of bullying and sexual harassment throughout her life, even making it onto the show after being asked was a challenge.

“I’m currently reading for a degree with the Centre of Labour Studies at the University of Malta, so I was a little nervous because the shows were right before my exams. But with the help of my good friend and talented designer Marco Parascandalo, who was the first to ask me to walk for him, I was convinced to take the plunge.”

But Karly isn’t just walking in one show… she’s modelling for three, an “overwhelming” feeling for her, particularly since she was asked to work with established designers like Gaetano and Herman Vassallo. 

Normally a private person who doesn’t share too many details about her personal life, Karly acknowledges the privilege she enjoys to walk in such shows, and wants to use it to inspire others like her. “I’ve been made to feel unworthy in my past, and I want to show people who are going through the same thing that it’s not true. You’re able to do anything you set your mind to.”

While still a bit nervous about pulling a Carrie Bradshaw and face-planting on the main stage, she looks forward to walking the runway again in future shows and continue to be a trailblazer in the local scene.

“Remember, no single thing defines us. Being transgender is not all that I am, but a part of the puzzle which makes me, me. I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a student, an employee, and so on. If being true to yourself is not wrongfully hurting anyone, try to ignore any negativity, focus on a personal goal, and be kind, always.”

Share this post if you’re inspired by Karly’s journey

READ NEXT: WATCH: Maltese Representative Challenges Emma Watson At International Youth Conference

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