Following an invitation to participate in the Malta Fashion Week to exhibit one bag in a static show, I soon realized this was a great opportunity to upscale my skill set and design. Things developed and got bigger and bigger and finally thanks to Malta's fashion industry maverick, Adrian Mizzi and Elaine, I was trusted to host an entire collection under the initial guidance of the paper artist and master James Dimech. Captain's Cut was coming to the runway for the first time , just a year after commercially selling its first wallet. 

As the new kid in town, I must admit I felt humbled and at times nearly out of my depth as I met Malta's top designers and fashion gurus for the first meetings. As soon as I started playing with the idea, help and inspiration started flowing in. My brother David, Michelle Galea from Roots boutique hairstyling (a seasoned hairstylist with over 20 years experience ) supported me physically and psychologically as I embarked on this massive project -  Even my aunt in her seventies, an expert career tailor by profession came to the rescue. 

Yes, a full collection of 14 pieces all handcrafted entirely by hand using no electricity whatsoever. PATINA- the name of the collection was to take to the runway to showcase the durability and sustainability of hand crafted leather goods. Diametrically opposed to fast fashion and industrialization of synthetic materials which have captured the fashion word for the last decades, this was no easy feat. 

This massive task required a bigger workspace so I hastily turned a bedroom into a workshop, my corridor into a vast array of leather hide selection, and my daily sleep into a rare luxury or occasional sport. 

The logistical preparation was huge, sourcing everything from needles to thread to brass from over ten different suppliers across Italy. I am an extreme believer in sustainability thus why I am into durable veg tan leather however I do have a confession to make. I went through some paper designing and throwing away paper over and over again...