The Malta Pavilion at the Osaka, Japan Expo 2025 showcased a fashion project commissioned by Arts Council Malta and created by Azzopardi Studio that explores the deep cultural and historical significance of the Maltese Għonnella.
Titled ‘The Black Garment’, the défilé, led by couturier Luke Azzopardi, reimagined the traditional Maltese garment by blending contemporary couture with folk dress to create six striking interpretations.
Each one was presented by live models, who brought the collection to life in an immersive installation that bridged past and present, tradition and innovation.
“‘The Black Garment’ delves into the history of the ‘Għonnella’ and its use, blurring the lines between costume history and contemporary design, and commenting on how yesterday’s dress informs that of tomorrow,” Arts Council Malta noted.
The project also marks another step in Luke Azzopardi’s exploration of the Għonnella following his 2022 publication, ‘Għonnella: Deconstructing the Garment’ that focuses on “documenting the history of the dress, but also about living in its memory.”
The Malta Pavilion at the Osaka Expo – a six-month-long event that concludes in October – presents itself as a curated experience of Maltese culture through art, history, and fashion to a global audience.
Photography via Arts Council Malta
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