FCUK, Marius Op't Eynde and TK at Runway Malta

Dear Readers,

It's high time I address three of the major collections showcased at Runway Malta last Saturday. Overall, I did feel that the Autumn/Winter edition of Runway Malta presented a better ensemble of 'bigger' designers. However allow me to focus on the three labels I want to share with you today (a day which shall soon end for I am writing this post half asleep!)

My observations start with one of the leading high-street stores: FCUK. Now I admit that I don't usually go to the said store to browse through their collections as I do with other high-street shops, but I confess I have a soft spot for their advertising campaigns. In fact, as press we were given a booklet with the latest collection, obviously set against the typical FCUK campaign. Sadly, I do have to state that I enjoyed flicking through the pages of the booklet much more than I enjoyed watching the collection unfold on the runway. And please let me explain why. Apart from a cream dress, a sequin ensemble and a plunging-neckline top, pictured below, I found the collection quite uninspiring. Too far away from my expectations. I don't know why.

FCUK

On to Marius Op't Eynde and his cycling inspired menswear collection. My interview with the designer built very high expectations in me and after watching the show live last Saturday, I can say I liked almost everything. I could definitely discern the cycling-inspired features - including very fast models who barely gave me time to photograph them. Good one though! Tied in well with the theme! - and the statement prints he also spoke about. In general, the collection was bright, sharp and an interesting play between muted edginess and everyday wear. My vote on the wearable-meter? A good 7. I think the pieces are quite high-street friendly. Thumbs up!

Marius Op't Eynde

The final designer in this post is TK, who joined us after travelling all the way from New Zealand. TK's highly feminine collection, with a predominantly black and gold colour palette, is probably the one I'd give the highest vote in terms of wearability. Then again, that does not imply that I was necessarily impressed by this collection. Don't get me wrong, but I  kind of felt this collection missed a special something. I largely blame it on the fact that it was shown in between two much stronger collections, which I found to have slightly shadowed it. Nonetheless, I'm a great fan of the fabrics used. They drape very gracefully. The little feminine features, like the lace skirt and the sequin under-dress in the photos below, were also a pleasant touch to TK's work.

TK

Join  me tomorrow for my favourite collection from Runway: Mr. William Wilde.

-B