Who or what are the influencers of local fashion designers and how did the fashion scene develop?

Abstract

This study is an investigation on the local fashion scene in Malta, specifically interviewing up and coming local fashion designers. The reason for this was to try and get an in-depth look into Malta's fashion industry which has been steadily growing and gaining more popularity. The designers interviewed are still trying to establish themselves in the fashion scene, though they have all garnered a level of success. Appearing on runway shows, magazine interviews and television appearances, they have all worked hard to get their name and brand in the public eye. Due to their young careers, interviewing them would provide an insightful look into the life of a designer, discovering one's inspirations, design process, accomplishments and opinions on fashion in Malta. A qualitative method was adopted in this study, specifically using in-depth interviews, which enabled the coverage of a broad array of topics related to fashion and being a designer. Any other method would not have been more efficient in investigating the trials and tribulations these designers have to go through, in trying to not only grow as a designer but to also help develop the Maltese fashion industry in general. The results provided a detailed analysis on each designer's personality, style, opinions and inspirations which all contribute to their brand and view of fashion. Looking at their answers, one could see that they believe the Maltese fashion scene is developing at a slow pace. The main reason for this was the fact that daring fashion is negatively judged in Malta and this discourages designers from creating garments which express their creativity and individualistic expression.