Handle with Care, an homage to the tradition of Maltese and Mediterranean glass blowing, reconfirms Charles & Ron’s status of Maltese designer royalty with a collection that is as bold as it is beautiful. The collection takes inspiration from the delicate artistry and vibrant hues of glass, transforming these elements into a breathtaking array of wearable art.
However, Handle with Care is also intended as a reminder of the challenges our planet and our island both face today, with the gradual loss of our artisanal and cultural heritage and an environment damaged beyond repair. Each piece in the collection makes use of beauty as an emphatic statement, the collaboration with Valletta glass resulting in a stunning collaboration with fabrics that glistens and mesmerizes.
In keeping with the theme, Handle with Care includes more than its fair share of extravagant pieces. These are something to behold, the gowns a seductive kaleidoscope of sequins, puffed tulle skirts and long trains. These are designs for an evening you won’t forget, and neither will anyone else who sees you.
Handle With Care – A Survivalist Aesthetic
For those who are less fashion butterfly and more classic in their tastes, the collection includes some eminently wearable designs featuring soft, draping fabrics and natural hues. I particularly loved the muted earth tones playing hide and seek with the azure boldness of the sky.
Many of the pieces in Handle with Care are characterised by androgynous cuts. The stark, asymmetrical lines of some of the outfits are wonderfully gender blurring, as are the (vegan) fur coats and boleros, tiny bits of glass interwoven within the fabric creating a shimmery effect down the catwalk.
Some elements of the male pieces channeled a post-apocalyptic, desert vibe which also very much in keeping with the theme. Models strutted down the cat walk barechested, dragging long capes behind them for a survivalist aesthetic that mixes functionality with style. Huge puffed jackets in gold spelt an unmistakeable dystopian chic while elsewhere, muted dark tones added grit to the collection.
In short, the Handle With Care Fall/Winter 24/25 Charles & Ron Collection wins across all levels, captivating our senses and forcing us to pay attention. The evening was hosted by Dorianne Mamo, with singer Pamela Bezzina performing live. Sunglasses were provided by Shades by O’Hea.
Prefer travel to fashion? Check out my feature about the Ponyo-Tomonoura connection.
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I received no payment for this review and I used press review tickets. The opinions expressed here are purely my own and Charles & Ron had no input/control over what I wrote. No affiliate links are included in this review.To learn more about my policies and my reviewing process, visit my Affiliate/Advertising disclosure page.