“The new is not a fashion, it is a value” – Roland Barthes

Charles & Ron is a contemporary Maltese lifestyle brand, with a distinct Mediterranean flair and a dedication to superior quality.

On Sunday 11th September 2022 Maltese designer duo Charles & Ron launched their new Spring/Summer 2023 collection during New York Fashion Week by Art Hearts held at Angel Orensanz Foundation. Maison Privée is happy to share with you information and photos about this amazing new collection.

The inspiration point for this collection started from the Maltese Lira, which was the currency of Malta from 1972 until 31st December 2007 when the Maltese Lira was replaced by the Euro. On 10th July the irrevocable fixed conversion rate was established at Lm 0.4293 to one Euro.
 

The intricate details and colours displayed on the banknotes from the 3rd, 4th and mostly the final 5th series are re-imagined and digitally manipulated into graphic designs. Bank notes are a powerful symbol of history, culture and sovereignty of a nation and the details found on the notes amalgamate very well with the Charles & Ron design ethic, as the designers consistently draw inspiration from Maltese culture.
 

The prominent image of ‘Melita’ holding a rudder symbolising Malta in control of her own destiny, mosaic designs from Roman presence, a stone sentry box known as “Gardjola” , sculptural motifs from the neolithic temples and Doves symbolizing peace all feature in the colour print designs. “Lm 0.4293” is a celebration of Maltese design and focuses on Mediterranean colours. It also explores the idea of something being valuable one day and worthless the next and the importance of preserving culture and traditions as they are priceless and once they are gone there is no bank note that can bring them back. 
 

Layered frills of Organza fabric with raw edging mimic the idea of bank notes loosing their value and being shredded or burned.  Other fabrics used are ; Silk Satin, Chiffon, Silk Mikado, Tulle, Panama Cotton and denim treated with bleaching  effect. The collection also features hand-beaded dresses and appliqué details.  

The main palette for this collection consists of Green shades ranging from Olive, Sage, Lime to darker Green. Powder,Sky and Denim Blue, Electric Yellow, Sun, Tangerine and Lilac. Together with staple tones of Black and White.

The looks are paired with handbag and accessory designs which are hand-made in Malta in finest Italian leather, featuring graphic prints, and signature hardware details.

About the Designers:

Charles van Maarschalkerweerd Borg was born October 29, 1968, in Malta, and Ron van Maarschalkerweerd Borg was born September 13, 1971, in Holland. Charles learned his tailoring skills as a young boy from his relatives who were expert dressmakers and Ron studied economy and human resource management. Charles and Ron met in Amsterdam in 1992 and Ron moved to Malta shortly afterwards.

The designers and founders are mostly self–taught and established C&R as Malta’s leading fashion house. Charles & Ron are pioneers in the Maltese fashion scene and the first brand to draw inspiration from Malta and its surroundings.

Since 2014 the designers have consistently shown their collections during New York and Los Angeles fashion week, and the designers are regular guests at fashion weeks throughout Europe.

Charles & Ron were one of the few designers that were selected in 2018 to exhibit one of their couture designs at Buckingham Palace for the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. The exhibition was curated by Vogue’s Hamish Bowles. The night was a first at the palace and guests included; Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour who complimented the designers on their design.

Besides the runway and ready-to-wear collections, key items in the C&R range are Malta-inspired luxury scarves and leather bags. The handbags and small leather goods are made with the finest Italian leather and are handcrafted in Malta.

The Charles & Ron collections are regularly featured in international publications and are also noticed by international colour company Pantone. The designers were featured in two recent Pantone colour trend forecasts and leading trend websites like refinery29 also featured some of the c&r designs and quoted the designers on their use of colour.

Charles & Ron’s Malta-inspired designs truly have an international appeal as they have recently been seen on international celebs like; Ariana Grande, Avril Lavigne, Fireboy , Carrie Underwood, Chloe Bailey, the cast from Bling Empire, the cast from Never Have I Ever, MYA , Brigitte Nielsen, Jessie J., Kelly Rowland, Ally Brooke (Fifth Harmony), Nicole Williams (Wags), Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child) ,Ashanti, Tinashe, Kelsey Ballerini, Game of Thrones actress Nathalie Emmanuel, Chaka Khan, Lauryn Hill, Jessica Pimentel and Brenda Song among many others.