A disappearing craft: traditional Maltese lace with modernised Indian embellishment

Showing all over the world, as well as in Malta, Charles & Ron’s eponymous brand has a distinctive signature style that’s often described as Mediterranean. That translates to sunny, carefree and fully dedicated to having a good time, but what also comes guaranteed is a playful elegance and unfaltering quality. A fascination for fashion was learned by Charles van Maarschalkerweerd when he was a child, from his family of Maltese dressmakers. Ron van Maarschalkerweerd, on the other hand, had a background in economy and human resources management, but that didn’t stop him joining forces with Charles in Malta to set up their label. Maltese culture is integral to the brand DNA; national motifs are often used in fabric designs and embroidery, and traditional craft, like Maltese lace, appears regularly in the duo’s creations.

Charles & Ron have created a look of Woolmark certified wool crepe, with a full, floor-length skirt embellished with beaded appliqué Maltese door-knockers. The coordinating blouse features Maltese lace, and a Maltese hand-tooled leather belt completes the look.