Maltese hairstylists get taste of high fashion

Ten Maltese hairdressers lived their dream when they got the chance to style the hair of models parading the latest fashion designs by Giorgio Armani, Pierre Cardin and Max Mara.

The hairdressers, accompanied by Claire Sciortino, sales manager, and Alfred Martin, technical director of Collis Williams Ltd, were yesterday recounting their experience of Italy's prestigious La Kore Oscar Della Moda, which were held in Taormina, Sicily, on June 7.

Ms Sciortino said it was of great satisfaction that the Freestyle Club by Matrix (Malta) had managed to secure the best local fashion stylists - two were chosen to work for two of Giorgio Armani's models while the other eight worked for Pierre Cardin and Max Mara.

Hosted by popular television personality Valeria Marini and top model Luisa Corna, this annual event was broadcast live on Rai Uno and held against the backdrop of Taormina's splendid Teatro Antico. On the day the stylists joined 125 other international hairdressers and were shown pictures of the styles they were to create before starting off at an incredible speed.

At one time or another all the famous names of fashion went backstage to check their models and it was a thrilling moment to see the Maltese hairdressers working to perfection, said Ms Sciortino.

"It was at this time when we all felt proud that we were Maltese and that all the hairdressers could expose their talent in such an environment.

"Giorgio Armani himself congratulated the Maltese team," she added.

The other most exciting moment was when the founder of the international Freestyle Club by Matrix, Anteo Geminiani, won the oscar for the best hairstylist.

When the show was over Mr Martin and Ms Sciortino, as representatives of Collis Williams Ltd, were informed that the Freestyle Club by Matrix (Malta) had secured its place for the upcoming two editions of the La Kore Oscar Della Moda.