Clothes to die for

Designers Charles and Ron have just presented the C&R autumn/winter 2007/08 collection at the Razzett Tal-Hbiberija.

The colours of the marble tombstones at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta were the start of their inspiration, later enriched by more prominently church-inspired colours, including purple and gold.

"Death and mortality were our muses, and in contrast to that, we also drew inspiration from cartoon and movie action heroes like Aeon Flux and Wonder Woman, who are immortal," they said.

The collection is big on contrasts in fabrics and textures, the designers said.

It features dropped waistlines, inspired by designer Paul Poiret's silhouettes, and also more contemporary power-dressing styles - "a celebration of life and fashion for a modern woman, who is both chic and tough!"

The C&R collection uses trademark silks and chiffons, contrasted with stiffer fabrics like organdie with metal and wool with a percentage of metal woven into the fabric. French lace, silk jersey, imitation fur, satin, velvet, felt and PVC were also thrown into the mix.

The colours are primarily purple, wine, black, metal grey, ivory, gold and stargazer turquoise.

Make-up was in the hands of Diane Nikolic and hair by Alex Carabott of Alexander's Hairdressing. The event was sponsored by Samsung, Ivory&Co, Fudge, La Prairie, Deborah make-up, Modern Lifestyles, Sound Machine and Islands Concept.