The exotic met the beautiful at the Malta Fashion Awards held on Saturday at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali.

The event, held since 1998, awards the best local models, fashion photographers, hairstylists and make-up artists on the island in a glamorous one-night event. It represents one of the pinnacles to be achieved by Maltese models and stylists, most of whom are part-timers.

The catwalk on the day featured models adhering to conventional views of beauty, with long flowing hair, sleek dresses and slim figures. But there were also some offbeat offerings, with elaborate body paint and heavily styled hair, turning the already beautiful models into creatures from another world.

Local designers Carlos Scerri, Lara Spiteri and Rosanne Spiteri Stafrace had their collections out on the catwalk, exclusively for the event, along with other international brands.

Ms Spiteri, who won the Determination Award, will auction her collection for cancer charity Puttinu Cares.

Mariano Farrugia clinched the male model award while Davide Tucci won the award for best male photo.

Tiffany Pisani was named best female model and the photo model award went to Joanna Butterworth.

Natasha Polidano won the fashion make-up artist award while Steve Muliett was the best fashion photographer.

Meanwhile, hairstylists Annalise Azzopardi and Stephen Vella won the Wella Trend Vision award, meaning they will represent Malta in an international hairstyling competition in the Young Talent (under-30) and Colour categories.

The event also featured performances by Winter Moods, Eve Ransom, Thea Saliba, Muxu and Armani, as well as dance numbers.