His dresses are adored by the likes of Madonna and Heidi Klum, while his outspoken ways secured him a judging spot on Britain's Next Top Model. Jo Caruana chats exclusively to inimitable British designer JULIEN MACDONALD.

Julien Macdonald looks every bit the celebrity designer.

Soaking up the rays on his hotel balcony, he is sipping a cold drink and enjoying the stunning sea views in between appointments.

But despite his busy schedule as part of Malta Fashion Week, Macdonald is extremely affable and seems eager to chat. Before we know it, we're wrapped up in conversation about everything, from his pre-fashion days to his varying sources of inspiration.

"I was a bit of a Billy Elliot character when I was growing up," he smiles, recalling the tap and ballet classes his mother enrolled him in.

"I considered a future in that for a while but, in the end, my path towards textiles and fashion felt very organic.

"As with most children I was very influenced by my mum; she was always so glamorous and dressed up. Plus, growing up with two sisters meant I was constantly surrounded by glitz and glam. I merged all that with my artistic streak and fashion certainly seemed like the obvious route."

It was the right decision, as

Macdonald began to make his mark almost as soon as he graduated from the Royal College of Art, where he gained his Master's degree.

He was quickly snapped up by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, and also created knitwear for Alexander McQueen. By 2001, he was named British Fashion Designer of the Year, and in 2006 was awarded an OBE at the Queen's birthday honours for services to fashion.

So what's his secret?

"I'd like to think that my clothes are glamorous, fun and always changing," says Macdonald, whose current projects include the design of costumes for the English National Ballet, Beyonce's costumes for her European tour, and a number of outrageous items for singer Lady Gaga.

"I love women and I think that comes across. So many designers make women look and feel uncomfortable, whereas I want to do the exact opposite.

"I also design for women who absolutely love clothes and fashion; the Julien Macdonald woman doesn't sit in the corner, she's the star of the show. She loves life and loves being a woman; she wants to show off all her best assets and to make a great impression."

And there's been no shortage of women clambering to do that, because fans of Macdonald's work have included Cheryl Cole, Naomi Campbell and Shirley Bassey.

"I love that my clothes can make women of all ages feel fantastic – even Cher wore one of my dresses to a premiere of hers and she looked absolutely fantastic. I want to make fashion accessible on all levels, which is why I was also thrilled to team up with Debenhams to create the Star collection of affordable clothes that still look stunning."

Part of the reason Macdonald visited Malta was to launch his second collection, Diamond, within the local Debenhams store.

"It is aimed at a younger demographic, which enabled me to do something different. It is so much fun to know that so many women, in so many parts of the world, will be wearing my clothes."

And although this was only his first trip to Malta, he was quick to wax lyrical about how much he was enjoying it, as well as how much he liked what he saw during Fashion Week.

"Even though I had never been here, it sort of felt as if I had! Everyone knows Malta in Britain, so I was absolutely intrigued by what I would find. It seems like a very happy place to be, which I guess is one of the strengths of living on an island."

He also thinks that it is very positive that Malta is embracing its growing fashion industry. The fashion world can do so much for a place – creating jobs and enticing foreigners to visit – so it is certainly a worthwhile investment.

"I think Malta Fashion Week has shown what the island has to offer on an international level, and I'm thrilled to have been here to see it. I think it is wonderful that young Maltese designers and style are being celebrated, and there's a lot of scope for development in the future. I think Malta definitely hasthe assets to appeal to the worldwide fashion elite. Now they just need to know you're here!"

Of course, while Macdonald is only now discovering the full potential of the Maltese fashion scene, he was given a sturdy introduction to it last year through model Tiffany Pisani, who went on to win Britain's Next Top Model.

"Tiffany has developed into a really brilliant role model for young girls, demonstrating how, no matter where you're from,

you can be successful if you really work at it. I think she's doing

very well now, and learning to become a successful model in an international environment."

Macdonald's own relationship with Britain's Next Top Model, now regarded to be one of the UK's most popular fashion TV shows, began when presenter Elle Macpherson invited him to take part.

"I have always dressed her and she's always been a fan of my clothes," he says. "She was looking for a credible designer to join, as well as someone who would give the right advice to those keen to join the industry. She said she wanted someone outspoken, which fitted me to a tee!

"Looking back, I was a little apprehensive at first, but I did it for Elle. I know I was quite tough on the models but I do believe that, sometimes, you have to be cruel to be kind. It's a very tough industry that dishes out a million rejections for every positive. I don't believe in mollycoddling, as success really doesn't come easy in the fashion world. Thankfully, when you achieve it, it is well worth the hard work."

Julien Macdonald's trend tips for summer 2011

Orange is the new black and the new white, so highlight your wardrobe with it.

Colour blocking is everywhere, but it can be dangerous for women as no one wants to look like a rainbow. Make it work by teaming black trousers with a bright top, or a white jacket with colourful trousers.

Colour should also be back

in your make-up bag. It's all about bright nails, lips and eye-shadows – just not all at the same time!

The trendiest prints to look out for are pretty florals and strong graphic ones. Both will update your look brilliantly.

Finally, big glamour is back in the form of big hair, so go all out.

This really is a great time to be a woman.