The designers’ gown at Buckingham Palace.The designers’ gown at Buckingham Palace.

Eminent local couturiers Charles & Ron were welcomed to Buckingham Palace in London to present one of their gowns as part of the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange.

Held in the presence of royalty and top international celebrities, the event showcased a wealth of design and artisan fashion talent from across the Commonwealth’s 53 countries.

Speaking the morning after the event, Charles & Ron said: “We are absolutely reeling from this incredible experience. It was wonderful to be inside Buckingham Palace and to see our dress exhibited among such beautiful fashion from all over the world. The highlight was our meeting with the Countess of Wessex, Sophie, who hosted the evening, as well as being praised for our design by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and American Vogue editor-at-large Hamish Bowles.”

For the exchange, Charles & Ron created a look made from Woolmark-certified wool crepe, with a full, floor-length skirt embellished with beaded appliqué Maltese door-knockers. The co-ordinating blouse featured Maltese lace, while a Maltese hand-tooled leather belt completed the look.

Ron with supermodel Naomi Campbell.Ron with supermodel Naomi Campbell.

The piece also represents a collaboration between Charles & Ron and Mumbai-based designer Khushboo, who oversaw the beading and embellishment of the Maltese door-knockers through her network of local artisans.

“One of the key objectives of last night’s exchange was the partnership between designers and artisans from Commonwealth countries, and it also shone a spotlight on the artisan’s work,” Charles & Ron continue.

“We were proud to collaborate with Khushboo, who we regularly support through internships and by helping their charity venture – a Library Café in Mumbai.”

While in London, Charles & Ron chose to stay at the five-star Corinthia Hotel London, which supported their visit. The designers’ relationship with Corinthia is underlined by the fact that the duo runs an exclusive boutique from the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard.

“The Corinthia Palace has actually been our base for a number of years now and we share a wonderful synergy with the brand and its ethos. We are very grateful for the constant support shown to us by Corinthia, both in Malta and internationally,” they said.

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