Designer Luke Azzopardi yesterday launched his 2018 couture collection, showcasing an ethereal selection of 28 gowns against the evocative backdrop of the Gran Salon, at the Museum of Archeology in Valletta.

Photo: Anna Marie Galea

Titled On The Museum's Ruins, the collection painted a visual story of love, obsession and passion, drawing inspirations from John Keats's Isabella and the Pot of Basil.

The narrative is a dark, eerie tale of a young woman who buries the head of her dead lover in a pot of basil, her intention to preserve the lost love forever. Reflecting the many facets of the theme, Azzopardi's 2018 collection brought forth an array of exquisite pieces that ranged from full-on gothic to more fairytale like and whimsical frocks, taking the audience on a journey of contrasting emotions.

The project was supported by the Malta Arts Fund and featured hand painting byt Gabriel Buttigieg, make-up and hair design by Gabrielle Zammit Grungo and set pieces by Camilleri Paris Mode.