The first thing you notice about Carla Grima is her kind and tranquil demeanour yet she is one of Malta’s foremost fashion designers, and a pioneering force in local textile design.
Her luxury resort wear brand, Carla Grima Atelier, is defined by valiant patterns and airy textiles. It’s an atelier is centred around elegant comfort and natural effortless beauty, and Carla draws inspiration from organic Mediterranean motifs, transforming timeless silhouettes. The result is a collection that embodies elegant comfort and celebrates natural, effortless beauty.
In our conversation, we delve into her creative process, the significance of her heritage in her designs, and her vision for the future of fashion in Malta.
Reflecting on her initial desire to pursue a career in the fashion industry, Carla pointed to her studies in product design. At the time, local academic programs in fashion design were either unavailable or unexplored. She explained, “Through product design, I was introduced to textiles and textile design, which led me to study the history of design.” Carla found herself with a growing interest in Fashion Innovation and Management, and after completing her Diploma in Product Design, she sought opportunities to further her education abroad.
‘…living the Mediterranean lifestyle on the island serves as her daily muse.’
When asked about the influences behind her celebrated watercolour prints, Carla cited her surroundings and lifestyle as key inspirations. This deep connection to our environment is reflected in her untamed patterns and unconventional fashion shows, which celebrate the vibrant essence of our heritage. Carla’s work captures the spirit of the Mediterranean, merging nature’s beauty with her artistic vision.
“From local food produce to wild flora and fauna, every aspect of absorbing the beauty of Mediterranean life and routine inspires me to create my prints and collections.”
Expanding into uniform design has been a pivotal moment for the atelier. She explained that this opportunity allowed her to create unique products and prints that align with the brand’s identity. Recently, her designs have found a fitting place in luxury beach club uniforms and at Mediterranean Michelin-starred restaurants and spas.
“Seeing our prints evolve in these prestigious locations is truly exciting,” she remarked, expressing an enthusiasm for the future possibilities in this niche.
Carla’s vision extends beyond personal collections. As has been clear in recent developments and collaborations, she aims to enhance the experience of buyers in these upscale environments through her signature aesthetic.
‘…the designer consistently showcases a cast of natural, real women as models, reflecting her commitment to authenticity and inclusivity in her brand’s representation.’
When asked about the most challenging aspect of her career, Carla reflected on the pressures of being based on a small island. “Everyone can get in touch with you,” she noted. “This is probably the most challenging aspect, as clients can reach out on a personal level and often expect you to be available at all times.”
Balancing this demand with her personal responsibilities, while also maintaining focus on day-to-day tasks, presents obstacles that Carla and her small local team navigate with grace. Her team comprises of practitioners from both within and outside the fashion industry , including conceptual performers who contribute to her creative vision. Throughout her promotional events and photoshoots, the designer consistently uses a cast of natural, real women as models, reflecting her commitment to authenticity and inclusivity in her brand’s representation. This approach, celebrating the diversity of beauty, aligns with her design ethos and resonates with her audience.
The designer identified her biggest learning experience as understanding the importance of adhering to project budgets while still maintaining aesthetic and creative integrity. Beyond these considerations, she emphasized the necessity of keeping the target audience and their budget in mind. While she expressed her passion for designing and the overall creative process, Carla acknowledged that “it has many limits when you need to hit sales targets and stay within budget.” This balancing act between creativity and commercial viability is a vital aspect of her work, shaping her approach to design and ensuring that her collections resonate with both her artistic vision and the market.
Carla aspires to further expand her brand, aiming to introduce her products internationally in beach resorts and department stores. She is excited about upcoming projects ,in particular the launch of the prints, furnishings and resortwear in the forthcoming collection, ‘A Scent of Summer’.
The curated garden’s intimate setting coupled with the atelier’s Mediterranean spirit promises to set the tone for this season’s fashion program. This dinner experience will take place on the 13 June at Palazzo Parisio, available upon reservation.
You can see Rebecca’s original article here.
