D ouble M OF FLOWERS AND FASHION

MAYA MIFSUD IS THE OWNER OF DOUBLEM; A RELATIVELY NEW FLOWER SHOP WHICH OPENED ITS DOORS IN SEPTEMBER 2022; IT IS ALSO A SPACE WHERE SHE SHOWCASES HER LOVE FOR FASHION.

Now 22 years old, Maya was partially raised in Malta but moved to Sicily at the age of 9. She recalls how she was always extremely passionate about fashion. “I remember being amazed how sketches and drawin gs of garments w ould come to real life,” she says.

Fast-forward a few years when she was just 14 years old, Maya started studying fashion at the Liceo Artistico in Italy. Whilst she explains that the Liceo did offer the standard academic subjects you would find at any other school, students were given the option to specialise and have more hours during the week in a subject of their preference. And just like that, she enrolled in the fashion design course that was launched during that same year. Thanks to the support offered by her family, she was also able to jet off to Milan to read for a BA in Fashion Design and Marketing degree at the Istit uto Marangoni.

When students weren’t able to use the studios and get in-person lessons which are crucial in leading fashion construction, she used the time spent in Malta to work on her current business venture. She started making alterations and creating masks alongside gaining an understanding of the market into which her shop would be launched. Adding to this, Maya also decided to complete the two remaining years of her course in London. “I graduated last August and in the same time frame, I was blessed with the opportunity to open my atelier in Malta. And that’s how DoubleM came about!”

“Picture yourself walking into a very pink fashion boutique shop,” Maya says. “You’re getting your custom-made dress for a special occasion and while you’re taking your measurements or coming in for fittings, you are surrounded by pink walls, which I might add is psychologically the most calming colour of all. You’re surrounded by the smell and views of fresh flowers and trendy music playing in the background,” Maya continues.

Being the owner of DoubleM allows her to convey a sense of freedom, self-love and calmness to every person who enters the shop. “I’ve always dreamed of opening a space where people can enjoy my creations, however, I never would have thought that it would happen right after finishing my studies,” Maya tells me. “Whenever I open the shop or pass by and look at the sign DoubleM, I feel a sense of gratitude. None of this would have been possible without my father and brother, who gave me all the support I needed during the process of opening.”

As we continue chatting, we talk about what inspires her. In a few words, she explains that her inspiration pretty much can come from anything that surrounds her. “That’s the beauty of fashion; you are inspired by facts or visions from another industry or a just feeling. Being able to translate that and re-interpret it into silhouettes and de tails in fashion, is something that surprises me every time.” Maya adds; “Every collection I have made so far carries a piece of me and what I was going through in that phase of my life. Selfishly enough, that is what gets my creativity going.”

She wholeheartedly believes that she feels she’s doing what has always been destined for; working on herself and finally being able to see her aims and objectives for DoubleM coming to life. Through her creations, she wants people who purchase her designs to feel comfortable and beautiful. In a nutshell, to give her customers something that makes them feel confident, sexy, and cute yet provocative.

Needless to say, Maya seems destined for even greater things in the near future. She has many projects that are in the pipeline, but it seems we have to keep an eye out on her socials for the time being! In the next few years, she plans on showcasing DoubleM as a Maltese brand on an international scale and perhaps open one or two more shops in the main fashion capitals. All in all, Maya hopes to thrive with DoubleM as she continues to reach and dress more people.

DoubleM 14, Old Theatre Street, Valletta. Instagram: @__doublem__

Commercial spaces Architect, Victoria Chan, arrived in Malta a little of 5 years ago, but as her qualifications were from Panama, struggled to find work in the field.

An entrepreneur at heart, she founded Sip & Paint to help people release their inner artist

Guided classes are held at various locations and on various themes; painting, embroidery, terraniums, calligraphy classes are all available! Vic has amassed a repeat following and is synonymous with her workshops – a great achievement in such a short time!

Have a glass of wine while working to lose your inhibition and meet like-minded people to share an evening and stories with and you go home with your piece of art!

Sip & Paint offers private groups and corporate sessions.

WORDS DEIRDRE FARRUGIA