THE HOTTEST NEW STYLES OF THE SEASON – SILVER AND Y2K ARE BACK!

REBECCA ANASTASI confers with fashion gurus CARINA CAMILLERI, MALCOLM GAUCI and LEAH CAMENZULI on this season’s latest trends, for both men and women.

The start of a new and warmer season is always accompanied by a sense of anticipation, particularly in the fashion department, as we are shorn of our winter thick jumpers, coats and woollies. It is, indeed, the time to dust away the mothballs, spruce up our wardrobes, and bring out our colourful cottons. But, what does this spring and early summer have in store for us? Will we be wearing floral dresses, or plain skater skirts? Easy-going linen suits or more structured affairs? Shorts or trousers? The choices seem endless.

“This season for me is about less is more: vests, jeans, Balenciaga sneakers or high heels, as well as an overall white look, which looks effortless, but always with an edge,” says stylist Carina Camilleri, a well-known name in Malta’s fashion scene, having also founded the local modelling agency, Models M. Silver, she continues, is a key trend, sure to “uplift one’s wardrobe instantly”.

Cargo pants and skirts, as seen on the Versace runway, will dominate, as will lace and denim. In terms of colour, pastels and green are leading the way, Carina says, with blue hues and bright tones also making a splash this season. Sculptural handbags, such as those seen at Fendi, and Jill Sander party purses will also be on the arms of anyone in the know. And, as the weather becomes warmer, open sandals, whether flats or the “highest of heels” will be favoured.

There are a lot of “comebacks” this season, Carina continues, although the quality will have also improved from previous iterations – “the leather is, now, wafer-thin, and synthetics feel more like silk,” she describes. And, while trends can be fun, Carina insists on feeling comfortable in your own skin. After all, “style is the ability to express oneself and to look effortlessly good. You do not need to follow trends – style is something you either have or you don’t. It’s timeless,” she says.

Malcolm Gauci, a 27-year-old multi-awardwinning fashion stylist, content creator – and social worker – also points to the cyclical nature of fashion: styles from previous eras are “reimagined to make them relevant again.

They are frequently revisited and updated to create a fresh and modern look that captures the essence of the past while still feeling current and exciting.”

This season, indigo denim – “which is very reminiscent of Y2K” – as well as grunge-inspired looks, and cut-out styles, “designed to keep you cool and sweat a little less”, will dominate. And, “don’t forget that silver is the new cool so keep your gold dresses tucked away till next season,” he smiles.

In terms of accessories, florals are the way to go: “rosettes, floral chokers and brooches are particularly in-demand because they add a touch of natural beauty and elegance to any outfit,” Malcolm says.

On his end, he will “definitely be keeping an eye out for Y2K-inspired denim pieces as it’s an era that I grew up in and holds a lot of nostalgia for me. If indigo denim isn’t your thing, I recommend looking out for clothing in purple, blue and pink hues, which are all also set to be big this year,” he continues.

Individuality must take priority, however, he says. “I love seeing people express their personality and creativity through their clothing choices, and I believe that true style comes from being confident in your own unique taste. While it’s important to stay up-todate with current fashion trends, I think it’s even more important to stay true to yourself and wear what makes you feel good.”

Fashion influencer, fitness trainer and retired flight attendant, Leah Camenzuli, agrees. “Style is the way someone expresses themselves through aesthetic choices such as their clothing, accessories, hairstyle, and the way they put an outfit together.” Echoing Carina, she also says that “style is timeless. It’s important to remember someone who is stylish may not necessarily follow current ‘fashion trends’ but they always stay true to their own aesthetic, carrying it with confidence.”

Looking ahead to this season, Leah foresees “lots of colour”, pastels and florals – “I think it’s going to be a really fun and flirty season.” Nail art, gold statement jewellery and cute boxy statement bags will be de rigueur, she says, adding, “I’m a firm believer that the minimalist sandal will never go out of style.” Comfortable, understated and practical are three words she styles by.

Like Malcolm, she notes that Y2K fashion trends are back, but she also senses that the ‘90s will return “with a 2023 twist: headbands, and double denim creeping out from the woodwork, as well as glitter make-up styles. I feel as though people are really finding their individual takes on current styles rather than absorbing trends, which is amazing to see.”

On a personal note, Leah will be opting for “funsleeved floral dresses which I LOVE to pair with a pair of white trainers. This is pretty textbook, in terms of my usual style. I’m always on the lookout for cute denim shorts, which are a wardrobe must-have for those warmer months.”