Minister Byron Camilleri visits students before their exhibition and praises their skills, creativity and quality of vocational education
The Minister for Education and Sport, Byron Camilleri, visited MCAST students who completed the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design ahead of their exhibition during Malta Fashion Week 2026, where he had the opportunity to meet them and closely follow their preparations before they presented their final collections.
Five students presented their collections as part of Malta Fashion Week, an initiative that for another year continues to strengthen the link between education and the creative industry, while offering students professional experience that helps them take their first steps in the world of work.
Minister Byron Camilleri said that this experience is testament to the quality of vocational education and the opportunities that are being given to students to develop their potential.
“At MCAST we are seeing an education that goes beyond the classroom and prepares students for the world of work. These young people are showcasing the talent, creativity and skills they have acquired during their course on a professional platform, while taking the first steps in their careers. It is through opportunities like these that we continue to build an education that gives confidence, opens doors and encourages students to reach their full potential,” said Minister Camilleri.
The Minister also commended the commitment of MCAST and Malta Fashion Week who, through their collaboration, continue to create opportunities for students to showcase their work in front of professionals, industry representatives, the media and the public. He stressed that these experiences are crucial for students to acquire not only the technical skills, but also the confidence and experience needed to enter the world of work.
Founder and Executive Producer of Malta Fashion Week Adrian Mizzi stressed that the event not only offers a platform to established designers, but also gives great importance to emerging talent. He explained that every year, a day of Malta Fashion Week is dedicated to students graduating from MCAST’s Fashion Design course, so that they have the opportunity to present their collections on a professional catwalk. Mizzi added that the fashion sector includes various disciplines that together form a strong creative industry, and maintained that education remains the foundation for building the success of future generations.
For his part, tailor and designer Isaac Fenech, who graduated from MCAST two years ago and is participating in Malta Fashion Week, said that the education he received at MCAST, together with the opportunities offered by Malta Fashion Week, helped him develop his skills and fulfil his dream of building a professional career in the fashion industry.
Malta Fashion Week has been collaborating with MCAST for several years by providing a professional platform to final year Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design students, while offering them mentoring and guidance during their preparations to experience the professional processes and standards of the fashion industry. This year, the five students – Gillian Grech, Matthias Psaila, Selena Mallia, Mikaela Vella and Maria Pia Falzon – presented collections that reflected their creativity, technical skills and artistic identity, while proving the high level of training being provided at MCAST.
Photos: MES
