Ladies and gents there’s a new Artisan IN TOWN. Meet Adalia Bonnanno – headpiece artist – who has been working away quietly, out of the limelight but has managed to build up quite a reputation and client list. Her hats were recently selected to form part of the new Maltese luxury brand
Ferragiu which was launched in Riccione earlier this month and she was also just given the opportunity to create a headpiece for Kate Middleton herself,
to be presented to her during her planned visit to Malta last week.
Adalia started out within the fashion industry as a catwalk model, she modelled in various fashion shows over the years and has always had a love for fashion. Although I knew about her work, I saw her first hat with my own eyes in
Riccione modelled by Claire Ciantar. The hat is really well made and very beautiful.
As those of you who check in here regularly would know, I happen to lurveeee headpieces and hats, I do, I do, I do… soooooo I decided to meet up with Adalia and ask her a couple of questions
How did you first begin ?
It all happened in 2008, at this particular photo shoot for a calendar; the dress the setting, everything seemed like it was not quite enough and I had suggested creating a striking headpiece for the model to wear..and my love for this art evolved from that moment on. However, well and truly, it was only at the beginning of 2014 that I decided to actually take it more seriously and focus more on bespoke headpieces for special occasions such as weddings, holy communions and Fashion events.
Where did you learn ?
I’m actually mainly self thought but I’ve also enrolled in various online Milliner Academics and even travelled abroad for interactive tutorials; Malta unfortunately does not as yet have any kind of Millinery training. I have a lot of love for fabric manipulation and new innovative techniques and I love working with a variety of different materials and tools. Also, every time I travel I make sure to visit Milliners’ studios and hat shops to check out any new interesting techniques they might be using.
What’s the process like ?
Once I get the materials, trimmings and fabric in hand, I immediately become inspired and spend hours in my workshop until I am happy with the result. I am a perfectionist, so attention to detail is essential.
So..on to the juicy bit.. this gift for Kate Middleton – tell us something more
I created a bespoke headpiece as a gift to her Royal Highness, Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Malta’s Independence which was meant to be her first visit to Malta. This was ultimately given directly to the Royal staff during Prince William’s visit who took his wife’s place at the very last minute. It was suggested that the piece should be Malta-themed in some way so I chose white and ivory and added a touch of red to complement them.
It took weeks of research and designing, hand crafting and assembling the handmade pieces together. It displays 50 pieces of small, handmade Sinamay flowers with petite Swarovski beads on top of a blocked straw pillboxed shaped base. The hat box was also fully custom made with specially selected fabric and calculated dimensions.
It would be a great honour if she had to wear this creation of mine, who knows… maybe one day she actually will. 🙂
Any Future Projects
Besides the regularly commissioned pieces, I will also be working on my new collection to be launched beginning of next year which will include one-off compelling statement headpieces, exquisitely crafted and encapsulating current fashion trends.
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