The Golden Glitch
designMT 2024

Designing for the Body: Jewellery and Beyond

Jewellery is one of the oldest forms of personal expression, dating back thousands of years. In the Mediterranean, this tradition is rich and varied, with intricate designs reflecting the region’s diverse cultures and histories. Today, contemporary jewellery designers in Malta are continuing this legacy, creating pieces that are not only beautiful but meaningful, connecting the wearer to their cultural roots while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
Designing for the body involves more than just jewellery. Fashion, accessories, and even wearable technology are all part of the wider design field, where functionality meets form. Designers must consider how materials interact with the body, ensuring comfort, durability, and style. Whether working with precious metals, recycled materials, or innovative fabrics, designers today are experimenting with new forms and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what wearable design can be.
At designMT, the focus on jewellery and wearable design will highlight how designers are drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the Mediterranean, using traditional craftsmanship in combination with contemporary technology. From bold, statement pieces that make use of local materials like limestone or filigree, to delicate, intricate designs that speak to personal identity and cultural heritage, the exhibits will showcase how jewellery is evolving in Malta’s design scene.
Jewellery and wearable design offer a unique way for individuals to express themselves, and in the hands of today’s designers, these pieces are more than just accessories—they are reflections of personal and cultural stories, crafted with care and meaning.
designMT
designMT is organised by the Malta Crafts Foundation with the support of Arts Council Malta, Heritage Malta, the Industrial Property Registrations Unit, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, and Malta Tourism Authority, and in collaboration with the Golden Glitch, Kamra tal-Periti, Spazju Kreattiv, and the Valletta Cultural Agency, with Lovin Malta as Media Partners. The event unites designers, architects, and creatives to explore the blend of tradition and innovation across architecture, fashion, digital art, and more, while celebrating Malta’s cultural heritage.

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