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PHILOSOPHY
The Woman
SEFFARRUGIA is an independent brand founded in 2012 by artist and designer Stephanie Farrugia in the mediterranean island of Malta. Raised in Haz-Zebbug, Farrugia grew up surrounded by seamstresses, retailers and timber workers, which inevitably influenced the path she later followed. She initiated her studies in Art and Design at MCAST-ICA in Malta and continued pursuing her education in Fashion Textiles at London College of Fashion (UAL) and Ravensbourne University in the UK, where she graduated with honours and was awarded as ‘One To Watch’. She later moved back to Malta where she debuted a capsule collection of silk accessories, whilst also offering a bespoke service.
Farrugia immediately captured the attention of her peers and design enthusiasts alike. Mostly known for her beautifully hand illustrated artworks, Farrugia’s discerning eye for colour and harmonious compositions have catapulted her at the forefront of the local art and design community. The brand soon expanded into other handmade items like clothing, headbands, ties, soft furnishings etc…
Abundant in historic connotations, her work is often spontaneously geometric, but not only. As the brand grew, so did the archive of prints. With an appreciation for her island’s diverse roots, her work is truly a voyage of discovery that has been described as a kiss from the Ottomans, wrapped in Mediterranean sensibilities.
Stemming from Farrugia’s love for craftsmanship, the brand continues to be driven by her endless energy to create timeless quality pieces by making use of fine fabrics such as silks, linens and cottons. With a special focus on print, her visual language has become instantly recognisable via these sensual depictions, indirect elements that more often than not, provoke conversation. Farrugia does not shy away from fully embracing her mediterranean identity and often merges traditional techniques with new technologies.
The brands’ philosophy always had a wearable art approach, effortless pieces, where everything is hand cut and finished and more importantly limited in production. SEFFARRUGIA, as a brand can be seen as a platform of a cultural exchange and an alluring opening to a dialog amongst those who cross paths with it.
Operations
In the summer of 2018, the atelier moved from Haz-Zebbug to Rabat and a boutique space was launched conjoining it.
Located in the heart of Malta… Both the atelier and boutique spaces are situated in a profoundly historical area that used to be known as ‘The Old market’.
Stepping in feels like a fully immersive walkthrough the artist’s mind. You are instantly thrown in a world full of inventive patterns printed on luxurious fabrics, which take you on another worldly journey.
Before being taken over by Farrugia, the premises was used by her family of retailers for almost 40 years.
Just a short walk away from the silent city of Mdina, SEFFARRUGIA’s intimate boutique can simply be described as a treasure trove, who’s windows have happily reached all corners of the globe.
Collaborations
Farrugia had the pleasure to collaborate with both artistic and corporate institutions and individuals, who have embraced the SEFFARRUGIA aesthetic.
She has been commissioned by well-established corporate companies like Malta International Airport – La Vallette VIP Club Lounge, CISK, Gasan Mamo Insurance, Ehlion Language Consultancy and The Planning Authority to design uniforms and accessories featuring her illustrious prints.
Amongst her achievements, she was invited to be a guest designer for Malta’s national theatre; Teatru Manoel where she designed the costumes for ‘The Crucible’. Furthermore, Farrugia has carried out wonderful artistic collaborations with the likes of singer Eliza Doolittle, Chocolate District, KOR Malta, Blitz Gallery and The Xara Palace Relais and Chateaux.
Her diverse portfolio has enabled her to contribute immensely, not only artistically, but also educationally. Throughout the years, she has lectured both at MCAST-ICA and IDEA Academy in Malta.
Transparency
Ever since SEFFARRUGIA was established in 2012, Farrugia has managed to keep the brand’s limited-edition manufacturing model in house. The direct-to-consumer method allows the brand to have full control over its production and distribution. By walking past SEFFARRUGIA’s atelier and boutique, one can also observe Farrugia and her colleagues at work, as it is all visible from the narrow streets of Rabat.
An advocate of slow fashion, Farrugia aims to sustain the brand’s core values of true luxury by continuing to reach and grow a following of like-minded individuals who prioritise quality over quantity.
A seasonless brand in a fast-paced world, SEFFARRUGIA aims to sustain its permeance by predominantly and responsibly using natural fibres to produce items made to withstand the test of time.
More recently, in 2023 as a brand, SEFFARRUGIA has taken the decision to switch some of its packaging from paper boxes to cotton dustbags, to encourage clients to reuse and support a less waste mentality.
Farrugia is mostly proud of being able to build strong relationships with her clients, who many have become lifetime friends whose unmeasurable belief in her brand remains unyielding.