Born and raised in the Maltese Islands, Sef Farrugia’s work is a manifestation of her island’s diverse roots and a reflection of the infinite hues of who she is. Sef has grown up encircled by her extensive family’s creativity, from sculptors to tailors, which has also greatly influenced her brand’s aesthetic values.
Farrugia’s signature is that to create a contemporary visual with quirky characteristics, also hinting cultural principles and most of all giving each piece she creates great attention to detail.
Drawing inspiration from her Mediterranean surroundings, her influences are deeply rooted in her origins mystifying histories, her appreciation of instrumental music and passion for picturesque craftsmanship. Sef is also a highly skilled illustrator and her captivating imaginative prints, are always a pivotal point to her collections.
Farrugia attended MCAST institute of Arts & Design in Malta, where she studied the foundations of various creative disciplines. At the age of 17, Sef moved to London, where she continued pursuing her studies in the University of the Arts – London college of Fashion and then graduated and completed her BA at Ravensbourne University in Fashion & Textiles in London.
Graduating from Ravensbourne University in 2011, Sef Farrugia was awarded ‘One To Watch’ by a panel of industry individuals including Designer Louise Gray & Editor of Fashion156.com Guy Hipwell, in the Gala Show for her graduate collection. She was recognized for creating intricate knitwear, illustrative – hand drawn prints and most of all, her exceptional way to create a perfect juxtaposition of heavily printed garments, along side knitted and hand embroidered pieces.
Whilst studying and after graduating, Sef has trained in Luxury design studios in London including Giles Deacon, Joanne Hynes and Craig Lawrence.
In 2012 she was awarded Winner of Runway Malta judged by Mdina Glass & Fashionclash Netherlands and later on launched her self entitled Luxury ready to wear Label and fine silk accessories.
Amongst her accolades, Sef has been invited to showcase her collections in various platforms like Mercedes-Benz Malta Fashion Week, Southsea Fashion Week and also exhibited her S/S 13 ‘Casa Azul’ Collection at Mdina Glass.
Her collections & accessories have had great press recognition, both locally and internationally. Vogue Italia.com, The Sunday Times of Malta, Fiasco Magazine, Hilary Alexander from the Telegraph, were amongst the numerous who published, referenced or featured Sef’s work.
Her outfits and accessories immediately captured the attention of international artists and musicians, with the likes of Greg Osby, Xavier Dhprepaulezz and Eliza Doolittle.
Sef Farrugia, also offers a bespoke service, from one off exclusive requests to extensive orders. All design work and embellishments are executed in her studio in Malta. Farrugia’s textiles have exceptional quality and are produced in between Malta, the United Kingdom & Italy, using only the uppermost quality yarns & Fabrics. Her brand is now growing and engaging into soft furnishings.
Slowly but surely, Maltese designer & illustrator Sef Farrugia, is building a solid reputation for putting quality at the core of her brand and constructing stimulating visuals.
