Malta’s National Costume for Miss Universe – THE MALTESE LIRA

The National Costume with which Maxine Formosa Gruppetta will be representing Malta at the 71st Miss Universe on January 14th has been revealed. She will be leaving Malta on January 4th and head all the way to New Orleans, USA, to represent Malta against 86 countries from all around the world. Miss Universe is the most followed beauty pageant in the World. Alan J. Darmanin is the National Director of Malta at Miss Universe.

The inspiration behind the costume is the Maltese Lira, which was the currency of Malta from 1972 to 2007, after which it was replaced by Euro.

THE DRESS, which is a collection piece from worldwide renowned Maltese fashion designer duo ‘Charles & Ron’ depicts the LM 10 banknote which has been digitally manipulated into graphic design. Banknotes issued by the Government of Malta and then by the Central Bank of Malta were written in English up to 1972. From 1973 to 1985, they were written in Maltese on the obverse (with the currency identified as “lira”), and in English on the reverse (identifying the currency as pound). From 1986 to 2007, Maltese was used on both sides.

THE JEWELLERY, which are collection pieces from popular Maltese sibling jewellery makers with their brand name ‘Carisma Collections’, depicts the coins used in the Maltese Lira currency. A new coinage was issued in 1986 in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c and Lm 1. A third series was introduced in 1991 due to the change in Malta’s coat of arms. The one of a kind statement set of earrings consist of 2 Cents Maltese coins issued in 1995, which symbolize the Peace and Prosperity of an olive tree alongside their brand logo signifying Diversity, Charisma & Self-Love. Other coins depict the octagonal shape Maltese 25 Cent which displays a typical Maltese coastal scene including a rising sun and a traditional Maltese boat – The “Luzzu”, the Great Siege Monument and Queen Penthesilea depicting the ‘Woman as Hero’.

THE BIG BACK PIECE, in the shape of a coin, depicts the Maltese coat of arms, which signifies the Courage & Determination of the Maltese nation, which is found on the back side of some of the Maltese Lira Coins. The 2000 on the coin symbolizes the year of birth of Miss Universe Malta 2022 – Maxine Formose Gruppetta!

Photography: CP: Creative Photography

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