Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/841483
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 25 JUNE 2017 3 News Saucer hats, fascinators steal the show during state opening of parliament AS Malta tuned in to follow the official opening of Malta's parliament in the country's 13th legislature since Independence, it was the women who stole the show, with their eye-catching saucer hats and fascinators. In all colours, shapes and sizes, the formal headwear proved to be the cen- tre of attraction on the day that the newly-elected members of parliament attended parliament to take their oath of allegiance. Under the glaring eye of cameras, as they made their way from St John's Co-Cathedral to parliament, women MPs and wives and partners of mem- bers of parliament proved to be the main point of attraction. "Wearing a hat is like having a baby or a puppy; everyone stops to coo and talk about it," Louise Green, a renowned Los Angeles hat designer is credited as saying. With the event turning into a veritable showcase for design wear and headgear, it was a medley of design, material and colour that were – for the most part – impeccable and unique. Above all, it was hard not to miss the 'unlucky' ones who turned up at the ceremony wearing identical dresses: newly-appointed junior Cabinet mem- ber Julia Farrugia and PL executive secretary Lydia Abela opted for a white lace dress whilst PN MP Therese Comodini Cachia and Minister Carmelo Abela's wife, Melanie, went for a floral white and blue dress. The women had little competition from the men, with the majority opting for variant shades of blue for their ties. Very few sported pocket squares. Identical: (above) Julia Farrugia and Lydia Abela and (below) Melanie Abela and Therese Commodini Cachia