Azzopardi Studio has presented its 22nd collection, Venus in Furs, a compelling exploration of desire, loss and emotional surrender.The collection reflects on the loss of design autonomy and identity, embracing a dependency that allows fashion to propel itself forward. Rejecting the outdated conventions of power dressing, Venus in Furs takes inspiration from the 1960s—a period that, according to creative director Luke Azzopardi, was the last time fashion truly faced the future, looking toward the moon landing rather than to archives.In this collection, desire turns inward. Drawing from Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s Venus in Furs, where cruelty is intrinsic to intimacy, and the Velvet Underground’s sonic landscape, characterised by repetition, submission and lyricism stripped of romance, the designs evoke tension and introspection.Among the models, many of whom are long-time muses of the designer, was animal rights activist Moira Delia, featured in an oversized fake fur coat.The presentation extended beyond fashion into performance, as stars Hannah Theuma, Alexandra Alden, and Sarah Bonnici formed a one-night-only girl band, blending music and style to bring the collection to life.What do you make of the collection?•