A fascinating new exhibition at Heritage Malta’s National Museum of Natural History in Mdina is inviting visitors to take a closer look at the centuries-old relationship between fashion and the natural world.Titled “Fashion and the Birth of Nature Conservation”, the exhibition traces how materials sourced from animals evolved from practical necessities into symbols of status, luxury and, eventually, environmental controversy.Running until the end of September, the exhibition brings together historic garments and accessories alongside taxidermy displays of the animals that supplied the materials used to make them.Visitors can expect to see everything from fox, weasel and ostrich stoles to coats, gloves, feathered hats and even a quirky kangaroo fur purse.One of the exhibition’s most intriguing elements is its exploration of how fashion helped spark the modern conservation movement. It highlights the story of two bird protection societies founded by women on opposite sides of the Atlantic in the late 19th century, showing how environmental activism also became a way for women to challenge social barriers and make their voices heard.The display also shines a spotlight on Malta’s own fashion history, including the little-known rabbit fur trade and Marie Thérèse Xavièr Cauvin, believed to be Malta’s first documented milliner, who operated opposite St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.Heritage Malta CEO Noel Zammit described the exhibition as a perfect example of how history, fashion and conservation intersect, encouraging visitors to reflect on the impact of human choices on the natural world.Part of Heritage Malta’s popular Espresso exhibition series, Fashion and the Birth of Nature Conservation is open until 30th September, with admission included in the museum ticket.The museums opening times are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm.Would you visit an exhibition exploring the hidden history behind what we wear?•