By: Tara Lakiesh

In the glamorous world of film and fashion, where the dazzle of the spotlight meets the finesse of haute couture, a unique collaboration unfolded in the spring of 2024. 

For seven weeks, from her studio in the Mediterranean island of Malta,  young Maltese designer Gabrielle Fenech worked with globally renowned publicist Tracy Lamourie. 
Over a series of meetings and fittings, Fenech created a stunning, one of a kind gown for Lamourie in preparation for the Cannes Film Festival  – where  fashion gets almost  as much focus as film.

It was a partnership destined for the red carpet – one that would capture the essence of elegance and innovation. At its heart were two remarkable women: Tracy Lamourie, a high-profile international publicist known for her iconic presence and advocacy, and Gabrielle Fenech, a Maltese designer whose creations defy convention and embrace a striking blend of darkness and whimsy.

For her third appearance at the Cannes Film Festival – an event where fashion often shines as brightly as film – Lamourie sought something extraordinary. Known for her affinity towards vibrant reds and statement-making attire, she desired a gown that was not just “red carpet ready” but also uniquely reflective of her persona. 

After exploring recommendations across Malta, where she had been residing since October, Lamourie’s search led her to Fenech. Impressed by Fenech’s previous work and intrigued by her insightful inquiries about personal tastes in movies, characters, books, and styles during their initial meeting, Lamourie knew she had found her designer.

Fenech’s approach was meticulous yet innovative; she began by showcasing various elements from different dresses to gauge Lamourie’s preferences. The brief was clear: classy with an edgy twist, predominantly red, travel-friendly fabric requiring minimal care, coverage for the upper arms while flattering the silhouette.

When Fenech presented her first dress concept after their discussion, it was love at first sight for Lamourie. The dress was not just an article of clothing but a masterpiece that embodied Lamourie’s essence while fulfilling all specified requirements with grace and flair. Its debut on the Cannes red carpet – including appearances at elite gatherings like those hosted by the Princess of Thailand along La Croisette and at exclusive parties such as Raindance/Magnificent Films Directors’ Villa soirée – left an indelible mark on all who beheld it.

A serendipitous match occurred when Tracy’s husband Dave Parkinson donned a jacket that mirrored the couture dress’s design – a coincidence that only added to their allure as they graced Cannes’ prestigious events together.

The recognition from Relentless Magazine underscored Fenech’s achievement; featured amidst A-list celebrities and globally renowned designers in “Cannes Film Festival 2024: A Glimpse Into Prestige and Glamour,” it highlighted top fashion moments at Cannes 2024 – including commentary on how Fenech dressed Lamourie saying “Malta based fashion designer Gabrielle Fenech created unforgettable couture moments dressing world-class publicist Tracy Lamourie.”

 Similarly lauded in Luxury News Online’s “Cannes Film Festival 2024: Standout Moments,” this partnership exemplified “timeless elegance” on one of cinema’s most revered stages.

Gabrielle Fenech stands out not merely for her design prowess but for crafting narratives through fabric—drawing inspiration from cult-societies to history to music—defining an alternative oriented brand committed to high-quality staples marked by classical tailoring with an avant-garde twist. Her dedication resulted in creations like no other; sculpted silhouettes boasting 15 cm waist reductions for hourglass figures complimented by spiral steel boning providing unmatched comfort without sacrificing support or aesthetic appeal—an asymmetrically draped skirt infused with punk-inspired whimsy demonstrated this balance perfectly.

Tracy Lamourie’s journey has been equally impressive; her path  to becoming an awarded publicist recognized internationally across media landscapes is a fascinating one. Her forthcoming book “GET REPPED – Build Your Brand With Effective Public and Media Relations” promises further insights into how she’s made a name for herself and for her many clients across industries on the world stage.

Lamourie says she couldn’t be happier at finding Fenech.

“Her work really made an impact at Cannes -and she was fantastic to work with – she made the whole process fun – and the result was absolutely outstanding.  Even my daughter said I looked like a queen in the dress she created! It’s true that you feel differently, hold yourself differently, wearing a stunning garment like that.” 

 The experience transcended mere dressmaking, and even fashion, couture and high style—it celebrated individuality fused with shared visions creating not just moments but memories etched within Cannes’ illustrious history.

Their story is one of creativity meeting purpose beyond threads weaving through fabrics; it encapsulates dreams materializing upon one of world cinema’s grandest stages.

And for those who care about fashion : Fenech is clearly a name to remember. 

DRESS DETAILS FROM THE DESIGNER:

• Sculpted silhouette with a 15 cm waist reduction that cinches the waist for a stunning hourglass shape
• Unmatched comfort unlike traditional boning this dress uses spiral steel boning for a supportive yet comfortable fit that moves with you  
• A touch of punk by having an asymmetrically draped hand stitched skirt adding  whimsy and and effortless movement
• An optional train that adds a whisper of drama
• This dress is hand finished with meticulous care and countless skilled working hours

Published by: Nelly Chavez