Caroline Tonna is a multidisciplinary creative with a strong foundation in Anthropology and Art History. Her work centres on the cultural and historical significance of historic dress and photography, areas she pioneered and developed expertise through research, writing, curation, artistic direction and media engagement.
With over 40 years of experience across the creative industries, Caroline brings a versatile and insightful approach to her artistic practice and vision.
Photo: Brian Grech
Dress Curator, Music in Malta: From Pre-History to Vinyl, FPM, 2019
Her curatorial practice merges artistic direction with historical rigour and visual imagination. She served as curator of Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum and curated art exhibitions. Caroline directed artistic and conceptual projects, designed to immerse audiences in the cultural and emotional language of dress.
Caroline works closely with curators, artists and photographers to conceptualize and direct exhibitions and project that reintepret historical dress, translating them into contemporary, immersive forms of expression.
Photo: Brian Grech
Through television and radio, Caroline shares historically informed stories about dress, art and memory. Her broadcasting portfolio also includes the production of Moda l-Istorja, a 13-part documentary based on extensive research in dress history in Malta.
Caroline is the founder and former publisher of Elegance Magazine, known for its distinctive blend of fashion, art and culture in Malta. Her editorial work spans notable publications, and her academic research has appeared in books and journals. She is the author of Society Fashion in Malta: The portrait photography of Leandro Preziosi 1830-1869, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (2022), a scholarly work reflecting her dedication to history of dress and awarded the National Book Prize for Best Book Production 2023.
Photo: Maria Muscat
With a career that spans from curatorship, public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, to cultural advocacy; Caroline affirms a long-standing commitment to students and public education through accessible media platforms.
Caroline was honoured with the Icon Award for her outstanding contribution to fashion journalism at the 25th Anniversary Malta Fashion Awards during Malta Fashion Week 2023. The same year, she was awarded the National Book Prize for Best Book Production for her publication Society Fashion in Malta: The Portrait Photographer Leandro Preziosi 1830-1869, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (2022). These accolades reflect her significant impact on both fashion scholarship and cultural heritage publishing.
Photo: Gordon Formosa