Oaths and hats take centre stage at Parliament's official opening

As the newly-elected Members of Parliament took their oath of allegiance at the official opening of Malta's 13th legislature since independence, the formal day wear - and intricate hats - worn by the female MPs and other women guests garnered a lot of attention of their own.

"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.

As guests arrived at St John's Co-Cathedral this morning, it was obvious that the women stuck to the formal dress code, as the arrivals turned into a veritable showcase for designer wear and head gear.

It was a medley of design, material and colour that was - for the most part - impeccable and unique.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and partner Kristina Chetcuti

Julia Farrugia and Lydia Abela chose identical dresses

Melanie Abela, wife of Minister Carmelo Abela, and Therese Comodini Cachia also demonstrated identical tastes in fashion wear

Gozo minister Justyne Caruana

Godfrey and Marlene Farrugia

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici and Janice Bartolo

Marthese Portelli

Kristy and Jean Pierre Debono

Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi with his wife Kate in the company of President Emeritus George Abela

Minister Helena Dalli

Claudette Buttigieg

The youngest MP in this legislature, Rosianne Cutajar

Environment minister Jose Herrera and his wife Alexandra

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna and his wife Astrid Bartoli

Health Minister Chris Fearne and his wife Astrid

Foreign Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela and his wife Melanie

Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon and his wife Anna

Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri and his wife Deandra

But above all, it was hard not to miss the 'unlucky' ones who turned up at the ceremony wearing the same dresses: newly-appointed junior Cabinet member 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.