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.

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.