With years of experience and a focus on precision, Ozzy Chien brings a distinctive touch to each piece, offering clients made-to-measure creations. What many may not realize, however, is the immense time and dedication involved in crafting his pieces. A single bag can take over 50 hours to create, from the initial design and pattern making to the intricate hand stitching that defines his work. Everything is done by hand, without the use of machinery, ensuring each piece is a unique masterpiece with attention to detail.
Chien’s craft is a reflection of his personal journey and cultural heritage. His designs, rooted in his Taiwanese origins, carry a minimalist sensibility that reflects the peace and tranquility of Zen philosophy. Anchored in a respect for ancestral leatherwork and Maltese heritage, Chien’s approach blends tradition with contemporary design. Every stage – from the careful selection of materials to cutting, assembly, and stitching – reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
© Inigo Taylor
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in Bormla, which is an old town located within the Grand Harbour area on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Bormla forms part of the ‘Three Cities’ also known as Birgu, l-Isla and Bormla. There are all within walking distance from each other. In fact, it only takes me 5 minutes on foot to go to work in Birgu, which is the neighbouring old city where I work.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
When I want to relax, I go for a walk along the bastion walls and gardens of the Three Cities, or along the waterfront. The waterfront used to be the old dock where big merchant ships would come in for repairs. Today, it is a wonderful recreational open space, and I like to go here and sit on the lawn and enjoy the warmth and the sunshine!
© Courtesy of the artist
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
Thankfully, I live in Malta, which is an independent island state that is a member of the European Union since 2004. Living on this island is pleasant, and it is turly cosmopolitan, with many foreign people who have to come to Malta for work and to make a living here. When it comes to life in Malta, space is at a premium as it is a small island, with a high population density. Caring for the environment is another challenge which Malta faces, but there are many policies and programmes adopted by the government, local authorites and NGOs to raise more awareness and safeguard the environment.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
After the Covid pandemic, tourism has recovered really well, and Malta now attracts tourists not just from neighbouring European countries, but from all over the world! Conversely, the cost of living has gone up. Because Malta is an island which imports many things to guarantee its livelihood, prices have gone up as a result of the surge in global transport costs.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
I am a local artisan myself, since we have now been open for the last 5 years. We are reviving the leathercraft industry in Malta through our traditional workshop in Birgu! We work with many other local artisans and the artist community is very supportive here. One such artist is a local fashion designer called Luke Azzopardi. We love his work, especially his bags collection and leather accessories collection!
© Luke Azzopardi
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
I love ‘The Three Cities’ in Malta because you can reach everywhere by foot and you do not really need a car to go from one place to another. You can walk, use a bike or e-scooter, and when you want to go further afield, you can get a public ferry boat to go to Malta’s capital Valletta, which is only 10 minutes away across the Grand Harbour. I find this sea link from one city to the next very innovative. It almost adds a ‘Venetian dimesion’ to living in Malta!
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
There are plenty of good restaurants in the Three Cities, but especially in Birgu! My favourite is Cafe Riche. This is an old cafe which has been serving customers since 1933! The location is just amazing. You go in through a door and find yourself in an open space with plenty of shade and bouganvillea flowers! I just love going there and have a brunch or a bagel as a snack, or simply an iced coffee when it’s hot!
© Courtesy of the artist
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
Our store, Birgu Blue, located in Birgu, is certainly very singular in its offer and some of the things we sell in our store can only be bought from us. For example, we have our unique poster collection inspired by the historic facades of Birgu! Or even our lovely ‘Maltese Door Knockers’ drinks coasters are designed by a very talented Maltese illustrator exclusively for our shop! Then of course, all our leather accessories and bags which we design and craft in-house, are only available in our store or online on our website.
© Courtesy of the artist
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
– Gmail
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I like to read Monocle magazine, and I also follow the news on the local newsportal Times of Malta. I learn about political, social and cultural issues mostly online though social media and online lifestyle portals such as Vogue, GQ and Kinfolk.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would make the historic old town of Birgu a 100% pedestrian zone and put more stations for electric bikes in the city centre. I would also invest in underground pits for waste collection. This is cleaner and better for Malta’s climate, as it’s hot here all year round!
© Courtesy of the artist
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
I would say London. Full of possibilities and entertainment possibilities, offering huge diversity and acceptance.
© Katrina Demarco
