Why Katya?
In 2020, MGRM received dozens of boxes from Katya’s family and friends, containing several of Katya’s beautiful garments and objects. As the COVID-19 pandemic started to ease, we felt that this was the right time to dedicate our full attention to the story of Katya.
Katya Saunders exuded elegance. From her large hats, to her well manicured and perfected looks, Katya was perpetually fashionable and avant-garde, pushing the world of fashion to its limits.
But there was more to it…
Life as a trans woman
Katya’s peers who were transitioning as early as 1970s in Malta, had little to no support. To this day, several trans people around the world find themselves let down by governments, society and sometimes NGOs.
This was Katya’s reality. Katya found love and acceptance from her family and her friends, however organised support did not exist. Because of this, Katya needed to create her own support system, creating a persona who was seemingly afraid of nothing and no one. But that does not mean that like everyone else, Katya did not have her vulnerabilities.
We have learned that unbeknownst to most people, Katya extended her own support system to help others who were struggling with their gender and sexual orientation. Hosting people in her flat, Katya gave a roof to numerous people who would have otherwise become homeless. She mentored them, helped them make connections and build entire brands. In her own way, and with her limited means, Katya gave people an opportunity where they otherwise would had become stranded.
A well travelled life
Katya’s life took her from Malta to London and New York. Using her immense beauty to her advantage, Katya managed to connect with people who turned her into a fashion icon. In London Katya got married, networked with people like Karl Lagerfeld, David Bowie and more… and those are just the ones we know about.
Eventually Katya returned to Malta, which is where she lived until the end of her life. We know that every place had a story for Katya, and this is what we’re trying to find out.
