Our Milestones

With five decades of history and heritage, discover the landmark events and innovations which define our journey to date

1970
Farrugia Textiles Ltd. is established
Farrugia Textiles Ltd. is established

To service the local and international market 

1975
Expansion of production facility

Through the acquisition of a second property

1979
The first Swinger store opens in Valletta
The first Swinger store opens in Valletta

A legacy retail concept which offered in-house and imported brands

1984
Inauguration of the 2000sqm Farrugia Textiles plant in Corradino
Inauguration of the 2000sqm Farrugia Textiles plant in Corradino

to cater for unprecedented business growth

1993
BTI is introduced as the trading arm of Farrugia Textiles

representing a shift from mass-production to made-to-measure

1995
Swinger opens five new stores
Swinger opens five new stores

Expanding its footprint to a total of 13 retail units

1997
Formation of MelitaUnipol conglomerate
Formation of MelitaUnipol conglomerate

one of Malta’s leading insurance brokerage firms

1998
Launch of Mexx, Malta’s first fully franchised fashion store

Marking the first in a series of global franchise agreements

1999
Formation of Faces Displays Ltd
Formation of Faces Displays Ltd

Delivering innovative, state-of-the-art outdoor media solutions

VF Group is officially founded
VF Group is officially founded

Incorporating all companies and brands together under one umbrella

2000
The launch of the Mexx flagship store
The launch of the Mexx flagship store

a 350 sqm retail space at Bay Street, one of Malta’s most ambitious retail concept of the 2000s

2005
Acquisition of Modern Elegance
Acquisition of Modern Elegance

Malta’s most influential lifestyle magazine title of the 1990s and 2000s

2008
Airmode Ltd is established to service travel retail market
Airmode Ltd is established to service travel retail market

currently operating the franchise and distribution for Samsonite

2011
Launch of the Hugo Boss Franchise In Malta
Launch of the Hugo Boss Franchise In Malta

Initiating a bold move into premium-to-luxury retail

2012
Sarto is founded as Malta’s first luxury fashion retail concept
Sarto is founded as Malta’s first luxury fashion retail concept

cementing the company’s position as the leader in this segment 

2014
The ‘Sarto Garden Runway’ debut
The ‘Sarto Garden Runway’ debut

enabling international luxury fashion houses to showcase collections in Malta for the first time

2019
Sarto introduces online shopping

Initiating a company-wide digital transformation

Launch of Sarto Eau de Parfum & Sarto Beauty
Launch of Sarto Eau de Parfum & Sarto Beauty

The first product from an eponymous cosmetics range, representing a bold diversification move

2020
Faces introduces zero carbon cleaning

including 450 bus shelters across the Maltese Islands

2021
Formation of Sole d’ Oro Holdings Ltd
Formation of Sole d’ Oro Holdings Ltd

A premier property acquisition, development, management, and leasing company 

VF Group announces VFVISION26

Outlining a long term environmental and social responsibility commitment