ISSUE 30 • APRIL 2016
ON SUNDAY
You’re invited… into three stylish kitchens
WINDS OF CHANGE NEW SEASON FASHION
Model Mums From catwalk to cradle
Z�ë Hili DREAM WEAVER
10 STYLE CONTENTS
contents
ISSU E 30 • APRI L 2016
ON SUNDAY
You’re invited… into three stylish kitchens
WINDS OF CHANGE
37
NEW SEASON FASHION
Model M ums From catwalk to cradle
Z�ë Hili
Style Interview 15 Dream Weaver Jo Caruana gets exclusive insight into Zoë Hili’s fashionfocused world.
59 Style Lifestyle
20 From Catwalk to Cradle Four renowned models talk about motherhood.
45 The Exceptionally Refined New Audi A4 Discover the newly launched model.
39 Restoring Beauty Meet three restorers who are keeping our history safe.
51 The Style Checklist The news you simply must know. 59 In the Kitchen With… Style explores three beautiful kitchens.
75 Moroccan Dreams Mouthwatering food that will wow your guests. 81 Papped! In Style Style sees and is seen!
Style Fashion 29 Winds of Change Bringing this season’s best looks to life. 37 Spring Casuals Your new season wardrobe.
45
DREAM WEAVE
R
Zoë wears: 18-carat gold necklace with diamonds exclusively designed for Diamonds International, €2,125 18-carat gold ring with diamonds exclusively designed for Diamonds International, €3,350 18-carat gold earrings with diamonds exclusively designed for Diamonds International, €1,750 All exclusively available from Diamonds International, Portomaso, Valletta, Piazza Tigné. Photography: George Scintilla Styling: Zoë Hili, Sarah Micallef Make-up: Claire Falzon for Franks, using Dior Hair: Chris Galea from Michael&Guy Clothes: Zoë’s Own Jewellery: Diamonds International Shot on location at Ta’ Frenc Restaurant, Gozo.
Style Beauty
Style Home
53 Pops of Colour Bright lips and nails!
65 The Spring Update Top home trends for the upcoming season.
54 Editor’s Pick Beauty must-haves.
75 PUBLISHERS Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel BKR3000 T: 2132 0713 • F: 2132 0714 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt
next edition 12 June
Editor Jo Caruana editor@styleonsunday.com LAYOUT DESIGN Ramon Micallef ram@box-design.net Photography Alan Carville, Carlton Agius, Inigo Taylor, Kris Micallef, Tonio Lombardi, George Scintilla Contributors Angelique Attard, Caroline Paris, Chris Attard, Christian Galea, Claire Falzon, Iggy Fenech, Marie-Claire Grima, Sarah Micallef Advertising Content House Ltd Advertising SALES MANAGER Matthew Spiteri Advertising SALES EXECUTIVE Diane Scerri Advertising SALES coordinators Lindsey Napier, Marvic Cutajar Printing Progress Press Ltd Distribution Style on Sunday is distributed for free with The Sunday Times.
Style on Sunday is a quarterly high-end magazine which epitomises quality lifestyle and refined living. The themes and personalities featured are observed from the ‘Style’ perspective: elegant, inspiring, exquisite. Style on Sunday is meant to stir the desires of men and women, catering for their pleasures and needs. www.styleonsunday.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means: mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Content House Group. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the publication, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain.
editor’s LETTER
Photo by Sean Mallia
Follow Jo on Twitter at twitter.com/jocaruana and Style on Facebook by searching for Style on Sunday Magazine.
“There is no such thing as multi-tasking.”– Jim Loehr
Y
ou know, I’d beg to differ with the above quote. On the contrary, I believe our ability to think and do and achieve so many different things at the same time is what makes us human. And, as some of the interviewees in this edition prove, multi-tasking also makes magic. Take our beautiful cover interviewee for instance. Zoë Hili is as multi-tasking, and multi-skilled, as they come. Her dynamic lifestyle and fashion-focused career have taken her all over the world, working on a myriad exciting projects – and she’s not slowing down. While she may have prioritised the launch of her own collection of silk scarves, she is still jet-setting, designing and being inspired. She is not the sort of woman to sit still, and you can read all about her on page 15. And then there are our model mums. In fact, as any mum will tell you, multitasking isn’t just achievable, it’s vital in a
world where careers, children, partners and passions all go hand-in-hand – and the mums in our story on page 20 are proving exactly that. Of course it doesn’t stop there. Our whole team has multi-tasked to put this issue together – from our hairdresser Chris who struggled to tame our model’s locks while we shot on a windswept beach (pg 29), to our writer Marie-Claire, who became a children’s entertainer while trying to get the perfect family photo for page 59. Yes, multi-tasking wins in my opinion. But, now that Sunday’s here, I ask you to take off you multi-tasking hat, put your feet up, and enjoy leafing through the spring edition of Style on Sunday. Think of it this way: we multi-tasked so you don’t have to! Happy reading!
CO M P ETITION
Win with Style! Valentino fragrance Valentino Poudre EDP 50ml worth €72. This issue, you could win this dazzling women’s fragrance by Valentino. To enter, all you have to do is answer the following question: Which aspect of Style did you enjoy most this issue, and why? Send your answers, as well as your telephone number, to win@styleonsunday.com or in writing to: Style on Sunday, Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel, BKR 3000. Competition closes 1 June 2016. One entry per person. Terms & Conditions apply. Last issue, Vanessa Muscat won Valentino Donna worth €58.
STYLE interview 15
Dream Weaver From Bahrain to Vienna and Malta to Hong Kong, fashion and scarf designer Zoë Hili’s creativity knows no bounds. Here she talks Jo Caruana through the nuances of her dynamic world. PHOTOGRAPHY: GEORGE SCINTILLA STYLING: ZOË HILI, SARAH MICALLEF MAKE-UP: CLAIRE FALZON USING DIOR FOR FRANKS HAIR: CHRIS GALEA FROM MICHAEL&GUY JEWELLERY: DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL, PORTOMASO, VALLETTA, PIAZZA TIGNÉ CLOTHING: ZOË’S OWN SHOT ON LOCATION AT TA’ FRENC RESTAURANT, GOZO
A
lthough she leads a very global lifestyle, Zoë Hili feels very at home in both Malta and Gozo. While she exudes international knowledge and confidence, she also emanates qualities that highlight her Maltese roots; there is definitely Mediterranean fire hiding beneath her beautiful blue eyes and fair skin. And it’s this that makes Zoë so much fun to spend time with. She brings buckets of passion and professionalism to everything she does, and she quickly proves her flair for all things fashion – as is evident from the chic outfits she has styled for our shoot. She is also just as comfortable in front of the camera as she is behind it (although she says she prefers to be behind it – and regularly has been, working on all sorts of exciting and dynamic campaigns).
But things for Zoë have recently stepped up a notch. She has now gone into business, taking her natural creativity to a whole other level. The highlight of her year to-date was, doubtlessly, the launch of her project Decièlis – (decielisscarves.com) – a stunning capsule collection of hand-illustrated silk scarves, made in Italy. “The name Decièlis is dedicated to my late grandmother,” Zoë explains. “Her last name, Decelis, holds the connotative meaning ‘from the sky’, which is befitting to the illustrated stories woven onto the scarves, each of which are short memoires taken from my upbringing as an expatriate.”
Growing up, Zoë would spend summers in Malta and she became especially close to her grandmother. “She ingrained Maltese culture and values in me so as I would never have to feel disconnected from my Maltese roots,” says the designer. “Always impeccably dressed, I remember her draping silk scarves around her neck which would hold her scent beautifully, creating an aura-like personal signature. I started to pay attention to how the invisible medium of scent against a repeatedly worn fabric would stir memories. It has the power to take me straight back to any given moment, as though repeated wear would earn its story.”
Zoë wears: Mikimoto pearl earrings with 18-carat gold and diamonds exclusively available at Diamonds International, €7,950 Mikimoto pearl necklace exclusively available at Diamonds International, €6,825
16 STYLE interview
Although her ancestry is Maltese, Zoë was born in Bahrain and spent most of her childhood growing up there. “It is a very beautiful and special place to me,” she says with a smile. To follow would be Canada, Italy, Switzerland and Hong Kong, places that were equally defining during her adolescent years. “Since I was a child I have always had this instinctive curiosity to explore my surroundings and my imagination. From as young as seven, I would gravitate towards my Kodak camera, write stories and keep diaries. This whole idea of collecting and recording my story has been the underlying source of my inspiration within my design work and in my writing. I have always been fascinated with mood, colour and expression – design per se wasn’t a focus until much later when I went to university.” At 18 she left home in Hong Kong to start an art foundation course, followed by a BA Honours degree in women’s wear fashion design, both at the acclaimed University of Arts London, London College of Fashion (LCF). “Once I started university I worked as a design assistant to London-based, French designer Roland Mouret. I shadowed Roland directly, and he introduced me to draping and cutting garments. It was a tremendous experience to be part of the talent behind the coveted collections that were showing in New York at the time. The autumn/winter 2005 show, for instance, celebrated the creation of the hourglass Galaxy dress, acclaimed by many as ‘the dress of the season’. The collection drew the attention of Hollywood A-listers Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, Dita Von Teese
and Scarlett Johansson – press reviews were phenomenal; this was the season Roland Mouret went international. To see creations at red carpet events such as the Golden Globes put our vision within the small atelier on another level – it was a truly priceless experience.” Once graduated from LCF she was appointed co-head designer of luxury fashion retailer Matches Fashion’s in-house women’s wear label. “The media exposure towards my work was very
“Life at Vuitton had immense momentum… I was travelling between stores in Vienna, Salzburg, Kitzbühl, Budapest, Prague and Bucharest.”
Zoë wears: Mikimoto necklace exclusively available at Diamonds International, €27,725 Mikimoto pearl earrings with 18-carat gold and diamonds exclusively available at Diamonds International, €7,950
exciting, especially in Vogue and the UK Times.” Some years later she ventured down the corporate route, and took on the role of country visual merchandising manager for Louis Vuitton’s Central Europe stores. “Life at Vuitton had immense momentum,” she says. “I was travelling between stores in Vienna, Salzburg, Kitzbühl, Budapest, Prague and Bucharest on a weekly basis. “From day one I was set the challenge to prepare for the opening of Central Europe’s first flagship store (one of the largest spaces in Europe) in Vienna’s luxury designer district Golden
18 STYLE interview
Designer: Raf Simons Restaurant: Hakkasan Dubai Season: Spring
Beauty Essentials: Water, eye cream, nail oil, lip gloss, a silk eye-mask Desert Island Essentials: Electric toothbrush, iPhone, camera, passport, Mac Place Visited: Lofoten Islands, Norway
Zoë’s favourites
Top Three Cities: Vienna, Seoul (for the cafés!), Hong Kong
Bucket List Visits: Argentina (Buenos Aires), Japan (Kyoto), Sri Lanka Facebook or Instagram: Instagram @zoehili
“The scarf is my canvas. I turn to it to illustrate and tell stories.”
Quarter – the first in the zone to include the dedicated private salon of ‘Haute Maroquinerie’.” Not limited to setting up shop floor spaces, she was involved in creating displays for special in-store and location events. “My all-time favourite has to be the stately set-up that took place within the 300-year old Palais Schwarzenberg, a grandiose Baroque palace located in Vienna’s third district, where a dinner co-hosted by Louis Vuitton celebrated the opening of the Vienna flagship store.” With vintage trunks flown in from Paris, she created displays in the palace’s main hall and animations at its entrance celebrating Vuitton’s heritage and arti-
sanal roots through the ages – ‘the art of travel’. “The highlight of the evening had to be watching the infamous hot-air balloon, being lit by a giant flame within the palace grounds – also flown in from Paris for the occasion; it was the same red-and-white striped balloon which was launched from the Cour Carrée at the Louvre carrying model Arizona Muse in the most-recent campaign at the time, entitled ‘l’Invitation au Voyage’, (Invitation to Travel).” Completing her MBA Master studies at the University of Vienna in 2011, today Zoë continues to live in Vienna, a city which, she says, has grown to become a big part of her. “I find immense inspiration within the heart of
such a fairytale-like city. There is a beautiful melancholy that enchants everything poetically. Together all the places I have been able to call my home have inspired me for different reasons, their contrasts and similarities define me, and have a strong presence in my work.” Cross-cultural attitudes and how women around the world interpret style and colour through individuality prompted her to direct her focus on the scarf. “It’s a very intimate accessory, which has the utmost
wearable versatility,” she enthuses. “The scarf is my canvas, which I turn to, to illustrate and tell stories – the ability to share such personal visual narratives in a form of a product has been a beautiful realisation.” Now her future plans revolve around her continued desire to challenge herself. “The most important thing for me is to always have a story; I believe that this comes from truly living out your passion(s) and being brave enough to do the things that scare you the most.” n
Zoë wears: 18-carat gold ring with diamonds and emeralds exclusively designed for Diamonds International, €11,950 18-carat gold earrings with diamonds and emeralds exclusively designed for Diamonds International, €6,325 18-carat gold necklace with diamonds and emeralds exclusively designed for Diamonds International, €2,615
20 STYLE LIFESTYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY: CARLTON AGIUS INTERVIEWS: IGGY FENECH CLOTHES: CHARLES&RON SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA, ATTARD
STYLE LIFESTYLE 21
FROM Catwalk TO Cradle Style on Sunday meets four models who have been part of the local fashion industry since its early days, to discover what’s changed for them and the scene over the years.
22 STYLE LIFESTYLE
“The highlight of it all would have to be when I met, and modelled an outfit for, Jean Paul Gaultier.”
“I don’t model much nowadays; it’s mostly adverts rather than the catwalk – although I did teach modelling for some time. I also don’t go out as much as I used to back when I first started, especially since I had Nina. But I always assumed that I would become a mother at some point, and there’s nothing more special than having a little person calling me ‘mum’ and telling me ‘I love you’. I’m now a single mother of two, Nina and Ella; it’s no easy task, but seeing them grow up is such a joy. “What’s hilarious is how they react when they see me in adverts… They get very excited because they think I’m famous. Oh, and apparently their friends mention it too, which is even funnier! “I’ve always loved fashion and I have no regrets about being in this industry. It’s great for networking, and it’s always kept me going; and, if I thought my children were interested in it, I’d help them out… But I wouldn’t push them to do it either!”
Romina Camilleri With a 30-year career under her belt, ROMINA CAMILLERI is one of Malta’s most enduring models, as well as a muse to Malta’s successful designers, Charles&Ron. In fact, not only have the designer-duo named one of their classic bags after her, but they’ve also named an accompanying leather pouch after her daughter, Nina.
“
Back when I first started modelling, which was at the age of 11, things were incredibly different: we didn’t have as many opportunities as models do now, and things were very ‘relaxed’. I still remember travelling around Malta with rollers in my hair… Even on the bus! But we learnt a lot too, and we got to experience some wonderful things. Looking back, I think the highlight of it all would have to be when I met, and modelled an outfit for, Jean Paul Gaultier at Top Model Mediterranea.
CLAUDIA CALLEJA has gone from being the European winner of Miss Italia nel Mondo to becoming one of the most instantly-recognisable models in the local industry. Now a mother of three, Claudia organises Miss World Malta and produces one of local TV’s edgiest shows, The Client.
“
I was 17 when I decided to take a course in modelling – there weren’t any scouts back then… Jobs starting coming in as soon as we finished it! I remember we used to have runway events on a weekly basis, and audiences would really look forward to attending fashion shows. In fact, I think there were times people even paid to come. “The peak for me was definitely Miss Italia nel Mondo in 1998, when I placed first from among all the competing European countries
STYLE interview 25
“We used to have runway events on a weekly basis, and audiences would really look forward to attending fashion shows.”
and fifth in the world. Working with Rai was quite amazing, and I learnt so much from the rehearsals – we had to do it all: speak, smile, model and dance. Now, I organise Miss World Malta but I don’t model myself – although I wouldn’t put it past me to do it again. “Becoming a mother was a blessing and something I’d always looked forward to – although I feel like my third child has forced me to go back to when I first became a mother. There’s an eleven- and a nine-year gap between Chloe and Kiyan, and Francesco. “Seeing as Chloe and Kiyan already have some experience in the industry, I don’t imagine that they’d want to do it again in the future but, if they did, I would encourage them to keep studying, too. I believe that it’s important to not limit yourself, but I would certainly support them!”
Claudia Calleja
Krista Tabone Over the course of her career, KRISTA TABONE has gone from fronting campaigns to sourcing one-off pieces of jewellery – a job which she still manages while raising her two kids, Max and Kay.
“
There was so much less competition back in my day. Or maybe it just felt that way, who knows? I was one of the youngest when I started modelling with Charles&Ron and it was so much fun. We used to eat Charles’s mother’s sandwiches backstage and have a ball. Now, the girls are much more self-conscious and take things seriously – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, of course. “But, if they were my kids, I would advise them to not give into the pressure. The modelling industry nowadays is constantly pressuring models to be skinnier. It’s not something I’d want my kids to get caught up in – but I would support them if they did want to get into the industry.
26 STYLE LIFESTYLE
Stephanie Hodgkins With a career that has included stints at both the London and Paris Fashion Weeks, STEPHANIE HODGKINS has never shied away from the demands of her career – so much so, that she even modelled a bikini down the runway while three months pregnant!
“
“I don’t imagine myself modelling as much in the future.”
“What I’ve come to realise over the years, however, is how much I prefer photo shoots to the runway. In fact, I would count the campaign I did for United Colors of Benetton, shot by Julian Calabrese, to be one of the highlights of my career simply because it was an incredibly fun experience. Julian made me feel very comfortable and good – and I believe that shows through in the photos. “Since I had Max I haven’t taken on much modelling – mostly because I don’t find the
time and because there’s only one year and 10 months in between him and Kay. I don’t imagine myself modelling as much in the future, either. I’ve now opened my own business, Kika Malta, for which I scout and import one-off pieces of jewellery. I am now also in the process of launching a bridal range of jewellery and accessories which is going to be sold exclusively at Ivory&Co. Between that and my little ones, I am kept rather busy!”
“I modelled a bikini on the catwalk when I was three months pregnant!”
I took part in my first show when I was 13 and the industry has definitely changed quite a bit since then. It’s taken much more seriously these days – by both models and by the other professionals. “Over the years I did work both at the London Fashion Week for Paul Smith and at the one in Paris for Temperley London. I remember I had done ‘showroom’ work, which is when potential buyers come to an exclusive party to admire and purchase the new collection. It was all very exciting. “Now that I’m expecting, I’m still taking on some work. I recently performed in a commercial, which, luckily, was from the chest up – but I did model a bikini on the catwalk when I was three months pregnant, which is something I will always remember. I also run my own beauty salon, Stephanie Hodgkins Better Beauty, which keeps me quite busy. “Even so, I’ve always known that I wanted to be a mother; it was a goal I knew I wanted to reach. I think the best part of it is that it will be a new and very exciting chapter in my life. It will have its challenges, I’m sure, but it will also be very rewarding. “I’m also going to look at it as a big accomplishment in life – I mean, I’ll have brought a new person into the world! So, yes, I now can’t wait to meet this little boy and name him!” n
STYLE FASHION 29
PHOTOGRAPHY: KRIS MICALLEF STYLING: CAROLINE PARIS @ CAROLINE’S FASHION STYLING HAIR: CHRIS GALEA @ MICHAEL&GUY MAKE-UP: CHRIS ATTARD AND ANGELIQUE ATTARD, USING GUERLAIN FOR FRANKS MODEL: MARÍA AT MODELS M SHOT ON LOCATION AT GĦADIRA BAY, MELLIEĦA
WINDS OF
change Dress from Joseph Ribkoff at MiMi Boutique; bag from Coccinelle; scarf from Carpisa; shoes from Tamaris at King Shoe Shop.
As Malta embraced the warmest winter on record, STYLE ON SUNDAY took this spring’s hottest key pieces beachside for the ultimate sun-kissed, billowing looks.
30 STYLE FASHION
Trousers, top from Joseph Ribkoff at MiMi Boutique; bag from Carpisa; shoes from Pikolino at King Shoe Shop; ring from Swarovski.
STYLE FASHION 31
Dress from Liu Jo; bag from Furla; scarf from Coccinelle.
32 STYLE FASHION
Dress from GUESS; scarf from Mexx; bag, bracelets from Coccinelle; sunglasses Stylist’s own.
STYLE FASHION 33
Dress from Liu Jo; bag, bracelet from Furla; necklace from Swarovski.
34 STYLE FASHION
Shirt, trousers from Mexx; bag from Carpisa; necklace from Swarovski.
STYLE FASHION 37
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STYLE interview 39
Restoring BEAUTY Three of Malta’s top conservators tell Style on Sunday about some of the most memorable items they have worked on. Interviews by JO CARUANA Photography by Eliza von Brockdorff
SIMON DIMECH Simon has been a conservator for 10 years and specialises in the restoration of books and works of art on paper as part of Atelier del Restauro. His chosen item is a manuscript dating back to 1776 detailing the daily expenses of the Mosta Parish Church.
H
aving grown up in Mosta I have spent a lot of time at this church over the years. I later became interested in its archives, and was saddened to see the bad state that some of the books were in – so I was inspired to enter the field of restoration. “This book was part of my first major study and took a whole year to restore. It was in quite a bad state – the spine was deformed, the acidic ink had damaged the pages, the parchment cover was falling to pieces, and there was a lot of grime as well as insect secretions on the paper. “The salvaging process included mechanical cleaning, the dismantling of each text block, the reinforcement of the text and spine area using very fine Japanese tissue, and the sewing of the text blocks. “Today, following its restoration, it gives me great pleasure to leaf through this book. It gives us plenty of insight into the church expenses of the day and the cost of certain items in ‘scudi’. It’s also rewarding to know that, 10 years after it was restored, the processes used have successfully stood the test of time!”
40 STYLE interview
VALENTINA LUPO Valentina has always loved art and quickly became fascinated with the idea of art restoration. She recently restored this late 17th century painting – the Death of St Joseph by Maltese artist Stefano Erardi.
T
his painting was in a terrible state when I first came across it in the Collegiate Basilica of St Helen in Birkirkara. Its gilded frame was home to a live insect infestation (proving that you can’t be squeamish in this job!) and the fabric was degraded and full of holes. Beyond that, the canvas was so weak that it could no longer support the colour, and it was powdering and flaking; some of it had already been lost. Thus, we opted for an urgent consolidation treatment of the colour under vacuum and later applied another canvas at the back to add support. “This was an exciting project. As we cleaned the painting the original colours were revealed, and they were so much brighter than I had imagined. There’s often an element of surprise in this job and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about it. It’s such a fascinating process. “Looking at it now I absolutely love the bright hues and interesting composition, as well as the fine detail in the angels’ hair. It may have taken a year-and-a-half to complete, but it was definitely worth it!”
STYLE interview 43
JAMES LICARI As the president of the Malta Association of Professional Conservators-Restorers, James is adamant about the importance of preserving art for future generations. While historic details about this crucifix are sketchy, James picked it for its incredible mix of materials.
I
have to admit that it was a challenge to choose my favourite item for this article as there have been so many but, eventually, I opted for this cross. “This project was a prestigious one because of the materials involved and the challenges of preserving one element without affecting the other. For instance, the Christ is ivory, while other parts are made from ebony, bronze and malachite (the latter is very rare and expensive). “This cross forms part of a private collection and we don’t actually know very much about its history. Based on its style, I believe it could have been commissioned in Rome and later brought to Malta around the 16th century, but I have no proof of that. “What I do know is that the detail on it is incredible. The artist was clearly highly trained in anatomy as you can see practically every muscle in the body, while even the detail in the hair is awe-inspiring. Although the restoration process only took a week or so of cleaning, it was still very rewarding to watch the materials and colours being revealed – especially the gorgeous green of the malachite. It is certainly a magnificent work of art.” n
STYLE LIFESTYLE 45
the
exceptionallyREFINED
NEW AUDI A4
Style on Sunday test-drives the distinctively stylish Audi A4. Photography by ALAN CARVILLE
W
hen you are hooked and loyal to a product, the eagerness for a new generation of that product that is about to be unveiled can trigger strong sentiments which can include anxiety as well as scepticism. Take Apple for instance – millions of people currently using the popular iPhone 6 will undoubtedly be super anxious to get their hands on the highly-anticipated iPhone 7, but they are also likely to be sceptical as to how different it could really be to the current smartphone (which, in truth, is already excellent on all fronts). Can it be that much better to the extent that it justifies replacing the already superlative current model? Will Apple manage to improve it significantly, considering how good the current iPhone already is? The car industry is no different, especially in the premium segment where consumers tend to be more loyal, not only to the brand per se but also to the particular model they have been driving for some time. They represent the segment of society that is more likely to afford changing or upgrading to a newly-launched model. Those who own the previous generation of Audi A4 probably ask themselves whether the German giant car manufacturer will manage to significantly im-
prove an already fantastic car. Now that Audi has launched the new generation of Audi A4, and having driven it for an entire afternoon, we can safely say that not only does the new Audi A4 look better, but it drives much better too. From a technological front, the new A4 is also remarkably superior to its predecessor.
Premium Feel
Externally and, undoubtedly, internally, Audi has upped the game big time with the new Audi A4. Its look and feel are more ‘premium’ – it looks sharper, its design is more elegant, it is also larger than its predecessor and it has a striking powerful-looking frontend. The clear surfaces, accompanied by sharp lines in its design create a distinctive style that is very difficult to beat. The new interior is also classy; it feels as if the A4 is extending its dominance and class-lead not only in the compact-executive segment but this new model feels like a strong contender in the premium segment as well. The new A4 has already received global recognition and various awards as a leading premium contender and there are plenty of reasons to justify the status the new model has been enjoying since its launch date. It is also worth noting that Audi has changed an astonishing 90 per cent of all components from the previous model. Equally remarkable is that the new A4 weighs approximately 100kg less than its predecessor, making it more agile and faster, enhancing its emissions and green credentials, as well as making great inroads in so far as fuel consumption is concerned.
46 STYLE LIFESTYLE
Drive and Interior
Value and Affordability
The interior is class-leading and of superlative quality. Audi here managed to combine the typical executive look and feel of the A4 along with the stark sports design of the new generation of the TT, the highly desirable sports icon (yes that includes the cool leather steering usually reserved to the sport TT). Technologywise, the new A4 is light years ahead of its predecessor featuring the latest technological features and a very intuitive menu system that almost doubles up as the ‘central nervous system’ that facilitates your life as a driver as well as making it safer. The car is fully specked with the latest tech features including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, smartphone interface, sound system and Driver’s Information System (DIS). The driving experience is equally superlative. The objective of Audi here is clear – the brand was not after a sporty/hard ride but rather invested heavily to create a comfortable, more relaxed driving experience that would make the driving experience of its competitors feel like you’re off-roading in the wild!
The starting price of €37,900 is great news. More so when one takes into account that the standard features include alloy wheels, cruise control, foldable heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, Xenon lights, 6.5” colour central control system, sound system powered with eight speakers, light and rain sensors, climate control, and much more. The starting price is for the 1.4TFSI petrol engine – a highly-regarded engine for its economy, low emissions and the ability to generate an impressive 150bhp. And, for those after that something special, the car is also available (as an option) with the awardwinning ‘Audi virtual cockpit’, first seen on the latest Audi TT. n
VERDICT
The new Audi A4 is an instant success: strong design elements and elegant styling, more spacious and superlative interior, as well as a strong, fuel-efficient engine. With an affordable starting price of €37,900 the new A4 is better than ever and far superior!
For viewing as well as for test-driving the new Audi A4 contact Continental Cars Ltd, Testaferrata Street, Ta’ Xbiex. T: 2347 6340; E: audi@ccl.mizzi.com.mt
48 STYLE BEAUTY
Stop the clock‌ at
Transforma Cosmetic anti-ageing treatments are some of the most in-demand at the moment. And, as three of Transforma’s cosmetic physicians tell Jo Caruana, these treatments can now achieve the quickest and most natural-looking results ever. Photography by ALAN CARVILLE
STYLE BEAUTY 49
A
re you happy with the way you’re ageing? Or do you look in the mirror and grimace at the changes taking place before you – perhaps deepening lines, sagging skin and sunken cheekbones? “We all age differently,” explains Dr Natalie Hammer, one of Transforma’s expert cosmetic physicians. “It all depends on our genetics and lifestyle – some things are within our control (like smoking, for instance) while others aren’t. Either way, it’s my belief that most people today want to look good for their age. Yes, some want to look younger, but generally clients realise that there is nothing better than looking healthy and having realistic expectations.” While most people want to age gracefully, it’s also normal to look in the mirror and to spot signs of ageing that you want to correct. “Thus, cosmetic anti-ageing treatments have evolved over the years to enable people to make little changes that provide very natural results,” explains cosmetic physician Dr Tania Van Avendonk, who has worked at Transforma since the company first opened its doors 15 years ago. With this in mind, the team at Transforma is dedicated to giving its clients the very latest in cosmetic treatments. The doctors regularly
“There is nothing better than looking healthy.”
attend international training courses to keep them up-to-date on the most cutting-edge trends and state-of-the-art procedures. In fact, from beauty treatments like laser hair removal and semipermanent make-up to cosmetic procedures, the company is dedicated to providing unmatched products and services. “It is actually incredible what you can achieve with Botox and fillers these days,” explains Dr Marvin Cachia, another of Transforma’s cosmetic physicians. “The industry has moved away from the harsh facelifts of the 90s and 2000s that gave that very stretched, cat-like appearance. Today, our clients just want to freshen up a little, so it’s more about adding definition and creating lift to provide that youthful fullness and glow. In fact, one of the latest trends is known as the non-surgical, or liquid, facial. This is achieved using facial fillers and injectables, and it can dramatically improve facial appearance without the need for surgery.” Dr Hammer, who is originally from the United States, goes on to explain that today’s treatments are quick, with minimal downtime, and are non-invasive. They are also designed to suit different budgets.
“This means that clients can choose to take their treatments slowly, and to achieve small changes at a time, while still noticing a pleasing difference,” she says. “Transforma certainly leads the way when it comes to this type of treatment. When I compare the procedures available here to the ones in America, I don’t think Malta is behind at all,” she says. “Yes the US sets a standard, but many products are actually available in Europe before they get to the States.” And, speaking about products specifically, the team at Transforma is adamant that it chooses the best. “We work with products by Allergan, which is a fantastic brand and has been in use for years. Their products are very trustworthy and we utilise them because we know they are safe, while also giving fantastic results,” Dr Cachia says. Finally, Dr Van Avendonk, stresses that all cosmetic treatment plans should start with consultancy. “Certain cosmetic procedures aren’t actually regulated by law, so it’s very important that you go to a doctor for your treatment, and that you really discuss your options and what you want to achieve. You should never feel forced into anything, and you should be clear about the results that you are looking for,” she adds. n
Top Tips from Transforma
Are you thinking about cosmetic anti-ageing treatments? Here are some tips from the Transforma doctors. Consider the reputation of the clinic you are using. “While lots of people can inject Botox and fillers for you, many of them aren’t doctors and aren’t qualified,” says Dr Cachia. “Do your research, ask questions and be sure you are in safe hands. It’s vital to pick a reputable clinic.”
Don’t worry about the pain of cosmetic treatments. “We use an aesthetic cream to reduce sensation and put you at ease. Plus the treatment takes such a short amount of time that it will be over before you know it!” says Dr Hammer.
Finally, set realistic expectations and discuss them with your physician. “If we know what you want to achieve, then we can guide you,” says Dr Van Avendonk. “In addition, make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons – do it for yourself, otherwise the results might not make you as happy as you think they will.”
Transforma provides a vast range of cosmetic and beauty services, including laser hair removal, Smart Lipo, Botox, chemical peels, fillers, semi-permanent make-up and laser tattoo removal. For more information about any one of their services, or to book a consultation, call 2142 3838 or email info@transforma.com.mt
STYLE CHECKLIST 51
JOSEPH RIBKOFF This Joseph Ribkoff top has fabulous diamanté detailing on the sleeve, a flattering boat neckline and three quarter sleeves, making it perfect for an evening out. €173 Photo by Valentina Lupo
CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA Oriental favourites and exciting new flavours come together in the newly-launched menu from Rickshaw Restaurant, which boasts dishes from as far afield as China and the Philippines. De Paule Avenue, Attard. T: 2144 0301.
OURWEDDING.COM.MT Malta’s leading wedding portal for expert advice, the latest wedding stories, trends, inspiration for your big day, and much more. W: ourwedding.com.mt
the STYLE
checklist
NISSAN Benefit from ¤500 worth of free accessories when purchasing the new Nissan Juke, Qashqai or the seven-seater X-Trail before Saturday 30 April 2016. National Road,
Blata l-Bajda. W: www.nissan.com.mt
KINNIE Nicole Ebejer stars in the new nationwide campaign based around the message ‘I am taste’, which highlights the unique quality of Diet Kinnie… It’s taste!
VALLETTA WATERFRONT Colour Fest returns in port during the weekend of 15-17 April. Free activities include live bands, giant outdoor games, stalls, arts, entertainment and more. W: vallettawaterfront.com/colourfest
LULÙ BOUTIQUE Vibrant yellows, royal blues, corals, pastel pinks, baby blues and whites all make a cameo in this season’s collection from Lulù Boutique.
Ta’ Xbiex Sea Front, Msida. T: 2133 1026.
MEXX Look out for summery prints and discover the new Mexx Mini and Mexx Kids spring/summer collections. Available
at Baystreet and Pjazza Tigne’.
HAVANA CLUB In March, 18 participants gathered at the Westin Dragonara Resort to showcase their talent in the Havana Club Cocktail Competition. Local and foreign bartenders impressed with their professionalism and high standard of creations.
STYLE BEAUTY 53
Get THE look! POPS OF
colour As spring is ushered in, so is our desire to add bright hues to our new-season look. And the good news is that spring 2016 is all about colour – especially when it comes to lips and nails! Make-up: Chris Attard at Franks, using Guerlain Nails: Angelique Attard for Franks, using Guerlain Hair: Chris Galea, from Michael&Guy Model: Kelsey at Models M Photography: Kris Micallef Shot on location at Munchies, Mellieħa
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◀ Start off with primer, concealer and foundation to get your skin looking perfect. Then move on to your eyes to create a sultry, smoky eye. We recommend Guerlain’s Eye Pencil 01 Black Jack – which can be used as liner in eye contour, as kohl in the inner eye, or even on the entire eyelid. It is long-lasting, non-transferring and water-resistant, which is great as it unfailingly withstands the heat that we should expect in the coming months.
▼ And now for the lips – which are integral to this spring’s aesthetic. We chose Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick (in 002 Pink Tie), which gives deliciously shiny smoothness. Its light-weight texture reveals your lips’ natural radiance, leaving them supple and comfortable, while adding that much-desired pop of colour too.
3 2 ▶ Next up, focus on your lashes to really make your eyes pop. Nothing works better than Guerlain’s Maxi Lash So Volume Deep Black Mascara, which delivers incredible instant volume. Infused with a conditioning action to protect the lashes, it is enriched with adhesive oils to prevent running or smudging and ultra-glossy oils for an intense black.
STYLEtip
▲ Cheeks should be fresh and rosy this season. We love Guerlain’s new colour-revealing blush – Tender Blush 05 – Wonder Violette. Powdery and golden, its pink booster pigments capture natural light and enhance your complexion’s natural pink hue in perfect affinity with the skin. It brings a pink flush to your cheeks with a single sweep of the brush.
5 ▲ Finally, tie everything in with a beautiful, bright colour on your nails. Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Nail Colour (in 002 Pink Tie) is perfect for this season. It has an ultra shiny finish, exemplary hold and a striking floral fragrance.
When painting your nails, always use base coat. It might take longer, but it gives the coloured polish something to adhere to, making your manicure last a couple of extra days. It also prevents your nails from staining.
54 STYLE BEAUTY
◀ LANCÔME Reduce the effects of pollution, stressful lifestyles, fatigue and exposure to UV rays with the Absolue Precious Cells range from Lancôme.
Exclusively distributed by Chemimart. T: 2149 2212.
◀ CLARINS This revitalising and multi-tasking BB cream is formulated with organic kiwi extract to boost the vitality and radiance of your skin. Exclusively
distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd. T: 2123 2141.
editor’s
pick
T:250 mm
intuitive color ▼ LA PRAIRIE Get acquainted with the new Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream SPF30 for an new life for your skin instant and beautifying transformation. Exclusively
▲ DEBORAH MILANO Express your personality through the 12 new shades of the 7 Days Long Nail
distributed AM Mangion Ltd. T: 2397 6000. ntroducing cellular swiss ice bycrystal transforming cream spfEnamel 30 nail polish by Deborah Milano. Exclusively
by AM Mangion Ltd. T: 2397 6000.
T:250 mm
At
distributed by AM Mangion Ltd. T: 2397 6000.
▲ LA PRAIRIE Discover the beauty of powerful protection with the agedefying, lavish formula of the Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil SPF50 from La Prairie. Exclusively distributed
▲ YSL YSL beauty scientists have deconstructed the saffron pistil and extracted glycan to, along with other powerful ingredients, produce a luxurious skincare collection. Exclusively
distributed by Chemimart. T: 2149 2212.
◀ Braun Discover the new Braun Silk-épil 9 range with a 40 per cent wider head, removing more hair in one stroke and giving you longer-lasting smooth skin for up to four weeks.
Available from shop.vjsm.com.mt and leading outlets.
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▶ CARTIER The floral felinity of Cartier’s La Panthère Eau de Parfum Légère is illuminated by tiaré flower notes for a wake of sensuality warmed by amber rays CSIC_TC_S_LB_0.25mx0.25m_1.indd of sunshine. Exclusively distributed by Chemimart. T: 2149 2212.
Saved at
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from
by
install’s iMac
Approvals 220.702 NO NARTmm x 220.702 mm 250 mm Swiss x 250 Ice mmCrystal Cellular None 100% 100%
LaprairieTemp / Laprairie Spare
Fonts & Images Art Director Copywriter Account Mgr Studio Artist Proofreader
Kamollio Bennett None None Masako None
Fonts Helvetica Neue LT Std (45 Light) Images CSIC_TC_RGB_SHOT_1_LB_WW.tif (RGB; 1287
Printed At
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56 STYLE BEAUTY
Esca
IT’S TIME TO
Let’s face it, life today has become one long race against time. There are always things to do, people to catch up with and places to go to. This is precisely why we at Pearl Spas created an oasis to escape to.
Amenities
Both spas have a large, heated indoor pool with a serene chill-out deck. Our saunas help you release tension, relax your muscles and mind, and revive your entire body. Our steam room is specifically designed to help open up your airways, alleviate congestion and make breathing easier. Our Jacuzzi completes the picture by reducing stress and enhancing relaxation between one treatment and another. Face, Body, Massages, Baths and Beauty Essentials
Pearl Spas offer an extensive menu to address every individual’s
need – from pampering to stress relief, anti-ageing to weight loss programmes, and much more. These treatments are specifically designed to suit both sexes. Utilising earth- and sea-based products, our facial treatments offer skin purification with deep pore cleansing, exfolia-
tion and hydration. Our unique anti-ageing facial treatments also address tired eyes. Our massage treatments are second to none and you can enjoy them alone or with your partner/friend. Our spa therapists will tailor the massage to your specific requirements.
We offer deep tissue massages, aromatherapy massages, reflexology and sports massages. Our team has also created maternity treatments designed to help mothers to be improve their blood circulation, lower their anxiety levels, relieve pain and improve sleeping patterns. Pearl Spas offer exclusive signature treatments and packages for a unique escape from daily life – the specialised hammam mud ritual treatment, your own private Jacuzzi party, Thai massage, Seabreeze massage, Dermalogica facial treatment and day spa packages including an allinclusive buffet lunch, free parking and free use of spa facilities.
ape
STYLE BEAUTY 57
THE DAILY GRIND
The new chain of Pearl Spas already has two outlets in leading four-star hotels, the db Seabank Resort + Spa (Mellieħa) and db San Antonio Hotel + Spa (Qawra). Both offer tranquillity, relaxation, cutting-edge facilities and treatments to revive your well-being.
Innovative Programmes
Pearl Spas use state-of-the-art technologies to help you reach your physical and mental goals – beauty enhancement, slimming, anti-ageing and toning. Using micro technology, we can assist you to reshape your body, improve your skin, remove fat,
tone muscles and connective tissue, and revive your circulatory and lymphatic system. We can also help you firm up facial muscles and make them more elastic. Thanks to new technology we can offer you a healthier complexion, improved tone, smoothness and a better
definition of your face. If you want to treat unwanted hair, we can also assist you with our IPL Laser Hair Removal treatment. It is extremely safe, non-invasive, uses no UV and causes no pain. Impeccable results are visible after only two weeks. Allow Us to Welcome You
Come and escape from your daily pressures and indulge yourself in our sanctuary of relaxation and tranquillity. We are here to pamper you, to make you look and feel better. It will be our pleasure to welcome you to the world of Pearl Spas. n
April Day Spa Offer For only ¤60 per person, you’ll get a 55-minute Hot Stone Back Massage, a Relaxing Facial and an all-inclusive buffet lunch. You will also gain access to all the spa facilities, including our sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and indoor pool. This offer is valid Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Free Parking
Contact details Pearl Spas at db Seabank Resort + Spa, Mellieħa • T: 2289 1330 or E: seabank@pearlspas.com Pearl Spas at db San Antonio Hotel + Spa, Qawra • T: 2350 3701 or E: sanantonio@pearlspas.com
Escape with us
STYLE LIFESTYLE 59
IN THE
kitchenWITH…
If it is true that there is no love sincerer than the love of food, the heart of any home has to be the kitchen. STYLE ON SUNDAY was invited to explore three beautiful kitchens and talk to their owners about what makes them special. INTERVIEWS: MARIE-CLAIRE GRIMA
Sarah DE CESARE and Nigel Dunkerley spend a lot of time in the kitchen with their two young sons, Rorí and River. Their sunny, lodge-style kitchen is the centrepiece of their home, serving as the hub of family life as well as a place to entertain friends.
“Although we live in a villa, we wanted to give our kitchen a cosy feel, like a cottage or a lodge, with lots of wood and stone elements, while incorporating modern features into it. Everything is stored away in pull-out compartments, so clutter is avoided, but everything we need remains close at hand. We had the kitchen made-to-measure around the huge leather granite slab that serves as a counter. “The kitchen is by far the most important part of our house. I have a full-time job but when I’m at home, I’m basically glued to the kitchen – always cooking and preparing. There’s no separation between the kitchen and the living room, so it allows me to keep an eye on the children too when they’re playing or watching television. When we’re entertaining, people naturally gravitate towards the huge island in the middle of the room – it creates a very sociable space, and the fact that there’s a stove in the middle of it allows me to carry on cooking without ignoring my guests.
PHOTOGRAPHY: INIGO TAYLOR
“One of the most vivid childhood memories I have is of walking home after church on Sunday and smelling the mouth-watering scent of my mother’s roast pork wafting down the street. I’m now a vegetarian for ethical reasons, so I’ve had to adapt many of my recipes to a meat-free version, including my lasagne! I’m always dipping in and out of my trusty spice drawer – cooking without meat really makes you push your boundaries – you discover a whole new world of vegetables, spices and other ingredients to experiment with. “Nigel’s grandmother would have loved this kitchen. She was a brilliant cook too, and she managed to make the most delicious dishes with very limited means. We can only imagine what she could have created if she had the resources that we have today!”
60 STYLE LIFESTYLE
Writer, traveller and foodie Mark Strijbosch recently moved back to Malta from the UK. He took us into his newly-finished kitchen, which was designed to make the most out of the island’s perennially sunny climate.
“My kitchen is very minimal, with lots of clean, straight lines. There’s no separation between the kitchen and the living room – I’m constantly eating, cooking and moving between one area and the other, so I wanted the space to reflect that. “I put the sink area on the hidden side of the kitchen, so that when I have people over, I can put the dishes away and take care of them later, rather than waste time cleaning up while I’m entertaining. “My house is very old, and the original kitchen was a small, dark room on the second floor, which was the exact opposite of what I wanted. I wanted a kitchen which would be facing south so that there would always be sunlight pouring in. Natural light is very important to me – it’s a source of energy and the many hours of sunlight we get in Malta is one of the reasons why I moved back from the UK. My kitchen, which was designed and built by Domestica, is now just a short flight of stairs down from the roof – I really like the idea of cooking a meal in the kitchen and then going up to eat it outside. “I’m half Dutch but my favourite cuisine is Moroccan – cooking in a tagine really helps bring out all the flavours. And I learnt how to make pasta carbonara from a Neapolitan – my friends tell me it’s better than the Italians’!
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAN CARVILLE
“I love travelling and I like picking up different pieces for the kitchen and home – as long as they fit into my hand luggage, I’m game! Although they’re mismatched and mixed in terms of colours and patterns, they always seem to flow together well. I want my kitchen to be somewhere to relax and enjoy good conversation.”
STYLE LIFESTYLE 63
As a rising Instagram star and a university student, Jan Navarro (@jan_navarro_jn) is always on the go. For him, his kitchen is a place where he can whip up a quick and healthy snack to power him through the day.
“I’m obsessed with my Nutribullet – I saw it on Instagram about a year ago and I just had to have it. I mostly use it to make soups and smoothies. For the smoothies, I like using tropical fruits, like mango and papaya, but whatever’s in the fridge will do. I’ll usually toss a cupful of protein powder into the mix to provide me with extra nutrients – I’m always running in and out of the house. I don’t always have time to sit down and eat, so this way I can get all the vitamins I need, even if I’m drinking them in my car. As for soup, there’s no flavour that can’t be improved with a hearty handful of Parmesan!
“The shape of our kitchen is quite unusual as it’s very long and narrow. I was a little worried when it was first installed as the surfaces are very shiny and I’m a real neat freak – I can’t stand the sight of fingerprints on a surface – but it grew on me. We do a lot of entertaining, so there are some pretty heavy-duty catering appliances in here. “We try to eat as healthily as possible in this family, with lots of fresh fruit and veggies. One of us is coeliac so most of the food is gluten-free. I would have to say that the frying pan is the item that gets used least in the kitchen. I used to be really into coffee but I switched to tea about a year ago, as I find it better for my skin and my overall well-being.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAN CARVILLE
“My mother lives abroad and she flies in every weekend with lots of exotic ingredients in tow – she’s a very experimental cook, and to her, trying out different cuisines is a risk and a challenge. As for me, I would love to invite Gordon Ramsay into my kitchen – not just to cook for me but also to teach me how to expand my range of cooking skills!” n
STYLE HOMES 65
the
Spring UPDATE
From the right lights and key outdoor pieces, to chic Scandinavian design, we asked three top designers to pick their favourite trends for spring 2016 – and their choices are absolutely inspiring!
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Words by Jo Caruana & Iggy Fenech
STYLE FROM THE
North
Inspired by its founders in the 1930s, New Scandinavian Design still holds the values of durability, functionality and reliability. Combining natural materials with coloured or raw steel, simple lines and soft greys, vintage radios and soft furnishings, Elton Buhagiar of Smart Creations hints at how you can coalesce these simple yet punchy pieces together.
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1. Time Keeping (Smart Creations) This clock, known as Tiktak Time, combines modern and classical details. The oldest reference is in its metal pendulum, which comes in copper, brass or black, while its face is inspired by designs from the 50s. 2. 50s Fabulous (Smart Creations) Sometimes a product is so fabulous it doesn’t need much of an introduction. Take this Dek 51 pendant lamp for instance; the fabulous combo of thick leather, brushed metal and the trendy barn lamp shade. What can we say? Dek is a genuine Dutch design and comes in three colours and two different models. 3. Sitting Comfortably (Smart Creations) How classy can an office chair be? The Doulton is actually so classy we can’t decide if it is a dining chair, an office chair or a modern armchair… so we’ve agreed it is all three! And, as it’s made from fabric and a fabulous looking PU-leather, it feels as good as it looks.
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4. Perfect Square (Smart Creations) Constructed out of recycled wooden tiles and presented in gorgeous shades, the Mosaic stool is as pretty as it is practical.
5 5. Statement Style (Smart Creations) Sometimes your wall needs a grand gesture – and this lamp will achieve exactly that. This very elegant and pretty design asks for just the right attention, while still staying subtle. The arm and shade are also readjustable, for added practicality. 6. Industrial Chic (Smart Creations) This Louix chair is clearly inspired by an industrial classic, but this translation comes with a twist. It’s all about the comfy wooden seating, detailing, colours and comfort, and it comes in two colours – black and white.
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7. Textured Art (Smart Creations) The Moose, Salmon and Monty pillows promise to add both comfort and texture. We love them! 8. Rough But Ready (Smart Creations) This Besar lamp looks like an old barrel but it has been transformed into a sturdy pendant lamp. The worn metal contributes to its rough appearance and, for an extra touch of style, it is suspended from a wire wrapped with rope.
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66 STYLE HOMES
ART THROUGH
Light
Light has always played a crucial role in our lives – in fact, some of the biggest cultural revolutions are centred around light; think the harnessing of fire, the creation of gas lighting, and the advent of electricity, for example. Today, it is also a very important element of good interior design and, as Peter Cutajar of Light Design Solutions Ltd explains, it is essential to creating the mood and ambience of a fantastic living space.
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1. No Shadow of a Doubt (Light Design Solutions Ltd) Decorative light fixtures can be used as pieces of art to enhance spaces. When lit, this particular light fitting (PostKrisi) creates different levels of light and shadows, highlighting the wall or ceiling that it is fixed on. 2. Make the Grade (Light Design Solutions Ltd) Wall-washer light fittings are designed to illuminate a wall evenly from top to bottom in a smooth-graded wash. The wall appears bright and draws attention to the architecture, making the room appear more spacious. 3. Dimensional Intrigue (Light Design Solutions Ltd) Use LED light panels to give a three-dimensional quality to flat surfaces. In the project pictured here, the architect used H-beams as the main feature for this villa. 4. Shine a Light (Light Design Solutions Ltd) Reading in bed is meant to be relaxing, but it’s often hard to find good lighting that won’t annoy your partner. Using a bedside wall light with a flexi-arm LED will give you the advantage of light being directed on the book while eliminating excessive light around the whole room.
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5. Linear Motion (Light Design Solutions Ltd) Lighting has many functional roles that go beyond simply rendering our surroundings visible. Continuous line fixtures, for example, give you the flexibility to play with light and create various designs. 6. Surrounding Lights (Light Design Solutions Ltd) When thinking of lights, keep in mind the architectural features of the space in question. These light fittings were purposely used to enhance the Maltese architectural features, and create a subtle light that reveals the richness of the stone.
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7. Play with Light (Light Design Solutions Ltd) Fittings that play with light, shadows and volumetric effects create a stunning feature. This particular fitting comes in movable parts that can be positioned on the wall of either a small room or even a large hotel lobby. 8. Creating Drama (Light Design Solutions Ltd) When lighting a façade, do your utmost to enhance the details and features of the architecture. For this particular project, the inside area of the façade was lit, creating volume, depth and three-dimensional effects.
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STYLE HOMES 69
LET’S GO
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Outside!
Spring is in full swing and summer is just round the corner. “Everyone automatically tends to slow down and enjoy the outdoors at this time of year,” says Kieron Bezzina, from Brands International Ltd. “So our focus becomes about creating a homely look outside that is simple, while also sleek and sophisticated. After all, we want our outdoor space to help us to relax, slow down and be mindful of our natural surroundings. So, if you want to hit the right note for spring/summer 2016 opt for the following: soft, organic and curvy shapes, earthy and natural tones, soft blues and feminine pinks, and green – which is big for 2016. Have fun coordinating!”
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1 + 2. Keep It Natural (Brands International Ltd) Choose natural, hardwearing materials for outdoor furniture that can withstand our harsh climate, such as teak, eucalyptus, powder-coated aluminium and wicker. This will create a sophisticated, elegant mood.
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3. Magnificent Materials (Brands International Ltd) Combine wood, glass and concrete for a fresh, contemporary look. Introduce different textures through textiles in summery linens and light cottons in pastel colours, or geometric patterns for an instantly-updated look.
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4. Lots of Lines (Brands International Ltd) Stripes are big and everywhere this season. Bold white and blue stripes are eye-catching, trendy and complement the Mediterranean look so well. 5+6. All in the Detail (Brands International Ltd) Take your accessories outside! Use planters, pots, vases and tealight holders in contemporary concrete and clear glass, and opt for terracotta in cool blue shades to complement warm woods beautifully.
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7. Wood You? (Brands International Ltd) Extending the use of timber to your terrace or deck automatically creates spatial continuity and a coordinated space that is also sleek and sophisticated. For an authentic and natural look, this can be achieved through hardwood decking such as IPE, which can also be extended vertically in the form of cladding, and also to provide shade from above. Luminous furniture or small globes add a warm glow for a relaxed mood outdoors.
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8+9. Take Cover (Brands International Ltd) Proper shading is key to enjoying al fresco dining or lounging in our hot climate. Outdoor timber structures and trellises define the dining area and exude warmth, while providing shade where it is needed most. Aluminium powder-coated daybeds add a modern sleek touch and provide cool lounging spots.
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STYLE HOMES 71
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Moroccan DREAMS
STYLE CUISINE 75
Inspired by the unique and captivating flavours of Moroccan cuisine, STYLE ON SUNDAY creates dishes that make the most of what spring has to offer: fresh produce and vibrant colours. Food from THE VILLA CORINTHIA BY EXECUTIVE CHEF STEFAN HOGAN, CHEF JONATHAN ZAMMIT, AND PATISSIER MARK McBRIDE, AT THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA, ATTARD Props by CAMILLERIPARISMODE Photography & Styling TONIO LOMBARDI
RAS EL HANOUT
SPICED ROCKFISH WITH CAULIFLOWER PUREE
Ingredients: 800g rockfish fillets, deboned; 2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp coriander seeds; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 tsp ground cloves; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp chilli powder; 2 tsp ginger; 2 tsp paprika; ½ tsp cardamom. Method: To make the cauliflower puree, place all the ingredients in a pot and bring to the boil, reduce the heat and leave to simmer. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf, then puree, and pass through a fine sieve. Season. For the rockfish, place all the spices in a frying pan and toast over a low flame until they darken slightly. Transfer to a spice grinder and blitz into a fine powder. Rub the fillets with the spices and return to the fridge for 15 minutes. Warm a non-stick frying pan and add a splash of sunflower oil. Fry both sides of each fillet until crusted and finish in the oven for five minutes at 180°C. Plate by pouring a tablespoon-amount onto your serving dish, and topping with the fish.
“Blue is the only colour not found in food so it’s the perfect way to let your dinnerware stand out! From patterns to solid colours, blue is one of the most popular colours used in tableware.” Mara Camilleri, camilleriparismode
76 STYLE CUISINE
POACHED MUTTON
WITH ARTICHOKES, JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE PUREE AND CRISPS
Ingredients: 250g mutton loin, boneless; salt; olive oil; kale leaves, blanched and refreshed. For the artichoke puree: 140g artichokes; salt; 1 garlic clove; 100ml cream; 10g butter. For the artichoke crisps: 1 large artichoke, finely sliced; sunflower oil; salt.
“An accent plate provides a frame to your edible masterpiece, and choosing a bold pattern or colour makes a very strong statement! This also gives you the liberty to use plain plates to pair with an accent plate throughout your meal.” Mara Camilleri, camilleriparismode
Method: To make the artichoke puree, wash and peel the artichokes and cut them into thin slices. Sweat the garlic in the butter and add the artichoke slices. Season with salt before adding the cream. Cook for 10 minutes, transfer to a blender and puree before passing through a fine sieve. To make the Jerusalem artichoke crisps, deep-fry the sliced artichokes until golden brown, remove from the oil and place on absorbent paper and season with salt. Then, lightly season the mutton and wrap with the blanched kale leaves. Drizzle with the olive oil, place in a bag and vacuum. Poach at 6˚C for 10 minutes. Allow to rest and carve, then plate with the artichoke puree at the bottom, topped with the mutton and artichoke crisps.
STYLE CUISINE 79
MUHALLEBI
ROZ BIL HALIB AND ROSE WATER ICE-CREAM
Ingredients For the Ice-Cream: 700ml milk; 100g sugar; 3 tbsp corn starch; 30ml water; 15ml rose water; 15ml orange blossom water; 5 gelatine leaves, bloomed in cold water. For the Roz bil Halib: 600ml milk; 100g risotto rice; 100g sugar; 15ml orange blossom water; ¼ tsp mastic powder. Method: To make the Roz bil Halib, warm the milk in a pan and add the sugar. Stir until dissolved, bring to the boil, add the rice and lower the flame. Once the rice is cooked – normally around 45 minutes – remove from the heat and add the orange blossom water and mastic powder. Once sufficiently cool, set in moulds. To make the ice-cream, warm the milk with the sugar, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Mix the corn starch in the water and add the milk. Stir until the mixture thickens. Next, place the gelatine leaves in the milk, stir until dissolved, remove from the heat and strain through a fine sieve. Add the rose water and orange blossom water, and allow to cool slightly before pouring into moulds. Once set, remove from the moulds, spray with white chocolate and fleck with some red chocolate colouring. Plate a scoop of ice-cream on one side of the plate, and the roz bil halib on the other, and decorate as creatively as you wish. n
“A delicate blue pattern is always the way to go for a classic yet fresh feel. Combine with gold accents such as cutlery and napkin rings to add a more elegant touch.” Mara Camilleri, camilleriparismode
STYLE LIFESTYLE 81
AX Staff Party, Seashells Resort at Suncrest, Qawra
Jessie Xuereb, Angelo Xuereb.
Andrew Toth, Zsuzsanna Komaromi.
Dorianne Camilleri, Michelle Cassar.
Samuel Agius, Maria Catania, Nina Fassbender.
Anthony Bernard, Isabel Tapp, Iggy Fenech, Nicola Abela Garrett, Anna Marie Galea, Stefan Hogan, Fiona Galea Debono, Victor Calleja, Andy Kwok, Sean Ellul, Jo Caruana, Marie Claire Bugeja, Alexandra Bajada, Trudy Kerr, Donna Mercieca Gabrielle.
The Launch of Pageant of the Bizarre Photo Exhibition at Moldonado Bistro, Victoria, Gozo
Peter De Courcy.
Michelle Belmont, Matthew Green.
Dyan Azzopardi, Jacqui Losco, Beverly Tonna, Robert Agius, Nicole Ebejer.
Dyan & Nicky Azzopardi.
Dyan Azzopardi, Daniel Azzopardi, Marco Parascandolo, Nick Attard.
The Opening of C&S Wine Cafe at The Vivaldi Hotel, St Julian’s
Colin Fitz, Daphné Bugeja, Anthea Huber, Fabrizia Cleland, Matthew Camilleri, Marie Benoit.
papped! IN STYLE
The Launch of the New Rickshaw Restaurant Menu
Havana 808 Anniversary Party, St Julian’s
The Launch of the new Waterbiscuit menu at the InterContinental Malta, St Julian’s
Charlene Le Gall, Iggy Fenech.
Jo Caruana, James Oakley.
Malta Playing Arts launch at Happy Paws Carmen Zarb, Reno Portelli, Massimo Cassar, Jeff Twitchell-Waas, Margit Waas, Isabella Mahoney, Mark Schembri, Rosita Gasiunaite, Rosella Schembri, Maike Beekmanvan Dinther, Stephanie Borg, Rossella Dalmas, Conrad Attard, Charmaine Gerada, Jackie Djurovic, Sam Hayman.
82 STYLE LIFESTYLE
The Opening of Tommy Hilfiger Accessories at The Point, Sliema
Launch of the Charles & Ron Spring/Summer ‘17 Collection at Nolcha Fashion Week, New York
Ian Besançon.
Victoria Rotchenkova, Pavli Medvedova, Lyndsey Grima.
Daniela Aciu, Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd, Jessica Pimentel, Charles Borg, Cathrine Chadwick. Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd, Jenny Manduca, Zvetlana Pace.
‘Goût de/Good France’ Press Conference at the French Residence, Ħaż-Żebbuġ
HE Ms Béatrice Le Fraper du Hellen, Ian Besançon, James Oakley, Kevin Bonello, Michael Cauchi, Cyrille Darras.