ISSUE 32 • OCTOBER 2016
ON SUNDAY
Lights… Camera… Action! Malta’s Film Pack
Painting the Town
Fashion After Hours
Mid-Century Chronicles Interiors with History
Charlene Mercieca FACING A NEW FUTURE
8 STYLE CONTENTS
contents
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ISSU E 32 • OCTO BER 2016
ON SUNDAY
Lights… Camera… Action! Malta’s Film Pack
Painting the Town Fashion After
Hours
MID-CENTUR CHRONICLESY INT
ERIORS WITH HISTORY
Charlene Mercieca
Style Interview 13 Facing a New Future Charlene Mercieca opens up about her recovery from cancer. 20 Lights… Camera… Action! Meet some of Malta’s top names in film.
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FACING A NEW FUTURE
59 Style Lifestyle 41 Stars in their Eyes The truth behind Michelin stars. 47 Excellent Driving Experience Discover the new Suzuki Vitara. 57 The Style Checklist The news you simply must know.
75 Taste of Autumn Comfort food for foodies. 81 Papped! In Style Style sees and is seen!
Style Fashion 29 Painting the Town From boardroom to bar, effortlessly. 36 Autumn Classics The season’s hottest products.
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Charlene wears: jewellery by Novecentonovantanove available from Diamonds International Photography: Tonio Lombardi Styling: Sarah Micallef Make-up: Terry Attard, for Franks, using Guerlain Clothes: Rebelli, St Julian’s Jewellery: Diamonds International, Valletta, Malta International Airport, Portomaso, Golden Sands, Hilton or Piazza Tigne Shot on location at SU29 Boutique Hotel, St Ursula Street, Valletta
Style Beauty 53 Nude Glamour Keeping things natural.
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54 Editor’s Pick Autumn’s beauty must-haves.
Style Home 59 Mid-century Chronicles Go inside two stunning period homes.
67 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 11 December
67 Autumn Interiors Update Three top designers choose their key seasonal trends.
Editor Jo Caruana editor@styleonsunday.com VISUAL EDITOR Sarah Micallef LAYOUT DESIGN Ramon Micallef ram@box-design.net Photography Alan Carville, Tonio Lombardi, Nicky Scicluna, Inigo Taylor Contributors Terry Attard, Bianca Darmanin, Iggy Fenech, Marie-Claire Grima, Stefan Hogan, Mark McBride, Sarah Micallef, Aneeka Vella Mulvaney, Jonathan Zammit Advertising Content House Ltd Advertising SALES MANAGER Matthew Spiteri 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
“If you’re reading this... Congratulations, you’re alive. If that’s not something to smile about, then I don’t know what is.” – Chad Sugg, Monsters Under Your Head
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think we all need to be reminded of the above every so often. The daily humdrum of modern life – work to home, home to work, with a quick gym session or coffee with friends in between – can blind us to the very basic fact that we are here, on this earth, and able to enjoy it. All we need is to lift our spirits, smile and remind ourselves that life is there to be embraced and treasured, not discarded or taken for granted. One person who knows that all too well is this issue’s cover star, Charlene Mercieca. Charlene’s inspirational story – which she shares on page 13 – is a stark reminder of the power of positive thinking, as well as of our ability to mould our own destiny. She has certainly proved to be an inspiration to others currently facing adversity, and her determination to face the future as healthily as possible is something I am sure we could all learn from. Meanwhile, this edition also marks another mental shift – this time into winter mode. As I write this, rain is pouring down my office windows and my dogs keep leaping out of their beds at every thunderclap. I have to admit this is my favourite time of year and it’s been such fun putting this issue together – from the beautiful new-season fashion on page 29 to the interior design advice imparted by industry experts on page 67. Oh, and speaking of interiors, aren’t the mid-century-style homes featured on page 59 absolutely beautiful? They look wonderfully cosy and winter-ready, too. So, with that, I’ll leave you to your autumn boots, cardis and – my treasured cool-weather companion – mugs of tea. Have a wonderful autumn! Follow Jo on Twitter at twitter. com/jocaruana and Style on Facebook by searching for Style on Sunday Magazine.
COMPETITION
Win with Style! Carolina Herrera’s fragrance Good Girl EDT 30ml worth €55. This issue, you could win this dazzling women’s fragrance by Carolina Herrera, a perfume that loves her good side and celebrates her bad side. 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 November 2016. One entry per person. Terms & Conditions apply. Last issue, Alexia Aquilina won Paco Rabanne’s fragrance Olympēa Aqua EDT 50ml worth €64
STYLE interview 13
FACING A NEW
Having been given the all-clear following an advanced-stage cancer diagnosis eight months ago, Charlene Mercieca talks exclusively to STYLE ON SUNDAY about how she used healthy living and positivity to help her achieve the all-clear. By Jo Caruana PHOTOGRAPHY: TONIO LOMBARDI STYLING: SARAH MICALLEF MAKE-UP: TERRY ATTARD, FOR FRANKS, USING GUERLAIN JEWELLERY: DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL clothing: Rebelli SHOT ON LOCATION AT SU29 BOUTIQUE HOTEL, ST URSULA STREET, VALLETTA Charlene wears: jewellery by Marco Bicego from the Goa collection. Available from Diamonds International, Valletta, Malta International Airport, Portomaso, Golden Sands, Hilton or Piazza Tigne.
Future
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C
harlene Mercieca has long been well known for her dynamic work and upbeat outlook. As the entrepreneur behind the popular, all-natural Soap Café brand, people were drawn to her strength as a businesswoman, as well as to her healthy approach to life and her vibrant personality. But it stopped there; that is, until, she spoke out about her recent cancer diagnosis and the changes she’s made as a result. Since, she has received support from people across the country and beyond, and, through her positive approach to her own self-medication and treatment, inspired thousands. When Charlene looks back on life before her diagnosis she describes it as ‘quite hectic’. Her days revolved around her work, to the point that her partner, Wayne, actually joined her in the business, just so they would have more time together. “Back when I opened Soap Café, the concept was completely new to Malta,” Charlene recalls. “So there was a lot of groundwork to do. I spent the first five years building the brand as, then, even the very idea of all-natural, vegan products was unheard of; it started slowly but soon began to take off.” Charlene’s business was actually inspired by her own needs for natural products, as she had long suffered from sensitive skin and other dermalogical issues. “I studied herbalism and aromatherapy, and started to research how I could do things differently,” she says. “The results were really positive; I noticed a difference and wanted to help as many people as I could.” In fact, Charlene says she injected this health-conscious, natural approach into so much of her life, from the products she made and sold, to the food she ate. Nevertheless, and despite that, she was diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year – something she
Charlene wears: jewellery by Mikimoto from the Basic Akaya collection. Available from Diamonds International, Valletta, Portomaso, Hilton, Malta International Airport or Piazza Tigne.
had hoped her healthy lifestyle would protect her from. “I got into the system of selfchecking and found a lump in my breast whilst showering one day,” she says. “The fact that my cousin, who’s my age, had been diagnosed with breast cancer the year before made me take extra care, and I immediately went to the doctor to have it checked out. Although I was told it was unlikely to be anything serious, I insisted that I wanted further checks, and I am so glad I did. The lump was found to be cancerous and in an advanced stage-three state. Everything came to a halt the moment I got that diagnosis.” Within two weeks Charlene’s doctors had scheduled her chemotherapy treatment. “I, in the
“The lump was found to be cancerous and in an advanced stage-three state. Everything came to a halt the moment I got that diagnosis.” meantime, focused on sorting my life out,” she says, explaining that she jumped into gear, finding solutions for everything from ensuring her shop would be looked after to buying a wig. “Of course it was a huge shock, but I didn’t
want to waste a second. Within days I had cut my hair (so as to avoid the shock of it falling out), tattooed my eyebrows and researched all sorts of alternative treatments.” It was this research that really helped to guide Charlene’s selfmedication and she immediately changed her lifestyle to reflect the online advice of others who had faced cancer and survived. “I pored over everything from medical journals to personal accounts, and was willing to try anything. I read about how alternative treatments could help boost my chance of a spontaneous remission, and it gave me hope.” As a result, Charlene transformed her lifestyle and became more health-conscious than ever before. “Although I was healthconscious, my lifestyle still had issues, so I tried to eradicate them. I believe it was stress that caused my cancer, so I needed to really care for my body to help it fight. “I switched to an exclusivelyvegan diet and started to treat food as medicine. I cut out all sugar and food with gluten in it, went completely organic and supported my immune system with homeopathy. At that point I knew I had nothing to lose. I tried every remedy I came across, took all the supplements I could and started having coffee enemas to flush out toxins. Ironically, despite the cancer, my body was probably the healthiest it’s ever been! I knew I couldn’t give up and rely on the chemo but strived to keep my immune system as high as possible throughout.” Nevertheless, Charlene knew she also had to go down the medical route. Because her cancer was so advanced, she was advised to start chemo before having surgery, in the hope of reducing the cancer mass. There were many low points. “The doctors chose to use two types of chemo on me to give me a better fighting chance, but I had a very severe reaction to
16 STYLE interview
Brand: Cerruti for formalwear, Hilfiger for informal Accessory: Definitely scarves – they’re so versatile Food: Proper Thai food, ideally from a street vendor in Thailand Season: Summer Facebook or Instagram: Both City: I prefer the charm of villages, but Bangkok is my favourite city of all
Charlene’s favourites
the second one,” she says. “I ended up in hospital for two weeks and, because of my very low immune system and the fact any infection could have been fatal, was allowed very little human contact. It was horrible, and very lonely.” However, Charlene says that being public about her diagnosis and treatment on social media was one of the contributors that helped her to stay positive. “When I first got my diagnosis I asked my family to keep it completely private; I was worried about how people would react, especially as my brand was so well-known for being health-related. I was actually very angry that this was happening to me even though I had been so careful over the years. “But, as time went on, I started to face all sorts of questions from clients and friends, and I hated lying to people. I knew it was going to be a long journey and decided it would be easier if people knew, rather than if they thought I was keeping them in the dark about something.” So, what started as a simple Facebook post explaining what she was currently going through, developed into regular online updates and a flowing channel of communication between Charlene and her contacts, as well as people she had never met. “I never intended to share so much about my journey and it wasn’t pre-planned, but people responded so well that I was encouraged to continue. As it turned out, though, the writing and sharing helped me express myself, especially when I was struggling through treatment and trying to reflect on the situation. It’s as though writing it all down helped me to retrain my brain to be more positive, even in that moment.” Through the telling of her story, Charlene found that many people were inspired by her experience – whether they were going through cancer themselves, or had friends or family experiencing it. “I
Place Visited: Greece, Thailand, Cambodia Book: You Are The Placebo by Dr Joe Dispenze Bucket List Destination: The islands off Hawaii
Charlene wears: jewellery by Marco Bicego from the Africa collection. Available from Diamonds International, Valletta, Malta International Airport, Portomaso, Golden Sands, Hilton.
“Ironically, despite the cancer, my body was probably the healthiest it’s ever been!”
would share everything from advice about what helped me get through treatment, to tips on diet and complementary products. Many people started to reach out to me for advice, and I think it became mutually-therapeutic.” So, by the time Charlene had received her ‘all-clear’ in June, she had already kick-started a new project aimed directly at helping other people to do the same, in
whatever small ways possible. “I’ll never forget the moment I was told the cancer had gone,” she says with a smile. “I am still a little apprehensive that it could come back to be honest, but the signs are good. Doctors say quickremission cases like mine are rare, and that it’s almost unheard of to go from an advanced stage-three diagnosis to the all-clear, but I believe lifestyle changes can make
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“I have never been so enthusiastic about what’s to come.”
that happen, and I hope to help others achieve the same.” It’s all of this that has led to the launch of Glamourosity – Charlene’s new website which encourages people to share their advice for living with, and beating, a variety of diseases. “It could be cancer, diabetes, depression or anorexia, but positive thinking and lifestyle changes can help them all,” she says. “This platform is now a location for us all to share our hopes, fears, knowledge and questions, and it’s also a place for me to share what I’ve learnt, as well as any new research that I come across. If I can help even one person get through a diagnosis and to bravely fight the battle ahead, then everything will be worthwhile.”
In the meantime, Charlene is also approaching the future with new excitement. “I have never been so enthusiastic about what’s to come,” she beams. “But, equally, I want to do things differently this time. I believe it was the stress of constantly trying to please people that caused my cancer in the first place, so I am determined not to go back to old habits. Instead, I want to focus more on the things that make me happy – my partner, my family and my extended support system, and, of course, my business; but things will go slower now. I know how quickly life can take over but there’s no rush. I plan to enjoy every moment of my second chance and look forward to embracing every day with a sense of positivity and – most importantly – fun!” n
Charlene wears: jewellery by Marco Bicego from the Lunaria collection. Available from Diamonds International Valletta, Malta International Airport, Portomaso, Golden Sands, Hilton or Piazza Tigne.
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Lights… Camera… STYLE ON SUNDAY presents Malta’s Film Pack, featuring many
Front, Left to Right: Abigail Mallia, Shirley Spiteri Mintoff, Rita Galea, Simon Sansone, Rebecca Cremona. Back, Left to Right: Carlos Debattista, Pierre Ellul, Engelbert Grech, Jean Pierre Magro, Andrei Claude.
SIMON SANSONE Line Producer
PIERRE ELLUL Filmmaker Favourite Film
(Featuring Malta): “I’ve been in this industry since 2000 The Count of and have worked on around 60 films Monte Cristo and productions, ranging from bigLooking Forward To Watching: budget movies like Troy, right down Debarquement to small photoshoots and documenImmediat taries. Looking back, I’d say the biggest challenge so far was Sinbad – the budgets were tight and we had 167 days of filming… The longest production Malta’s ever seen! So much has changed, though. I remember how, when I first started, I struggled to open an account with any suppliers because they didn’t trust ‘the film industry’, can you imagine that now?”
“I’m currently working on four or five projects, so things are rather hectic… My first job on film was as a set production assistant on Gladiator, right after which Ridley Scott’s team took me on board. I went on to work on a further three films with him: Hannibal, Black Hawk Down and Kingdom of Heaven. While each project is special in its own way, I think working with Spielberg on Munich takes the biscuit as, as part of Spielberg’s Favourite Film: directorial team, I was nominated for a Wings of Desire Director’s Guild of America Award. PerLooking Forward To Watching: sonally speaking, my film Dear Dom will Elle, always be an important one. Its Falkun The Promise Film’s most successful project, which I wrote, produced and directed.”
Action!
STYLE LIFESTYLE 21
PHOTOGRAPHY INIGO TAYLOR INTERVIEWS IGGY FENECH & JO CARUANA SHOT ON LOCATION AT CITYLIGHTS ARCADE, VALLETTA
of the most prominent names in the local film industry.
ABIGAIL MALLIA Director & CARLOS DEBATTISTA Writer
“Our working relationship isn’t really that conventional as we were together Favourite Film: for three years, but decided to continue La Grande Bellezza working together even after that ended. Looking Forward It’s been 13 years now and, through our To Watching: T2, company Take 2, we’ve created a numKing Arthur: Legend ber of local TV series, including Gizelle, of the Sword Evangelisti, and Deceduti... We abandoned TV for a while, partly due to all the censorship, particularly on political satire, and partly because we wanted to pursue projects for the international market, but we’re now returning with Min Imissu, for which we have been promised no censorship. More recently, we had a special screening of our first feature film, Limestone Cowboy (supported by the Malta Film Fund) at the Valletta Film Festival, and we’re now working on a few projects, including a comedy thriller series and an international version of Deċeduti. In the future, we hope we’ll get to see more artists exporting their work, and that budgets for both TV and local cinema will go up once that happens!”
ENGELBERT GRECH Malta Film Commissioner
Favourite Film: Y Tu Mamá También (‘And Your Mother, Too’) Looking Forward To Watching: The Passengers
REBECCA CREMONA Writer-Director
“My first proper set experience was Spielberg’s Munich during which I was a video assistant, which means I had to set up Spielberg’s monitors to enable him to see what the camera was capturing. It was incredible, as I got to be by the actors, the camera crew and the director continuously… Even when everyone else had to leave because of that infamous sex scene! The idea for Simshar, my first feature film, came in 2008, after I had studied at the American Film Institute and at the University of Warwick in the UK. Simshar was released in 2014 and has been touring ever since. In fact, it is still being screened in 32 theatres across France. And, yes, I do have another film in the works!”
“Nuovo Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore was the film that made me fall in love with cinema. It is the perfect example of how the art of storytelling can take people on an emotional journey. Prior to becoming the Malta Film Commissioner, I worked on the production side of movies, so I can relate and understand producers and filmmakers much more. I wouldn’t say I get starstruck when I sit down with worldfamous celebrities; for me it’s simply a professional relationship and I’m there to do a job. In some cases I was surprised by how down to earth these people are... In Malta, this industry was always considered as a small economic niche, however we are now punching well above our weight. Favourite Film Last year alone we generated €100 mil(Showing Malta): The Count of lion, a record for our industry which goes Monte Cristo back over 90 years. Apart from servicing Looking Forward foreign films, we are also investing heavily To Watching: Assassin’s Creed in Maltese filmmakers, and working hard to create a film culture.”
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RITA GALEA Production Coordinator
Favourite Film
“I joined the industry in 1970 after my uncle, Paul (Featuring Malta): Shout at the Devil, Avellino, started the Malta Film Facilities. I joined as because it showed a junior clerk, and the first film I worked on was Eye so many stunning Witness. I have so many memories of stars coming Maltese locations Looking Forward into the office, and they often stayed for a chat; Roger To Watching: Moore was particularly lovely – he smoked a cigar Assassin’s Creed though, and I hated it, but didn’t have the heart to ask him to stop! Things have certainly changed since the early days, not least the way we now communicate instantly… Back then we waited for a telex to come in. I’ve worked on 77 foreign productions over the years, as well as commercials, documentaries and some TV, and I really do believe Malta has a lot to offer the international film industry. Of all the films I’ve worked on Munich really stands out, particularly because it was such a hot topic, and the explosions were incredible!”
JEAN PIERRE MAGRO Producer & Screenwriter
“I have my own company in the UK where we develop and finance movies and TV series, as well as graphic novels. For all intents and purposes, it’s a transmedia company. I’ve now been in the industry for 20 years and my passion has always been Favourite Film: storytelling. Engelbert and I Bram Stoker’s Dracula had a company together for Looking Forward a while called Drunken AnTo Watching: I’m a big comic fan, gel, through which we proso anything with a duced Genesis together. I’ve superhero in it! since worked in Hollywood for three years with Fish Corb Films, during which time I was involved in the TV series Ben-Hur and in the remake of Papillon. To me, storytelling is a need, like food and sleep!”
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SHIRLEY SPITERI MINTOFF Director of motion blur
“I have a masters in Fine Arts (Digital Arts) and a B. Comm. Hons degree, and my background is in advertising, but I've never been to film school, so I gained experience through observing and doing. It was a total baptism of fire but I’ve learnt so much… I’ve now just finished filming Favourite Film: I don’t have one, but I do my second short film, Alicia, which will be have a favourite genre, released next year. My first film, Friend or which is dark fantasy Foe, came out in 2015. I work with a team (Edward Scissorhands by Tim Burton!) and our long-term goal is to produce a Looking Forward feature film within the next three years or To Watching: so. My advice to any filmmaker is to not Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children wait around for funds or the ‘right time’, and to just write something, grab a camera and start rolling!”
ANDREI CLAUDE Actor
Favourite Film:
“It started with acting classes in New York The Shawshank Redemption all the way back in 2009. Then, in 2010, Looking Forward I moved to London to further my studies To Watching: and took part in a number of shorts and Snowden student films. Over the past few years I’ve worked with Michael Bay on 13 Hours and got to experience how he creates his legendary action scenes (six cameras filming for a long period of time, with all the action unfolding in one scene!). More recently, I played Khal Rhalko, one of the Dothraki leaders, in Game of Thrones. I was in the now-infamous scene where Khaleesi burns down the Temple of the Dosh Khaleen, and I almost got burnt too, as I accidentally managed to set myself on fire!” n
Citylights Arcade: Valletta’s revived art house This infamous theatre located in the heart of Valletta is an institution that has a fascinating and dividing history. A time-capsule in many ways – with props and relics from the past, and a tangible 1970s feel – the theatre, along with the adjoining arcade, is now set to become one of Malta’s leading art houses. In fact, it’s already played host to artists from Tate Modern and, between 4-25 November, it will present its second International Art Residency and Exhibition, featuring a solo exhibition by Chloe Feinberg, which is funded by Arts Council England National Lottery Fund.
STYLE FASHION 29
PaintingtheTown As firm believers in the ‘work hard, play hard’ ethic, we chose this season’s best looks to effortlessly take you from the boardroom to the bar.
PHOTOGRAPHY: NICKY SCICLUNA STYLING: BIANCA DARMANIN HAIR: ANEEKA VELLA MULVANEY FROM DO OR DYE MAKE-UP: TERRY ATTARD, FOR FRANKS, USING GUERLAIN MODEL: JACQUI AT SUPERNOVA MODELS SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE VALLETTA WATERFRONT
Dress from Joseph Ribkoff @ Mimi Boutique Top from Lulù Boutique Coat from Armani Jeans Shoes from Nero Giardini Bag from Furla Sunglasses and jewellery from Sun Lab.
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Cardigan from LulĂš Boutique Skirt from M&Co Shoes from Nero Giardini Bag from Furla Sunglasses and jewellery from Sun Lab
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Blazer and trousers from Armani Jeans; Shoes from Nero Giardini Bag from Furla Sunglasses and jewellery from Sun Lab; Top stylist’s own. Shot on location at Browns & More, The Valletta Waterfront
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Jeans and shirt from Armani Jeans Shoes from Nero Giardini Bag from Furla Jewellery from Sun Lab Scarf stylist’s own
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Cardigan and jacket from M&Co Skirt from Lulù Boutique Shoes from Nero Giardini Bag from Furla Jewellery from Sun Lab Belt stylist’s own
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Dress from Joseph Ribkoff @ Mimi Boutique Trousers M&Co Jewellery from Sun Lab Shot on location at Crave Eats & Drinks, The Valletta Waterfront
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THE PINK OCTOBER 2016
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autumn
CLASSICS 5 9
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6 1. MORGAN’S POMADE Morgan’s beard and moustache wax is made from beeswax, to soften, rehydrate and condition the hair. Exclusively distributed by Chemimart. T: 2149 2212. 2. REVLON REVLON is committed to the fight against cancer and to being leading supporters of women’s cancer research and support programmes. This year, REVLON Malta has teamed up with Pink October to help spread the word on breast cancer awareness, and they’re asking you to participate at events and to join in the fight to win the battle against breast cancer together! 3. YSL The essence of the city of love gets bottled up in the new, sparkling fragrance for women by YvesSaintLaurent. Exclusively distributed by Chemimart. T: 2149 2212.
8 4. CARTIER L’Envol de Cartier is a fragrance for men imbued with a tang of lignum vitae and notes of honey, brought out by a wispy haze of musk. Exclusively distributed by Chemimart. T: 2149 2212. 5. JOHN FRIEDA Harry Josh, John Frieda’s international creative consultant, says: “it’s really important for brunette hair to be rich in tones – faded shades of brown just don’t cut it.” The new Brilliant Brunette innovations from the John Frieda professionals will help you radiate your natural brunette. 6. JOSEPH RIBKOFF This Joseph Ribkoff dress is a classic wardrobe must-have with timeless appeal. €242
7. LANCÔME Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation’s oilfree and lightweight liquid formula gives you the buildable coverage you need. Exclusively distributed by Chemimart. T: 2149 2212. 8. NERO GIARDINI An autumn wardrobe-staple, these stunning ankle boots give any outfit the rock chick-edge. €140 9. REVLON Revlon reveals its latest, covetable lip collection for 2016 with a sultry, seductive take on matte lips. Introducing the new Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor, for velvety matte high definition colour with a lightweight, moisturising feel.
38 STYLE BEAUTY
CETAPHIL Experience why one bottle is sold every minute across the globe! The Cetaphil range makes your skin as resilient as you are. From now on you decide what you do, not your skin. www.cetaphil.com
PANTOGAR By nourishing and reviving the hair root from within, Pantogar will give you a full head of healthy, beautiful hair. www.pantogar.com
skin& scalp DEEP
Products are available from local pharmacies and/ or selected hair salons and supermarkets. Exclusively distributed by GF Ltd. T: 2143 7415.
ALPECIN Do you want to stop hair loss? Alpecin Shampoo – the number-one-selling men’s shampoo in Germany – works against hair loss, dandruff and thinning hair thanks to its specially-formulated Caffeine Complex. www.alpecin.com
BIO-OIL Suitable to use even during and after pregnancy, Bio-Oil treats and reduces the visibility of scars and stretch marks, helping you feel confident in your own skin. www.bio-oil.com
ALTERNA HAIRCARE With its luxurious cocktail of oils and caviar extracts, the Alterna Caviar Anti-Ageing Moisture Intense Oil Creme Shampoo quenches strands like no other. www.alternahaircare.myshopify.com
ALTERNA HAIRCARE Using only the best ingredients, Alterna Haircare will instantly transform your hair and look! www.alternahaircare.myshopify.com
SCHWARZKOPF GLISS Using Liquid Hair Repair Technology, you’ll experience beautiful, repaired hair within a few uses. Schwarzkopf Gliss is now available at a convenient price and size of 650ml. www.glisskur.schwarzkopf.com
TANGLE TEEZER Encourage your hair’s natural shine and thickness while detangling it with one stroke: the new, original Tangle Teezer is now available at more attractive prices in Malta, in compact and original sizes. www.tangleteezer.com
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STARS EYES IN THEIR
A Michelin star is the highest accolade a restaurant can achieve, and the culture surrounding the chosen few restaurants remains a topic of fascination for many. Here, Marie-Claire Grima meets three people who have delved deep into this world and experienced all it has to offer.
Photo: linaandtom.com
“
I
left Malta in 2000 to work as a nanny in Switzerland. The Swiss cook using seasonal ingredients that were rare to find in Malta at the time, including wild mushrooms and game, and seeing such intriguing items regularly at the supermarket piqued my interest in cooking. “After a two-year course at ITS, I spent seven years working at the Sofitel West Sussex Hotel’s fine dining restaurant and café bar in the UK under head chef David Woods, who nurtured my passion for food and taught me almost everything I know. During this stint I graduated to senior sous chef and the restaurant also gained its second AA rosette. In 2011, after taking part in Master Chef: The Professionals and reaching the semi-finals, I was picked for a one-week stage at the two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche by chef Michel Roux Jr, who presented the programme. I asked him for a job and ended up spending a year there! After that, I held the position of head chef at the acclaimed Hotel du Vin in Cambridge for a few years. I’ve been back in Malta for two years now and I have taken on the role of head chef at the Trabuxu Bistro in Valletta – my goal is to create genuine, highquality bistro-style food. “To be a great chef, you have to be insanely hard-working and seize every opportunity to learn. The stereotype that chefs in a Michelinstarred venue are very demanding and extremely perfectionistic is largely true. There are about 14 chefs working every shift, and I’ve seen people being thrown across a kitchen and had plates chucked at my head. Plus, you can forget having any kind of social life – sometimes you’re in the restaurant from 8.30 in the morning to 12.30 at night, working 80or 100-hour weeks. In that environment, you only have one chance to get it right, so when the plate reaches the customer, everything has to be perfect.” trabuxu.com.mt/bistro
Alison
Azzopardi chef
“To be a great chef, you have to be insanely hard-working and seize every opportunity to learn.”
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Meeting and interviewing Heinz Beck, owner of three Michelin-starred La Pergola in Rome.
Ivan
BRINCAT
Photo: Inigo Taylor
food writer
Creating the Food and Wine Gazette has provided the possibility to go behind the scenes. Here it’s at a four hands dinner organised at two Michelin-star restaurant L’ Air du Temps in Belgium with two chefs Sang Hoon Degeimbre and Bo Bech.
“
F
ood and wine captivate me because they’re so ancient, yet constantly evolving; a mix of tradition and modernity. I used to be a journalist, but a few years after I changed career paths, I realised I still needed a creative outlet. This led to the launch of Food and Wine Gazette, which I update regularly with features, interviews and reviews. “I love both cooking and eating food, but I used to have a crippling phobia of cheese. The first time I The dish Ivan misses most when he's away from Malta – spaghetti with rizzi (here prepared by himself).
“I believe that what makes a Michelin-starred restaurant is the experience it offers of tasting creations which would be impossible to recreate at home.”
Left: with Massimo Bottura, chef patron at Osteria Francescana, Modena. Right: Osteria Francescana’s iconic dish Five Ages of Parmesan.
dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant, it was Fulvio Pierangelini’s two-starred Gambero Rosso. I went in with an open mind, and said to myself, ‘Whatever is served, I’ll eat.’ As luck would have it, I was served a cannelloni tube stuffed with marinated pork, with a hearty helping of Parmiggiano on top. I took a deep whiff of that pungent cheese and dug in. It made me wonder what on earth I had ever been scared of ! Since then I’ve dined at around 20 Michelin-starred venues and interviewed scores of chefs for the Gazette. I’ve often driven 600km in a day to meet chefs and go to restaurants.
“I believe that what separates these top chefs from others is their drive to push forward, break new boundaries and create new dishes which make you wonder how they are made. Most of these dishes would be close to impossible to replicate at home. Personally, I really admire Massimo Bottura, chef patron of Osteria Francescana, which remains one of my favourite dining experiences. I booked months in advance to get a place, flew in to Milan and drove to Modena, just to eat at the restaurant. With creativity, imagination and respect for Italy’s unique food heritage, Massimo brought the Italian kitchen into the 21st century, and is now tackling the pressing issue of food waste worldwide.” www.foodandwinegazette.com
STYLE LIFESTYLE 45
Picking fruit before the workshops begin
“
I
started Creative Holidays Malta because I felt that today, more people are travelling to experience the food and wine culture of a particular country. We’ve been to Tuscany, Sicily, and Spain, and we’re planning a gourmet visit to France to coincide with a truffle and wine festival in May. The main focus of these holidays is to visit wine
“I feel that what sets Michelin-starred places above others is how well they combine ingredients which, at first glance, may not make much sense together – but when you taste them, they work so well!”
estates and sample local food. Michelin-starred restaurants are one of the main attractions of our holidays – dining at a top rated restaurant is something many people would love to do but often don’t
Faye
Photo: Inigo Taylor
MALLIA
as they often lack the right company. I feel that what sets Michelin-starred places above others is how well they combine ingredients which at first glance may not make much sense together – but when you taste them, they work so well! We strongly believe that the gastro-tourism experience is not complete unless you get directly involved and our trips always include a cooking workshop with a local chef or food expert. “We also organise cooking workshops using crops and herbs from handpicked local producers. The workshops are inspired by my extensive travels and my interest in culture and food – I love giving old local recipes a new twist! I also love Italian food, and one of my favourite things to make is a Sicilian orange salad, with freshly-picked oranges, spring onions, a bit of chilli, olive oil and salt and pepper. Our workshops are popular with locals and foreigners alike – locals appreciate the tranquillity and the ambience, while tourists enjoy the Mediterranean cooking experience.” n
founder of Creative Holidays Malta
A cooking workshop at Villa Bologna
facebook.com/CreativeHolidaysMalta
STYLE MOTORING 47
Excellent
Photos: Alan Carville
driving experience
Style on Sunday test-drives the new Suzuki Vitara.
F
or many years, sophisticated, new SUVs were rich people’s toys and most of us common mortals could only afford a glimpse of them on our roads. Several car manufacturers have of late been coming up with more affordable SUVs for the mass market, not necessarily out of love for us common mortals but because they have understood that people’s tastes are shifting and the popular appeal of driving an SUV is rapidly increasing. One of the most recent, beautiful attempts is the new Suzuki Vitara, which in the past could have been regarded as a wannabe SUV. That’s the past though as the new Vitara has been given a new lease of life and the only remnant of its past is literally the name it carries on the boot. There is a lot going for the new Vitara, starting with the trendy youthful styling, the personalisation of each individual colour that enables a buyer to pick a varied colour palette, engines that deliver decently on the road while being highly economical, and perhaps one of the greatest surprises of all is the excellent driving experience. Yes, the Vitara drives beautifully on the road and in the Style Test Drive, the driving ability of the Vitara is the aspect that stood out the most.
Scores highly on driving experience
The Vitara’s best asset is undoubtedly the driving experience. Forget the old Vitara. This car holds well on the road, has a steering that is neither too light nor too heavy, has a constant grip on the road, the 1.6 petrol engine we drove delivers an impressive 118bhp and the torque level is superlative. The driver’s position is equally impressive – not too high but high enough for the overall size of the Vitara, while the seating as well as the steering positions provide extensive options to cater for all sizes and shapes! Excellent value for money
One thing is for sure. From a value point of view, buying the new Vitara is a no brainer. You will certainly get value and you don’t need to ponder much about that aspect if you opt for the Vitara. For starters, the basic Vitara model – the 1.6GL+2WD comes with an extensive list of equipment and accessories. The basic model is equipped with navigation system (including Maltese maps), a rear parking camera, climate control, 17” alloy wheels, privacy glass, cruise control, Bluetooth connection, Stop-and-Go System (that saves on fuel), LED daytime running lights,
STYLE interview
Verdict
tyre pressure sensors, navigation system (including Maltese maps), metallic paint, extensive air bags (including front, side, knee and curtain air bags), remote control central locking, power steering, electric heated mirrors, DAB+ radio and sound system, and much more. What then renders the new Vitara excellent value for money is that this model can be yours for just €18,500. It would certainly defy logic to take the risk and hassle of shipping a used SUV from the UK with probable high mileage and a lot
of baggage in the wear and tear department, when you can get your hands on a highly desirable and reliable brand new sophisticated SUV for less than €20,000. Offers versatility
Another remarkable aspect of the new Vitara is versatility. It is not a stereotyped model that can suit only a specific strata of society. With the right colour palette, it can look fun, trendy and young. Yet, dress it differently and it can fit the bill perfectly for a more sober audience. Versatility is aided
by the fact that you can personalise important aspects of the car, particularly in relation to colour palette, two-tone colour options, as well as the possibility to opt for the GLX model which comes equipped with certain extras including xenon lights, panoramic roof and chrome front grille. n
In technical terms the Vitara classifies as a compact SUV, but the truth is that it is the most spacious and well-equipped compact SUV on the market. It drives fantastically, is extremely versatile and has the looks of a stylish SUV. The entry level 1.6GL+2WD is probably the best value option and at ¤18,500, you can’t go wrong!
For more information on the new Suzuki Vitara visit the Suzuki Showroom at Industrial Motors Ltd, Antonio Bosio Street, Msida or call the sales team on T: 2016 0000. You can also visit www.suzuki.com.mt or send an email to info@suzuki.com.mt
STYLE PROPERTY 51
Frank Salt Real Estate Leadership and Commitment Frank Salt is getting bigger and better! Here we meet two of their new branch managers – Ray Young who will be running the Mosta branch, and Brian Grima who will run the branch in San Gwann. Ray Young is 56 years old and married to Maris; together they have two children. When did you join Frank Salt Real Estate?
I joined the company in early 2009, so I am completing my eighth year. What made you choose a career in real estate?
I am a qualified architect’s assistant and draughtsman by profession, a qualification I chose to pursue because of my passion and flair for property. What helped you fit into such a career?
I come from a business background, having owned a number of shops, two of which were in Mosta. Moreover I am a people’s person, so the job itself was right up my street because the position requires interaction and a service-oriented attitude. A property consultant has to have these qualities to guarantee excellent service, which is the trademark of Frank Salt Real Estate.
Considering your new position and responsibilities, what challenges are you facing?
Frank Salt Mosta is a new branch, in a zone which covers the central areas of the island, including Naxxar, Mgarr, Rabat and Mtarfa, among others. I expect it to be busy, so my quest is to set the office up efficiently, and to offer the best service a client can expect from Frank Salt Real Estate. Beyond that, I will ensure that the premises will be a showcase of the perfection that Frank Salt is renowned for. What is the present market situation, and how will you prepare your staff for it?
The market is very good at the moment. This means that this is the right time to provide the best service possible, and to ensure that the reputation which Frank Salt Real Estate has enjoyed for 47 years will be further demonstrated. I am planning to coordinate with my hand-picked staff to ensure this mission is carried out to the best of our abilities.
Brian Grima is a 45-year-old father of four from Attard. Please tell us about yourself.
I’m really energetic and a great communicator. Working in hospitality for 17 years helped me to build confidence and taught me the Prior to being selected to manage importance of customer loyalty. I learnt to the new Mosta branch of Frank Salt, ‘promise only what I can deliver’, and I do what was your role in the company? my best to show recognition and acknowlI held a position as a senior sales property consultant, providing a service to clients wishing edgement to all employees that meet goals. to sell or buy a property. I am also an instructor Why real estate? on the technical aspect of property, where I I love meeting people and, when I was offered give new consultants an overview on the types the opportunity to join the leading real estate of property out there, accurate procedures team on the island, I immediately accepted for registering properties on the Frank Salt the challenge. In the initial months it was not inventory, and search methods for information on planning procedures. The latter role I hope easy, as I needed to get to know the market, learn to generate clients and, of course, to retain, despite my new responsibilities.
spend time wisely. But, since I moved to Frank Salt Real Estate two years ago, I haven’t looked back. What is the biggest challenge of your new role?
I’ve been there already; my experience in leadership and commitment to deliver will certainly help me achieve results. Moving to our new San Gwann office is motivation in itself. It’s a modern, lively environment with a lot of passing trade, and I will ensure that the expected service clients are looking for, is delivered. Describe your team in San Gwann.
I currently have five property consultants at the San Gwann branch, all with experience that covers most areas in central Malta. They are all young, energetic, full of confidence, and they know the market very well and mean business. The new San Gwann office is bigger and thus we are currently in the process of engaging another five property consultants. A full training programme is provided at the Frank Salt training centre. What do you think of the property market at the moment?
The property market has always been good but, after the worldwide recession back in 2008/2009, it got even stronger. The last three years have been exceptional and I consider myself lucky to be working in the market. There never seem to be enough properties on the market, though; apartments are the most popular, especially with first-time buyers and rental investment, but still there is a great demand for houses of character and townhouses in any part of the island. The Three Cities are the best place to invest at the moment, together with Kalkara. n
FRANK SALT REAL ESTATE LTD: T: 2379 4794 - fs@franksalt.com.mt - www.franksalt.com.mt
STYLE BEAUTY 53
Get THE look!
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nude GLAMOUR
▲ Once your skin is prepared and you’ve applied your choice of foundation, focus on your eyes. Start with a fantastic eye-shadow – we recommend Guerlain’s New 5 Colour Eye-Shadow (in Shade 03 Coque D’Or from the Fall Collection ’16). Use the base to smooth out and illuminate, the nude shades to shape, and, finally, the smokey shades to create that smouldering look.
4 ▲ Then, add definition to your face with blusher, in a beautiful pink hue that really lends itself to this time of year. We recommend Guerlain’s Blush (Shade 02 – Chic Pink), which exudes a natural radiance. It adds just the perfect hint of colour!
2 ◀ Add further focus to your eyes with a strong and defining eyeliner. We used Guerlain’s New Precision Felt Eyeliner (from the Fall Collection ’16), which offers precise, clear and definite drawing to create your look, whether you’re opting for something natural or graphic. It’s also water resistant and has a no-transfer texture that lasts brilliantly from day to night.
3 Next, complete your eyes with a bold swish of mascara. We’ve used Guerlain’s Cils D’Enfer So Volume Mascara, which gives amazing results. Pull it from the root to the end in a straight line outside; this will create a voluminous ‘hair dryer-like’ effect. u
STYLEtip
Natural and fresh, this beautiful autumn look will add that extra update to your top-to-toe fall look. Make-up: Terry Attard, for Franks, using Guerlain Hair: Aneeka Vella Mulvaney from Do Or Dye Model: Seren at Models M Photography: Nicky Scicluna Shot on location at Valletta Waterfront
5 ▲ Finally, keep things chic with a nude lip – the ultimate autumn update. Guerlain’s Kiss Kiss Lipstick (Shade 500 Fall in Nude, from the Fall Collection ’16) helps to plump your lips and make them soft, while also adding a beautiful lick of colour.
Well-groomed brows frame the face and make it more symmetrical. Be bold by giving your eyebrows a bit of an arched shape with a brush and eyebrow gel.
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◀ SKINCEUTICALS Metacell Renewal B3 visibly improves early signs of photo-ageing by increasing cell turnover to resurface skin, helping to re-clarify and even the skin tone. Exclusively available from Persona MedAesthetic Centre, Ta’ Xbiex.
▲ PACO RABANNE The luminous facet of heliotrope-vanilla is enhanced in Lady Million Privé by an intense floral heart and is lifted by a touch of juicy raspberry. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, T: 2133 1553.
editor’s
pick
▼ GUCCI The Gucci Guilty fragrances embody the new edge of the brand, signifying freedom by breaking away from traditional masculine and feminine fragrance ingredients. For local trade enquiries VJ Salomone Marketing Ltd, T: 8007 2387.
▲ CLARINS Get real-time aid for damaged or tired skin with the new Energy Booster, Repair Booster and Detox Booster from Clarins. Exclusively distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd, T: 2123 2141.
▲ DR. GRANDEL For over 60 years, DR. GRANDEL has been very successful in developing and manufacturing active ingredient ampoules for the professional beauty market. This background has provided DR. GRANDEL Kosmetik with considerable expertise in this category of skin care. DR. GRANDEL... In love with perfection Exclusively distributed by CAREWELL by Reactilab, T: 9982 8498, E: sales@reactilab.com
▶ BOSS Indulge in life’s simple moments with the fresh and fulfilling Boss Ma Vie pour femme, Boss’s new fragrance for her. For local trade enquiries VJ Salomone Marketing Ltd, T: 8007 2387.
▼ DR. GRANDEL The Professional Collection series of Ampoules by DR. GRANDEL Kosmetik offers active care in concentrated form that fulfils the most sophisticated skin requirements, providing maximum flexibility, individuality and rapidly visible results. DR. GRANDEL... In love with perfection Exclusively distributed by CAREWELL by Reactilab, T: 9982 8498, E: sales@reactilab.com
▲ PACO RABANNE 1 Million is reinvented in 1 Million Privé with the addition of an intense apple-cinnamon duo magnified by the ultimate addictiveness of tonka beans. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, T: 2133 1553.
◀ CAROLINA HERRERA Inspired by a woman’s unapologetic duality, Good Girl embraces femininity and sensuality while exuding timeless elegance and casual irreverence. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, T: 2133 1553.
STYLE CHECKLIST 57
MDINA GLASS These Flicks Range tumblers have vibrant and colourful ‘flicks’ that accentuate the base of the clear glass. Currently available from Mdina Glass outlets or online at www. mdinaglass.com.mt
DINNER IN THE SKY Enjoy a fabulous dinner with a 360-degree view of Mdina, Sliema and the Three Cities, as you’re strapped into Formula 1-style racing seats and suspended 12 metres above the capital by crane. Dinner in the Sky. T: 9999 0077, W: www.dinnerinthesky.com.mt BAY STREET Experience a week full of magic, live reptile shows, photo opportunities, and trick or treating between Friday 28 October and Thursday 3 November. And don’t forget to enter their Best Costume competition! Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s.
TA’ MARIJA Enjoy an all-inclusive buffet for just ¤25 every Saturday night (with live entertainment by Corazon) and Sunday lunchtime, or a Maltese à la carte night with entertainment on Wednesdays and Fridays. Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Constitution Street, Mosta T: 2143 4444, E: info@tamarija.com, W: www.tamarija.com
PEARL SPAS are the quickest escape from today’s daily pressures. A professional and dedicated team of therapists will be happy to guide you to choose the right revitalising treatments for you, helping you to recharge and purify your body. Pearl Spas, db Seabank Resort, Mellieha. T: 2289 1330. Pearl Spas, db San Antonio, Qawra. T: 2350 3701. E: info@pearlspas.com, W: www.pearlspas.com
the STYLE
checklist
VALLETTA WATERFRONT Pleasures and treasures abound at the Valletta Waterfront with sing-along specials every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy music, stalls, giveaways, outdoor games and children’s entertainment just in time for Halloween weekend. W: www.vallettawaterfront.com/octoberahoy
VILLA CORINTHIA The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa is holding its second afternoon tea dance within the historic Villa Corinthia, accompanied by live music, dancing and a scrumptious spread! Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, De Paule Avenue, Attard. T: 2144 0301, E: www.corinthia.com/palace
STYLE HOME 59
Mid-Century
Chronicles
Mid-century furniture and design may have gone out of fashion for a while, but they’re back with a bang. Here, Jo Caruana goes through the keyholes of two beautiful properties that celebrate the unfading allure of this almost-bygone era. PHOTOS: ALAN CARVILLE
Curator and ‘selective’ collector Lisa Gwen has lovingly transformed this Hamrun townhouse by flooding it with light, enveloping it in art and, yet, staying completely true to its original design aesthetic. Lisa is head of the Creative Europe Desk, hosted by the Culture Directorate, and regularly curates exhibitions, including the upcoming Infinite at Gallery 808.
“Modern furniture tends to leave me feeling cold – I like items with a history… I didn’t want to live in a showroom.”
“It took 13 months and 70 houses before I found this one – and I instantly knew this was it. I wanted a townhouse as I needed space for my collections but I also wanted lots of light, and that can be a challenging combination to find. This one fit the bill and I finally moved in in January 2014. “The only structural changes I made were in the kitchen, where I opened up a stretch of wall to let lots of light in. It made a huge difference, and I think it really complements the new (but still slightly retro) kitchen.
Photo: Ritty Tacsum
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“As a curator myself, finding the right spot for every piece of art has had its challenges – and Polyfilla has definitely been my friend throughout the process! Among my favourites are these plates by Fornasetti, which were given to me by my dear friend, artist Ritty Tacsum, and one of her own plate designs, as well as another by Marco Cremona. I think they provide the perfect frame for this door. Other highlights include this sculpture called A Taxidermist’s Dream by Paul Scerri. I curated a show for him and – although not previously a fan – got quite into the art of taxidermy, so I had to have this piece. Paul then gifted me a set of sculpted scissors, which I also love. This three-piece suit was my grandmother’s. When it was brought here I had no idea what colour it actually was, because she’d always kept it under leafy-green dust covers and we only used it once in a blue moon. I was mesmerised when I saw what was there! I love the colours, texture and softness, and regularly fall asleep on it. I am actually very sentimental, and it means a lot to have my nanna’s things around.
“Since then I have curated every aspect of the space. I didn’t rush into it, but lived and explored each room until I found the perfect spot for all the items I have collected over the years – some are gifts I was given for curating shows or presents from friends, others items I collected on my travels or at flea markets. I knew I wanted each one to find a space where it could be displayed and enjoyed. “I really admire design from the middle of last century; there’s something very tangible about it. Modern furniture tends to leave me feeling cold – I like items with a history… I didn’t want to live in a showroom. “Aside from the things I love, I also look
around this space and see the people I love, including some who are no longer with us. The peacock chair in the office belonged to artist Isabelle Borg, and she gifted it to me before she passed away. I had curated a show for her and this painted suitcase on the stairs is another reminder of her spirit and work.
Right: A Taxidermist’s Dream
“Looking at my home now, it does feel like my own exhibition space and I have certainly ummed and ahed over the placing of every picture, photo and sculpture! Now it feels right, although I have no doubt that the house will continue to evolve as I continue to collect beloved pieces to bring into it.”
STYLE HOME 63
Thomas Camilleri, a creative executive at brand and design agency Switch, recently returned to Malta after 10 years working as an actor in London – a job that saw him perform on the West End, as well as across the UK and Europe. Thomas has spent a year-and-a-half completely transforming this spacious third-floor apartment in Gzira.
“It was my brother, Mark, who first discovered this property while I was still living in the UK. He viewed over 180 places while on the hunt for his perfect apartment and, having extended his search parameters slightly, spotted this. I immediately loved it and advised him to get it, but it wasn’t his thing. When I moved back a year later I was thrilled to find it was still on the market (as it had been for 10 years!) and made an offer almost immediately. “I think most people would have been put off by the amount of work that needed to be done here, but I was totally inspired by it. I’ve wanted to take on a design challenge ever since watching Changing Rooms on the BBC when I was a child!
“Structurally there was a lot to do. Aside from opening up three of the rooms to create the now-open plan kitchen/living/dining area, I also wanted to keep the original tiles. I removed the tiles myself, scraped off the cement and cleaned them. I like the fact that a part of the apartment’s past is still here, as well as some other old tiles that I sourced from houses in Bormla and Valletta. “So many of the pieces here were actually sourced from other properties, and very little is new. At home we laugh that ‘nanna bought it, mum threw it out, and I brought it back!’ “Some of the items are family-owned, including my grandfather’s original swivel armchair and my grandmother’s sofa, while I found others at garage sales, flea markets and online.
64 STYLE HOME
“While I do love collecting, I need my things to have a practical value as well as an aesthetic one.” “But, while I do love collecting, I need my things to have a practical value as well as an aesthetic one. For instance, I have a Zodiaco San Giorgio fan from the 1950s works as well as it would have then, and the kingsized mahogany sleigh bed – which I found online – is as comfy as it looks! “The kitchen, on the other hand, is very minimalist. This fits in with my need for function and the fact that I knew the rest of the house would be quite ‘full’. The white kitchen is a zen space where everything can be cleared away and put out of sight. I think it juxtaposes nicely against the rest of the space, as well as against the raw, concrete ceiling. “When I look around this apartment now I love that almost every item has a story to tell; it’s authentic and real. Right now it feels as though most people are desperate to build or buy things new, without realising the potential of the properties and pieces already out there. With a bit of styling they can still look contemporary and modern, and there’s a sense of satisfaction to be enjoyed from their longevity too. “The Spinola Market Sign was actually a Christmas present I bought for my brother! But, once his place was ready, he didn’t really have room for it, as it needs a big, plain
wall to look right. I quite like how it’s fitted in here! “Looking to the future of this apartment, I know I am going to have to keep myself under control because I could keep filling it and filling it – but I am going to stick with the rule of one in, one out, otherwise it could get out of hand!” n
STYLE HOME 67
Autumn INTERIORS UPDATE From the right lights and key outdoor pieces, to chic Scandinavian design, we asked three top designers to pick their favourite trends for Autumn 2016 – and their choices are absolutely inspiring! Words by Jo Caruana & Iggy Fenech
NATURE’S
Bounty
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“This autumn the trend is to bring nature into your home,” says Paul Camilleri, the design and projects manager at camilleriparismode.“Combine natural materials with metals, and use horticulture-inspired fabrics and wallpapers. This will achieve that element of timeless luxury without being ostentatious.” www.camilleriparismode.com 1. Reflections Metallic finishes don’t just make fabrics look more luxurious, they also radiate light, which makes up for the lack of natural light outside in the colder seasons. This fabric by FR-One is a very clear example of how they can be used around the home. 2. Hybrid Pieces Colours can emanate cold or warmth, so you need to choose wisely. This geometric side table by miniforms combines wood with brass-finished metals to give a warm, modern feel that still retains organic elements.
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5 of the season. This memory block by Sid Dickens, for example, is reminiscent of fallen leaves and the more sombre side of autumn.
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5. GlobetrottING Evoke your natural instinct to explore with this unique wall piece. The vintageinspired print is an interesting way of bringing an autumnal hue into your space, whilst adding a twist to an otherwise modern interior.
6 6. Elemental Certain combinations, such as wood and metal, complement each other perfectly to bring a richness to an interior without losing any of their edge. When making use of such combinations, do so through interesting, statement pieces, such as this table by miniforms. 7. Cover-ups Wallpaper is an excellent way of adding an inspiring, artistic touch to any interior. This beautifully bold, leaf-motif wallpaper by Lizzo has a metallic finish that inspires nostalgic memories of autumn.
3. Glowing Warmth Lighting has definitely taken centre stage this season; but it should never be harsh. The metallic finish of these Original BTC pendant lights adds a homely glow to your space, making it more welcoming.
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4. Little Things To incorporate autumnal hues into your home, choose accessories that truly capture the mood
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68 STYLE HOME
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Chic METROPOLITAN OR Nordic LIGHT?
2 3
This autumn/winter season, two key trends are predominant in the world of interiors on an international scale – metropolitan moods embodying chic city living, and the crisp, northern moods of Scandinavian living. Cassandra Cutajar, sales design consultant at BoConcept, shares some tips about achieving these two looks from the new BoConcept 2016/2017 collection. “The metropolitan look is all about a chic sophisticated style, reminiscent of urban city living, and bringing a sense of sophistication into your home. The key is to combine just the right pieces of furniture with the right colours. The nordic, Scandinavian look, meanwhile, embodies relaxed interior design, wooden accents and lots of natural light – the aim is to bring a sense of authenticity and tranquillity into your home.” www.brands.com.mt
1. Metropolitan Moods If you’re in love with chic city living, let yourself be inspired by opulent colours and sumptuous fabrics. Urban luxury and sophistication is reflected through darker tones throughout, offset by lush greens and touches of copper, brass or gold. Pairing the vibrancy of these materials with darker shades serves to further amp up the sophistication and elegance. 2. Comfort and Style Make a statement in the dining room through timeless styles with a contemporary edge. Ensuring long-lasting comfort is key; the Adelaide chair in the new semi-upholstered or fullyupholstered quilted velvet is as lush as it is comfortable. 3. Strike it rich! Indulge yourself with rich colours like these gorgeous greens and greys, floral patterns and the sumptuous textures of velour and velvet in rich golds or pastel pinks.
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4. Scandinavian Chic Scandinavian rooms are loved because of their simplicity and sense of tranquillity. Opt for clean lines and authentic personal touches: light wood and neutral tones, natural materials and touchable textures all achieve a comfortable and homely interior.
5. Distinct and Interesting Round, organic shapes appear very pure and simple – focus on natural materials such as marble, terracotta, concrete, ceramics and metal in charcoal greys, soft mints, deep purples and dusky pinks, and play with differently-sized items to keep the look interesting.
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6. Spirit of Scandinavia Nothing embodies the spirit of Scandinavia more than stretching out on a cosy, comfortable sofa in front of the fireplace. Think crisp whites, comforting greys, soft leathers in tan or caramel hues, authentic patterns and chunky textures on cosy rugs. 7. Cosy Little Corner This is your space, where you can put on your favourite music and stretch out on a comfortable chair, while reclining and swivelling as you please. Organic shapes in light colours blend seamlessly in the tranquil mood of the Nordic look. 8. Coordinated Sparkle The Scandinavian look is not only about muted tones – shimmer in small doses adds a refined, elegant interest and complements the look stylish. Adding reflections and shiny detail through mirrors and reflective surfaces is a big trend this season, but the key is to keep it coordinated and controlled.
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STYLE HOME 71
“Fashion and interior design have a long history of interrelationship,” says The House Shop’s Michele O’Reilly. “They go hand in hand. If you care about the way you dress, you care about the way you live and vice versa. Here I’ve chosen eight items that really highlight how fashion design is interwoven with the world of interiors.” www.thehouseshop.com.mt
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1. Surrealist Show-Stopper Inspiration for this iconic lamp by Porta Romana came from two sources: a surrealist exhibit showing the Oppenheim crane leg table, followed closely by a sighting of an incredibly rare fur table lamp, chained to a wall. A visit to the couture show at the V&A and the sight of the unbelievable Dior grey ostrich feather dress was the inspiration for the show-stopper shade. Duck feet lamps are owned by many fabulous people, from super-models to super-stars. How fitting.
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2. Artisanal Luxury A shared commitment to preserving artisanal traditions connects the two luxury brands of KPM Berlin and Bottega Veneta. Their porcelain service ‘Intreccio Svanito’ has a distinguishing feature – Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave, which is hand-painted in trompe l’œil style. Each piece is numbered by hand and bears the marks of both partners.
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3. Striped Sensibility Sir Paul Smith’s reputation is founded upon men’s fashion, and his designs often make use of striped patterns. This rug by Ligne Pure is clearly influenced by the iconic British designer’s flair for creativity. 4. Tradition Meets Fashion The Dress collection ‘Made in Italy’ by Swan speaks the language of fashion and design thanks to the deep pleats and soft lines of this sofa. Entirely upholstered in heavy fabric, Dress represents a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional sofa type.
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IN DESIGN
5. Trends and Innovation Proud of its English origin, Jane Churchill continues to draw inspiration from the world of fashion, always introducing new ideas and colours. Each distinctive collection of fabulous upholstery fabrics, wallpapers and curtain fabrics is built upon fashionable trends. 6. Beautifully Organic and Powerful Each piece of jewellery in the Lamellae Collection by Georg Jensen takes inspiration from Zaha Hadid’s architecture, referencing the undulating silhouettes seen in many of her structures.
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STYLE HOME 73
finishing
TOUCHES HENRI Stylish teapots, cups and mugs are among the many unique gift ideas for him, for her or just for yourself, now available at HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique, Pjazza Tigné and Mdina. T: 2010 6306, FB: henrimalta
ESS Designer styling to suit both modern and classic interiors alike. The Crystal Range by Retrotouch is available in a variety of appealing glass finishes, fitted on standard back boxes. The range includes rocker, touch and remote light switches, switched and non-switched sockets, low voltage solutions and other wiring accessories. Exclusively available at ESS Ltd, Imriehel. T: 2125 5777, W: www.ess.com.mt
ESS Add a touch of sparkle to any space with a contemporary, crystal light fitting. Pictured here is the ‘Melody’ design. With its dynamic shape, this light fitting features an integrated LED-light source and is sure to be the centrepiece of any space. ESS Ltd, Imriehel. T: 2125 5777, W: www.ess.com.mt
EVERY OCCASION, EVERY FLAVOUR, ONE DESTINATION A sumptuous far-Eastern dinner at Rickshaw, fine dining at the Villa Corinthia or Malta’s best hot chocolate at The Orange Grove café. At The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, the options are vast but one thing is the same throughout - our cuisine bears the hallmark of excellence.
JAZZ UP YOUR SUNDAY AND PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP AT THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA THIS NOVEMBER
Indulgent afternoon tea accompanied by Godwin Lucas’ live jazz band and hosted by Peter Carbonaro in the decadent Deco surroundings of the Villa Corinthia. Sunday 13th November, 4pm to 7pm
VILLA CORINTHIA €28 per person
DE PAULE AVENUE, SAN ANTON BZN 9023, MALTA | T: +356 2144 0301 | F: +356 2146 5713 SANANTON.PALACE@CORINTHIA.COM | CORINTHIA.COM
Taste of
Autumn
STYLE CUISINE 75
Food from THE VILLA CORINTHIA, BY EXECUTIVE CHEF STEFAN HOGAN, CHEF JONATHAN ZAMMIT, AND PATISSIER MARK McBRIDE, FROM THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA, ATTARD Props by LOFT; Cutlery stylist’s own. Styling and photography by TONIO LOMBARDI
As trees shed their leaves and the temperature drops, STYLE ON SUNDAY sets out to bring together a variety of flavours to create comforting dishes that look like art and taste divine.
‘COOKED’ COLD ROOT VEGETABLE SALAD WITH ROSEWATER EMULSION Ingredients: 100g carrots, 100g purple heritage carrots, 100g golden beetroot, 2 red beetroots, ginger oil, extra virgin olive oil, dill, capers, lemon juice, puffed malted wheat flakes, 1 litre mineral water, pinch of salt. For rosewater dressing: 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 tsp red wine vinegar, 2 tsp water, 1 tsp rosewater, salt and pepper.
Method: Dissolve the salt in mineral water to create the brine. Slice the vegetables in varying thickness, place them in a vacuum bag together with the brine and remove any air.
Refrigerate for 24 hours. Drain, dry thoroughly with kitchen paper towels and season with the remaining ingredients.
For the rosewater dressing, whisk all the ingredients together until a smooth texture is achieved. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve.
76 STYLE CUISINE
Ingredients: 1 spring onion, 1 salsify, 1 shallot, 100g clarified butter. For carrot puree: 300g carrots, 50g shallots, 200ml carrot juice, 20g butter, 100ml water, 5 sprigs fresh thyme, salt. For sponge cake: 300g stewed onions, 310g pasteurised egg whites, 200g pasteurised yolks, 50g isomalt, 10g nero di seppia, pinch of salt.
Method: To create the sponge cake, mix all the ingredients together, place mixture in a siphon and aerate in a plastic cup. Cook immediately in a microwave on the highest setting for 30 seconds.
Peel the shallot and salsify, and braise in one litre of vegetable stock for 30 minutes in a hot oven, protecting the top with foil. Next, julienne the spring onion and gently sautĂŠ with clarified butter, blend and pass through a fine chinois.
For the carrot puree, melt the butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Add the shallots and sweat until translucent. Add the carrots and cook for a further four minutes, before adding the carrot juice, thyme and water. Strain the liquid, blend, and add reserve liquid slowly until thick. Season to taste and pass through a fine chinois. To complete the dish, serve it with grilled spring onion.
GRILLED SPRING ONION WITH BRAISED SALSIFY AND CREAM ONION SPONGE CAKE
STYLE CUISINE 79
FIG, BEET AND RADICCHIO PUD Ingredients: 100g egg whites, 70g egg yolk, 80g sugar, 20g all-purpose flour, salt, 60g butter, melted, 60g buttermilk, 30g dehydrated beetroot powder, drop of red food colouring, 3 figs. For candied beet and radicchio: 4 baby beets, 8 radicchio leaves, 350ml water, 120g sugar.
Method: Combine the egg whites, yolks and sugar in a food mixer and whisk on medium speed. Sift the flour and beetroot powder on top, and add salt. Whisk again while drizzling in the butter and buttermilk. Add the red food colouring to the egg mix, then strain the mixture, and transfer it into a half-litre whipped cream siphon. Charge the siphon with two nitrous oxide cartridges, shaking well after each one. Preheat oven to 250°C and slice the beets. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring constantly. Add the beets, reduce heat, and simmer until slightly translucent. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beets in a single layer to a rimmed baking sheet lined with a non-stick baking mat. Bake until dry and slightly firm. Repeat process for the radicchio. Serve with quartered figs.
STYLE LIFESTYLE 81
An Evening with Valentini, camilleriparismode, Rabat Top left: Omar Borg, Pauline Borg, Alison Shaw, Mirko Portelli Top right: Lara DeGiorgio, Julia De Marco, Becky Zammit Left: Graziana Valentini, Kotryna Augustinaite, Rosemary Camilleri
Launch of Pink October at GlobalCapital Anne Micallef, Esther Sant, Dennis Vella Baldacchino, Michelle Muscat, Adrian Fabri, Reuben Zammit, Sharon Cassar Laudi, Betty Lee Hanley
Ivory&Co Ready-to-Wear Bridal Show, Dock 1, Cospicua Left: Tiffany Pisani Centre: Caroline Paris Right: Carmelino Refalo, Carina Camilleri, Josef Gauci, Justin Brincat
Charles&Ron launch S:S '17 Collection, Art Hearts Fashion, New York Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg, Daniela Aciu, Charles Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg
papped! IN STYLE
Derek Warburton at the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Attard Lexy Bajada, Derek Warburton, Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg, Charles Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg
Charles Debono's 70th Birthday Party, The Xara Lodge, Rabat Top: James Debono, Jasmine Abela, David Camilleri, Adriana Magro, Charles Debono, Becky Micallef, Iggy Fenech, Martina Mifsud, Karl Tanti, Thomas Bugeja Right: Natalie Debono, Charles Debono
Gran Gala Della Moda, St George's Square, Valletta Left: Gianni Molaro, Juliana Scerri Ferrante, Caroline Paris Above: Juliana Scerri Ferrante, Carlo Alberto Terranova
Sea Malta from a Different Perspective, the Launch of Azure Ultra's Bespoke Packages Top left: Trudy Kerr, Iggy Fenech, Becky Micallef Top right: Dana Bonello, Marie-Claire Grima, Martina Said Left: Isabel Tapp, Jonathan de Giovanni
82 STYLE LIFESTYLE
The Official Opening of the Aroma & Therapy Shop by Stephen Cordina at TignĂŠ Point, Sliema
Showers Closing Party, CafĂŠ del Mar, Qawra Above: Robin Sullivan Below: Domina Rizkova
Monique Chambers, Stephen Cordina, Carina Camilleri
The Official Launch of The Club House and The Vault, Limits of Rabat Top left: Sophie Crouzet, Jarek Gorny, Laima Babrika, Eman Pulis Top right: Andrea Trapani, Laura Maciulskaite, Dino Fino, Daniel Scicluna Bottom left: Martin Grzelak, Ramona Privitera, Rodianne Cassar, Trudy Kerr Bottom right: Jeremy Buttigieg, Jonathan de Giovanni, Grazielle Camilleri
Jim Dunn, Stephen Cordina, Arthur Whieldon
Anna Maria Galea, Stephen Cordina