Style on Sunday April 2017

ISSUE 34 • APRIL 2017

ON SUNDAY

Fairytale Fashion Looks you’ll fall in love with

Men in Style Malta’s most stylish gents

Their Favourite Spaces We go through the keyhole

Ira Losco Exclusive:

Introducing

Harry!

6 STYLE CONTENTS

contents

ISSU E 34 • APRI L 2017

ON SUNDAY

Fairytale Fa shion Looks you’ll

fall in love with

Men in Style Malta’s mos

t stylish gents

Their Favourite Spaces

We go through the keyhole

Ira Losco Exclusive:

Introducing

45

Harry!

64

Style Interview

Style Fashion

Style Beauty

11 When Motherhood Rocks Ira introduces baby Harry!

27 A ModernDay Fairytale Springtime comfort.

55 Spring Calling Defined lashes; bright lips!

18 Men in Style Fashion-forward gentlemen.

45 Doctor’s Orders Pushing the limits of medicine.

Style Living 37 Bigger, More Colourful & Fun The dynamic new Nissan Micra.

52 The Style Checklist The news you simply must know.

75 An Asian Feast Eastern culinary inspiration.

37

81 Papped!

In Style Style sees and is seen!

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

63

Ira wears: Calvin Klein Jeans dress, ¤159.90; UNO de 50 necklace, ¤215; UNO de 50 bracelet, ¤165.

Harry wears: Tommy Hilfiger cardigan, ¤59.90; Tommy Hilfiger chinos, ¤49.90.

Photography: Allen Venables Styling: Sarah Micallef Make-up: Diane Nikolic at Glow Hair: Mariella at Privé Clothes: Calvin Klein at The Point, Sliema, and Tommy Hilfiger, Valletta Jewellery: UNO de 50 at Beth, Paceville Shot on location at The Coleridge Boutique Hotel, Old Bakery Street, Valletta.

Style Home 63 My Favourite Things A lifetime in belongings.

69 Spring Update Three top designers choose their key seasonal trends.

75

57

Editor Jo Caruana editor@styleonsunday.com VISUAL EDITOR Sarah Micallef LAYOUT DESIGN Ramon Micallef ram@box-design.net Photography Alan Carville, Allen Venables, Stephanie Galea, Tonio Lombardi, Nicky Scicluna Contributors Chris Attard, Bianca Darmanin, Marielle Calleja, Karen Cutajar, Iggy Fenech, Chris Galea, Marie-Claire Grima, Stefan Hogan, Diane Nikolic, Mark McBride, Sarah Micallef Advertising Content House Ltd Advertising SALES MANAGER Matthew Spiteri Advertising SALES coordinator Lindsey Napier 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.

8 STYLE EDITORIAL

editor’s LETTER

S

omeone asked me about my plans for Christmas the other day. And, yes, they were asking about Christmas 2017 (while I have barely finished packing up my decorations from Christmas 2016…). I have no idea what I’ll be up to next week, never mind the end of the year, but it did get me thinking.

The truth is, time is whizzing past. It’s already April for goodness’ sake – winter is becoming a distant memory and here we are in Malta’s few short weeks of spring, looking forward to summer. Clearly time stands still for no one…

That was underlined as I saw and chatted to Ira Losco – our first-ever repeat cover star – as she talked through her stories of becoming a mum. Ira was first on our cover in 2012, and it was lovely to hear about

COMPETITION

Photo by Sean Mallia

“The years just pass like trains, I wave but they don’t slow down” – Steven Wilson

how many exciting things have happened in her world since then. She shares this story – and introduces her gorgeous baby Harry! – exclusively on page 11.

The new season has also given us a new opportunity to look at style – and particularly Malta’s most stylish men.

From perfectly-cut suits to avant-garde outfits, some of our island’s most dapper gents talk us through their fashion choices on page 18.

And, as always, new beginnings and fresh starts feature heavily in our spring issue, with beautiful fashion and beauty creativity, stunning interiors and delicious food. I hope you relish this special time that is ‘spring’!

Enjoy the sunshine, and the inspiration on our pages.

Follow Jo on Twitter at twitter.com/jocaruana and Style on Facebook by searching for Style on Sunday Magazine.

Win with Style! Nina Ricci’s Rose Extase EDT 50ml worth €67.50. This issue, you could win this dazzling floral fragrance by Nina Ricci.

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 15 May 2017. One entry per person. Terms & Conditions apply.

Last issue, David Grech won Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male fragrance EDT 75ml & shower gel EDT 75ml worth €60.

STYLE interview 11

WHEN

MotherhoodROCKS

In this exclusive interview about becoming a mum, IRA LOSCO reveals how her life has changed since baby Harry came along – from her emergency birth to the wonders of singing him a lullaby – while making her more determined than ever to focus on her music.

Words by Jo Caruana Photography by Allen Venables Styling by Sarah Micallef Clothing by Armani and Calvin Klein at The Point, Sliema, and Tommy Hilfiger, Valletta Jewellery available from Uno de 50 at Beth, Paceville Make-up by Diane Nikolic at Glow Hair by Marielle Calleja at Privé Shot on location at The Coleridge Boutique Hotel, Old Bakery Street, Valletta Ira wears: Calvin Klein Jeans bra, ¤38 Calvin Klein Jeans jacket, ¤339.90 UNO de 50 earrings, ¤80 UNO de 50 ring, ¤85 Harry wears: Tommy Hilfiger babygro, ¤54.90

12 STYLE interview

Ira wears: Calvin Klein Jeans dress, ¤109.90 Harry wears: Tommy Hilfiger babygro, ¤59.90 Clothing by Calvin Klein at The Point, Sliema, and Tommy Hilfiger, Valletta

I

“Harry’s heartbeat dropped and he was in distress, so I was rushed into the operating theatre for an emergency C-section.”

ra Losco is glowing when we meet.

Chatting animatedly about her recentlyreleased video, she throws in anecdotes about seven-month-old Harry, who is giggling away in his buggy.

Ira is definitely making her role as a working mum look effortless as she juggles photoshoots and early morning recording sessions with bringing up baby Harry, but she stresses that she’s simply doing what thousands of other parents do every single day. “The beginning was quite hard, as I realised I now had another role to fit in,” she says. “As anyone with a busy schedule will tell you, there’s a lot to juggle to begin with, never mind with a tiny baby to look after too! But I have enjoyed the challenge of working everything out and creating that new role.”

Nevertheless she admits to having had feelings of self-doubt along the way. “Often when you start a new role, it’s normal to think ‘am I doing enough?’, and that was especially true for me when I’d just had

Harry. I often asked myself if I was cut out for it – something that I’ve never found myself thinking when I am creating a role to play on stage. That said, I don’t like to beat myself up. On the contrary I am really enjoying it – even the tough parts – and trying to make the most of every moment.”

Looking back, Ira admits that she struggled with the unplanned element of her pregnancy, especially in the beginning.

“I am a big planner,” she says with a smile. “So when anything happens that isn’t quite on schedule, it knocks me for six… and Harry did exactly that!”

While Ira and Sean weren’t planning on having a baby just yet, Ira explains that it was very much on the cards for the future… but that she was hoping it wouldn’t be when she was representing Malta at the Eurovision when she found out she was expecting. “I always knew that I wanted to be a mum some day. I love children and have an affinity with them. However, at that moment

in time, I was in a really happy place in my career and that was my key focus.”

As it happened, preparations for Ira’s entry into the Malta Eurovision Song Contest were in full swing. “I knew the national final was going to be hard enough as there was certainly no guarantee that I was going to win, so I was working very hard. The pressure was also on because I was returning to the competition after 14 years and knew I had something to prove. So, of course, when I found out I was pregnant everything became hazy as I dealt with the emotions that came with the news, and my hormones were all over the place. Pulling out of the competition was not an option with just three weeks to go till the national finals, as the only justifiable explanation had to be the truth – that I was pregnant – and I had no intention of revealing that yet. I also wasn’t prepared to lie to my audience.”

Ira thus decided to go ahead with the national final and see what happened, without unveiling her news. Once she was crowned the winner, things started to feel more tangible and she had to face the reality of competing while five months pregnant.

“That is the point where reality hit home. I

14 STYLE interview

Ira wears: Calvin Klein Jeans jacket, ¤189.90 Calvin Klein Jeans bra, ¤38 Calvin Klein Jeans jeans, ¤119.90 Clothing by Calvin Klein at The Point, Sliema

guess my performance during the national finals and my reactions during the voting gave away that something else was on my mind, and numerous assumptions were made by the general public. In all honesty, the first trimester was tough psychologically but my doctors assured me that I would be absolutely fine and that travelling

“Sean’s a great dad. I love watching them together.”

in my second trimester was safe for the baby. When I look back, Harry was the most planned unplanned thing to happen to my life! Three months into my pregnancy I felt like myself again and back in the game.”

Of course it wasn’t long before rumours were flying about the possibility of Ira

being pregnant. “Some people were nice, while others were quite angry that I wasn’t confirming it; they felt they had a right to know! I, meanwhile, wanted to keep the news private for as long as I could and only shared it with those closest to me, not because I was naïve to the fact that I am in the public eye but because anything could have gone wrong at that stage of my pregnancy. I also didn’t want to instil doubt that, just because I was pregnant, I couldn’t do the job. On the contrary, I was even more determined to carry on – just like so many others who work during their pregnancies.”

Eventually, though, the news was announced and Ira says a weight was lifted, as she was able to focus on both major upcoming events in her life more clearly.

Plus, she was feeling healthier than ever. “My second trimester was fantastic,” she smiles.

“I felt great, and Harry had started to kick so the pregnancy was starting to feel more real and exciting. I think Sean had it hardest at that point as I was travelling a lot, so he was missing us and feeling overprotective.”

By the time the competition was over though, and she inched into her third trimester, Ira recalls it got a lot more uncomfortable – although she managed to keep working and recording until just two weeks before the birth. “Keeping active suited me as it meant I was distracted and not overthinking what was to come. It was only in the last two weeks that I gave in and spent ages lying on the sofa watching box sets – something I have never done in my life!”

The birth itself was quite traumatic, as doctors ended up opting for an emergency caesarean. “My waters broke and everything was progressing normally for a few hours until Harry’s heartbeat dropped and he was in distress, so I was rushed into the operating theatre. I was terrified of going under the knife and was in a total panic, and Sean was mirroring my emotions and also panicking!

It was all very confusing right after the birth, as I didn’t get to hold Harry for 45 minutes and I was convinced something was wrong. Thankfully nothing was wrong.”

Finally Ira and Sean got to meet their baby boy – and of course fell in love. “I’ll never forget that first night at the hospital as it was a very special opportunity for us to bond and I lay awake with Harry for most of it. Looking back I do think I suffered a little with postnatal depression in the very early days. It felt

STYLE interview 17

like an internal conflict – I would wake up happy and look forward to the littlest things, like a cup of tea or a shower. But, by evening, I would get weepy when people started leaving or angry that no one had told me I might feel this way… it felt like a very long five days! Thankfully the staff were amazing.”

Since then, Ira terms life with Harry as ‘wonderful’. “I love just spending time with him, enjoying the way he looks at Sean or I, and being close to him. It’s a new and wonderful feeling – he’s the first person to ever look at me that way!”

Now that he’s seven months old, Ira is also enjoying watching Harry’s personality develop – and music is definitely in his blood, as is water! “I sang him a made up song the other day and he started giggling like mad,” Ira smiles.

“He’s a little foodie too… avocado’s the only thing he hasn’t liked so far!”

Sean has also embraced his new role and is very hands-on. “He’s a great dad,” Ira smiles. “He’s the expert on food-related stuff, of course, but we don’t tend to have written rules as to who does what. It’s also lovely to see how Harry resembles Sean and to watch them together.

“Thankfully, Sean and I have a lot of help as he’s the first grandchild on both sides of the family and everyone is eager to lend a hand. As a result he’s a very sociable and contented baby.”

Long term, Ira says her hopes for Harry are pretty simple – for him to be happy doing what he does. “Obviously if he’s interested in music, I will encourage that; I know what it’s like to be a musician and to experience the magic of creating music with a fantastic team, and performing. I hope he gets to experience the creative world in some way but, at the same time, he may get the same enjoyment from running a race or climbing a mountain (something that certainly never interested me!). Whatever his path, I hope he will be happy.”

As for the future of her own career, Ira is very much back in business after her eightmonth hiatus and recently released the music video for her single We Are The Soldiers.

“I function best when I am working,” she says. “I have to be producing. It was lovely to take a couple of months off after Harry was born, but I was back performing as soon as possible. Now it’s all about routine and, of course, it took some adjustment but, if anything, I am enjoying my work

Ira wears: Calvin Klein Jeans jacket, ¤299.90 Calvin Klein Jeans dress, ¤109.90 Armani Jeans shoes, ¤140 UNO de 50 necklace, ¤170 UNO de 50 ring, ¤100 Clothing by Calvin Klein at The Point, Sliema. Jewellery available from Beth, Paceville

more than ever. Being a parent has enriched what I do not detracted from it.”

In fact, more releases are already in the pipeline for Ira, as well as a number of other projects. “There’s a whole lot of work to look forward to, as well as Harry!” she grins.

“I am so excited about the future, whether

I am thinking about Harry’s first steps or the next song we’re going to shoot. He’s become an inspiration and I love how determined he already is – when he wants something, he wants it and will stop at nothing to get it!

I guess we have that in common.” n

“Being a parent has enriched my music not detracted from it.”

18 STYLE interview

STYLE interview 19

Men in

Style PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE GALEA SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE STUDIO THEATRE WITHIN THE MANOEL THEATRE, VALLETTA

From the formal to the eccentric, STYLE ON SUNDAY brings together 12 impeccablydressed men in a celebration of the different manifestations of the masculine aesthetic.

Interviews by Iggy Fenech.

20 STYLE interview

ALEXANDER AICOLINA menswear designer

The Outfit: I like mixing smart and casual pieces, as well as different materials. Also, in a man’s wardrobe, you’ll find many staple pieces and I like to play on this. Here I paired a white cutaway shirt with a navy suit jacket.

There should always be a piece in your outfit that is unexpected so I wore a pair of polka dot chinos and brown-and-black lace ups.

ALEXANDER

Season: I am a huge fan of knitwear, tailoring and outerwear so definitely autumn/winter.

Fashion Inspiration: Menswear designer Kim Jones because he effortlessly mixes sportswear and formalwear.

JIMMY

KENNETH

JIMMY VELLA

KENNETH ZAMMIT TABONA

advocate

The Outfit: I wanted my ensemble to resonate colours of spring, so I wore light-brown trousers, a baby-blue shirt and a mustard jacket, paired with a brown tweed waistcoat. Since accessories are the accent pieces that bring an outfit together, I added a silk pocket square and cuff links.

Season: Spring affords the right temperatures for me to really go for it!

Fashion Inspiration: Gok Wan, Karl Lagerfeld, Jasper Conran, Paul Smith and Tom Ford.

Colour: Grey and brown, in all their shades.

Disliked Faux Pas: Not dressing ageappropriately and ill-fitting clothes.

SANDRO

Item of Clothing: I bought the jacket I’m wearing today after I decided I needed more coloured jackets; it was the same day I received a concerned call from my bank thanks to the numerous swipes on my card!

Spring ‘17: Colour in nice fabrics and tailored garments.

artist and illustrator; artistic director of the Valletta International Baroque Festival and Teatru Manoel

The Outfit: I wanted to reflect the timelessness of classic clothes. The grey, traditional ‘loden’ Austrian jacket was my 60th birthday present to myself. As the jacket is trimmed in tan suede, I wore a jamawal woven in Kashmir in brown and green; rare colours reflecting the Mughal designs. My tie is Hermès, bought in the 1980s when the fashion house still made them out of ladies’ scarves; while the tan brogues were bought in 1990 from my favourite Russell & Bromley!”

Season: I dislike extremes, so I am a child of the spring.

Fashion Inspiration: Valentino.

Colour: Black, blue and charcoal grey.

Disliked Faux Pas: Buttoning the bottom button of a jacket.

Item of Clothing: I bought my first blazer when I was 16 and have been wearing them with flannels or jeans for half a century.

Spring ‘17: Classic is always the best option.

Colour: Black, navy and grey.

Disliked Faux Pas: Socks and sandals.

Item of Clothing: A pair of orange Prada sneakers that go with pretty much everything I own.

Spring ‘17: Invest in some fun, floral, printed pieces with a 1970s-surfing element and don’t be scared to wear clashing prints.

SANDRO RIZZO

co-founder of cloudedrevolution.com The Outfit: I went for a semi-oriental, pyjama-inspired ensemble by layering a white, collarless shirt with frayed edges underneath a black dressing gown. I cinched everything in with an ‘obi’ belt, and added trousers because I didn’t want to get into trouble! The shoes are a recent purchase, spurred on by a Gucci-shaped addiction I cannot (yet) afford to fill.

Season: Autumn, because the excitement of layering clothes is still fresh.

Fashion Inspiration: My style is dictated by women’s interpretation of menswear.

Colour: Funereal black.

Disliked Faux Pas: My own nonheteronormative fashion choices can be viewed as faux pas, so I won’t throw any stones back.

Item of Clothing: ‘Thou shalt not commit sartorial nepotism.’

Spring ‘17: Experiment with wider proportions, especially in the trouser department.

STYLE interview 23 MARCO

ANTOINE LE MARC

press attaché at the French Embassy to Malta The Outfit: The sunset shades contrasting with the deep blue sea were my muse. I also like structured clothing so I opted for a tailored shirt, a tie and a blazer. For balance, I softened the look with some casual turned-up trousers and tan loafers.

Season: In summer, my wardrobe oozes blue, white and red, an ode to the timeless nautical look spearheaded by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Fashion Inspiration: Definitely Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel.

Colour: It’s very seasonal: while marine blue is very dominant in my wardrobe in the

ISHMAEL

summer, nothing beats the strength of my dark cashmere coats in winter.

ANDREI

Disliked Faux Pas: I’m not a lover of the low crotch pants...

Item of Clothing: A red, pure silk, 1970s scarf I found in a vintage shop I came across while walking aimlessly in Paris.

Spring ‘17: Have fun mixing and matching!

MARCO PARASCANDALO

ISHMAEL GRECH

The Outfit: I’m wearing a black badge bomber jacket, an elongated, satin pinstriped shirt and super-skinny black trousers – all of which I designed myself and are part of my collection. I paired them with my favourite biker boots. I feel very comfortable in black and I love to mix varsity looks with biker punk-rock accents.

The Outfit: With burgundy as its main focus, this outfit is more on the casual, relaxed side, which is what I normally wear at the weekend. I chose this style because it is simple and comfortable but, at the same time, has a unique touch to it thanks to the different accessories that complement it.

creative director and owner of Parascandalo

Season: The colours and layering that come with autumn make me feel good.

I also think outfits are more interesting with a light jacket.

Fashion Inspiration: Music.

ANTOINE

Disliked Faux Pas: Wearing a super-tight outfit from head to toe. No matter how fit you are, balance is good in everything.

Item of Clothing: My SKANDLU t-shirt, which was a play on my surname.

Colour: Black.

Spring ‘17: Be free, expressive and experiment with colour and texture.

marketing manager at Quality Meat Products Ltd; model at ModelsM

Season: Winter, as I can experiment more with combinations and options. It makes it much easier for me to express my style through the clothes I wear.

Fashion Inspiration: Alessandro Sartori, the designer for Z Zegna, inspires my experimentation with colours and types of clothes.

Colour: Mainly dark hues.

Disliked Faux Pas: White socks.

Item of Clothing: A dark brown, leather bomber jacket, which I thought was too expensive and was then gifted to me.

Spring ‘17: Mix smart and casual for more versatile and stylish combinations.

ANDREI VELLA LAURENTI programme monitor

The Outfit: The style of the outfit was inspired by many different muses; the glasses, for example, are similar to the ones David Hockney/Le Corbusier wore.

Having said that, I always go for darker colours as I do not feel very comfortable wearing bright ones. The waistcoat, then, is inspired by the Victorian era and the scarf is my wife’s. Yes, I do, occasionally, wear some of her accessories!

Season: Winter as I get to dress up more.

Fashion Inspiration: I am inspired by artists, painters and poets, and it all depends on what I am reading or looking at.

Colour: Black.

Disliked Faux Pas: Shell suits, tracksuits, moonwash jeans, patent leather shoes... the list is endless.

Item of Clothing: My favourite ‘great coat,’ as I like to call it, is from Russia and was worn by admirals in the Soviet Navy.

Spring ‘17: Don’t be afraid to work dark colours in spring.

24 STYLE interview

SAM BORG

brand manager at Gagliardi; director of Bortex Group The Outfit: I’m wearing a Gagliardi threepiece, wool and silk, overcheck suit, a geometric scarf, a silk pocket square and tassel loafers (sockless), which I matched with a Cartier watch and lava-stone bracelets. In a sartorial context there isn’t much that overpowers a three-piece suit: it’s a statement of intent, character and a symbol of an era that is being heralded today through the 1920sinspired culture movement.

Season: Autumn/ winter steals the show. There is something about layering which is not only enjoyable but also challenging.

Fashion Inspiration: Few figures in recent times can match the level of influence that Gianni Agnelli had on men’s fashion.

Colour: Blue.

Disliked Faux Pas: Any ill-fitting garment and lack of fashion guile to pull your look off!

Item of Clothing: A double breasted sports jacket: to me it’s the Maserati of this sort of looks.

Spring ‘17: Go for softer, more breathable and deconstructed.

SAM

ROBERT

MICHELE

DANIEL

ROBERT AGIUS

MICHELE TUFIGNO

DANIEL AZZOPARDI

The Outfit: Someone once described my look as eclectic, which I loved, so that is what I went for in this shoot. I wore black, ripped jeans, a simple, white shirt, a red-leather biker jacket, a leopard-print zip up and Chelsea boots to match. To complete the look, I added a pair of fish net socks, a belt bag and jewellery.

The Outfit: I’m particularly fond of Neapolitan cuts: the jacket I’m wearing has softer, rounded shoulders and the trousers are cut higher and closer to the body, which looks infinitely more flattering on men of average height. My tendency to wear coloured socks and plastic watches is a small act of rebellion towards the rigid rules of formal menswear.

The Outfit: I’m wearing a grey, tailor-made Gagliardi suit, but I also played around with green accents. Colour for my sense of style is essential, especially when it comes to suits.

The white trainers also help to dress it down, and give it a more millennial touch.

hairstylist; occasional model

Season: I simply love layering, so without a doubt: winter.

Fashion Inspiration: Lady Gaga. As the late Alexander McQueen said: there are no rules when it comes to her fashion.

Colour: Hate to say it but black.

Disliked Faux Pas: Saggy trousers! No one wants to see your underwear.

Season: Summer offers more opportunity for variety and comfort.

Disliked Faux Pas: Vulgarity: big watches, big logos and black shirts.

Item of Clothing: My two matching watches. Why wear one when you can fit two?

Fashion Inspiration: My father: he has a natural instinct for cut and fit, and is not afraid to break rules while remaining firmly anchored within the confines of classic menswear.

Item of Clothing: My tuxedo, which my father had made for his engagement to my mother in 1981.

Spring ‘17: Unisex clothing. Isn’t it about time men increased their options, too?

Colour: Black in winter and blue in summer.

Spring ‘17: Pastels: be it a shirt, a jumper or a pair of powder-blue socks.

fashion blogger; digital influencer

Season: Definitely autumn and winter!

Us boys have more things to play and layer with, including jackets and coats.

Fashion Inspiration: My playing field, the internet.

Colour: Many hues of blue and white.

Disliked Faux Pas: Ill-fitting garments.

Item of Clothing: This changes a lot but, right now, it has got to be the Tommy Hilfiger denim jacket I bought recently.

Spring ‘17: Let your inner surfer boy have a wave with Californian prints and colours! n

STYLE FASHION 27

PHOTOGRAPHY: NICKY SCICLUNA STYLING: BIANCA DARMANIN HAIR: CHRIS GALEA FOR MICHAEL&GUY MAKE-UP: CHRIS ATTARD FOR FRANKS, USING GUERLAIN MODEL: ALEXANDRA AT MODELSM SHOT ON LOCATION AT PALAZZO STAGNO, QORMI

A Modern-Day Classic cuts, floral motifs and modern twists: STYLE ON SUNDAY welcomes spring with open arms at one of Malta’s most iconic and awe-inspiring palazzos.

Top and trousers from Oltre at Mimi Boutique; bag and bag charm from Parfois

28 STYLE FASHION

Jacket and trousers from United Colors of Benetton; top and shoes from River Island; scarf from Parfois

STYLE FASHION 29

Dress from Tommy Hilfiger; top from River Island; bag from Parfois

30 STYLE FASHION

Dress and shoes from River Island

STYLE FASHION 31

Jumper from United Colors of Benetton; skirt and shoes from River Island

32 STYLE FASHION

Cardigan from Tommy Hilfiger; skirt from River Island; belt from United Colors of Benetton; shoes from River Island

34 STYLE BEAUTY

Eyebrow THE

GENIUS

STYLE BEAUTY 35

A

ward-winning make-up artist and eyebrow guru Diandra Mattei began working in the beauty industry when she was 17. She was often urged to start doing semi-permanent make-up but she says she hated that bold, black look most people associate with tattooed eyebrows. “They don’t look natural – people can immediately tell you’ve got ink on your face,” she says. Years later, she discovered a much more subtle and natural form of semipermanent make-up called microblading, which uses highquality pigments to provide a naturallooking substitute for eyebrows. After training with renowned eyebrow artists in Beverly Hills, LA, she is now offering her expert services from her newly-opened salon in Swieqi.

Microblading, also known as microstroking, can be used by anyone, from people who were too tweezer-happy in their teens and now have huge gaps in their eyebrows that they can’t seem to fill, to those with alopecia and trichotillomania, to people who have lost their eyebrows to chemotherapy. It can also be used to create natural-looking eyebrows after the removal of tattooed eyebrows, which is another service Diandra offers. Microblading lasts from a year to a year-and-a half, depending on various factors such as people’s skin tone, type and how well they look after their skin after the process. “The process before microblading takes much longer than microblading itself,” says Diandra whose eyebrows are,

of course, perfect. “Clients come in for a free consultation to see if they’re suitable candidates for microblading. Not everyone is – the pigment won’t work very well on people with very sensitive or oily skin, and it is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, due to the flood of hormones that could delay the healing process.” The consultation starts with a thorough interview where Diandra gathers as much information as possible, starting from the clients’ medical history, to chronic conditions, to the medication that they’re currently taking. This information is then analysed before deciding to take clients onto the next phase. In the case of patients who are going through radiation therapy, approval from doctors will be required.

“The next step is to draw and measure the eyebrows in a way that complements the clients’ facial features and brow bone. I sketch, grid and scale it until they’re 150 per cent happy with the result,” Diandra continues, adding that this is the part of the process that takes the longest amount of time.

After the client is satisfied with the shape their new eyebrows will take, they move on to the treatment room, where Diandra applies the numbing cream and commences the microblading process. “As long as they follow my instructions, they won’t feel anything more than a bit of a pinch, like tweezing!” she smiles. This part of the process takes up

“After training with renowned eyebrow artists in Beverly Hills, LA, she is now offering her expert services from her newly-opened salon in Swieqi.”

to 45 minutes. “I generally advise clients not to book any important events on the evening after the treatment, just to be on the safe side, but any redness tends to disappear after an hour or so. However, what they do after the process in the salon ends is very important.

Microblading is a fully dry-healing process, so for the first four days, your eyebrows can’t come into any contact with liquid of any sort – no wetting, no swimming and no exercise, because the sweat compound is even more damaging to the pigment, due to the presence of salt. And for the first 10 days, no make-up can be applied on the eyebrows.” However, a little bit of patience pays off handsomely.

“I’ve had people come in for microblading after the eyebrow tattoos they had done by other practitioners turned pink on them. I’ve done the treatment on women who hadn’t seen their eyebrows in eight years, since they started chemotherapy. They started crying with happiness when they saw the results. Seeing clients who are thrilled with results is priceless. A pair of good eyebrows can change your look so much.” One piece of advice Diandra passes on to people who are considering going for semi-permanent make-up is to choose your practitioner wisely. “Good practice in this field is the result of methodical training. It is ongoing learning which keeps developing and improving, and not a brief course. I take great pride in my work, and I’m not ever satisfied unless eyebrows are the best that they can be – after all, that’s my work out there.” n

“I take great pride in my work, and I’m not ever satisfied unless eyebrows are the best that they can be – after all, that’s my work out there.”

Diandra Mattei Face | Body | Hands, 62, Triq il-Ktajjen, Swieqi T: 2099 1681 • E: info@diandramattei.com • www.diandramattei.com • IG: diandramattei_makeupartist

STYLE MOTORING 37

Dynamic new Nissan Micra is

Bigger, More Colourful and Fun

Style on Sunday reviews one of the most stylish city cars to hit the local market – the new Nissan Micra.

T

he relaunch of an existing car model is normally interpreted in one of two ways: that the car is being tweaked and improved or that the car manufacturer has taken the bold decision to launch a new, fresh generation. The latter is certainly the case with the bold new Nissan Micra. The previous model has been overhauled radically on all fronts and its relaunched version is a testament to the innovative technological and design improvements being achieved by some of the world’s top car manufacturers.

The new Micra is no longer tiny, its styling is no longer conservative and the stereotyping that has been associated with the Micra as a model that essentially targets women have all but gone, particularly since the colourful personalisation and styling features on both the interior and exterior of the car make it possible for the new Micra to be given a distinctive twist – so personal, individual choices can make

the overall trim look sporty and youthful, or add a masculine or feminine touch.

The new Micra, which is now in its fifth generation, represents a significant improvement from its fourth generation predecessor. The car is bigger and more spacious, its aesthetics have been strengthened significantly with a young and fun injection, and with a new sharp design, colour options and personalisation features. For the first time in the life of the Micra, the interior is not stereotyped and essentially dull, and you can engage your own creativity by personalising various aspects of its interior too – meaning that you can add a bright blue or orange touch in the cabin! The good news is that many of the electronic components of the new Nissan Micra come from the revolutionary Nissan Qashqai, which is to date one of the most popular and reliable mid-range SUVs on our roads.

38 STYLE MOTORING

This is a car that appeals to drivers of different social strata and age groups who are after a reliable city car that is fun and colourful, yet designed and manufactured by one of the world’s leading Japanese manufacturers. So we expect the new Micra to be popular in Malta with both male and female drivers from the age of 20 to 50 plus.

Aimed at the European market, the world’s largest hatchback market, the new Micra is styled to turn heads, with a dramatic body length-defining character line. It is lower, wider and longer than its predecessors and has more interior space.

It also has advanced new downsized turbo drivetrains, an agile chassis and a full complement of innovative safety features.

The new Micra fully embodies Nissan’s latest design language with signature design cues and emotional body sculpting. Design cues include the distinctive V-motion grille, from where the sharp-edged character line runs through to the rear end, boomerang-

Verdict

Certainly one of the most stylish new city cars being launched in Malta in 2017. This car represents a major improvement over its predecessor in all senses. This is a solid brand new model that will prove extremely popular with the young and the young at heart!

shaped lights, and the floating roof – another Nissan design signature – that creates an airy feeling. Other features include rear door handles hidden in the C-pillars and an extended roofline that incorporates a spoiler, benefiting the car’s aerodynamic performance and aesthetics.

The dramatic looks are matched by a selection of 10 sophisticated and vivid exterior colours, including Energy Orange. Its additional exterior and interior personalisation options allow for the creation of 125 different variations, enabling owners to stamp their own style on their new Micra.

Much attention has been paid to driver comfort, with a lower driving position for a more secure driving feel. It’s easy for all drivers to achieve the perfect driving position thanks to better seat adjustment, the fully adjustable steering wheel and the optimal positioning of the pedals and shift lever. The car’s extended width and wheelbase means cabin space is among the best in class, while the gliding-wing shaped dashboard gives the cabin a light, sleek and spacious impression. n

For more information or to test drive the fifth generation of the new Nissan Micra, visit the Nissan Motor Sales showroom on National Road, Blata l-Bajda or call the sales department on 2596 9999.

STYLE PLANNING 41

BetteringOurCommunities

W

e would all love to see more public gardens, refurbished and modernised playing fields, restored public buildings and monuments, and better paved alleys in our respective towns and villages. With the introduction of the new Development Planning Fund, this has now grown increasingly more possible.

This new fund will see its financing coming from the amalgamation of the successful Urban Improvement Fund (UIF) with that of the dormant Commuted Parking Payment Scheme. In addition, 20 per cent of the revenue generated through applications for the regularisation of development is also being directed to the fund. This combination is bringing and making millions more available in funding for Local Councils to carry out projects which will better the lives of their residents.

The concept of creating a fund to finance projects that can leave a significant and positive difference within a locality can trace its roots to the inception of the Planning Authority and the introduction of the 1992 Structure Plan.

“The idea was that if you had a development, then you should provide parking on site.

Clearly, this was not always possible, so the aim was that the community would be compensated for the shortfall of the car parking spaces

that the project would require,” explains the fund’s chairperson, Perit Vincent Cassar.

These funds were injected back into the community as the Authority gave Local Councils the opportunity to realise and implement their ideas in ways which would benefit their own localities. Over the past years a total of €12.8 million has already been allocated to councils through the UIF. The money has been spent on a variety of community projects, from energy-saving street lighting to the creation of playgrounds.

“A number of years have passed since the inception of these funding intiatives, and the time was ripe for us to redesign and improve our funding system and structure. From the feedback we have been getting from Local Councils and other interseted stakeholders, our new funding scheme encourages long-lasting physical interventions which are intended to upgrade the amenity and appreciation of a locality,” Perit Cassar adds.

Our vision has been to see more collaboration between councils as

it would enable them to tackle larger projects, which often benefit residents beyond a council’s boundaries.

“They are never short of ideas. There is so much that they can do! However, there are instances when there is a big project which would benefit residents from several localities – say a playground, a garden or accessible pavements – which might require a bigger budget than an individual council would have.

This is envisaged under the new framework and we are encouraging councils to consider pooling their funds to get ambitious projects going, rather than delaying them until they can afford them on their own,” he said.

Looking ahead, the new committee is excited to see what new projects will be proposed

by Local Councils. These funds may also be utilised by government agencies, NGOs or private individuals but the proposals would need to be submitted through the respective Local Councils where the initiatives are intended to be implemented.

“With so many more developments planned, it is important to ensure that the lack of parking is actively turned into a benefit for the community,” Perit Cassar concludes. n

42 STYLE LIFESTYLE

Malta International Airport turns a Construction Zone into an Art Gallery Twenty pieces of local art and literature, brought together in an initiative undertaken by the Malta Airport Foundation, will be adding a dash of colour to passengers’ journeys through Malta International Airport.

M

alta International Airport is currently undergoing an ambitious reconfiguration project, with works being carried out in all four corners of the terminal. The project, which will extend over the next year, consists of several facility upgrades, including increased capacity at checkin and an enhanced security screening area. All in all, once the project is completed, it will provide passengers with a better airport experience.

As works are ongoing and in full swing, the airport has turned its construction zones into a temporary art exhibition, featuring a delightful splash of creativity.

Over the coming months, some of the hoarding being used to enclose certain areas of the terminal will showcase the works of 13 local artists; a combination of newcomers and more established ones.

The work of these artists ranges from graphic design and photography to paintings and poetry, but all of the pieces celebrate the Maltese islands and sights that characterise them. Scenic Mediterranean views and iconic spots around the capital, Valletta, make quite a few unsurprising appearances in the temporary exhibition, giving tourists an idea of where to venture for the best of Malta upon their arrival at the airport.

The Malta Airport Foundation is committed to promoting local artists, and the aim of this initiative is to provide some of them with a platform where to exhibit their work and reach wider and international audiences.

If you happen to be passing through the airport in the coming weeks, do take a moment to appreciate local talent! But if you’re not, you can still enjoy the exhibition by following the airport’s social media platforms and looking out for the pick of the week. n

For more information about The Malta Airport Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.maltairport.com

STYLE interview 45

Doctor’s ORDERS

Across the world there are Maltese physicians who left the island to push the limits of medical knowledge and who are now making their mark on various areas of medicine. Marie-Claire Grima spoke to three doctors living and working abroad to discover their histories, their achievements, and what pushes them in this challenging and – literally – life-saving profession.

Gianrico Farrugia M.D. CEO, Mayo Clinic, Florida “

M

y father was a physician, and he was my inspiration to go into medicine,” says Dr Gianrico Farrugia, CEO of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Florida. “I saw how hard he worked, how much he enjoyed doing what he did, and how involved he was in social good; in fact, he started the blood bank in Malta. It was inspiring to see how a doctor could have such a big impact on people’s lives. In my fifth year of medical school in Malta, I met Dr Michael Camilleri, a gastroenterologist who had briefly returned to Malta from Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota. I was invited to interview there, and that’s how I ended up practicing medicine at Mayo Clinic.

“One of the diseases that I study

is gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach doesn’t empty properly. It affects a lot of people, especially women – imagine the effect of feeling nauseated and sometimes vomiting all day would have on your life. So several years ago, I decided that I wanted to try to understand the molecular mechanism that underlies development of this disease. My laboratory began to study it, and now, many years later, we can completely reverse diabetic gastroparesis in the laboratory and we are moving to clinical studies with patients. To take a disease that had no therapy and get to a point where we can see several options for therapy for our patients is very exciting to me.”

One of the highlights of Dr Farrugia’s career was being asked to start the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine. “We take all the information we discover

“We can completely reverse diabetic gastroparesis in the laboratory and are moving to clinical studies with patients.”

about our genes and bring that to impact patient care. So far, we’ve prevented at least 13,000 adverse drug reactions by choosing a different drug or dose based on the patient’s genome. We’re also discovering and diagnosing diseases for patients who had been searching for answers for years, and we’ve been able to help in cancer care by targeting tumours using genomics.

“One of the most satisfying parts of my job at Mayo Clinic is being able to assemble teams of experts who can care for patients with the most complex medical needs and give them hope and healing, and a new lease on life. Also, I am lucky enough to work with a number of really talented people and to mentor them and watch them succeed and grow, and contribute to health care. That is incredibly satisfying to me.”

46 STYLE interview

Steve Cordina, M.D. Associate Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Radiology, Mobile, AL

D

r Steve Cordina, who grew up in Gozo, graduated medical school in 2001. Around this time, interventional neurology started taking form as a separate discipline. “I found myself very attracted to the possibility of the minimally-invasive treatments that this promised. Since there was no comparable training available locally, I chose to move to the US because it is at the forefront of medical research and training.”

He made headlines a few years ago for saving the life of an eight-month old baby who had an arterial malformation in her brain thanks to cuttingedge surgery, but the number of lives he has touched is countless.

“One of my favourite cases involved a young woman who suffered a debilitating stroke.

She was unable to speak and couldn’t move one side of her body. However, she improved to normal as soon as the treatment was completed. Another one that comes to mind is a patient who woke up from what was thought to be an irreversible coma.

We restored blood flow to his brainstem by inserting a stent in his basilar artery at the back of

the brain. All these procedures are performed through a small incision in the groin using catheters that reach to the brain via the blood vessels. These cases really make me appreciate the value of the work that my stellar team and I perform on a daily basis.” One of Dr Cordina’s greatest joys is seeing

“Difficult cases really make me appreciate the value of the work that my stellar team and I perform on a daily basis.”

his patients with their families after they have recovered. “It is rewarding to see that their quality of life has improved and that they are able to be well again.”

Dr Cordina says it is an exciting time to be an interventional neurologist. “X-ray technology has advanced to the point where now we can see the tiniest of blood vessels rendered in 3-D. There are also many more options in the treatment of brain vascular disorders using minimally invasive techniques than were available even five years ago, shortening treatment and recovery time.

I have every reason to believe that the pace of change and promise in this field of medicine is going to keep accelerating.”

STYLE interview 49

Dr Gerhardt Attard, M.D. Head of Treatment Resistance Lab at The Institute of Cancer Research, London

G

etting good grades at A-level inspired Dr Gerhardt Attard to study medicine, but he was impelled towards cancer research after his grandfather died of colorectal cancer when he was still a junior doctor. “Research opportunities in the UK are greater, and are at the very cutting-edge. I moved here in 2003 to develop my research and specialisation skills to the best possible use of my abilities,” he says.

A few years ago, Dr Attard was interviewed by the New Scientist about abiraterone and how it can be used to treat prostrate cancer. What progress has been made since then? “Abiraterone is now routinely used for men with

advanced prostate cancer and improves the lives of hundreds of thousands of men every year. While it does not work for everyone and often stops working after one-to-two years, my group at The Institute of Cancer Research in London has recently developed a blood test that identifies patients for whom the drug will not work,

which allows us to identify the cause of resistance and change, and improve treatment through other methods.”

Dr Attard says that while it’s difficult when experiments fail or an idea doesn’t work out, he loves the thrill of making a new discovery which he knows will help and improve the lives of thousands of patients.

“I love the thrill of making a new discovery that I know will help and improve the lives of thousands of patients.”

“One of the highlights of my work here was being awarded a clinician scientist fellowship

by Cancer Research UK. It’s a highly competitive field, and fewer than five fellowships are awarded every year.

Being awarded this fellowship supported my group and I for five years, allowing us to continue with our work.” n

STYLE MUSIC 51

First Edition of the

Malta World Music Festival to take place this May

Arts Council Malta announced the launch of the Malta World Music Festival (MWMF), with its first edition being held on 19 and 20 May at Fort St Elmo, Valletta.

I

t is our islands’ cultural diversity that the MWMF will celebrate – the exchange of people’s customs emerging from different roots and the dialogue and vitality that is borne of such experiences and expressed through the powerful medium of music.

MWMF will seek to expand its identity as a festival locally, while connecting with neighbouring countries and beyond. This was expressed by the festival’s artistic director, Renzo Spiteri. “I would like this festival to be seen as a celebration of cultural diversity and a dynamic platform for the exchange and dialogue of artistic ideas, the result of which is expressed so vibrantly through the powerful medium of music,” he asserted.

The festival promises two evenings of energetic and vibrant music by top-notch artists. This year’s edition will be opened by Brodu, an alternative Maltese band formed in 2011 that will launch its second album in the coming months. Playing rock music with influences from various genres, Brodu will bring music in our native Maltese language to the festival. Tsuumi Sound System – an eight-piece Finnish modern folk music band rooted in Nordic folk traditions will follow.

Tiwiza – a Franco-Algerian group with a North African tradition based on the notion of solidarity as their name – play a fusion of percussion rhythms, nomad desert blues, powerful arrangements and engaged lyrics.

The Khoury Project, a trio of brothers playing contemporary music which combines identifiable Arabic forms with globalised rhythms, will open the second day of the

festival. Though faithful to the tradition of classical Arabic music, The Khoury Project have fused it with other genres such as opera, flamenco, Celtic, Indian and jazz, making it dynamic and appealing to different audiences. Sona Jobarteh’s voice, known through her contribution in film scores such as Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will also be heard during the festival. Apart from her captivating vocals, Jobarteh is best known as the first female kora virtuoso, a usually male-dominated tradition passed on from father to son. The festival will close with BandAdriatica, a project in which music is created from the encounters and exchange of people and their traditional repertoires, contributing to the continuous development

of traditional music and in keeping with the festival’s aim of celebrating cultural diversity.

The Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government said: “It is with great pleasure we are launching another festival, this time going with the World Music genre. We will be welcoming international artists, while still showcasing the local talent. In this legislature we recognise that artistic expression and cultural activity are important, not only as a means of entertainment, but also because we believe that they carry enormous importance for our society’s development and from an economic perspective.”

“Originally a folk festival which has now been streamlined, the MWMF embraces award-winning international musicians and local emerging artists in genres that span from traditional to contemporary. However, this year, it has been given a rather tempting new look. It is more fresh, trendy and carefully curated,” Annabelle Stivala, director of festivals at Arts Council Malta, concludes.

Early bird tickets will be available between 4 March and 15 April, at €10 for single tickets and €18 for block tickets. Normal tickets, at €12 for single tickets and €20 for block tickets, will be available from 16 April onwards.

Tickets can be purchased from the Teatru Manoel box office, or online from www. teatrumanoel.com.mt. For more information visit www.maltaworldmusicfestival.org.

Malta World Music Festival 2017 is organised by Arts Council Malta and supported by the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, MSV Life and V.18. The festival will be held on 19-20 May at 8pm, at Fort St Elmo, Valletta n

52 STYLE LIFESTYLE

p PEARL SPAS invites you to a complimentary back massage or express facial. Call to book your treatment and present this spot on the day. Offer valid until June 2017. Terms and conditions apply.

T: 2289 1330/2350 3701, W: www.pearlspas.com

p CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Corinthia Hotel, with the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Fair on 30 April and 1 May, and an elegant lunch in the Villa Corinthia on the day itself.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, De Paule Avenue, Attard. T: 2144 0301, W: www.corinthia.com/palace

p BLUE LABEL Blue Label Draught Smooth & Creamy is now available in a can with an inbuilt widget, allowing you to enjoy this special ale with just the right amount of nitrogen from the comfort of your home. 4.7 per cent ABV.

THE styleCHECKLIST u CARMELO DELIA on Valley Road, Birkirkara, presents the latest technology in reclining sofas by Loiudic&D. Available in various sizes, materials and colours. W: www.carmelodelia.com

p HOMETRENDS The new Feuerdesign Smokeless Portable BBQ is now available at all HomeTrends outlets. It is ideal for BBQs on the beach, camping, boating, balconies, terraces, summer homes and more. It is extremely easy to use and clean. It works using a chargeable battery via USB. Various colours are available in stock at HomeTrends, San Gwann or Zebbug, Malta. T: 2144 5654, E: shop@hometrends.com.mt, W: www.hometrends.com.mt

t CARMELO DELIA on Valley Road, Birkirkara, has just introduced ‘Anello Porte’ doors, which are available in various finishes and mechanisms.

W: www.carmelodelia.com

u LIFT Looking for a tasty, low-carb, high-protein bar? Specifically formulated to support your low-carb exercise regime, LIFT is designed to help you get more from your active lifestyle.

STYLE BEAUTY 55

spring

Get THE look!

3

CALLING

Then, give yourself a colourful boost using Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Lip and Cheek Tint.

This is a brilliant product because it moisturises while leaving no marks or dryness, while also plumping your skin and being deliciouslyperfumed. You can layer it on to achieve the colour and texture you feel most comfortable with.

1 A beautiful fresh, spring look starts with flawless skin. To achieve this we chose Guerlain’s 2-in-1 Multi-Perfecting Concealer. Its formula instantly blurs dark circles and imperfections while a treatment complex reduces signs of under-eye puffiness, erases imperfections and hydrates overly-dry skin.

4 Of course, when you’re creating a simple, fresh look, nothing completes it like pretty eyelashes.

To give you the flirty, fun lashes you want this spring, we chose Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Black Mascara, which delivers intense volume, curl, length, and definition, no matter the angle.

2 Top this with a good foundation – such as Guerlain’s Lingerie Compact Powder Foundation. It is the lightest powder foundation they’ve ever created, so it feels like a second skin. Composed of hyaluronic acid, it also protects the skin’s moisture in order to maintain its suppleness and softness from morning to night.

Just straight into spring with a striking beauty look that’s fresh, fun and flirty.

Make-up: Chris Attard for Franks, using Guerlain Hair: Chris Galea for Michael&Guy Model: Daniela at Supernova Models Photography: Nicky Scicluna Shot on location at Palazzo Stagno, Qormi.

STYLEtip

5 Finally, a slick of lipstick will have you spring ready!

Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick boasts a deliciously shiny texture that will dress your look up beautifully. A few layers of that will have you feeling new season-ready in minutes!

Don’t skimp when it comes to new season beauty products. Refresh your beauty bag with a good SPF to fight the sun’s rays, and a topquality cleaner, toner and moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.

STYLE LIFESTYLE 57

STEP inTO spring

p ARMANI JEANS These Armani Jeans foldable shopper bags are available in various colours and styles, perfect for the season ahead. ¤52-¤62. Available from Armani Jeans, Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian’s, or The Point Shopping Complex, Sliema, T: 2060 1263/2060 1193.

p NINA RICCI Experience a luminous wave paced by a rose’s vibration with the new Nina Ricci Rose Extase Eau de Toilette Sensuelle. Exclusively distributed

by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, T: 2133 1553.

t NEW CID COSMETICS Get inspired by New CID Cosmetics, the brand that inspires the most soughtafter make-up looks!

For trade enquiries, contact CAREWELL by Reactilab, M: 9982 8498; E: sales@reactilab.com

q 3INA The easy application of a lip gloss with the payoff of longwear lipstick: 3ina’s parabenfree lipstick can be easily applied over a base of lip liner, starting at the Cupid’s bow and working outwards. ¤7.95.

t JOHN FRIEDA Break the damage cycle and help repair and transform your hair with John Frieda’s Full Repair Strengthen + Restore range, designed to weightlessly restore the look and feel of overworked hair.

For trade enquiries, contact Charles de Giorgio, T: 2560 0504.

p PACO RABANNE The heroic god and goddess of fragrance return in a mythical storm of renewed intensity: the darker and more penetrating Invictus Intense Eau de Toilette and Olympéa Intense Eau de Parfum.

Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, T: 2133 1553.

p RIVER ISLAND This brightly-coloured, two-piece swimsuit with red-mesh insert and moulded cups will complement any summer glow! ¤47 from River Island.

p NEW CID COSMETICS Individuality and identity are the top trends across all catwalks this season, and your make-up identity starts with New CID Cosmetics.

For trade enquiries, contact CAREWELL by Reactilab, M: 9982 8498; E: sales@reactilab.com

u CLARINS Thanks to the combined action of its cryometallic tip and the refreshing texture of its gel-cream, Clarins Multi-Active Yeux cream will help brighten your eye area. Exclusively distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd.

t REVLON For velvety matte, high-definition colour with a lightweight, moisturising feel try the new Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor. For trade enquiries, contact Charles de Giorgio, T: 2560 0504.

60 STYLE LIFESTYLE

Solution

The

As one of Malta’s most established companies for flooring, shading and office solutions, Link Projects is also renowned for its excellent customer and after-sales service.

W

hen it comes to finding the right solutions for your home or office, you want products that will look great and do their job brilliantly, coupled with customer and after-sales services that you can rely on. And at Link Projects, that’s exactly what you get.

“We’ve been established since 1995 and have a proven track record when it comes to ensuring our clients get what they want and are happy with their choices longterm,” explain company directors Michael Valenzia and Matthew Calascione.

Link Projects have three key specialisation areas, namely floor, shading and office solutions, with a vast range of options in each category and to suit a range of budgets from parquet to outdoor decking for flooring, simple canopies to all-weather solutions for shading, and cabinets to partitions for offices. Their main brands include Castro and Floover for flooring, Ulhmann Umbrellas and Palmye shading solutions, and StyleOffice and Actiu for offices.

The company has an impressive portfolio of completed projects too. “When it comes to office projects, our largest to-date was for PriceWaterhouseCoopers,” Michael says. “They needed us to create a space that could comfortably accommodate their 700 employees and our solution included combined tables, glass partitions, storage cabinets and aerodynamic chairs, all in a colour scheme that reflects their corporate branding. In the years since we have been involved, their offices have evolved constantly to reflect their growth, and we have provided services to them every step of the way.”

With regards to shading solutions, Link have completed hundreds of projects, including the all-weather outdoor structure that Fontanella have recently installed. “Their chosen aluminum structure can withstand force 11 winds and has a retractable canvas roof, so it can be used to make the most of the climate all year round. The result means they have increased their seating capacity exponentially,” Matthew says.

Palmiye Four Seasons All Weather retractable structure at Fontanella.

IPE teak solid decking on the Gianpula rooftop.

Palmiye Four Seasons structure, installed at a private residence.

Boardroom round table and chairs by Styloffice.

Residential pre-engineered flooring by Castro.

Finally, in the flooring category, Link Projects also have a vast portfolio, including the Gianpula rooftop. “Our brief there was to lay 480sqm of flooring that could withstand the demands of a busy outdoor social space. As a result, we recommended IPE Brazilian teak wood, which is anti-slip, anti-fungal and can withstand all weathers and our humidity levels. Provided it is serviced every year by one of our carpenters, it even has a 25-year guarantee. It is very practical and has also embellished the space.”

As their business grows, Link Projects are now also proud to announce their imminent move to their brand-new

Styloffice furniture at PWC.

showroom in Mriehel, which will boast 450sqm of showroom and office space.

“More than ever we realise that our clients want to touch and feel the quality of our products before they purchase them, so this move will enable them to do exactly that.

Meanwhile, we also offer complimentary 3D visuals to clients to better help them understand the results we can offer, and on-site visits so that we can quote more effectively.

Plus, we are strict about the fact that it is only our in-house team that can carry out installations, as we believe this truly ensures the quality and service that our customers have come to expect over the last 15 years.” n

For more information about Link Projects, visit www.linkprojects.com.mt

STYLE HOME 63

MYfavouriteThings Even though these houses all existed long before our interviewees moved into them, they have successfully been turned into much-loved homes filled with countless beautiful things and cherished memories.

Interviews: Jo Caruana and Iggy Fenech Photography: Alan Carville

HE MADAME Béatrice Le Fraper Du Hellen, France’s Ambassador to Malta, has lived in the French Embassy’s official residence in Zebbug since January 2015. The style of her home reflects her jovial approach to life, including her love for interesting conversation, good books and fabulous entertaining.

p The second I spotted this fireplace, I knew this room would become my favourite part of the house. I love to sit here chatting with colleagues or friends, or whiling away the evening reading. I think the gold surround perfectly complements the Maltese stone, and also adds a pop of glamour. q The day after moving in and having unpacked most of my things, I decided to explore the basement. That’s where I spotted this discarded stone structure and I was intrigued by it. I decided to turn it into a table, and it’s since become one of my favourite conversation pieces. Although my guests over the years have had lots of ideas as to its original use, so far, no one has been able to tell me exactly what it is! I wonder if your readers can help enlighten me?

I

moved to Malta from New York, where I was head of the Human Rights sector and legal advisor of the French Permanent Mission to the United Nations. I loved this house – which dates back to 1761 and was bought by France in 1997 – as soon as I saw it, and am especially fond of the symmetry and perspectives. I could immediately envisage all of the lovely receptions we would throw here for the Maltese people to celebrate the special relationship shared by Malta and France. u This bookcase holds lots of my favourite things – including my champagne glasses! I love champagne, and enjoy the elegance of it.

Next to them is a book about my hometown in France – De Garrigues en Costières – and it’s a constant reminder of where I am from.

The candle, meanwhile, was a gift from our President, François Hollande, who has visited Malta three times since I moved here. I know that he always enjoys his time on the island.

p I am a traveller by nature and have lived in 10 countries since I started my career in 1985. Moving house is exciting but continuity is important, so there are a few themes that follow me wherever I go. One such theme is ‘reading women’, and I have a number of framed pictures of women reading dotted around the house, as well as this book – which is a collection of prints showing women reading. I have so many memories of reading books in all sorts of places all over the world that I find this collection sentimental. u I love throws, and have them draped across furniture around the house.

This floral silk piece is a favourite of mine, given to me by my mum, who’s an antiques collector. I remember that she opened a cupboard in her shop and lots of old fabric came tumbling out – this was my favourite so she gifted it to me.

64 STYLE HOME

t I absolutely love hats, and these are a few from my collection. My favourite is the one on the left – it’s a clergyman’s tri-corn dating back to the 18th century. It originally belonged to the famous hymn writer Rev HF Lyte, who wrote Abide With Me. I bought it when it came up for sale many years after his death. As for the soldier action figure, he was given to me by a friend as a bit of fun when I joined the Territorial Army.

The Reverend CANON Simon Godfrey, Chancellor of St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral in Valletta, has lived in the adjacent Chancellor’s Lodge for eight years. His favourite space is his office, which is located in the historic spire. He has filled it with items that reflect his passions – art, history, literature and, of course, religion.

T

his house was built in 1927 as an apartment for the Chancellor. When I moved in, I quickly chose the spire (then the library) to be my study; today I keep my books and many of my favourite things here. The original spire was part of the Cathedral designs drawn up by architect Richard Lankershire, but it collapsed and was later rebuilt according to a design

by William Scamp. Today the whole Cathedral is in a bit of a precarious state so we’re currently working to raise €3 million to refurbish it, including €1 million specifically for the tower and spire.

p This naval sword was given to me when I joined the navy in the 1970s. Back then it was tradition for your parents to buy you a sword of this sort on graduation, but mine bought me some uniforms instead, so this was given to me by a friend. It was made in Birmingham, a place well-associated with military weaponry.

t To mark my 25th anniversary since becoming a priest, I was given two very special gifts, and this is one of them – a statue of the Virgin Mary that dates back to 17th-century Burgundy. It’s very unusual to see a statue of Mary not holding her son, which hints she may have been part of a pair. u I sleep in the spire too! Well, in its basement. This bed is a favourite piece of mine, and it dates back to the period known as William IV, who was King of England at the time. This bed is appropriate because it was his wife, Queen Adelaide, who commissioned the building of the Cathedral here, and paid for it too. I bought this bed from an antiques dealer in Northamptonshire in 1980.

t Dating back to 1795, this is the most interesting of the clocks in my collection, and it originally belonged to the Bishop of Manchester.

I am fascinated by clocks, although I don’t particularly enjoy having to constantly wind them up! Whenever I look at this one I am struck by how old it is, and how many people must have wound it up over time.

I believe this spire as a whole has absorbed countless stories in its lifetime, which I think is why I like working here so much.

STYLE HOME 67

q The house had already been renovated when we bought it, so we added our own touch wherever we could. I cladded the steps’ risers with mosaic pieces to colour the otherwise-whitewashed area and hung wall art we had collected on our travels.

The hook in the picture is a star in its own right.

In summer, we hang hats on this and the other two hooks, and it was this scene that inspired Maltese artist Rossella Dalmas to paint them – the painting, called 'Hattrick', hangs nearby.

MARGIT WAAS & JEFFREY TWITCHELL-WAAS have travelled the world together lecturing at universities around the globe, including Singapore, Taiwan, Fiji, Australia, Spain, China and the US. Ten years ago, they decided to relocate to the warmest country in Europe and their home in Qormi is filled with personalised spaces.

z I saw this house in an advertisement while walking down Merchants Street and it looked like it had the right details. I felt comfortable the minute I walked in, particularly because we were looking for a lot of wall space for our books. I was a professor of applied linguistics, while Jeff was a professor of literature, so between us we have 10,000 reference books, plus all the ones we’re reading, which we then give away or donate to charity. The libraries are some of our favourite spots.

p The walls of the house were simply too bare and white for us and, when it came to the guest bathroom, we decided to let our friends, neighbours and all those who enter the house leave their mark on its walls. Since then, people from all over the world have visited, scribbled and doodled to their heart’s content.

t This area is one of my favourites as it has a lot of personal meaning for me. The girl in the picture is me as a four-year-old. My father was an avid painter and, even when he was captured as a World War II prisoner-of-war, he continued to paint in miniature; around 1,000 of his pieces survive to this day.

The cards in the bowl, meanwhile, are a collaborative initiative involving more than 200 people in support of the Happy Paws charity organisation. I got together with more than 60 artists living in the Maltese islands to create Malta’s first (and portable) contemporary art museum. Aged between 19 and 84, they showcase the vibrant diversity of the local contemporary art scene. All profits from Malta Playing Arts go to Happy Paws.

STYLE HOME 69

SpringUPDATE 1

“Although we live on an island, our houses rarely reflect that in their interiors,” says Josette Schembri Vella, who runs LOFT in Naxxar. “Spring, however, is the perfect time to bring a bit of the outside inside and make the most of the chilled-out way of life usually associated with living on an island!”

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IslandFEVER 1. Create

2

Contrast

The line where the shore ends and the sea begins is both obvious and fluid: you know it’s there, but it’s hard to define it. Use this concept when decorating your home, by adding man-made objects in natural materials.

2. Feel

the Textures

Walking barefoot on grass or sand is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

These rugs are made from natural materials that feel great to the touch, ensuring you feel at one with the outdoors even if you’re inside!

3. Leave

Technology Behind

While it’s hard to live without a computer or TV, technology really doesn’t need to be the focus of your room. Cabinets such as these make it easy to hide technology away when it’s not in use, allowing you to leave the modern, hectic world behind.

3

4. Make

Time for Relaxation

We rarely have time to relax these days but a beautiful chair can really entice us to take a moment to ourselves.

A statement chair in natural materials can achieve that desired effect without heavying the atmosphere of the room with dark colours or thick materials.

5. Be

Inspired

Nature’s beauty is boundless, and it’s an absolute joy to house some of its creations within the walls of your home. Adding ethicallysourced pieces of coral or taxidermy can truly bring the wonders of nature inside.

6. Add

a Touch of Glamour

Going natural doesn’t mean you have to forfeit glamour. Adding natural shapes in luxurious colours or materials – such as this bronze palm lamp or the set of bronze-cast insects – can create focal points within your room.

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5

70 STYLE HOME

SIMPLESpring TRANSFORMATION As Grey & Adler’s creative director Marise Pace, explains, how to transform your home for spring, simply by changing or introducing a few new items. “Walls can be turned into something beautiful with a suitable wallpaper, mirrors can change the way a room looks, cushions give an instant lift and carpets can make tired furniture look 10 times better. A ‘shopping spring clean’ is sometimes all a house needs to look fresher.”

1

1. Play with Punches

of Yellow

Nothing sings ‘spring’ like the colour yellow. A large white bowl or tall glass vase filled with lemons can inject quick, simple style this season. And, if you are adventurous enough, you can even spice up your bedroom with a yellow headboard.

2. Perk Up Your Cushions

2

Lighten up! Replace the throw pillows on your sofa or bed with brightlycoloured ones, and don’t be afraid to mix in a bold print. It will provide an instant lift this spring!

3. The Simple Things

Look for bright statement pieces to create a mood this spring. Think colourful rugs for living spaces, such as this peacock one.

4. Have a Sweet Spring

It’s time to launch the entertaining season in style, with these cute sugar portions from Canasuc.

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5. Mirror Mirror on the Wall

No matter where you put them, mirrors are an easy way to reflect light – making your room look bigger and opening it up.

6. Change

Your Walls

Painting your walls is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to freshen up a room, while adding beautiful wallpaper or a mural can also work wonders, without breaking the bank.

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STYLE HOME 73

SunnySPRING 1

5

Warmer weather, longer days and breezy evenings all mean that spring is here and we can start enjoying the outdoors even if we stay at home. “Seeking to create a continuous flow from the indoors out helps to achieve a harmonious look throughout the home,” explains Kieron Bezzina from Brands International Ltd. “Soft, organic and curvy shapes, and earthy and natural tones on outdoor furniture, as well as pastels on accessories and loose furniture, are still big for 2017. Crisp white mixed with natural woods on outdoor furniture is still also very much on trend and embodies the Scandinavian look, while darker tones on furniture, such as black and anthracite grey, are becoming more popular.”

1. Spring

2

Convenience

These nifty, little Jersey side tables in pretty pastel shades are right on trend and portable too as they can easily be carried around, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

2. Elegance

Personified

Break down the boundaries between in and outdoor furniture with the elegant Adelaide range that comes with beautiful legs made of solid eucalyptus wood and several different seats to suit your exact needs. Coordinate your look with a matching dining set.

3 3. Out

Of The Sun

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 plenty of shade where it is needed most. Timber planters add a natural, finishing touch for your greenery.

4. Let’s

4

Accessorise

When it comes to accessories, have fun mixing textures, materials and colours on organic shapes to create a personal, fun look.

Pale pinks, mints and purples are definitely go-to shades.

5. In

The Right Light

No outdoor space is complete without proper lighting. Choose simple yet eye-catching designs such as the Pivot outdoor lamp to ensure that your space remains timeless. And, since it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, you can use it indoors once the summer season is over.

6. Wood

You

6

It is hard to beat the sophisticated, warm look and feel that timber decking provides. Hardwoods such as ipe, teak and garapa exude authenticity, while composite decking is an excellent choice for those looking for maintenance-free options that also look very realistic and are extremely hardwearing.

7. Private

Quarters

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To complete your outdoor area and ensure your privacy, opt for fencing in pressure-treated wood that can be finished in a variety of tonalities, and is extremely low maintenance while still exuding a sense of wooden warmth.

8. Practical

Style

For high-quality, low-maintenance dining sets, opt for a sturdy dining table in an HPL top, in a trendy cement look with graphite grey aluminium powdercoated legs. Paired with chairs in textylene wipe clean seat, the look is current but also weatherproof and rust-proof. n

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STYLE CUISINE 75

AN Food inspired by the new menu at RICKSHAW RESTAURANT AT THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA, ATTARD, BY EXECUTIVE CHEF STEFAN HOGAN, CHEF KAREN CUTAJAR, AND PATISSIER MARK McBRIDE, Props by LOFT Styling and photography by TONIO LOMBARDI

With warmer weather and brighter days just round the corner, STYLE ON SUNDAY visits the cuisines of the Far East for springtime inspiration.

Ingredients: 600g beef marrow bones; 1 medium onion; fresh ginger, cut lengthwise and lightly bruised; whole garlic, cut crosswise; 5 star anise; 10 cloves; 1 cinnamon stick; 20g brown sugar; 2.5 litres water; rock salt; fish sauce; 300g thin, dry flat rice noodles; 400g sirloin; 4 heads baby pak choi; 1/2 red onion, chopped finely; 2 spring onions, thinly sliced.

Method: In a pot, blanch the bones in plenty of hot water and bring to a boil, removing any solids that float to the surface. Strain, wash and return to the pot before topping with the water.

Roast the onion, garlic and ginger in an oven until dark brown in colour, toast all the spices in a dry pan, and place them in the pot in separate muslin cloths tied to the handle. Heat the broth, add the sugar, and leave to simmer on a low flame for four hours, topping with water to keep the bones covered. Skim impurities off the surface regularly.

Cut the striploin into fine slices and refrigerate before straining the broth through a sieve lined with muslin, season with salt and fish sauce, and leave to simmer. Blanch the noodles in boiling water and refresh in cold water. Place the raw striploin on the noodles and pour the hot broth over to cook. Serve with the pak choi, onions, spring onions and chopped coriander.

In the picture, the chefs also prepared a pork and cabbage gyoza with soy and ginger dressing, and a Vietnamese prawn spring roll served with dipping sauce.

AsianFEAST

VIETNAMESE BEEF NOODLE SOUP

76 STYLE CUISINE

CHILLI PEPPER LOBSTER

Ingredients: 4 600g lobsters; vegetable oil; 40g garlic; 40g ginger; 20g fresh red chilli, finely chopped; 250g fresh tomatoes, cut into cubes; 40g tamarind sauce; 20g tomato ketchup; 15g oyster sauce; 20ml soy sauce; 20g coriander; 10ml sesame oil.

Method: Fry the garlic, ginger and chillies until softened.

Add the tomatoes and lower the heat.

Add in the tamarind sauce and ketchup, cook over a low flame until the broth has thickened, and add the oyster and soy sauces.

In a pot of boiling water, blanch the lobsters (if alive, stun the lobsters by placing a sharp knife through the centre of the head) for five minutes, and place in iced water to stop over-cooking. Cut in half and crack the claws to remove the meat. Heat the sauce in a wok and add the lobsters. Fry for a few minutes until warmed through, finish with the chopped coriander and the sesame oil.

Serve immediately with noodles and vegetables.

In the picture, the chefs also prepared Ma Po tofu and Kum Pao mushrooms.

STYLE CUISINE 79

KHANOM MO KAENG THUA WITH YANGMEI SORBET

Ingredients: 4 regular eggs; 2 duck eggs; 250ml coconut cream; 125g palm sugar; 1/2 cup cooked taro or hulled mung beans, mushed; 1 fried shallot, sliced; 2 tbsp oil from the fried shallots.

For the glaze: 8 gelatine sheets; 1 tin coconut milk; 1 tin condensed milk; 20g black sesame paste.

For the Yangmei sorbet: 750g yangmei; 300ml water; 300g sugar.

Method: Mix the six eggs, sugar and coconut cream by kneading until the sugar has dissolved.

Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, add the mushed mung beans, and mix. Pour into a baking tray and bake at 170°C for 20 minutes.

Remove and allow to cool. Fry the sliced shallot in oil and set aside. Soak gelatine sheets in cold water before heating the coconut and condensed milks together. Add the soaked gelatine sheets and the black sesame paste. Pour over the mung bean custard to form a glaze and place the thinly-sliced shallots on top. To make the Yangmei sorbet, start by pureeing the fruit. In a pot, boil the water and sugar together. Leave to cool, mix both and freeze.

In the picture, the chefs also prepared Dried Black Sapote and Autumn Amber Glass. n

STYLE LIFESTYLE 81

Charles&Ron at the Art Hearts Fashion, Los Angeles Fashion Week, USA

papped!

IN STYLE

Opening of Matalan, Sliema Above: Andrè Camilleri, Joseph Camilleri, Christos Barberis, Damian Hopkins, Anthony Camilleri Below: Nadine Baron, Krista Pace, Romina Mohnani, Damian Hopkins, Leanne Abela, Claire Joslin

Left: Charles & Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg Right: Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg, Charisse Mills, Charles Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg

Diamonds, Shadow Lounge, Paceville

Launch of Isuzu D-Max, ASM Racing Circuits, Ta’ Qali

Toru Makinouchi, Joseph Zammit, Joseph A Gasan

Left: Steven Levi Vella, Gary Westacott, Matthew Mercieca, Valentina Rossi, Kevin Paul Calleja Middle: Filippa Grima, Dyan Azzopardi Right: Carla Preca Launch of Imedeen Grazielle Camilleri, Dorianne Mamo, Caroline Paris, Marija Debattista, Lara Azzopardi, Dyna Spiteri, Elaine Anderson, Caroline Abela

Brian Attard, Carolyn Zammit, Andre’ Spiteri

Sara Camenzuli, Claire Anastasi, Emma Minderides, Yan Grima, David Ormond Paul Fenech, Matthew Deakin Goût de France, French Residence, Haz-Zebbug Iggy Fenech, HE Madame Béatrice le Fraper du Hellen, Julien Duboué, Jo Caruana

82 STYLE LIFESTYLE

Launch of the New Rickshaw Menu, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Attard

Launch of Valletta 2018 Foundation Programme Preview, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta

Left: Rachel Reyes, Robert Martino, Memely Villanueva Mansay, Stefan Hogan, Rosanne Garcia, Vladimir Petrovic Below: Back: Kristina Cassar Dowling, Daniel Scicluna, Fiona Galea Debono, Andy Kwok, Stefan Hogan, Jo Caruana, Iggy Fenech, Front: Marie Benoit, Memely Villanueva Mansay, Lexy Bajada, Ramona Depares Albert Marshall, Nina Obuljen Korzinek, Owen Bonnici

Owen Bonnici, Andrew Tabone, Jason Micallef, Karsten Xuereb