ISSUE 35 • JUNE 2017
ON SUNDAY
Glorious Gardens
Summer’s in Bloom
The Two of Us
Couples in Style
After Sunset
Fashions for the Season
Mark Weingard
Doing Things Differently
8 STYLE CONTENTS
contents ISSU E 35 • JUNE 2017
ON SUNDAY Glorious Gardens Summer’s in Bloo
The Two of Us
m
Couples in Style
After Sunset
Fashions for the Season
18 Style Interview
Style Fashion
13 Doing Things Differently Style meets international social entrepreneur Mark Weingard.
26 After Sunset Make the most of your night out.
Style Living
Style Beauty
18 Rising Stars Young and successful.
36 Fun and Bold We take the Audi Q2 for a test-drive.
41 Quintessential Favourites Beauty and fashion must-haves.
36
42 The Future of Healthcare in Malta St Thomas Hospital opens its doors 49 The Two of Us Three stylish couples discuss spending time together. 67 Summer Living The items you’ll love this season.
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
75 Out and About On-the-go cuisine. 81 Papped! In Style Style sees and is seen!
55 Summer Bronze This summer’s ‘it’ look!
69
Mark Weingard DOINg ThINgS DIFFErENTly
Mark wears: Jaeger Le Coultre Master Ultra-thin watch available from Diamonds International Photography: Tonio Lombardi Styling: Sarah Micallef Jewellery: Diamonds International
Style Home 57 Glorious Gardens Manicured lawns and vegetable patches.
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69 Summer 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, Stephanie Galea, Tonio Lombardi, Kurt Paris, Jan Zammit Contributors Matthew Agius, Charmaine Costa, Iggy Fenech, Marie-Claire Grima, Stefan Hogan, Mark McBride, Sarah Micallef, Caroline Paris, Noella Pisani 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.
10 STYLE EDITORIAL
LETTER
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”– Mahatma Gandhi
O
K, so my chosen quote for this issue is one I am sure you know already, but it fits. I think the future is on our minds a lot at the moment – it’s certainly on mine. Our fastchanging world needs us more than ever, whether that’s fighting for a cause we believe in, getting involved in a charity or simply making eco-focused decisions in our homes that could help to reduce waste or (my personal nemesis!) plastic. I have a lot of respect for people who don’t rest on their laurels; people who transform opportunities into successes. Mark Weingard is one such person – and that’s why he was the clear choice for our cover this edition. Mark – an international social entrepreneur – has certainly faced some challenges in his life so far, but none have knocked him back. On the contrary he’s forged forward, both with his businesses and the philanthropic causes that drive him. You can read his fascinating story on page 13.
Photo by Tonio Lombardi • Hair by Fuss Salon, Swatar
editor’s
This issue I also absolutely love our gardens feature. Personally, I’m never happier than when in my (very small) garden at home, just enjoying the little bit of earth that’s mine. The gardens in our feature (page 59) are far from tiny – they’re gorgeous, sprawling spaces where nature is allowed to thrive and grow, and their guardians are doing everything they can to help them bloom. How refreshing to see trees and not a stretch of concrete – and how wonderful to be able to enjoy spaces like this in the summer. Of course, summer inspiration is to be found on so many pages throughout this edition – fashion, beauty and interiors that will help you enjoy this longed-for season more than ever. So pour yourself a cool drink, sit back and enjoy turning the pages of our summer issue of Style. I hope it will give you time to ponder about the things that matter to you in our beautiful world, so that we can protect and enjoy them for many years to come. Happy reading,
Follow Jo on Twitter at twitter.com/jocaruana and Style on Facebook by searching for Style on Sunday Magazine.
COMPETITION
Win with Style! Paco Rabanne’s Invictus Acqua EDT 100ml worth €67. This issue, you could win this power scent inspired by the athletic spirit. 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 September 2017. One entry per person. Terms & Conditions apply. Last issue, Marianne Portelli won Nina Ricci’s Rose Extase EDT 50ml worth €67.50.
STYLE interview 13
Doing Things
Differently
From being caught in Indonesia’s deadly tsunami to changing his life’s focus from business to philanthropy, Mark Weingard has never been ordinary. Here he talks to STYLE on SUNDAY about the causes that drive him and his reasons for making Malta his home. Words – Jo Caruana Photography – Tonio Lombardi Styling - Sarah Micallef WATCH – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch available from Diamonds International
14 STYLE interview
“We have helped many of the people affected by the terrible attack that took Annika’s life – I know it’s what she would have wanted.”
Mark wears: Zenith El Primero watch available from Diamonds International
S
ocial entrepreneur Mark Weingard’s name has become synonymous with Malta – he’s made it clear quite how much he loves living here, investing in our island and finding projects that he can be passionate about. Mark started out as a ‘financial guy’ and worked in banking for many years, until the end of 2008. He was a trader who set up his own electronic trading system, which he sold – at which point he knew it was time to do things a little differently. “I strongly believe that, as you live life once, it’s important to reinvent yourself when you get the chance,” he says. “When my fiancée Annika sadly died in the Bali bombings in 2002 and I was caught up in the 2004 tsunami, I knew that I needed to find a way to give back and make a difference, so I started the Inspirasia Foundation, which has since gone on to drive millions into charitable causes. Yes work is important, but it’s so much more important to be an active citizen and give back to the world.” Mark admits that his early success means he can now devote plenty of time to the things he feels passionate about. “After giving up my traditional way of life, I remember feeling quite lost to begin with,” he says. “It was a ‘good’ lost though, as it
gave me the time to figure out what would come next and what I wanted do with my time. I was inspired to take my charitable organisation forward and, between 2009 and 2012, built the Annika Lindon Centre – a medical centre as well as the home for several NGOs – in Annika’s honour. We professionalised the foundation I had set up, which enabled us to create a real home for the organisations we were supporting. We have also helped many of the people affected by the terrible attack that took Annika’s life – I know it’s what she would have wanted.” Since then Mark has got back into the hospitality business – after a failed attempt some years earlier. “I learnt a lot from having one of my projects go bankrupt,” he says. He has since opened his first hotel venture in Thailand that caters to the 21st century traveller through design, art, gastronomy and philanthropy. Today it is successful as a business, but also does a lot of important work for the community there.” It was after a short stint in Spain that Mark first discovered Malta. “I fell in love with this island almost
instantly,” he says. “I think this is an incredible country with so much going for it, from the climate and history to the architecture. I immediately felt at home and knew that I wanted to live here and make a difference to the community, which is exactly what I plan to do.” Mark has invested a lot of time and energy into Malta, and is extremely committed to being here. From a business perspective he opened the Aziamendi 100 days pop-up restaurant two years ago, which was a huge success, as well as a number of other initiatives. “More still are in the pipeline,” he says, “including a high-end food festival, a new restaurant and a hotel in Valletta, all of which will be launched in the year to come.” He has also got very involved philanthropically and, among numerous projects, has helped to upgrade facilities at San Gorg Preca Primary School and has sponsored the kits for young football players in Valletta. “Giving back to the country I live in is very important to me, and I will find more ways to help. We are also very dedicated to restoring Valletta to its former glory and have a number of conversion projects on the go,” he says. It is clear that Mark doesn’t do things by halves. On the contrary
“I want the whole world to know what this island can do.”
16 STYLE interview
Book – The Singapore Story by Lee Kuan Yew. I found it very inspirational Destination – This year I really enjoyed going to Manchester, which is where I was born, and to Venice to the Biennale. One was for football and the other for culture! International Restaurant – My favourite restaurants are in Thailand – including Gaggan, Eat Me, Issaya and Bo Lan Film or Series – I don’t watch TV, so I would choose Life is Beautiful. I still can’t watch it without filling with tears
Mark’s favourites
he throws himself into everything that he puts his name to. “It’s important to do things properly,” he says. “I feel so grateful that Malta has adopted me so full-heartedly, and I will give the same in return. “When I look back on the most defining moment of my life so far, that would have to be the death of my father when I was 10. I was just a little boy and he was just shy of his 36th birthday. I didn’t think I would live past 36 and that made me very ambitious. And while I did make it past 36, it was then that Annika died, which really made me rethink my life’s ambitions and I realised how much more there is to life than money, which is why I am so focused on giving back.” Thankfully, Mark has gone on to hit other milestones in his life, including his 50th birthday last year. “I was so happy to get there,” he smiles, “although I was pretty out of shape! That’s when I decided to focus on myself and lose weight – which I have done. I now walk 10km every day, either walking from Valletta to Tigné Point or from Valletta to my yoga class in Sliema, which I attend twice a week.” Thus, Mark’s plans for the future are very much set on solidifying what he’s doing at the moment, whether that’s staying active and healthy or working on the pet projects that stand to bring so many benefits to the places they are based. “When it comes to Malta, I hope to bring in exciting new projects that will show exactly what the island has to offer, including an art gallery, the new hotel and the food festival. I want the whole world to know what this island can do and believe in making Malta a top destination for the world; I want to bring a little of the international to us, and take a little of Malta out to showcase to the globe,” he smiles. “There’s a lot going on for us and I am excited about what the future holds – for myself, for our foundation and for Malta.” n
Way to Spend a Day – Surrounded by great people
“You are the sum of the people that surround you.”
Mark wears: Montblanc Meisterstück leather bag available from Diamonds International
18 STYLE interview
STYLE interview 19
RISING
Stars
Passionate, determined and already successful: STYLE ON SUNDAY celebrates some of Malta’s youngest and most promising stars in the spheres of art, science and sport. Interviews BY IGGY FENECH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE GALEA SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA, ATTARD
20 STYLE interview
13-year-old MIKIEL CASSAR became interested in robotics when his family received a brochure about it at home. That same summer, Mikiel was already working on building and programming his own robots. His ultimate goal, however, is to read for a degree in structural engineering and to combine that with his passion for robotics, which is why he has taken up physics, computing, chemistry and art at St Aloysius College.
MIKIEL CASSAR
“R obotics is int ere sti ng be ca us e you ca n ma ke objects do wh at a pe rso n ca n do… Th e po ssibilitie s are en dle ss, pa rticula rly for job s do ne by hu ma ns th at are da ng erous or repetitive.”
“I like posi ng and taking pict ures, and it’s a great way of spen din g tim e with my mu m… Wh en I grow up, I want to cont inu e blog ging and I wou ld like to become well known for it. I also love clot hes: the y are fun and ma ke me feel good!”
“I enjoy da ncing be ca us e it ma ke s me fee l ha ppy an d, eve n if we ’re in a wa itin g roo m, I just sta rt da ncing… But I love eve ryt hin g about mo vie s too.”
Part of an influencer-duo, seven-year-old KEIRA BORG came to prominence when she featured in a series of photographs with her mother, Lydia Borg Muscat, on the Facebook group ‘The Beauty Game’. The pair have been gaining momentum since, and recently fronted a major Mother’s Day campaign. On top of capturing individual photos of her mum, Keira also picks out around half of the matching outfits the duo are renowned for – she’s a future stylist in the making!
MAIA
MICALLEF
KEIR A BORG
“I n th e futu re, I’ d lo ve to g o to Mila n to m od el. T he re a re lots of oppo rt u niti es in th e m od ellin g in d ustry th ere a n d it’ s d ef in it ely so m et hi ng I wa nt to ke ep on d oi ng.” KENZEY RIOLO
Eight-year-old MAIA MICALLEF joined the School of Performing Arts when she was just three. Since then, the budding young actress has already played the role of a hostage, a featured extra in the José Padilha-directed movie Entebbe, which stars Rosamund Pike, and even took her to the UK for a week of filming. Maia, moreover, is an avid dancer, and has recently been awarded a scholarship to train with dancer Simon Kidd who performed at the Royal Ballet and the English National Ballet. With distinctions in all her five drama and ballet exams, Maia’s career is set to take off.
With an eight-year modelling career under his belt, KENZEY RIOLO has already starred in adverts for big brands, and has walked down countless runways. Kenzey is now venturing into acting, landing his first role earlier this year in the 2018 Hollywood movie Entebbe, in which he played the part of a hostage. At just 11 years old, he claims his biggest highlight was when he walked down the runway in aid of the ALS Malta Foundation.
STYLE interview 23
“I lo ve co m peti ng w it pa rt icul a rly th e ol d h m y pe ers – er bow le rs. T hi s is a sport th at re qu ire s a lot of co ncentrat io n. I n bow lin g, it’ s im po rt a nt not to ru sh a n d to ke ep you r fo cu s… I fe el ex cited before every g a m e beca us e ea ch on e coul d tu rn out to b e m y n ew hig h scor e.” CONRAD PULI’s passion for table tennis kicked off when he met a coach at a park in Qormi. He was just nine years old then but, in just two years, he went from novice to representing Malta in the European Championship in Zagreb, Croatia, where he played in the under15s rounds. Conrad trains overseas, and even went on a touring camp that took him from the Czech Republic to France… Currently, Conrad is first in the rankings in the Malta Table Tennis Association’s Under-13s and in the Under-15s. 10-year-old TARA VELLA CLARK has been a gymnast for half her life, and is the youngest member of the Youth Elite Athlete Scheme of the Malta Olympics Committee. Just a few weeks ago, Tara wowed judges in the Valleys Gymnastics Academy competition in Colchester, England, where she placed first overall and won gold, while also securing first place on the beam, in vault and on bar, and second on floor. 13-year-old bowling champion EDWARD XUEREB has already won the Under-12 category (twice!) and the Under-16 National Championships, and even placed third in the Under-23 category. Beyond that, Edward already trains with and plays against elite bowlers, and his mission is now to join them in a few years’ time.
a go ld “My a im is to win es of th e m ed a l at th e Ga m rope a n d S m a ll St at es of Eu e ofte n!” to pl a y a b roa d m or
EDWARD XUEREB
CONR AD PULI
“Gy mn ast ics is a co mpetitive spo rt so it ma ke s me wa nt to try ha rde r an d ta ke on ch allen ge s… I love th at, an d th at’ s wh y I wa nt to go to th e Natio na l Sport School wh ere th ey focus on spo rts as mu ch as acad em ic su bje cts.” TAR A VELL A CL ARK
24 STYLE interview
DANIEL FARRUGIA
of th e te ch ni qu e e us a ec b r ta ui g e “I lo ve th n I se e or hea r he w e us a ec b o, ls a a n d, ta r I fe el in sp ired… ui g e th ng yi a pl e so m eo n m eeti ng up wit h e b ill w I er m m su T hi s s to put tog et he r a ist ss ba d n a s er m d ru m n d st a rt a ba n d!” a up ro g g in m m ja sm a ll
GIORGIA BORG
“W he n I te ll pe op le I’ m a si ng er, th ey kle thin k Twin kle, Twin ve Litt le St a r a n d I lo n se ei ng th ei r rea ct io w he n th ey hea r m e si ng properly!”
“I fe el ve ry lu ck y th at I g et to ha ve a ll th es e m a gica l ex pe ri en ce s re lated to d a nce!” LEA ELLUL SULLIVAN
Nine-year old GIORGIA BORG began singing as soon as she could speak: something that made her mum sign her up to train with Gillian Camenzuli Kerr (Gillian Attard) at the La Voix Academy at the age of five. Singing Beyoncé’s ‘Listen’, Giorgia recently made headlines as she won the Sanremo Junior Finals in Malta and the Sanremo Junior World Finals in Italy through both the votes of the professional jury and the majority of the 245 votes that peers her age cast.
12-year-old DANIEL FARRUGIA started playing the guitar at the age of six and has since competed in Sanremo Junior here in Malta, as well as performed a gig as part of a band while on a course at college in the UK. Daniel is currently studying the guitar (Grade 6) with Sean Vukovic from the Johann Strauss School of Music, and the piano (Grade 5) with Simon Farrugia.
At nine years old, LEA ELLUL SULLIVAN, under the mentorship of Marisha Bonnici of Seed Dance Studios, was the first-ever Maltese dancer to qualify for the final of the Young American Grand Prix, a competition that kick-started the careers of many dancers from The Royal Ballet and The Bolshoi Ballet. To get to the final, which took place in New York this April, Lea also competed in Paris, where she placed in the top 10 out of 175 contestants. In New York, Lea’s lowest score by the judges was an amazing 90 per cent, while her highest was 97.5 per cent. n
26 STYLE FASHION
After
Sunset From the chic-yet-casual to the dazzingly-formal, STYLE ON SUNDAY picks out key seasonal pieces to help you make the most of your night out. PHOTOGRAPHY: KURT PARIS STYLING: CAROLINE FASHION STYLING HAIR: NOELLA PISANI FOR DEAN GERA HAIR CARE MAKE-UP: CHARMAINE COSTA FOR FRANKS, USING GUERLAIN MODEL: MARINA AT MODELSM SHOT ON LOCATION AT RAMLA BAY RESORT IN MELLIEHA
Dress from Armani Jeans
STYLE FASHION 27
Swimsuit, shawl from Mimi Boutique Drink - Campari Tonic
28 STYLE FASHION
Dress from Michael Kors at Rebelli; bag from Versace Jeans at Rebelli; shoes Model’s own
STYLE FASHION 29
Dress from Lulu; shoes from Melluso at Mimi Boutique
30 STYLE FASHION
Shorts and shirt from Michael Kors at Rebelli; jacket from Armani Jeans
STYLE FASHION 31
Dress from Mei Boutique
32 STYLE interview
Sowing the Seeds From discipline to creativity, dance can play a very important role in a child’s holistic development. Here, Seed Dance Studios’ principal Marisha Bonnici talks about her dedicated approach to education.
M
arisha Bonnici had a very particular strategy in mind when she opened her dance school, Seed Dance Studios – she wanted to create a place where each of her students could develop individually, whether they hoped to dance as a hobby or to take their passion more seriously. The idea was not to develop her students as a group depending on the class they were in, but to create a bespoke approach for every single student to be the best they can be. Tipped as one of the most professional and internationally-focused dance schools on the island, Seed has certainly made an impression. To begin with, many of Marisha’s students have had the opportunity to work with top international teachers, or even to travel overseas to perform themselves. “So far we have been to Prague, Basel, Aberdeen, Paris, Italy and London, to name but a few,” says Marisha, adding that one of her students, Lea Ellul Sullivan, was the first Maltese to reach the finals of the Youth America Grand Prix held in New York, where she danced with 175 of the best from all over the world. “We take things seriously,” Marisha goes on to say. “The international tutors who worked with us locally were always so impressed with the standards of our students that they encouraged me to showcase our children’s talents overseas, so we did. The results were incredible, and we have been invited to perform and compete again and again.” Beyond
that, all of Marisha’s students have secured distinction marks in three consecutive sessions over the past five years. “From the tiniest ballerina to the top dancers sitting for their Advanced 1 examination… they all achieved a distinction, which is a real feat,” says the principal. And asked about how dance can help children of all ages, Marisha explains that it is all part of their holistic development. “It isn’t just about creativity, but determination, discipline, time management and problemsolving too. Dance isn’t like other subjects, you can’t just go away and study it within a few hours, so it teaches children that life isn’t always about instant gratification but about persevering for the things you’re passionate about. We definitely instil a sense of drive in our students and they, in turn, love to take on the challenge. Seed’s new premises are now open in Lija, with three purpose-built studios that ensure the students get the best possible education. “We want them to have excellent facilities, but we also want them to be happy here,” Marisha adds. “This is a home away from home and somewhere they love to be.” n
Seed Dance Studios offers training in Classical Ballet, Spanish Dance, Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Modern, Contemporary and Hip Hop. For more information email seeddancestudios@gmail.com, call 7906 8681 or follow Seed Dance Studios on Facebook.
STYLE CULTURE 35
The Music will Play
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has had a wonderful season – and there’s still much to look forward to with these lively events over the summer. Carnaval Romain – Season Closing Concert Saturday 24th June
Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta Under the direction of principal conductor Brian Schembri, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates a successful 2016-17 concert season with a distinctly Roman-themed concert, which sets the scene with Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture. Brilliant young pianist Dmitry Ishkhanov then joins the orchestra for a performance of Kabalevsky’s Third Piano Concerto. Khachaturian’s Spartacus Suite, inspired by the heroic gladiator who led the slave uprising against the Roman Republic, has also been featured in many movie scores. Concluding the concert is Respighi’s Pines of Rome, a symphonic poem which vividly depicts pine trees in four different locations across Rome, including at the Villa Borghese Gardens and along the ancient Appian Way.
Orchestra Folk Fusion Thursday 29th June
Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta
Music from Across the Atlantic Tuesday 4th July
Fort St Elmo, Valletta
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Denis Matsuev (MIAF Closing Concert) Saturday 15th July
This very special concert will feature the première performance of five new pieces of music commissioned by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Maltese composers Karl Fiorini, Jesmond Grixti, Christopher Muscat, Albert Pace and Ruben Zahra have each composed a piece for a chamber orchestra and traditional Maltese instruments such as the żummara (reed pipe), the żaqq (bagpipes), the flejguta (folk flute) and the żafżafa (friction drum). The concert, which will see the MPO perform under the direction of Riccardo Bianchi, is part of the Malta International Arts Festival.
In what has become an annual summer event, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Malta Youth Orchestra join forces for a captivating and engaging performance, which will this year take place under the direction of internationallyacclaimed conductor Peter Stark. This year’s concert takes place on the Fourth of July – the US Independence Day – and with this in mind, the orchestras’ musicians will be performing a selection of popular orchestral works by American composers. The works include soundtracks for various pop culture icons, including The Simpson, Star Wars, Harry Potter and The Magnificent Seven, as well as the Billy the Kid Suite and George Gershwin’s Cuban Overture. Admission is free!
Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra brings the 2017 edition of the Malta International Arts Festival to a fitting conclusion with a festive orchestral performance, featuring internationally-acclaimed Russian pianist Denis Matsuev. Under the direction of principal conductor Brian Schembri, the MPO will be performing a selection of Russian and Maltese works, appropriately starting with Shostakovich’s Festive Overture but also including Stravinsky’s brilliant Firebird Suite and Charles Camilleri’s New Idea Symphony. n
36 STYLE MOTORING
Fun and bold Audi Q2 impresses on the road Style on Sunday test-drives the impressive Audi Q2.
F
or many people, buying a new car is a great deal of fun, it’s all about reaping the fruit of hard work and wise decisions; certainly a rewarding experience and something to look forward to whenever that moment comes. But the minute you start carrying out your research and comparing the pros and cons of competitive models, it can all get very tricky, at times confusing, and choosing your new private means of transport can actually end up becoming a complex dilemma. That is more so the case in this day and age with competition being so fierce and when we are really spoilt for choice in most segments. Take large SUVs as an example. If you have a limited budget, there are still numerous options to choose from that can suit your budget and at the same time satisfy your tastes and practical requirements. The
same can be said if you’re looking for a large premium-branded SUV, with a growing list of premium brands doing an excellent job in the premium large SUV segment – the likes of Audi, Porsche, VW, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes, Volvo, Lexus and so on. However, you can expect a completely different experience if you’re after a compact, proper premium-badged crossover.
Photography by Alan Carville
Audi has recently entered this segment with the new Audi A2, and that is it. No other premium brand has (yet) entered this segment. If you’re looking for a larger (but still pretty small) premium SUV, there is once again fierce competition between the likes of the Q3 (one of the many siblings within the growing family of Audi’s premium line-up of crossovers and SUVs), the X1 and the CLA, but hey, for many
people that’s too big a car and the budget might not extend so much. This is exactly where Audi now has a strong leverage over other premium brands. With the Q2, Audi can attract drivers that no other premium brand will ever manage to lure. And who is your typical Q2 driver? That’s a tricky question, because perhaps the Q2 is specifically targeted towards young people, but certainly not only young people are buying it! Parents, elderly people looking for a premium-badged car that is small and practical, professionals who want that premium-feeling SUV but who are still looking for the practicality and comfort of a city car, fashion-conscious young people who are keen on a premium-badged SUV that is sporty and fun, and the list goes on as the appeal of this genuine and bold, young-looking compact SUV is massive.
STYLE MOTORING 37
Premium feel inside and out
Once you set foot in the new Q2, you will instantly get that premium, exclusive feeling associated with the top marques in the car industry. Make no mistake, no compromise has been made in the build quality of the Q2 and its DNA is Audi from top to bottom. Engine-wise you can’t go wrong, with tried and tested superlative Audi engines ranging from the 1.0 TFSI 115bhp to the 1.4 TFSI that manages 150bhp to the 1.6 TDI 110bhp. The Q2 is available in both manual and automatic (STronic) transmissions. Bold styling
The Q2, although distinctively Audi looking, still manages to look very different from its big-
Verdict ger siblings, namely the Q3, Q5 and Q7. There is a bolder, sportier and a fun feel linked to the exterior of the Q2, and that vibe extends to the interior, with sleek minimalist design and a mix of materials that allows you to personalise your car with an extensive number of options and combinations. Even the external colour options are innovative and one of the best examples is the blue metallic version of the car we test-drove – it is a very particular and distinguished blue
that projects innovation and the young-fun element, and is both stylish and sporty. Strong value
The current promotional starting price is only €24,900 and for an Audi crossover, that sounds like a dream. But it gets better when you discover that Audi has done a remarkable job in including an extensive variety of features and equipment as standard across all of its Q2 range. So in terms of standard features,
The first premium-badged small city crossover that offers excellent value while combining bold styling with space and practicality. With current promotional offers starting at ¤24,900, the Audi Q2 is an impressive SUV and an excellent option for drivers looking for a compact SUV without compromising on quality, styling and that premium feel.
expect the likes of climate control, Bluetooth hands free, presense front, light and rain sensor, three-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel, start-stop system, 5.8” colour infotainment display and much more. n
For viewing visit the Audi showroom at Continental Cars Ltd, Testaferrata Street, Ta’ Xbiex. For more information call 2347 6340 or send an email to audi@ccl.mizzi.com.mt
38 STYLE LIFESTYLE
FlyingHigh The words ‘relaxing’, ‘soothing’ and ‘airport’ rarely go hand in hand – but, as Jo Caruana discovers, the new La Valette Lounge at Malta International Airport is the perfect place to unwind before a flight in truly tranquil surroundings.
T
ravelling is a wonderful thing – seeing new places, meeting new people and discovering things you’d only previously read about in guide books. I look forward to every opportunity to head to a new destination – but, what I don’t relish, is the time spent in a cramped airport, trying to while away the hours between ‘check in’ and ‘boarding’ as quickly as possible. Of course, all travellers know there is a place they can go to take the strain out of travelling: the VIP lounge. It’s illusive to some and essential to others but, either way, it’s known to take the sting out of long waits and uncomfortable airport seating.
Malta International Airport has always had a very nice lounge – a great place to sit back and work, relax and enjoy a glass or two of something until your flight is called. But ‘very nice’ wasn’t good enough, it seems – as the airport recently unveiled its new bigger and better lounge, which is even more welcoming and has even better facilities for those counting down to take-off. The new lounge is in a completely different location within the airport and is larger than the old one. Chic, friendly and bursting with light, it is immediately evocative of the golden age of flying, when there was so much glamour to be
enjoyed when embarking on a flight. There are many highlights here. To begin with, the lounge is broken up into a number of spaces, so you can find the right one for you – there are comfortable chairs and sofas if you’d like to curl up with a book or to chat with friends, tables and chairs if you want to work or have something to eat, and even day beds to recline on if you’d like to have a proper rest. The great news is that, regardless of where you choose to sit, you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views over the runway and to watch the plane take off and land – it makes for captivating viewing! The team here has also thought of
STYLE LIFESTYLE 39
“Regardless of where you choose to sit, you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views over the runway – it makes for captivating viewing!”
everything when it comes to facilities. The lounge is absolutely brilliant if you want to get connected – WiFi is complimentary, and there are power and UBS points dotted around every corner of the space. A sense of ‘Malta’ runs through a number of aspects in the lounge, too. To start with, you’re greeted by beautiful photography of our Islands by award-winning Canadian photographer David Burdeny. The menu – which has been improved – also boasts local flavours with many of the dishes inspired by popular local cuisine and ingredients. It makes for a fresh and inviting display, with items that will even
please those looking for healthy or glutenfree options. And the local touches don’t stop there – even in the bathrooms you’ll find toiletries by talented local perfumer Stephen Cordina; the locally-themed fragrances are absolutely delightful. Finally, the key obvious highlight is the beautiful terrace that also overlooks the runway. For visitors, this often provides the perfect place to soak up that final iota of Maltese sun before departing, but it is equally popular with locals who fancy some fresh air. This really does make the lounge feel extra special, as it’s not often you can sit in the sunshine with a lovely cool drink,
while watching your aircraft land just a few hundred metres away. All in all, it really doesn’t get better than this before a flight! The new lounge forms part of a comprehensive programme to upgrade facilities and services at the airport. The Terminal Reconfiguration Project, which started last September, is expected to be completed in 2018. The La Valette Lounge is open to all its members, First and Business Class travellers on all airlines, and one-time guests, for whom passes are available for €29. n
STYLE LIFESTYLE 41
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quintessentialFAVOURITES
T8-1012 BILLBOARD APRIL GARIBALDI UP.indd 1
1. PRADA Strong as the darkest rock but with the freshness of air, the new Luna Rossa Carbon for men by Prada is this summer’s must-have fragrance. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, T: 2133 1553. 2. VICHY Hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and non-greasy, the Ideal Soleil 3-in-1 Tinted AntiDark Spots SPF 50+ offers PhE-Resorcinol care that protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays, while evening out complexion. Available exclusively in pharmacies. E: vichy@prohealth.com.mt
3. LULÙ BOUTIQUE From great frocks to trinket jewellery, and comfortable wedges to this year’s must-have crossover bag, Lulu Boutique on Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Msida, has the trendiest essentials under one roof. For more information, T: 2133 1026, F: Lulu Boutique, Msida 4. BIOBALANCE Dermatologically tested and water-resistant, BioBalance ultralight sunblock’s formulas offer the best protection for adults and children alike. Available in pharmacies and leading retail outlets. For trade enquiries, contact Reactilab, T: 2141 2673, E: sales@reactilab.com
5. FELCE AZZURRA With an unmistakable fragrance and Paglieri’s seal of quality, Felce Azzurra’s range of products doesn’t just cover all your daily needs, it also helps you #perfumeyourlife. For more information contact GF Ltd, T: 2143 7415.
7. TRILOGY As of May 2017, Mango is officially part of Trilogy Ltd’s brand portfolio. The fast-fashion brand’s outlet at The Point, Sliema, houses womenswear, as well as a kids’ collection.
6. ALPECIN SPORT Men who push themselves during sport often experience hair loss. Thanks to Alpecin’s special active ingredient combo of caffeine and taurine, hair roots are recharged, promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Available in leading pharmacies and supermarkets. For more information contact GF Ltd, T: 2143 7415.
8. EVERYRAYS ROLLOVE With its gentle and effective rotating action, the Everyrays ROLLOVE removes hard skin in an instant, leaving you with gorgeously smooth feet. Available in pharmacies and leading retail outlets. For trade enquiries, contact Reactilab, T: 2141 2673, E: sales@reactilab.com.
9. CETAPHIL For over 70 years, the gentle power of Cetaphil has been simplifying the way people clean their skin – and with one bottle sold every minute worldwide, the results speak for themselves. For more information contact GF Ltd, T: 2143 7415. 10. JEAN PAUL GAULTIER This year’s Jean Paul Gaultier limited editions of Classique and Le Male bring together superheroes for a Gaultier-mission. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, T: 2133 1553.
42 STYLE HEALTH
The Future of Healthcare is Here The recently-opened St Thomas Hospital in Qormi provides the pinnacle of healthcare facilities in Malta. Here, Style on Sunday takes a tour to discover how this hospital really is doing things differently.
STYLE HEALTH 43
I
t’s natural to feel a little on edge when visiting a hospital, however, at St Thomas you’re immediately put at ease. From the minute you walk through the door, everything is taken care of, and a number of unique facilities make it easier for you to feel comfortable and relaxed. “Our patients’ comfort is our utmost concern,” says Ryan Buhagiar, a member of the top management team. “As one of the largest multi-disciplinary private hospitals in Malta, we like to take a holistic approach and have strived to create a patient experience that delivers excellence in medical care, comfort, safety and rapid medical services.” The hospital provides a vast range of services, and it has invested in cutting-edge medical technology and procedures in order to attract leading doctors and surgeons from the NHS who are renowned in their field. “As a private institution we understand that our patients do not only perceive outstanding care as the product of technology and first class doctors – it is the patient experience during the delivery of care that is equally important. We have committed ourselves to treating our patients with the utmost respect, courtesy, kindness and professionalism,” says Angele Buhagiar, who manages other aspects of care at the hospital. Calming and Comfortable
Angele, Ryan and their other sister Kristen – the children of well-known renal consultant and doctor Louis Buhagiar who is now this hospital’s medical director – were intrinsically involved in the planning of the hospital. “We grew up watching our father in his clinic and, while it was very practical for his patients, we all believed it could be much more comfortable!” smiles Kristen, a doctor. “We’ve tried to make this a nice experience from the moment people walk in
44 STYLE HEALTH
the door. Yes, it’s a hospital, but we wanted it to feel like a hotel lobby. All in all we believe that this helps people to feel more calm and comfortable, which in turn alleviates their anxiety and speeds up recovery.” It’s the little touches that patients, as well as supporting friends and family members, will notice and appreciate at St Thomas Hospital. Aside from the large, welcoming lobby and friendly staff, steps have been taken to improve other aspects too. The rooms, for instance, also look more like hotel rooms than those usually associated with a hospital. They’re large and bright – and it’s actually only the hospital bed that gives away that their real purpose is for convalescing and recovery! Everything else has been attractively tucked away into purpose-built panelling that conceals them, while the bathrooms are also spacious and modern. “Another highlight of the bedrooms is the space for visiting guests,” continues Ryan. “We understand how important it is for family to stay the night when their relative is recuperating, so the rooms also have an armchair that transforms into a comfortable bed for the night. Of course, there are no set visiting times either, so they can come and go as convenient.” And this approach doesn’t stop there – the patient experience is taken into consideration in other aspects, too. “Patients can listen to their choice of music when they’re having an x-ray, when they’re waiting for their operation to start, and even while they’re being anesthetised,” Ryan says. “It’s just another way of ensuring they stay as calm and relaxed as possible.”
The Very Latest Technology
Aside from patient experience and comfort, it is providing the very latest forms of treatment and care that drive the team at St Thomas Hospital. The three brand new operating theatres here have been built to the highest specifications and standards in the industry, and are equipped to undertake a variety of simple and complex surgeries. “Each theatre has been outfitted with cutting-edge surgical equipment and technology, providing surgeons with the best instruments for open, orthopaedic and laparoscopic keyhole surgeries,”
Angele says. “All of the surgical procedures are conducted with gold standard equipment and processes, by surgeons who love new and minimally invasive procedures. Nothing is left to chance.” Plus, the hospital is completely digital, which means that results are given quicker and that images are crisper. “This also means that, while certain procedures needed to be done in the operating theatre in past, they can now be done on an x-ray machine, which is much less invasive,” Kristen says. “For instance, we can often carry out a virtual colonoscopy instead of an actual one, meaning there’s no need for anaesthesia and analgesics.”
STYLE HEALTH 45
Surgical specialities at St Thomas Hospital • Endoscopy • Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery • General Surgery • Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery • Orthopaedic Surgery • Pain Management Surgery • Bariatric Surgery • Urology Surgery • Minimally Invasive Orthopaedic Surgery • Gynaecology Services at St Thomas Hospital • GP Services • Weight Loss Clinic • Family Medicine • Gastroenterology • Pain Management • Respiratory • Endocrinology • Rheumatology • Cardiology • Nephrology • Advanced Radiology • 128 Slice CT Scanning • 3D Ultrasound • Breast Clinic with 3D Mammography • Urology • Paediatrics • Minor Procedures • Diabetes Clinic • Blood Tests • Acute Care Clinic • Ear, Nose and Throat
“We wanted to build a more advanced hospital. So we did.”
A Complete Healthcare Solution
St Thomas Hospital has been designed to offer a complete approach to healthcare – for instance, there’s a GP on call around the clock, so it makes for a convenient stop if you’re not feeling well and need an urgent appointment. Turnarounds can usually be quick too – be it for minor day surgery or a major in-patient case the team guarantees fast and high-quality treatment within days, or immediate urgent treatment. “Across the board, we strive to ensure everything is taken care of in the best and most efficient way possible. The patient’s well-being is at the very core of everything we do,” Ryan adds. n
For more information, please visit www.sthmalta.com or call T: 2148 2482
46 STYLE CULTURE
The Malta International Arts Festival
an exciting, colourful kaleidoscope The 12th edition of the Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF) will be taking place all over Valletta from 29th June to 16th July 2017. It is being organised by Festival Malta within Arts Council Malta in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Culture and Local Government, and Valletta 2018; and supported by MSV Life, Esplora Interactive Science Centre and the Malta EU Presidency 2017.
THE PROGRAMME
The artistic team, that is led by Dr Michelle Castelletti and includes Francesca Tranter and Ruben Zahra, has created a varied programme full of new work – premieres by Maltese composers, installations, new choreography, new theatrical work, calls for artists and much more.
June 29
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra: Orchestra Folk Fusion The premiere of five new works for Maltese traditional instruments and orchestra Conductor: Riccardo Bianchi
June 29, June 30, July 1
Paul Capsis & Julian Meyrick: Angela’s Kitchen
June 30 Opening of all live interactive installations – all free
Iddi – installation on the steps of City Gate, Valletta, by Andrew Schembri & Toni Gialanzè Terra Verunt – a journey through the eyes of a child migrant Bandli by Project Management: Malta Association for Contemporary Music Technical Director: Sergio Costa Creative coding & music interfacing: Andrew Schembri Logo design & branding: KULURI
ARS Electronica: u19 – Create Your World Tour in Malta Angela’s Kitchen by Paul Capsis
July 1
July 5
July 7
July 13
Puerto Flamenco – Ship of Theseus
Nadia Debono with Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas
Bacarisse Trio
Dance Hybrid
London Sinfonietta – Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin – with score by BAFTA winner Mica Levi
July 2
July 6
Puerto Flamenco – Ship of Theseus
KUBU – a collaboration project between Daniel Cauchi and dandDlab design laboratory, and performed by the Big Band Brothers
Dance Hybrid
Angela’s Kitchen by Paul Capsis
July 3
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers Dance Hybrid July 4
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in collaboration with the National Youth Orchestra Dance Hybrid Puerto Flamenco masterclass by Francesca ‘La Chica’ Grima & Andrej Vujicic
London Sinfonietta in residence – a full day’s workshop for Maltese composers with players from the world-renowned leading ensemble for contemporary music, London Sinfonietta, culminating in an open, informal performance. Dance Hybrid
July 8
Non Classical: Gabriel Prokofiev with DJ Mr Switch Dance Hybrid July 9
MNOZIL Brass July 10, July 11
Unifaun Theatre Productions: Il-Metamorfosi ta’ Ovidju Balzunetta Towers July 12
Bruno Heinen: Re-Imaginings, Piano Solo Balzunetta Towers
For more information visit www.maltaartsfestival.org
Balzunetta Towers July 14
Ultima Vez – In Spite of Wishing and Wanting Balzunetta Towers July 15
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra concert featuring Denis Matsuev Balzunetta Towers July 16
Explore... Think... Imagine... Create! in collaboration with Esplora Balzunetta Towers
STYLE interview 49
TheTwo of Us Not only are they young, hip and talented but they’re also really cute together. Marie-Claire Grima interviews three Maltese couples that are the definition of influencers.
Daphne & Christoph
D
aphne Gatt and Christoph Podesta had met briefly a couple of times, but it wasn’t until an unexpected encounter at a party in Xemxija on Christoph’s first day home after months away that sparks flew. “Little did I know that we would end up living in Xemxija together!” Daphne laughs. Daphne has known that she wanted to be a doctor ever since she can remember. After graduating, she decided to specialise in emergency medicine. “I am now in my third year of specialty training but still have a way to go. I work in a busy and noisy emergency department which can be stressful but, thanks to the amazing people I work with, it almost feels like my second home and I can’t imagine doing anything else.” “She holds so much responsibility and constantly makes decisions about people’s lives. It could be anything from a tummy ache to a badly-injured patient who’s hanging on to life by a thread. Watching any of the emergency physicians is simply impressive – they have to be ready to deal with any possible medical situation,” Christoph says admiringly. Meanwhile, Christoph’s love of the sea has been just as enduring. “I studied mechanical engineering and eventually took off sailing while working as a yacht engineer. Over time I worked my way up to a captain. For the past few years work has taken me away from home to all parts of Europe, across the Atlantic and to the Caribbean. My current address is a yacht.”
“We often choose holidays around activities we love.”
“I always joke with him that he’s more comfortable on the sea than on land but he’s very lucky to be able to escape reality, phones and noise, to spend weeks at sea, surrounded by constant natural beauty,” Daphne says. “Our lives are indeed very different. Daphne can never venture too far from Mater Dei while I’m almost constantly on the move. Spending enough time together can be challenging, but I try to fly home to Malta as often as possible, and enjoy life with her in a slightly more normal way. As soon as I know I’m going to be hanging around a certain spot for a few weeks, we try to fit in
Daphne
a little holiday,” Christoph says. “I love that travelling has become so easy and that the world is so accessible to us,” Daphne adds. “We often choose holidays around activities we love. Over the past two years, Christoph has got me addicted to snowboarding and we often try wakeboarding too. I know it’s always going to be an adventure wherever we go. It’s definitely a gift to be able to visit so many beautiful places.”
“My current address is a yacht.”
Christoph
50 STYLE interview
Emma & Matt Photography by Jan Zammit
E
mma Warrington is an architect by profession but is now more well-known as the owner of the enormously popular Emma’s Kitchen in San Gwann. Matt Demarco is a graphic designer and one of the founders of Maltatype, a blog he started a few years ago which is dedicated to capturing overlooked elements of Maltese type and design. He is also the co-director of Bloom Creative, a talented young branding and design studio. The two have been putting their complementary skills to good use since Emma’s Kitchen Project, a food blog Emma started when she was 23 to document her adventures as a budding home cook, with Matt working on the web design. As her culinary repertoire grew, she then moved on to selling delicious home-made jams, chutneys and butters at local artisan fairs. Her products’ quirky and memorable packaging was, of course, designed by Matt. “We love having projects to work on and we’re always looking for something new to do,” Emma says. “It’s
what keeps life fun!” In fact, when she decided to pursue a long-held dream of opening up her own café, the two almost singlehandedly transformed the disused Half Way Inn in San Gwann into the restaurant known and loved by so many today. “We had a strong idea of where we wanted
“We fill in each other’s blanks.”
Emma
to go but, at the same time, we wanted to be honest and respectful of the place,” says Matt, whose own work is strongly influenced by different elements of the Maltese identity. So while they made extensive renovations and transformed the place according to their own vision, they also polished and restored the inn’s traditional patterned tiles to perfection, used the black timber panelling from the walls to build the bar, and put the old blackboard back up for the menu. While a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into the transformation, the result is effortlessly and uniquely chic. Sundays are their only days off so the two like to spend the day relaxing, having long lunches, drinking wine and listening to music on Matt’s recently-restored record player, which used to belong to his grandfather. They’re also working on doing up their first home together – a tiny house in Birkirkara, where they’re looking forward to throwing lots of dinner parties. “Emma’s definitely the organiser – she gets stuff done. Without her it would just be me blurting out ideas but not doing anything,” says Matt. “We fill in each other’s blanks,” Emma beams.
“We had a strong idea of where we wanted to go but, at the same time, we wanted to be honest and respectful of the place.”
Matt
STYLE interview 53
Moira & Mark
M
ark Scicluna and Moira Scicluna Zahra both started out as graphic design lecturers at the MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts. Last year they moved to Edinburgh, where Mark is now working as an illustrator at Rockstar Games, an international video game development company, while Moira is a self-employed illustrator, working mostly in children’s book illustration and doing freelance agency work. “We have collaborated on various projects, including A Space Boy Dream, which was a webcomic that we did for around three years. It was our first project together,” says Moira. “We both worked on the Politicks card game that was designed by Prof Gordon Pace, which won second prize for Creative Innovation in the Malta Innovation Awards 2017. We also worked on an additional comic called League of Extraordinary Underpants that was sold out at the Malta Comic-Con. “We’re both very much inspired by people and their manners, conversations, day-to-day things and narratives. In fact, our new project together is based on snippets of
“We’re both very much inspired by people and their manners, conversations, day-to-day things and narratives.”
conversation that we hear on the streets and is called Heardinburgh – it’s still in its early stages though. Mark is also inspired by pop culture, comics, vintage western style and the 70s. My work tends to be more feminine and stylish, but sometimes dark and surreal as well. “Since we’re both illustrators, we can talk about our passion to one another and
Mark
can trust each other’s critical opinion when we’re not sure about a particular image or project. However, when we collaborate on projects together someone has to be the sacrificial lamb and do the marketing, interviews, email correspondence, and all the other business and technical stuff. “We are still relatively new to the Scottish creative environment but we do get the impression that things are a little less formal here,” says Mark. “This doesn’t mean creatives aren’t serious about their work, but let’s just say there are more pints involved! “We like to get out of the house as much as possible. We draw outdoors when the weather’s nice (yes the weather in Scotland can be nice, surprisingly!) Other times we go to exhibitions, fairs and festivals. We’re both big on food too, so we like to explore new cafés and restaurants in our neighbourhood.” n
“We have collaborated on various projects.”
Moira
STYLE BEAUTY 55
Summer BRONZE Get THE look!
1 As always, it’s important to get your makeup base just right by using the appropriate foundation. This time around we chose Guerlain’s Terracotta Joli Teint Foundation, which combines the perfection of foundation, the beautiful effect of a skincare product, and the sun-kissed radiance of terracotta. Plus, with SPF20 included, you’re well protected from the harsh rays around at this time of the year.
4 2
Then finish your bronzed look with Guerlain’s Limited Edition Terracotta Bronzing Powder Ultra Shine, which is scattered with extremely fine pearl particles. Night or day it recreates the effect of skin with a satin sheen in dazzling sunlight.
Aside from a slick of waterproof mascara, keep your eyes simple with eye shadow. We love Guerlain’s Palette 5 Colour Eyeshadow (no 03 Coque D’Or), which comes with five shades for a flawless result. This palette includes one base shade to smooth out and illuminate, two nude shades and two smoky shades so you can create a smouldering look. Each shade can be applied alone or layered to create something stronger.
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This look is all about bronzing – two types of bronzing in fact! Start with a great base – Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powder Sun Trio. Often seen as an overly complicated technique that creates an artificial effect, contouring has nonetheless established itself as a major trend over the past few years. Designed as a bronzing and contouring palette in one, this product boasts three perfectly balanced shades that allow you to create the sun-kissed complexion of your dreams, using an extremely intuitive application technique.
Bright, bronzed and beautiful: your summer make-up look is certain to leave an impression.
Finally, complete your summer look with some lipstick. But not just any lipstick – Guerlain’s Kiss Kiss in shade no 340 is perfect for this time of year. Not only is it a beautiful colour but it is enriched with plumping hyaluronic acid spheres to plump your lips and, in parallel, includes commiphora oil to help smooth the lip surface.
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Make-up: Charmaine Costa for Franks, using Guerlain Hair: Noella Pisani for Dean Gera Hair Care Model: Rebecca Pace Photography: Kurt Paris Shot on location at Ramla Bay Resort, Mellieha.
STYLEtip
Remember that the contents of your make-up bag will need updating at this time of year, when your skin tone gets darker. This is the perfect time to update your look with a darker foundation and concealer, as well as complementing bronzers and lipsticks.
STYLE HOME 57
Glorious Gardens
From perfectly-manicured lawns to absolutely stunning blooms, these gardens prove why the Mediterranean is great for growing all sorts of wonderful trees, plants, fruit and vegetables. Join us on a walk through two really glorious gardens. By Jo Caruana Photography by Alan Carville
Corinne Apap Bologna, an artist and animal sculptor, is also a very keen gardener with a passion for growing fruit, vegetables and wonderful flowers from her Balzan home. Corinne spends at least three hours a day tending to the garden – and she loves every minute of it.
“Gardening is definitely in my blood. My father and grandfather were both keen gardeners, and they passed that passion onto me. I remember my father really enjoyed working in the garden of our Sliema home, and he made it beautiful. My uncle, Maurice Mizzi, is also well known for his
garden and even wrote a book about gardening in Malta. If you grow up surrounded by a love of gardening, it’s not hard to develop a passion for it yourself. I am still hoping my own children – Liz and Richard – will take to it one day! We bought this house in 2003 when we decided to leave Sliema because the construction was getting too much for us. This was actually the first house we saw, and my husband Philip and I immediately knew it was the one. We spent two years restoring the house and then started on the garden in 2005. It was an orange grove back then and had been for centuries; one of the doors to the garden shows the year 1606, so it may date back to then. An orange grove will always be an orange grove, so I
didn’t have a free hand when it came to deciding how to lay it out – the trees dictated a lot of what could be done. For the first couple of years we focused on eliminating the weeds and nettles, which was a huge job. It was all done organically. We pruned the trees back quite a lot to shape them and put in a drip system to help irrigate. The wells below were all cleaned out and are now great at collecting rainwater for use all year round. Over time I started to plant flowers – the English David Austin roses that I brought over from the UK and French roses that I bought in Ghajn Tuffieha are among my favourites because I love the brightness they provide. I never opted for a colour scheme in the garden, although you will see a lot of pinks, blues and white.
58 STYLE HOME
The greenhouse is another space I really enjoy, especially in winter when it’s too cold to grow things outside. Philip built it for me as a birthday present, and I absolutely love it. It helps to have a space where the seedlings can develop and where I can potter around for hours. I spend at least three hours a day out here, sometimes more. There’s always plenty to do – deadheading the roses, shredding and composting, fertilising and pruning. I am
usually to be found with a hose in one hand and a pair of secateurs in the other! This is also a working garden because we get a lot out of it. We grow all sorts of fruit and vegetables – aside from the citrus there’s asparagus, fennel, tomatoes, avocados, leeks, onions, garlic and nectarines, and we’ve had a bumper crop of peaches and broccoli this year. I make lots of things too – the oranges are turned into candied peel or marmalade, and
the strawberries and mulberries become jam. Any surplus is given as gifts or sold for charity. As for my favourite time in the garden, that would have to be early in the morning when I wander around with a cup of tea planning what I’d like to do that day. It has given us a lot of happiness as a space, including last year when my daughter Liz and her husband Jason chose to get married here – it was hard work getting it shipshape, but the results were worth it!”
“If you grow up surrounded by a love of gardening, it’s not hard to develop a passion for it yourself.”
STYLE HOME 61
Winston and Doris Zahra know and love every tree and plant in their large Iklin garden. Both spend plenty of time enjoying it, whether taking an active role in its planning or entertaining family and friends. “It was 1974 and we were thinking of moving to San Pawl
tat-Targa when an estate agent friend of ours showed us this piece of land. I hadn’t even heard of Iklin back then! But I knew instantly that it was for us – there were only 12 buildings in the vicinity at the time. We took one look and fell in love with it. It was a terraced field then, and is still terraced today. We developed the garden over
time – overseeing every plant and tree. We also developed the pool area, orchard and, finally, the lawn. Today there are over 300 trees alone, and they seem to thrive. Some have grown to be 70 feet tall! We find it very peaceful out here and spend a lot of time enjoying the garden. It’s conducive to work too, and Winston has taken many a business decision while walking out here! We like it so much that it’s actually hard to choose a favourite area or time of year. The winter is lovely, and we sometimes come out to cut a grapefruit and have it for breakfast. Spring, on the other hand, is also delightful as everything is colourful and in bloom.
We take an active role in the garden, but we do have one gardener who’s been with us for 26 years and a handyman who helps with the upkeep. I personally keep a close eye on everything and always try to keep the plants alive for as long as possible – I absolutely hate throwing any plants away!
STYLE HOME 63
“We find it very peaceful out here and spend a lot of time enjoying the garden.” Last year we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with Mass and a party on the lawn, and the priest gave a lovely sermon about how Winston and I planted the tree that bore roots, which blossomed into children and grandchildren. It was then that I gave Winston this statue by Joe Xuereb, called Eternal Love. We entertain a lot, so the garden is always very alive
with lunches or dinner parties in the summer, and the family come over often to swim or play football on the lawn. Winston also has a daily tradition – he comes out here for an hour-long walk every single morning and he stops at the statue of Mary to say a prayer. It sets him up for the day. A sign hangs here that says ‘you are nearer God’s heart in a garden’ – and we definitely feel that way!” n
64 STYLE LIFESTYLE
Attracting and retaining the
preferred guests and tenants also enables guests to travel with less luggage and potentially avoids airline fees for baggage stowage. Guests expect to have Internet access throughout the property and, should it be limited to certain areas, then they should be advised beforehand. Prior to launching the property, it should be appropriately deep-cleaned. Throughout a property’s short-let operations, and due to back-to-back bookings, there is usually only the time to undertake a general clean, while a deep-clean can only be scheduled every couple of weeks, depending on the property’s occupancy. Long-let rental
U
pon acquiring a buy-to-let property, an owner needs to adopt a strategy for the property’s operation – short-let, long-let or a mixture of both rentals. Any operating strategy needs to position that property to appropriately target a specific market, addressing the particular tenants’ expectations. Although a property’s location is one of its strongest selling points, one should also address the design and finish. Should the property have unique features, such as exposed stone, a niche, or arches, these may be attributes that potential occupants appreciate. Modern comforts, such as air-conditioning, Internet access points and lighting features, are also sought-after amenities. For example, properties with full ownership of a roof benefit by converting that into a roof terrace, as numerous potential tenants seek outdoor space. Additionally, it must be borne in mind that guests occupying the property for vacation purposes have different needs to long-term tenants.
Short-let rental
The primary concern for a shortlet property is to adhere to Malta Tourism Authority standards. Since these standards stipulate a minimum set of requirements, an owner benefits by introducing additional enhancements or high-quality products that raise the property’s offering. For example, no specific reference is made to the provision of wine glasses, though these are frequently requested by guests. Prior to booking the property, potential guests evaluate the photographs and reviews written by previous occupants, after which they assess the amenities provided. Upon arrival, first impressions are important, as guests should enter a de-cluttered, clean and tidy property. A stellar welcome would have the towels shaped as swans or flowers. Another recommendation is a ‘welcome pack’, such as a map, and light snacks or beverages. The availability of a hairdryer
In relation to long-lets, owners need to decide on the audience they wish to address in attracting the ideal tenant, such as a family, single person, couple, or corporate clients. Long-let rentals place greater emphasis on providing a potential home and, consequently, white goods such as a dishwasher, washing machine and tumble-dryer are frequently requested by the potential tenants prior to finalising the lease agreement. Conclusion
First impressions count and, to successfully host occupants, it is essential to greet them with aspects that stimulate and satisfy the five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Furthermore, throughout the occupants’ stay, any of their requests and maintenance issues must be appropriately handled to ensure that the occupants have an enjoyable stay, encouraging them to return or to extend their stay at the property. n Casa Rooms offers a comprehensive service that manages your rental property for you. For more information please contact Thomas Cremona on 9983 7454 or visit www.casarooms.com
STYLE LIFESTYLE 67
p ANDREW VASSALLO Made from wood, stoneware tiles and composite, this elevated floor decking system is as good as it gets! Andrew Vassallo General Trading Ltd. T: 2169 2917, W: www.andrewvassallo.com
p ANKER Dust-, sand- and water-resistant, Anker Bluetooth speakers may look compact, but they don’t compromise on sound. Exclusively imported by A&A Mizzi Limited, Triq is-Salib tal-Imriehel, Mriehel. T: 2148 8168, E: karl@aamizzi.com, W: www.aamizzi.com
p THE SUMMER KITCHEN Enjoy a splendid menu of salads, grills and pasta under a canopy of stars as The Summer Kitchen reopens for the summer. Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, De Paule Avenue, Attard. T: 2144 0301, W: www.corinthia.com/palace
summerLIVING
p GIESSEGI For a modern bedroom you’ll absolutely love to fall asleep in, look no further than Giessegi’s wide range! Available at B4 Group, Fgura. T: 2180 1092, W: www.b4.com.mt
p JYSK Turn your outdoor space into a lounge area you’ll want to hang out in all summer, with JYSK’s fabulous range of furniture, bedding and home décor. JYSK, Triq il-Mosta, Hal-Lija. T: 2713 7364, F: JYSK.Malta
t ANDREW VASSALLO Low-maintenance, secure, energyefficient and low-cost, UPVC products are made to highest quality controls and safety guidelines. Andrew Vassallo General Trading Ltd. T: 2169 2917, W: www.andrewvassallo.com
p DELTA SALOTTI These stylish and modern sofas, upholstered in leather or anti-stain fabrics, will be the stars of any room. Available at B4 Group, Fgura T: 2180 1092, Mosta T: 2143 2003, W: www.b4.com.mt
SAN MICHEL u One of Malta’s leading table water brands, San Michel is extending its range of bottle sizes, with a new 33cl-bottle that is easy to carry around!
p B4 GROUP For a wide-selection of made-to-measure blinds that offer the perfect combination of practicality and style, including blackout blinds and UV screen blinds, visit B4 Group, Fgura T: 2180 1092, Mosta T: 2143 2003, W: www.b4.com.mt
STYLE HOME 69
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SummerUPDATE 3
“It’s no secret that while we love being outdoors we still crave the comfort of the indoors,” says Josette Schembri Vella, who runs LOFT in Naxxar. “With summer now in full swing, that can be achieved through some carefully selected items that will bring the comfort of the inside, outside.”
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TAKINGINSIDEout
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1. Throw Shade
3. Bring to the Table
6. Make Yourself Comfy
There are certain periods during the day when going outdoors may seem like the craziest of ideas… But whether it’s the scorching heat or the damp evening air, huge umbrellas will ensure you are protected from the elements at any time of the day!
An interesting array of tableware will add depth and style to your space, and will turn your everyday outdoor area into the ultimate entertaining space.
Cushions are the difference between going the extra mile or not in your quest for the ultimate outdoor space… Of course, there is no need for cushions to be specifically designed for outdoor use, but do make sure they are protected from the sun and the dew when you’re not using them.
2. Be Warm as Toast It’s not hard to feel hot in the summer but those damp summer evenings can really take their toll on us. That’s why you should always keep a cotton or linen throw handy.
4. Shine a Light Ambient lighting created by candles sets the ultimate mooddécor during those warm, magical summer nights… Using lanterns, however, also ensures that you – and, more importantly, your little ones – stay safe.
5. Take a Seat To give your outdoor space more character, replace boring, box-like outdoor sofas with these wonderful ones made using the original and traditional craft of weaving.
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7. Turn the Table Feel free to use items that you’d normally use inside – such as this cluster of teak tables – outside. This will add space and functionality to your outdoors – not to mention a stable surface on which to place your favourite cocktail!
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70 STYLE HOME
EnjoyLIVING! Fabulous design doesn’t have to cost the earth, as Mark Cassar from Krea explains. The below pieces are all excellentlypriced while still adding chic touches and effortless style to your property – whether you’re doing up your home or finishing a rental investment.
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2. Happy Hosting
Sofa beds are becoming increasingly popular as they work brilliantly in multi-purpose spaces. The Vivent quickly transforms from a sofa to a bed if you have guests staying, and is very comfortable. It’s also available in bright colours, which work beautifully against more neutral tones.
The Delta Extendable Table is one of the latest additions to the range – it extends to make it easy for you to accommodate friends or family in style. The neutral colours and natural wood finish ensure it works in many different settings and for all sorts of interior styles.
3. Chic Quality This Scandinavian-inspired collection is perfect if you’re looking to furnish your rental in style without breaking the bank. It provides lasting quality and is very adaptable to various interior settings.
4. Heart of the Home
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This kitchen has become a popular choice thanks to its high quality, lovely style and great-value options. It is popular
because it looks great but is also built to last, and works perfectly in industrial, contemporary and traditional settings.
5. See Through If you’re hoping to impress without spending a fortune, then this is the collection for you. We love the clear legs, which give the illusion of space, while the style is also neutral and elegant.
6. Finishing Touches Armchairs are back in vogue – and this one is especially stylish! This Swiss piece has just been introduced and is already proving very popular. Here it is complemented by this Torri l-Ahmar print, by the team at Te fit-Tazza. From Switzerland to Malta, this is a top international combination!
7 7. Out of Sight We all need good storage solutions that keep our homes in order, whether drawers or shelves. This modular range enables you to create your own shapes and to fit into the space you have available.
8. Sleep Easy The Gelosia set includes a double bed, two bedside tables, a chest of drawers and a sliding wardrobe – for a great price! An excellent option for your home or for your rental property, its timeless elegance will age well, whatever design decisions you take.
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MAKE ITyours
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4. At Ease This Elena sofa by Nicoletti Home is incredibly comfortable, with a reclining option that means you’ll be completely at ease while reading your favourite book or watching TV. It can also be used as a room divider for open-plan areas.
For R Living’s Stephen Mifsud, great design is also about brilliant practicality. Here he showcases how innovative styles can help to make your life easier and more functional – while still looking flawless and fun.
5. The Family Hub The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook and eat, but somewhere the whole family can meet, where the kids can make plans and where the odd argument may even follow! The neatly-designed LUX Melody kitchen enables all this to happen in an efficient, modern environment.
1. Water Resistant Flooring 2. It’s Their Space
3. Perfectly Stored
Can you imagine having gorgeous wooden flooring that is also maintenance-free and waterresistant? Quick-step’s impressive collection is exactly that – while providing all the warmth and comfort of a genuine wooden floor.
The SETA collection from Maronese ACF delivers the winning combination of minimalistic design and useful storage space, while also providing a background for your TV wall.
Young adults and kids will love the collection by Mundo Joven. It provides the perfect place for them to play, relax and sleep, and can also be used as a study and living area. Plus, the storage options come in very handy!
6. Your Haven We all want to retire to a bedroom that makes us feel completely relaxed – and the Zona Notte by Maronese ACF is perfect for that thanks to its light colours, neat design and the soft fabric or leather finishes. n
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STYLE CUISINE 75
Outand About
The glorious warmth of summer brings with it the promise of beach-side picnics. With that as inspiration, STYLE ON SUNDAY gets on the back of an iconic 1950s Vespa to deliver three on-the-go treats.
BURRATA WITH KALE & SALSA VERDE Ingredients: 4 burrate; 10 kale leaves; handful of arugula; 5 garlic cloves, crushed; 30g capers, rinsed; 50ml apple cider vinegar; 45g Dijon mustard; 10g anchovies, finely chopped; 100ml olive oil; 2 shallots, sliced and marinated in red wine vinegar; rock salt; sliced radish; chilli to decorate.
Food inspired by the new menu at THE SUMMER KITCHEN, BY EXECUTIVE CHEF STEFAN HOGAN, CHEF MATTHEW AGIUS, AND PATISSIER MARK McBRIDE, FROM THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA, ATTARD Props by PISCOPO GARDENS Styling and photography by TONIO LOMBARDI
Method: In a pestle, pound the garlic, capers and anchovies with some salt. Drizzle the olive oil and continue to mix until a thick consistency is achieved. Toss the kale and arugula in the dressing made from the cider vinegar and mustard, place at the centre of a plate and top with the burrata. Drizzle some additional dressing and decorate with the shallots, radishes, chilli and a few capers. Serve with crusty bread and watermelon ‘pizza’, with crumbled feta cheese and spianata calabrese.
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PULLED PORK TACO WITH SOUR CREAM & GUACAMOLE Ingredients: 3kg pork shoulder, bone in; 15ml olive oil; salt & pepper. For the sauce: 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 75g ginger, grated; 1 fresh chilli; 15g smoked paprika; 7g Chinese five spice powder; 120ml pomegranate juice; 50ml red wine; 30g brown sugar; 25ml light soy sauce; 60ml maple syrup. Method: Season the pork with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a pan over a medium flame, add the pork and sear until browned all over. Transfer to a baking dish. Increase the heat and, in the same pan, add half the pomegranate juice, scraping any caramelised bits leftover and stirring in the wine. Once the liquid has reduced slightly, add the onion, garlic, ginger, chilli and paprika together with the Chinese five spice. Turn the flame down and let the sauce reduce. Gently stir in the sugar, soy sauce, wine and maple syrup, and add the remaining pomegranate juice before pouring the marinade over the pork in the dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed over and around the meat. Set your oven to 150°C and cook for 4-6 hours. Once cooked, allow the sauce to cool slightly, remove any fats that rise to the surface and blend before straining into a small saucepan. Continue to cook and reduce over a low flame. Using tongs, gently pull the pork apart, then transfer into a bowl and pour the reduced sauce over. Serve in toasted taco shells with sour cream, guacamole and home-made tomato salsa.
STYLE CUISINE 79
THREE-INGREDIENT BERRY YOGURT SWIRL POPSICLES Ingredients: 500g mixed summer berries; 2tbsp agave or honey; 500g Greek vanilla yogurt. Method: Blend each type of berry separately in a blender on high speed until nearly liquefied into a smoothie-like consistency. Pour the thick berry liquid into a large bowl and stir in the agave/ honey. Add the yogurt and very gently mix everything together. Repeat for each type of berry. Only give the mixture a gentle mix if you want a tie-dye, swirly or patchy look to your popsicles. n
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2017 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala & Reception, Chicago, Illinois, US
Launch of Cetaphil and Alterna, Hugo's Lounge, Paceville
Launch of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Malta and Chamilia Malta Fashion Awards 2017 Launch Party, Medasia Playa, Sliema
Alison Cilia Werdmรถlder, Jade Zammit Stevens, Natalya Vukovic, Graziella Vassallo, Tezara Camilleri, Dyna Spiteri, Abigail Cauchi, Thereseanne Sammut
Matthew James Smith, Carina Camilleri
Meike Peters
papped! IN STYLE
Amy Debattista, Fran Farrugia, Chantelle Debattista Launch of Nior, Palazzo Castelletti, Rabat
Robert Caruana, Albert Ciappara, Monica Ciappara, Anika Patel, Ingrid Caruana, Ronnie Borg
Joanna Barbaro Sant, Michelle Melissa Scotto, Debbie Gauci
Antonio Privitera, Claire Ciantar
Adrian Mizzi, Gordon Mayo
Exclusive Preview of Chrystabelle's New Single, Quarterdeck Bar, Hilton, St Julian's
Geo Slam, Grazielle Camilleri, Chrystabelle
Daniel Azzopardi, Marco Parascandalo, Sarah Zerafa, Iggy Fenech
Gary Rabie, Geo Slam
82 STYLE LIFESTYLE
papped! IN STYLE
Relaunch of Thalgo, Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian's
Presentation of Beyond the Moon Raffle Gifts, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Attard
Lara Azzopardi, Joanna Salomone, Stefy Puglisevich, Kezia Aquilina, Fiona Galea Debono, Tiziana Cutajar The launch of Pedro del Hierro at Cortefiel, Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian's
David Woodward, Marisa Ford, Goran Tubic, Rose Caruana, Marisa Xuereb, Michael Lightfoot, Clare Lightfoot
Andrei Vella Laurenti, Anna Marie Galea, Frederick Bonnici, Cliona Muscat, Oliver Saliba, Iggy Fenech