EBM Magazine #19

N° 19 / WINTER 2023

BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE

BY IGAMING NEXT

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MAGAZINE

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Winter is for hibernation,reading and planning next year’s travels. That’s what’s on my mind anyway, as I’m cooking up the Winter edition of the magazine. My mind tends to gravitate towards what would make for an interesting read and the destinations worth slotting into your diary, while giving the weightier topics of, say, environment and culture. Luckily, for this issue we’re joined by a group of fantastic contributors and interviewees, who fill out our pages with their inspiring industry insights.

First up, our cover star - Sam Barrett, founder and CEO of Paytently. While having the most amazing energy about him, Sam’s approach to business and life is something to admire. I am thrilled to have him share his story with us, as it comes packed with hard-won wisdom. I can’t wait to see his brainchild flourish in the next months to come, and so should you: watch this space!

EBM Magazine E BM N o 19 / WI N T ER 2023

Paris Smith. A born leader, yet very humble, and knows exactly what she wants. I found our conversation immensely enjoyable - she takes us through the journey of being a COO before becoming a CEO, stressing how remaining true to herself at all times is precisely what makes her so good at what she does.

Todd Haushalter: the most curious mind I’ve ever come across. Chatting to Todd about books (or just chatting to him in general, really) often leaves me Googling follow-up questions over the coming week. Einstein’s adage that “When you stop learning, you start dying,” is a favourite of mine, and I’m fortunate enough to have a job which puts me in contact with people like Todd, who are founts of endless information and insight.

Zhi Huang. Luckily, I got to interview Zhi in person in London: what a brilliant mind!

Conversation with Zhi tends to branch out into a seemingly infinite array of topics, but for this issue we specifically zoomed in on the hot topic of AI, and I’m sure our readers will appreciate a CTO’s perspective on this contentious topic.

I was beyond excited to interview Carlos Bañon. Having featured some of his work in the previous issue, it was great to have a proper chat with him now about AI, and his refreshing perspective on the tech involved is bound to scratch an itch for adventurous designers out there.

Founder of NEXT and Managing Director of Ambassador events - Pierre Lindh. I always look forward to our interviews, Pierre is another one of those passionate minds that doesn’t stop to inspire. We talked to Pierre about NEXT New York, and his take will be sure to satisfy your curiosity on that front. That interview also sets the thematic tone for this issue: New York.

Which is why I thought it fitting to give you a good guide on where to get your culture on while visiting the Big Apple for the NEXT conference in March… though of course, more casual visitors will get plenty of use out of the article too. (Please don’t do what some of my colleagues did and run towards H&M the minute you land). I strongly believe in the power of art - studies have shown that it enhances brain function by impacting brainwave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system, not only when making art, but also when you experience it.

Meanwhile, our feature on Kelly Behun will leave you jealous for a generous injection of moolah, as you will want her to personalise your space just for you. But before you splurge on Kelly’s creations, take a minute to consider Bali as your next destination - which we explore in this issue - as it will allow you to reconnect with where we all come from: nature.

There, you’ll be greeted by endless waterfalls, beaches, blissful exploration and equally gorgeous sunsets, until your Inbox is all but forgotten.

  @ebmmagazine #ebmmagazine

For sales, contact Julia Boikova  julia@ebmmagazine.com For any other enquires  info@ebmmagazine.com

Art Direction Julia Boikova / www.juliaboikova.com

HOW IT ALL STARTED In April 2013, EBM (formerly Events by Martin) was founded by iGaming & telecom sales veteran Martin Pettersson. After spending a few months on the island, and realising there was a lack of innovative high-end events, Martin organised EBM’s first invite-only event at a boutique hotel in St Julian’s. Thus, Events by Martin was born. EBM is now under the umbrella company of Ambassadör Events, created by Martin and Managing Director, Pierre Lindh. Together, they have shaped Ambassadör Events into a one-stop shop for high-end experiences, concierge services and hospitality within the B2C and B2B sectors.

Pierre Lindh

Managing Director, Ambassadör Events iGaming NEXT

Martin Pettersson

Co-founder / Head of Sales, Ambassadör Events iGaming NEXT

Julia Boikova Editor, EBM Magazine

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www.bacidiluna.boutique

CONTENTS 08

N AV I G A T I N G S U C C E S S A N D M O D E R N W I S D O M

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Sam Barrett, CEO of Paytently

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I T ’ S A L E A D E R S H I P T H I N G

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Discussing positions of power with Paris Smith

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STRAIGHT FROM T H E S O U R C E

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10 ICONIC CHAIR D E S I G N S T H AT YO U NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

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S T Y L I N G S U S T A I N A B L Y

BOOK CLUB WITH T O D D H A U S H A L T E R CPO at Evolution Gaming discusses some of the key books in his library

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WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE?

We sat down with Zhi Huang, CTO and entrepreneur to map out what’s ahead

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A new approach to upcycling fashion with Tonya Lehtinen

T E X T I L E T U T E L A G E

A lesson in sustainable fashion

C O L D WA T E R I M M E R S I O N

The latest wellness trend of cold showers and Winter swimming

CARLOS BAÑON

Pushing the boundaries of sustainable design

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BRINGING THE INTERIOR TO THE INTIMATE

Contemporary Residential Design by Kelly Behun

Barry Magee, Head of Communications at European Gaming and Betting Association

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A R T I N N E W YO R K

Exploring New York’s Museum and Art Gallery Scene

TRANSATLANTIC S T R I D E S I N I G A M I N G

The iGaming Next New York Summit 2024

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PEACE & HARMONY - BALI

Discovering Bali’s gems with Mari Aho

CRUDI - FISH SO FRESH

Recipes by Emma Mattei

THE ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE

The Mediterranean’s most demanding and renowned offshore race

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DISCOVER RABAT

Grottos, Taverns and Roman remains

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NAVIGATING SUCCESS & MODERN WISDOM SAM BARRETT

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett & Olly Lynch Photography by Julia Boikova

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COVER

Sam Barrett, CEO & Founder of Paytently

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COVER

FOR A YOUNG MAN WHO’S CERTAINLY ‘BEEN AROUND THE BLOCK’, SAM BARRETT, CEO OF PAYTENTLY, REPRESENTS THE QUINTESSENCE OF GROWTH AND DETERMINATION. HAILING FROM HUMBLE ROOTS AND GROWING THROUGH DIVERSE EXPERIENCES, HE’S CARVED OUT A DISTINCTIVE PATH TO SUCCESS. GRACING OUR COVER THIS EDITION, SAM’S STORY IS NOT JUST ABOUT MILESTONES ACHIEVED, BUT A RELENTLESS DRIVE THAT CONTINUES TO DEFINE HIM.

As I sit across the living room, listening to his animated and passionate stories, it’s clear that there’s an entrepreneurial fire that defines Sam Barrett. It’s a distinctive blend of resilience, modern insights, and unwavering determination which has culminated into the man he is today. As energetic as he is self-deprecating, Sam’s been shaped by a life of experiences, opportunities and, in some cases, good old-fashioned luck.

All of these events have built to a crescendo, with Sam now at the helm of his own company, Paytently, a fast-growing payments provider. Paytently is the embodiment of Sam’s journey and vision; a manifestation of years of learning, adapting, and persevering.

Nevertheless, while its inception has been influenced by his past experiences, the focus remains steadfastly on its future vision.

But let’s rewind a little.

Sam had a modest start in rural England, but his career has been fast paced and always on an upwards trajectory. From being in the room when the Cadbury’s Gorilla advert was masterminded, to being headhunted by PaySafe Group, to rubbing shoulders with the top players in London’s financial district, Sam’s career really has always gone from strength to strength. One cannot deny that the gentleman has a knack for landing on his feet, but it’s evident that there’s always been a blazing streak of perseverance. “At every point in my life, I’ve always been given opportunities, but it’s really what you do with them that counts. I’ve always given it my all, and I had this burning desire to be the best at the job and make the most of every opportunity.”

One such opportunity is the incredible story of how he met his wife, Jasmina. “My story with Jas is what I call ‘love at first Skype!’ I was working in London at the time, she was in Belgrade. We met through chance on a Skype call when I was doing a deal with the company she worked for and, cheesy as it sounds, I knew she was ‘the one’. I spent the next eight months flying back and forth between London and Belgrade every two weeks to spend the weekends with her.”

Perhaps a little reckless and impulsive at the time, you can’t deny that it paid off. This is just one example of the grit and determination that Sam exercises in manifesting his aspirations.

Shortly after they got married, Sam joined Swedish company Trustly, and their closest office was in Malta. His first year at Trustly entailed commuting between London and Malta every week, where he’d spend Monday to Friday living at the InterContinental in St Julian’s, then fly back to London on weekends to do his laundry and spend time with Jasmina. Eventually, in 2017, they decided to make Malta their permanent home, and it now holds a special place in his heart.

Having established his first family home here, witnessed the birth of his first child, and anchored his company on its soil, Malta has become woven into the fabric of his DNA. But it’s not just about the personal milestones. The keen businessman in Sam recognises Malta as the EU’s fintech gateway, brimming with opportunities.

Sam spent his first few years in Malta assembling a formidable payment sales team for Trustly, which became instrumental in turning the company from a valuation of £300 million to £9 billion in just six years. There was no great turbulence up until this point, but his rapid success came at a price. “Navigating through that phase of my career was a learning curve. The financial success, while rewarding, sometimes clouded my perspective on life’s essential values. It became increasingly hard to remain humble.

I had to take a step back to truly appreciate what matters most.

I was incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a dedicated team and work with some truly amazing people. Those six years were transformative, but fast success can be dangerous. You’ve got to watch out for that.”

It wasn’t all plain sailing at Trustly, and the honeymoon period came to a dramatic and unfortunate close. However, and true to Sam’s character, instead of recounting the trials he faced, he’s quicker to highlight what he took from that phase of his career. “Never take things personally,” he insists. “It’s important to remember that the hostile person at the other end has been conditioned by past experiences to be the way they are now. So, try not to take what they say or do personally. By doing this, you can form an impenetrable shield that keeps negative energy out of your space, and this helps you become more self-assured as an individual.” These are lessons derived from one of his favourite reads - Dom Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements - a book which holds a special place in his heart, beautifully complementing his lived experiences.

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COVER

Amidst the vast array of wisdom that Sam has gathered over the years, some pearls shine brighter than others. He speaks passionately about the timeless teachings from Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, emphasising the art of manifestation. “It’s not merely about envisioning success, but immersing oneself in the very feelings of having achieved it,” Sam shares. “Rather than simply thinking about an aspiration, it’s vital to connect deeply with the emotions it evokes. This emotional resonance acts as a beacon, sending out positive vibes into the universe and drawing the desired outcome closer.” Beyond the theories and practices, at the core of Sam’s journey is his innate ability to connect with people. This unique blend of sales acumen and genuine human connection has been pivotal in his success. He believes that while strategies and knowledge are critical, it’s the authentic relationships and understanding of human emotions that truly propel one forward.

This penchant for people is something that has served him well, often turning business connections into friends. This is especially true of his Paytently co-founders Nick Tucker, Laurent Reysbosch & Phil Smith. “Having these super experienced guys by my side is incredible. The path of a founder can be incredibly lonely, but, not only do I get all their years of experience, but also their trust, camaraderie, and a shared vision that we all have for Paytently.”

Paytently feels like the almost inevitable conclusion to Sam’s career. Yet, while it embodies the pinnacle of his accomplishments thus far, it’s paradoxically just the beginning. Paytently is the thrilling commencement of his most ambitious venture yet.

So, what is there to take from this young entrepreneur? Amidst challenges, Sam’s response is a lesson we can all learn from: resilience over regret. While the past has imparted invaluable lessons, Sam’s eyes remain firmly set on the future, with a vision to offer an incredible payment platform that serves his long-standing partners with great products and solutions. As Paytently charts an ambitious voyage within the fintech space, it mirrors the spirit of its leader: grounded, yet always reaching for the skies.

Nick Tucker, Sam Barrett, Phil Smith & Laurent Reysbosch

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COVER

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IT’S A LEADERSHIP THING Discussing positions of power with Paris Smith Words by Julia Boikova & Nicolà Abela Garrett

Paris Smith is a familiar and formidable face in the sphere of igaming panels. She has graced many conferences, and her presence and vibrant energy is a much-anticipated highlight at industry gatherings. Today, we’ve congregated for a tête-à-tête with the former CEO of Pinnacle, in the presence of her four beloved dogs.

Now that she’s stepped down from her role after 17 years, we’re curious to see what she’s been up to, and what’s in store for her future.

Overall, very little is actually said about this, for Paris is a woman who’s currently living in the moment, enjoying her newfound consultancy firm Life Winning. Despite the step down, her passion for people and the industry still burns bright. “Pinnacle was my baby, but what I’m truly passionate about is the iGaming industry itself, and the people within it. I’m not a gambler or a sports better. I simply dealt blackjack in college, and I played basketball. But when I go to a conference and see all the people from the companies, I get so inspired by them, and I learn so much… If I didn’t talk to people, I’d be completely irrelevant.”

This is immensely humble of her to say, considering that she was one of the first players in the industry back in the 90s. But hang on: basketball, you say? We’re intrigued. “I played college basketball, and I was a very dedicated and successful team captain. I find that my leadership skills are rooted in my time as a player. You’re only as strong as your weakest link… You need to set people up for success… If someone’s not doing it right, you need to tell them directly… Leadership, like basketball, is about understanding your team’s strengths, and sometimes being brave enough to tell somebody that it’s time for them to step down.”

Her skills have certainly forged an illustrious career, and despite the recent change, she’s still very much occupied. However, her activities have taken on a different form. “Before, I used to aim for 30% networking, whereas now, I’m doing 70%! My time is now more dedicated towards coming up with fresh ideas on how to be disruptive in the industry, and reaching out to my friends whom I deem to be the experts. I’m also helping out our conference team come up with content, and I’m getting involved with startups and investments. It’s giving me a broader view of everything that’s out there… I’m in a great place. I’m thriving!”

Paris is an incredibly direct woman in the loveliest way possible, and we get a sense that she’s all for direct questions and equally direct answers. So, we go ahead with the million-dollar questions: How do you navigate a male-dominated environment whilst side-stepping the ‘bossy’ label? “The most important thing is to understand who you’re speaking with. There have been audiences where I could just say what I’d have to say, and they’d take it for what it’s worth. But then there are other audiences where I’d have to sell an idea in such a way that they’d believe it was theirs to begin with… but that’s a means to an end. One of the reasons why I was hired at Pinnacle is because I don’t have an ego, and I know how to manoeuvre big personalities. But this is just part of leadership - being able to know your audience and how to address specific groups.”

But surely, any woman in business will tell you that to present yourself as too masculine could be misconstrued as a threat, while being too feminine could risk pigeon-holing you as incompetent.

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when I had to navigate the Asian market. I would sit there for forty minutes, waiting for the meeting to begin, and I’d ask, ‘What are we waiting for?’, and they’d say, ‘We’re waiting for the Pinnacle CEO’…

Well, I am the Pinnacle CEO… They’d be shocked. But after our conversation, they’d become really supportive because I am who I am and I know what I know…. You need to be passionate about what you’re representing and who you work for. I’ve always run a company as if it were mine, and this wins people over every time.”

Undoubtedly, Paris is a natural-born leader, and she herself admits that unlike so many of her peers, she never really acknowledged gender biases or sexist approaches that may have dented her progress. “Back in the 90s, when I had become a CEO in my thirties, I wasn’t really navigating what to do from a female perspective because, quite frankly, it was the last thing on my mind. This was a brand-new industry, and we didn’t know if iGaming was going to last for the next five or ten years. I was operating within something that was in its infancy, and that was the predominant challenge.”

But for a moment, Paris ponders and gives us a fuller picture of her journey. “It was only seven years ago, during International Women’s Day, when someone had actually asked me if I had ever been treated unfairly. My immediate reaction was to say no, but I would’ve been lying. But it’s just never occurred to me to feel sorry for myself or to compare myself to others. I was doing my thing, I was getting paid what I deserve, and I wasn’t going to ask anyone for any favours…”

Our conversation veers towards women who become obstacles for other women – the dreaded subject of toxic femininity. Paris has seen her fair share of it, but has a rather unique perspective of it.

“It’s often that female ambition is misconstrued as toxic femininity.

I believe that it has more to do with one’s intentions. So, if you’re just really trying to prove yourself and stepping on some toes along the way, is that really toxicity? In summation, toxicity in women is twofold – ambition and survival.”

We mention the fifteen entrepreneurs who’ve recently made the Forbes list. Sadly, only one of them is a woman. In light of everything that’s been said between us, what does Paris make of this? “I’m certain that behind those other fourteen entrepreneurs, there’s a tonne of extremely strong women supporting them to create their success…”

Without a doubt, gender discrepancy is something which we’re still battling, although powerhouses such as Paris make it look remarkably effortless. So, if women did have to take on a more positive approach to getting ahead, what should be the order of the day? “People think they can be leaders without understanding what they’re supposed to get done. At Pinnacle, my most successful peers were the ones who rolled up their sleeves and did the work, both men and women. So, be flexible, be resilient and focus on getting things done, rather than what’s happening around you.”

IGAMING

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IGAMING

TRANSATLANTIC STRIDES IN iGAMING

THE iGAMING NEXT NEW YORK SUMMIT 2024

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett Photography by Julia Boikova As the co-founder and managing director of the indelible event that is NEXT.io, Pierre Lindh reaches new heights with every summit that graces our calendars. Ofcourse, few heights are taller than New York’s skyscrapers, and Pierre has managed to metaphorically reach the tops of the towers. Formerly known as iGaming NEXT, NEXT.io has become an exclusive gathering of the most senior superstars of the industry, bringing the latest and most enterprising conversations to the fore. The USA’s freshly hatched regulations have swung the casino doors wide open for international stakeholders, and NEXT.io is here to zone in on the action. We’ve once again sat down with Pierre to see what’s in store for the next summit on the 6th and 7th March 2024.

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IGAMING

To give you an idea of its success, the first two NEXT.io events in New York had managed to sell out with 600 people in attendance, and a whopping 500 on the waiting list. Pierre’s ambition knows no bounds, and rightly so. “This has actually encouraged us to double the delegate count from 600 to 1,200, and we’ll now be moving to a new venue with a poignant view of the World Trade Center. It’s a state-of-the-art world class conference venue, and it’s going to be the best event we’ve ever held.”

Our expectations are certainly high, but NEXT.io and Pierre’s team have always exceeded these. He gives us a taster of the upgrades in store for the audience. “This time round, there will be a significant expansion of speakers and panels, with three conference tracks running simultaneously. Some formidable speakers have been confirmed, such as CEO Adam Greenblatt and Vice President Angus Nisbet from BetMGM… it’s going to be a conglomerate of tier-one CEOs from the biggest companies. We’ve created a space where top players can be comfortable in the knowledge that they’re rubbing shoulders with their peers. It’s going to be the strongest conference agenda of any event in North America.”

For those of you who are curious to see who’s made the cut, speakers are being announced on the NEXT.io website every week, and a significant number of American speakers will be front and centre. Moreover, one cannot discuss this jurisdiction without paying homage to Native American history, and the foundations these tribes had laid for the world of casinos. Pierre is immensely excited to have roped in prominent figures from the Native American industry, with speakers such as Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan Gaming, and Justin Barrett, Treasurer of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe. “There’s certainly a more global perspective to this conference, and I should mention that the Latin American market will also be a focal point, as it’s a hot topic among American operators. It’s crucial that we bring in respective speakers, in order for Americans to better understand the market, and identify where the opportunities lie.”

Speaking of hot topics, Pierre was quick to observe a contrast between American and European speakers during last year’s summit. “On the one hand, there’s a tendency for Americans to do things their own way, while Europeans can be prone to lecturing Americans on how to run a gambling operation! We need to keep in mind that the American market is significantly different to the one in Europe, even though the latter objectively has 20+ years of experience in all industry aspects. Nevertheless, we have a lot to learn from each other.”

So, in light of this, how has NEXT.io evolved to aid in such differences on the panels? “We’ve learned that there’s a balance that needs to be maintained. To strike that balance, I think we need to have 75%-80% American representation, without forgetting the indispensable input our European speakers have to offer, along with their expertise.”

Another talking point – and a feature which Pierre is very proud of - will be a symposium on the subject of responsible gambling, where panellists will be discussing the future of this aspect of the industry. The discussion will delve into the possibility of Europeans spearheading responsible practices in North America, where speakers will assess the current procedures in place.

A while back, predictions of a very bumpy ride for those migrating into the American market were made. However, Pierre seems to have a more pragmatic view. “The dust is now settling on the American market, and there’s currently a second wave of Europeans who are making the move. I believe some entities failed in their move due to the lack of fiscal commitment that is required when establishing yourself in America. It’s incredibly expensive, but if you commit to your investment, then there are some pretty good opportunities along the way.”

NEXT.io is a space for learning, and these summits in New York are there to highlight all the realities of the American market and beyond.

Pierre and his team have created a space where professionals can identify their strengths within this jurisdiction, or assess if America would indeed be the right move for them. Pierre explains to us that, for instance, game suppliers must acknowledge that the American market has particular limitations which are non-existent in Europe.

“At European online casinos, players get to choose from thousands upon thousands of games, whereas in America, there are in fact restrictions on how big an app can be. This means that operators are limited as to how many games they can purchase, which is why they’re extremely selective and have a bigger focus on quality over quantity. NEXT.io is where suppliers can get a foot through the door amidst the competition by networking in person and establishing really strong connections with the operators.”

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IGAMING

Undoubtedly, Pierre and his team have made huge strides with NEXT. io. Since their first event, he’s been able to fine-tune the show’s content curation, and, with a much better understanding of the market, they now have so many allies who are willing to collaborate. Pierre’s baby now has the market’s seal of approval, and this has consequently helped to attract a more senior level of speakers. Notably, Morgan Stanley will be co-partnering the event for the third year running, helping them put together an investment track for future projects.

Indeed, we are to expect great things from Pierre and the team when in the Big Apple.

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STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE

We catch up with Barry Magee who has been serving as Head of Communications at European Gaming and Betting Association since 2018. With a weight of experience under his belt and a keen eye on the future, Barry was happy to expand on the remit of the association, while also putting its achievements into perspective.

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IGAMING

Can you provide a brief history of EGBA and its key milestones?

What was the motivation behind its establishment?

How important is collaboration between European operators and does the EGBA help to facilitate that?

EGBA was established in 2003 as the representative for Europe’s major online gambling operators in Brussels. The association has accomplished various goals over the years, including our work to create licensing schemes in Europe, establishing an active network of national associations, a very good working relationship with regulators and creating various important pan-European industry guidelines. In 2021, we also established the European Safer Gambling Week (ESGW), a yearly EGBA-led initiative to promote safer gambling. In last year’s edition, we had 24 events and shared safer gambling messages across 17 EU countries, achieving 1.5 million social media impressions, and we aim to step up its impact each year.

The fragmented representation of the industry underlines the need for greater collaboration. We encourage operators to join trade associations, like EGBA, to facilitate more, and better, cooperation. For our part, we always seek to broaden our collaboration with operators who are not in our membership, inviting them to participate to EGBA’s industry codes or the European Safer Gambling Week (ESGW). This year’s ESGW is taking place on 13-19 November, and we encourage operators to join us in the initiative. By working together, we can strengthen our collective influence and better advocate for the sector through a more united front.

Could you highlight the initiatives you have been involved in this year? What issues are currently high on your agenda?

This year, we expanded our sustainability reporting, worked extensively to develop a European standard on markers of harm, and published new industry guidelines on anti-money laundering.

All important pieces of work. We also actively engaged on key EU regulatory developments, including the Digital Services Act and EU anti-money laundering package, to represent the industry view.

These are laws which will have a major impact on the activities of operators and our work on them will continue. Looking at the year ahead, safer gambling remains a top priority for the association, as well as inputting into key regulatory discussions in countries such as Ireland and Finland.

EGBA currently consists of just six members, representing a small segment of the iGaming industry. Do you have strategies in place to engage smaller and medium-sized operators, affiliates, and suppliers with membership options tailored to their needs?

It is true that we are a small association in terms of the number of members, but they are the major players and account for a third of total EU online revenue. But we recognise the value of having a more diverse membership and it is the reason we recently introduced new associate membership options for other industry actors, including B-2-Bs. Given the importance of the wider industry ecosystem, this will help us to better unite the industry’s voice and provide us with a better understanding of how regulatory issues impact the wider industry.

The regulatory landscape for iGaming in Europe shows varying levels of effectiveness. How does EGBA intend to facilitate knowledge exchange and share best practices between governments, policymakers, and the iGaming industry to improve regulatory outcomes?

One way to improve regulatory outcomes is to have better knowledge exchange between policy actors and the industry. This must be built on trust. EGBA continuously engages with regulators, to share information and to advocate for effective regulatory measures. We host a dedicated meeting for regulators twice a year where we share information about the activities of EGBA and its members, discuss specific policy issues, and try to understand better their concerns and priorities. These meetings are a useful channel for dialogue and are well attended by regulators, usually between 20-25 different national authorities participate.

To support better industry organisation, we established the European Online Gambling Associations Platform, a network of 24 industry associations, which meets quarterly to facilitate better cooperation and information exchange between the industry.

What is your position on monopoly markets? Members will appreciate the fact Finland is changing but Norway looks far less likely.

Online monopolies are incompatible with the competitive, online world we live in and EGBA has consistently opposed them, be it fully exclusive monopolies like those in Finland and Norway, or partially monopolistic regimes in countries like Poland and Austria.

The recent change in Sweden, and more recently Finland, are positive steps forward. Norway is an exception, but we believe it is only a matter of time before the authorities there recognise the inevitable need for change. Rather than wasting time and resources to enforce a failing monopoly, it would be more effective and efficient, long-term, to establish a licensing system that combines consumer choice and consumer protection. Sweden has done it, Finland is going to do it, other EU countries have already done it, so why not Norway?

Europe is often cited as a mature region for online gambling with lots of regulation. Are there still some emerging markets for operators to get excited about and drive growth?

Absolutely. While Europe is a mature market, online is still picking up revenue share and is expected to grow 5% CAGR up to 2027, even under the status quo scenario. But there are other untapped market opportunities out there. For example, countries like Austria and Poland still have partial monopolies and we would hope to see these countries transition to a full licensing system in the future. There are also countries, like Cyprus and France, which still have prohibitions on online casinos, which we hope will become regulated in the future. Before those opportunities can be tapped into, I think we are likely to see even greater consolidation within the industry as compliance costs increase for operators and economies of scale become even more advantageous.

In closing, what message would you like to convey to the European iGaming community?

Sustainability is so important. Whether it is betting on a horse race or playing poker, our industry offers enjoyment, and sometimes positive life changing experiences, to millions of people across Europe - and we want it to be that way. That means being more mindful of the industry’s impact on society and its players. Increasingly restrictive regulations, particularly around advertising, demand a socially responsible response. We need to recognise that political pressure is there, and only by responding maturely to this pressure can we ensure a sustainable future based on good practices, long-term revenues, and continued enjoyment for our customers. I am hopeful that the industry is on a much better path right now, but there is always room to challenge ourselves to do better.

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BOOK CLUB

Book club with Todd Haushalter Interview & Photography by Julia Boikova

Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution Gaming, is a cult figure in the iGaming world, renowned for his creative thinking, endless energy for the subject and laser-sharp industry vision. A regular speaker at universities and global events, his keynote speeches have served as catalyst and benchmark for many seeking inspiration and motivation. EBM discussed some key books in Todd’s library, to discover more about the thinking processes of this maverick, and how these books have shaped his trajectory.

You read many biographies of very successful people, in your opinion where do people with great ideas come from - no doubt mostly it is in their nature, but what other factors do you think influence their way of thinking.

Many people will say of their greatness that ‘it is in their nature’ because it seems so very inexplicably rare that one person could achieve such success, but I don’t think it is really true in most cases.

Consider the Wright brothers for example and their invention of the airplane. We think what incredible geniuses they must have been, and many books are written about their genius, but had they never been born, some other genius would have invented the plane -- in fact many thousands of other people were highly capable of this feat, but none of them will ever be celebrated because the Wright brothers did it first. The same is true of the light bulb and Thomas Edison – sure he was a brilliant, but we would not all be using candles had it not been for him.

My point is that brilliance is all around us, but most people are not working on projects that the world will celebrate, and if they are, they generally need to be first in order to get the biographies written about them. Reading these books I think underscores the fact that amazing people are also pretty normal, but they clearly

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come with outsized passion and focus for one thing usually, as well as a heavy appetite for risk taking, which is not normal. That risk taking is a big factor and it means there are many who crash into the ground before their genius is realized. How many other people dropped out of college the same year Bill Gates did, but didn’t make it in software? With that said, sometimes you simply have to marvel when you see a complete paradigm shift into a direction that nobody was contemplating, like the creation of the iPhone or reusable rockets.

So do you think there are thousands of people out there that could replace those celebrated individuals we read biographies about?

Yes. There are people out there curing cancer, sequencing the genome, writing amazing music, utilizing some amazing teaching method, writing great code, or succeeding in some impossibly difficult business, etc. and we will never know their names. They too have incredible focus, smarts, passion, etc. but they will not make billions or seek the limelight. That is pretty cool to know that we around such genius all the time but we just don’t think about it. Maybe you are the next JK Rowling and you are just one good story away.

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BOOK CLUB

Are there things you have learned from reading about the greats that we can do in our careers so the next biography may be written about us?

Well if being on the cover of books is your aim then you need to be like those people we read about and that means you must be laser focused on what you do and put aside all ideas of work/life balance. You need to be have your foot fully on the accelerator every single day, looking for ways to advance, grow, and push forward above all else. You need to have fanatics around you who push you and feel the same way. You can never accept anything that looks like mediocrity, and feel like every day you are not advancing you are falling behind, and there can be almost no compromise on your vision. Once you do all this and you are working seven days a week, then on top of this you need to take calculated risks to advance the business further yet. If you look at Musk, Jobs, Bezos, or Phil Knight from Nike, they all made massive bets on their businesses – All-In bets even, and they were right.

Deciding to create the iPod or sign Michael Jordan for so much money, are massive gambles and most business leaders are not willing to put it all on the line like this. These people are just more comfortable with risk than normal people.

Allegedly in the top 15 greatest entrepreneurs list there is only one woman - Oprah Winfrey. Why do you think there are very few women who make the cut?

I’d expect this is rapidly changing now with more women becoming entrepreneurs and many of the coming great companies will be led by great women who are out there pushing the boundaries. As for why there is just one female in the top 15 if that is true, some of this may just be a numbers game in that historically entrepreneurship has been male dominated, so the bulk of failures and success will be held by men. The other part may have something to do with risk tolerance. I have been in the casino business my whole life and I can tell you that high limit rooms rarely have women gambling in them. Maybe men just like to gamble more and historically to make it to the top you need to win multiple all-in bets. The world is changing now however, and we will see women like Kylie Jenner or J.K. Rowling take a more straight line path to the top without having to make massive bets. They are doing it by being smart, methodical, and incredibly aware of what the public wants and then giving it to them. We will definitely see more of this in the future.

Favourite quotes from your favourite entrepreneurs and why?

Steve Jobs said “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” It sounds so very cliché and like something old rich people tell poor college kids and they roll their eyes and think, “that is great, but I need to eat, and my passion for playing video games

doesn’t pay the bills.” However, I really do love this quote because it is so very true and I think the way we can put this quote to work is in the hiring process. Find people who love their jobs and are passionate. This is more important than 20 extra points of IQ, or a masters degree. If you find the truly passionate people and give them a canvas to paint on then you will be well on your way to great success.

And finally 5 favourite biographies and why?

Here are five favorite biographies and things that I got from the books or how they inspired me: Steve Jobs: A total dedication to focusing on product excellence.

Holding his vision like a dog holds onto a bone, never letting go.

Reading how dedicated he was inspired me to push for product excellence above all else.

Benjamin Franklin: His ability to look at a complex set of information with no help and land on the exact right answer is simply stunning.

Now we don’t all have the intellectual horsepower of Franklin, but we can all be inspired by his effectiveness. He saved the USA by talking France into joining the American Revolution and he played a large part in drafting the US constitution all while inventing bifocal glasses, the lightning rod and other highly functional creations. He was both a dreamer and a doer.

Leonardo da Vinci: Unlike Franklin, Leonardo was more of a dreamer or an eternal student than a doer. However, it is this ‘student for life’ type of thinking that I found so inspirational.

He wanted to understand everything better and his desire to conduct original research was unparalleled. He makes me want to learn more.

Elon Musk: We all know Elon and the broad strokes of his story, but reading this book is so inspiring to see what one person can do. It is easy to think of Elon as a superhero who isn’t like the rest of us and clearly he is very special, but reading through the failures, the difficulties, and the decisions he had to make in starting Space X and so many other ventures can’t help but inspire you to take on much smaller things.

Snowball (Warren Buffett): What blows me away about the success of Warren Buffet is reading just how simple and pragmatic he is about investing. When so many others form these theories that are so exotic, he says that is all useless trickery. His endless passion and focus for investing is unusual, but the theme of his success is humility in that he doesn’t take on things he doesn’t understand, and pragmatism. It almost seems too simple to work, but his results speak for themselves.

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AI + TECH

What’s in store for the future? I’m hesitant to type this question into ChatGPT, for fear of receiving a dystopian response of hard truths and a prediction of imposed upheaval. Luckily, we found ourselves in the company of someone else who could provide a more pragmatic answer, especially when it comes to the future of AI. CTO and serial entrepreneur Zhi Huang recently graced the NEXT.io stage in Valletta to explore the revolution of AI, and the ethical challenges it could pose for the workforce. We sat down with Huang for a lengthy discussion on the matter.

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TECH

Words by Julia Boikova & Nicolà Abela Garrett Photography by Julia Boikova, edited via Midjourney

We know you have many feathers in your cap - including your pivotal role as Head of Engineering for Lars’ start up - but tell us a little bit more about what you’re currently working on.

I’ve been working on a game platform through the use of AI! It allows non-technical people to create interactive content. The idea behind it is the evolution of social media and content creation; it had started out as just static images and articles, whereas now, it’s evolved into more interactive content through video and live streaming. It’s essentially the tools and the distribution methods that allow individual content creators to create more content.

During your panel at iGaming NEXT in June 2023, you had talked about generating code through AI. Could you give us further insight into this?

their skills. Nevertheless, I can understand why artists are worried about these developments, especially when managers might question their value in the workplace. There’s a parallel to be drawn between what’s happening with AI and the artist’s role, and the technological advancements that have happened throughout history that have rendered entire communities jobless and forced to retrain. People will ask, ‘why should I retrain? I don’t want to’, and they’ll look for someone to blame. But ultimately, it’s no one’s fault because it’s just a natural progression.

What I would advise is not to fight it, but rather, to join it. You can either let AI be detrimental to your work, or you could turn it into an opportunity. How are you going to evolve as AI grows stronger?

Look into all the AI tools available, and make yourself - and keep yourself – productive in the workforce.

We’ve actually made some progress around that, especially with regards to the format of what we’re trying to do… Our ultimate goal is not to showcase our capabilities in AI, but to create a platform where people can share something they’ve crafted with their friends and family, and generate a following. Because of this, we’ve taken a more template-based approach to our work, one which has been inspired by graphic design platform Canva. We’re creating different template games and game mechanics, and we allow people to add their own content to it by customising games with their own ideas.

At the moment, there is no regulation on AI. Do you think it’s time this was implemented?

You had also discussed how you use ChatGPT and other AI tools in your everyday life. Which ones do you tend to rely on?

I have very little faith in governments when it comes to adapting to the rapid changes in technology. AI is moving so quickly and affecting so many aspects of our society… Let’s remember that governments had failed to keep up with social media or crypto, so how can we rely on them to keep up with something as swift as AI? I don’t have much hope in there being effective regulation.

Rather, I’m predicting that it will benefit big corporations rather than individuals. However, the best I can do is encourage people to take AI seriously and learn how to use it to their advantage.

I primarily use GitHub Copilot, which is a developers’ tool that helps you write code. I also use Midjourney for image generation, and I use ChatGPT to help me write content and reply to emails…

It just helps me sound nicer!

I actually have a friend who used ChatGPT to come up with some words of condolences to send to his family upon the death of an uncle. At first, I thought, ‘is this what the world is coming to?’, but he explained that ChatGPT helped him fill a gap which he couldn’t when he wasn’t ready to process something so difficult. ChatGPT allowed him to word something better than he ever would have….

It’s a great tool for whom words don’t come easy.

There are other tools such as Tome, which is a presentation creator.

Now, none of these tools will give you a finished product, but they’re great for generating springboards for our ideas, and for helping us curate a final result in an efficient amount of time.

There’s been talk of AI taking over the creative industries, and it’s been one of the things that ignited the recent strikes in the movie industry. What are your thoughts on this?

Regulation will definitely come; it’s inevitable. However, I don’t think it will be implemented to solve the right problems, and I can only view it dispassionately. I find that, very often, regulation comes in to resolve one aspect of an issue whilst creating other new problems along the way. To regulate is to create a centralised one-rule-fits-all body of authority, and it’s never going to be as nuanced as regulation created for individual cases.

We recently came across some AI footage that tracks the productivity of baristas and the presence of customers in a coffee shop. It’s raised some serious questions regarding the ethics of AI and our privacy as consumers. Any final thoughts on how to navigate the coming events?

There needs to be more AI evangelism in the workplace. Business leaders need to form a collective opinion of what AI is, and they need to see what the correct relationship is between AI and their employees. This is necessary for them to hone a friendly collaboration between the two. The world is changing, and we need to change with it.

To me, it’s not something that I find to be intellectually difficult.

I don’t think AI will grow faster and better than interns, it’s more about AI depriving the next generations of creatives from the internship / junior opportunities needed for them to develop

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TECH & DESIGN

Carlos Bañon Interview by Julia Boikova

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AI + TECH

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TECH & DESIGN

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TECH & DESIGN

As the Co-founder of AIRLAB Singapore and a Partner at Subarquitectura Architects, Carlos Bañon pushes the boundaries of sustainable design. His tenure as an Associate Professor at Singapore University of Technology and Design inspires the architects of tomorrow. With a M.Arch. with Distinction, Banon’s expertise spans 3D printing in architecture, AI in structural design, and more. He’s a recipient of international awards, including the London Design Museum’s Design of the Year Prize. An unabashed advocate of the AI revolution, Bañon sits down for a chat about the future of design, and why ambition, not fear, should be the prevailing mood among creative practitioners today.

First of all, given your overwhelming list of achievements and what I’m sure is an extremely busy personal life, I just had to ask: how in the world do you keep your Instagram profile so active?!

Managing my Instagram profile and keeping it active isn’t as big a chore as it may seem. Actually, it’s a seamless part of my workflow.

I use my Instagram as a sort of living portfolio, a space where I can regularly test out new ideas and get immediate feedback.

This involves integrating AI into almost every part of my design process. So, you could say the act of posting and engaging on Instagram serves a dual purpose: it’s an extension of my ongoing research and experimentation in AI, as well as a dynamic platform for showcasing work and finding like-minded collaborators and clients. I keep my brain active by always thinking of new concepts and innovative ways AI can be applied. It’s all interconnected and it’s all fueling my passion.

The very hot topic of AI Taking Over the World will be our subject today. Please tell us what role does AI currently play in your businesses?

AI isn’t just a tool for me; it’s a game-changer in how I approach design problems. Whenever I get a new client request, the first thing that comes to mind is how I can integrate AI technologies like MidJourney and Stability AI into the project from the get-go. I find that I can quickly generate initial concept sketches, renderings,

and even 3D prototypes using AI, speeding up the whole process and offering a more robust array of possibilities to my clients. But it’s not just about speed. It’s also about expanding my scope. I’m venturing into other areas like industrial and furniture design and even conducting workshops to teach architects and companies like Logitech how to integrate AI into their workflows. This technology has opened up new avenues for me, revolutionizing not just how I design but also what I can design.

You generate incredible images that you share on social media.

Are they part of your initial vision, with the AI developing them further -- Midjourney, to be specific -- or is it the other way round: that you employ AI as the initial spark of inspiration?

The relationship between my ideas and the images generated by AI is kind of like a creative feedback loop. It starts with a vision, an initial idea, which I then feed into AI algorithms. What comes out are options and possibilities I hadn’t even considered. You’re given a choice at that point: either stay on your initial path or venture into unexplored territories that the AI opens up for you. It’s like having a conversation with another creative mind. So, some designs I post on Instagram are fully mine but refined by AI, while others are born out of this exciting dialogue I have with the machine. The end result? We usually end up somewhere unexpected but awesome, which is exactly what good design is all about.

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AI + TECH

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TECH & DESIGN

/imagine Earthy Intricate: In the intersection of modern technology and age-old craftsmanship, timeless ornaments emerge. With a foundation deeply rooted in the earth, they embody architectural authenticity and connection to nature.

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/imagine Upcycled Water Tank Living: Embrace a world where old water tanks find new life as havens of relaxation. Dive into the melody of innovation and sustainability, perfectly in tune with nature’s rhythm.

Created with Midjourney

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TECH & DESIGN

Do you think AI produced creative work will bring the prices in the creative market down? Do you think AI will take over the jobs of creatives in the future completely?

When it comes to the future, it’s clear that traditional design firms that fail to adapt to AI will struggle to compete. Speed, innovation, and adaptability will be the new currencies in the design world. But does that mean design will become cheaper? Not necessarily.

The parameters for what constitutes value in design are shifting. The game isn’t about who can produce the most renderings the fastest; it’s about who can offer something uniquely compelling. So while repetitive tasks might become commoditized, true creativity and innovation will still command a premium. We, as designers, need to focus on mastering this new tool, understanding its capabilities, and pushing its boundaries to create work that stands out.

What industries do you think AI will be dominating in in the future?

AI is going to shake up any industry built on repetitive, predictable tasks. But that’s not to say any field is entirely safe or should want to be. We should be embracing AI, learning its intricacies, and understanding how to best integrate it into our respective industries. In the future, I see the role of designers and other professionals evolving into more supervisory and curatorial roles.

We’ll be overseeing the AI, ensuring quality, consistency, and that all-important human touch. AI isn’t perfect; it can generate incorrect outputs, and it doesn’t possess the nuanced understanding that a human does. That’s why there will always be a need for human oversight, direction, and, yes, creativity. So, if you ask me, the future is not about AI versus human creativity; it’s about how AI and human creativity can collaborate to achieve something truly extraordinary.

/imagine Stairway to Wisdom : Higher Learning in a university isn’t limited to lecture halls; it extends to every corner, every step. Each staircase landing can be a forum for debates, insights, and eye-opening discussions. Do you have a go-to staircase where you’ve found more than just a way to the next floor? …

Created with AI

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AI + TECH

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T R AV E L

JOHNNIE WALKER, UNVEILS BLUE LABEL ELUSIVE UMAMI LIMITED EDITION IN COLLABORATION WITH RENOWNED CHEF KEI KOBAYASHI When Chef Kei and I set out to capture the essence of umami, we knew we were taking a step into the unknown by embarking on an exciting journey of flavour exploration.

Together, we wanted to push the boundaries of what Scotch could be and bring a truly innovative offering to the world of whisky and flavour,” Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker explains.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is a limited edition release crafted by Emma Walker and renowned Japanese Chef Kei Kobayashi, who joined forces to create a Scotch whisky that encapsulates the enigmatic taste of umami. A Japanese word used to identify the ‘fifth taste’, umami is an enigmatic flavour that possesses mysterious qualities.

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T R AV E L

Emma Walker continues: “For Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami, only one in 25,000 casks in our unparalleled reserves of more than 10 million maturing casks made the cut when we painstakingly searched our reserves for that elusive flavour profile – each expression of Scotch whisky was hand-picked to create an umami profile, just like ingredients for a recipe, allowing us to bring the unique character of this innovative whisky to life.”

In an exercise to decode one of the world’s most enigmatic flavours, these two masters of flavour channelled their years of experience into combining the unrivalled taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label with the essence of umami. Chef Kei Kobayashi, known for his flavour pairings and culinary combinations, has also expertly created a series of dishes that perfectly complement both the sweet and savoury notes of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami.

Chef Kei Kobayashi, whose restaurant Kei, located in Paris, maintained its three Michelin stars in the 2023 release of the Micheline Guide, says: “I remember waking up at 5am every morning and walking amongst the stunning mountains in Nagano where the air was pure, and the scent of the trees lingered in the air.

Umami possesses a mysterious quality that ignites our senses, revealing sumptuous taste, complexity and depth – and I believe we have captured this essence in Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami. The final liquid is a multi-faceted expression of what I interpret umami to be.”

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João Matos, Global Marketing & Innovation Director of Johnnie Walker, says: “At Johnnie Walker, we want to push the boundaries of what’s possible in whisky. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami does just that – opening the door to an expression of taste that’s rarely seen in the world of whisky. The pioneering journey undertaken by Master Blender Emma Walker and renowned Chef Kei Kobayashi has resulted in a liquid that will inspire a new generation of whisky lovers.

“Driving intrigue and excitement, we’re enhancing a traditional drinking moment to create an immersive experience that elevates all of the senses.” Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is a beautifully balanced Blended Scotch whisky of sweet and savoury flavours, with notes of blood oranges and red berries with sweet wood spice, a touch of smoked meat, a hint of salt and pepper with a long, sweet fruit finish.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is available exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh from September 18 2023, and available to buy locally at the end of October.

Contact official importer and distributor M.Demajo Wines and Spirits; for more info visit: https://demajowinesandspirits.com/.

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THE ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE

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LIFESTYLE

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LIFESTYLE

The Mediterranean’s most demanding & renowned offshore race Photography - Rolex / Kurt Arrigo

The Mediterranean’s most demanding and renowned 600-mile offshore race has evolved into a long and illustrious history from which stories of dogged determination and remarkable imagery have been produced.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race was created as the result of sporting rivalry between two British yachtsmen residing in Malta, Alan Green and Jimmy White, and two Maltese sailors, Paul and John Ripard, both members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Alan (who would go on to become Secretary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club) and Jimmy originally proposed a racecourse that was longer than typical in the region, and one designed to offer an exciting competition in windier autumn conditions. The original suggestion was for a course that would start in Malta and finish in Syracuse, Sicily, in one year and then start in Syracuse and finish in Malta, the next.

In an inspired moment, Paul insisted that, if the Royal Malta Yacht Club was to be involved, the race should be centred on Malta, both starting and finishing there. As a result, the racecourse became a circumnavigation of Sicily including Lampedusa, Pantelleria and the Egadi and Aeolian islands. The chosen course, at around 610nm, would be a similar distance to the RORC’s own famous offshore event, the (then, 608nm) Fastnet Race, sponsored by Rolex since 2001. The initial decision was to sail the route clockwise, heading from Malta to Lampedusa.

The Ripards presented the idea to the main committee of the RMYC, who enthusiastically backed the concept despite only six months’ notice to the inaugural race. Alan agreed to run the event on two

conditions: he was given complete authority over the arrangements and that he could compete. Malta’s commitment to the new race spread from the top to the bottom. The then Governor-General, H.E. Sir Maurice Dorman, just happened to be the RMYC Commodore and his early support helped to open doors.

Emvin Cremona, one of the country’s leading artists whose postage stamps were eye-catching and original, was commissioned via the Malta Tourist Board to produce the main trophy for the race. Cast in bronze, the trophy design powerfully and uniquely confirms the ties between sailing and Malta.

The first race attracted eight entries. Alan Green and Jimmy White competed on Sandettie, John Ripard secured a Swan 36, named Josian with a young Arthur Podesta among the crew, and Paul Ripard raced aboard the legendary Dutch maxi yacht, Stormvogel, skippered by Cornelis Bruynzeel. The Italian navy entered its training yacht, Stella Polare, and other entries included the Nicholson 32 Barada, Pedlar, Yanda and Dream of Holland, which unfortunately retired at Pantelleria. While Stormvogel was first to finish, the eventual overall winner was the smallest entry, Josian, giving John Ripard and the Maltese nation a landmark opening victory. The final prize giving was a black-tie affair, and the guest of honour was Sir Francis Chichester, fresh from his ground-breaking solo circumnavigation of the world.

The race was firmly placed on the map. Over the following decade or so, it attracted some of the biggest names in international yacht racing enhancing the reputation and appeal, and confirming Alan Green’s estimation of the race’s value to the sailing world.

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LIFESTYLE

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LIFESTYLE

THE MODERN ERA In 2001, fresh thinking was put into the Middle Sea Race. A more targeted and aggressive marketing strategy was introduced. And a search for a new title sponsor was initiated. In 2002, Rolex SA came on board, following two years of involvement with the Malta Rolex Cup. In the years since, the race has witnessed a remarkable increase in entries, growth in the quality of crews and their boats, as well as near global appeal. The two decades on, the reputation and international profile of the contest has risen to heights quite unexpected when it was first held in 1968. The number of entries has steadily increased, regularly exceeding 100 – apart from 2020 when due to the Covid-19 pandemic only 50 yachts entered.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race continues to demonstrate its international allure and ability to motivate participation from countries not regularly seen on offshore races and the fleet consistently brings to Malta a mix of Corinthian and professional crews harbouring different levels of ambition.

MALTESE SUCCESS Over the 44 editions of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, overall victory has been taken by Maltese boats on nine occasions. In the modern history of the race, celebrated local crews have won their class on countless occasions.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club actively encourages new sailors, young and old, to take up the challenge of the 606 nautical mile course. For the 2023 Rolex Middle Sea Race, 76 Maltese nationals took part in the race, the best performing boat after IRC time correction was Sebastian Ripard’s J/99 Calypso, raced double-handed with Sam Pizzuto. Ripard is the grandson of the race’s co-founder, John Ripard. Following Ripard was Jamie Sammut’s Solaris 42 Unica, whilst third after IRC time correction and winner of IRC 4 was the Podesta family’s First 45 Elusive 2. The Podesta family won the race in 2019 and 2020. Lee Satariano, racing on Artie III, is another Race Trophy Winner. Lee lifted the trophy in 2011 and 2014 on a previous version of Artie.

This year Artie placed 6th in a high calibre fleet in IRC 3 and was first Maltese boat to cross the finish line this year and Artie’s co-skipper Christian Ripard was taking part in his 33rd Rolex Middle Sea Race.

The 2023 edition of the Mediterranean’s most demanding and renowned 600 mile offshore race will be remembered for the mix of conditions and emotions experienced by the international fleet. Unusually, the weather favoured both mammoth and minnow, turtle and hare. A powerful maxi will be remembered for an unexpected offshore success, while one of the smallest boats will be recalled for a breath-taking performance that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Overall winner the 93 foot Bullitt, and second placed 33ft double-hander Red Ruby, separated by only 24 seconds in corrected time, but forever joined in legend. www.rolexmiddlesearace.com

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Peace & Harmony

Bali Words by Mari Aho

I feel like it took me several years more to finally decide to go to Bali than it does for most people considered as travellers or nomads, by themselves or others. I just knew for some months before that this would be the time where a relaxing destination would be good for me, as it would be after some more intense travel experiences, so I chose Bali.

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T R AV E L

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I had this image in my mind about Bali that was created mostly by social media – I have seen Eat, Pray, Love a long time ago, but don’t remember almost anything about it. It’s mentioned in so many blog posts and articles about this island, almost like it’s a part of the collective consciousness of everyone else but me, that I feel like my non-remembrance should be mentioned. Thanks to social media, though, I knew to expect instagrammable scenes of flower baths and floating breakfasts in infinity pools with jungle views, breathtaking views of beaches with turquoise waters, cafés with smoothie bowls like art pieces and hotel rooms with boho décor. And thanks to my previous travels in Southeast Asia, I also knew to expect some level of underdevelopment, the chaotic

traffic, the waste problem, and the lack in hygiene and sanitation, so I avoided the Instagram vs. reality shock that disappoints some of the tourists coming here.

Since the above-mentioned issues don’t really phase me anymore, the image I had about Bali as a relaxing destination turned out to be accurate. A lot of it has to do with how cheap everything is here. It’s great not needing to worry about money so much; eating whatever you feel like and ordering taxis to wherever you like without it being much of a cost to even consider. Not only is it cheap, it’s also almost too easy to with the ride and delivery apps Grab and Gojek – they really make the life of a tourist easy here.

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T R AV E L

Nice hotel rooms, floating trays and spa treatments are affordable luxuries at least to the average person traveling here. At Puri Gangga resort in Ubud, me and a friend payed around € 20 each for a combination of a flower bath and a floating afternoon tea in their beautiful infinity pool. A nice thing for low budget travellers is that in luxury hotels it’s often possible for non-hotel-guests to use their gorgeous pool areas with a typically very reasonable minimum spend. On the contrary, I’ve been a bit negatively surprised by almost all the beach clubs having either entry fees or minimum spends, and relatively high ones.

I hear many people complain about how Bali got so much more expensive in the recent years. It’s the same story as in so places that used to rely on tourism as a major source of income: everyone is trying to make up for what they lost during the pandemic. Despite this, I still find it (just not the beach clubs) incredibly cheap. Maybe it’s been too long since I was in Southeast Asia or South America, I find myself thinking, and I question my choice to travel mostly in Europe and USA in the past few years.

The relaxing feeling is also due to an atmosphere of peaceful harmony one can easily sense here, between people, nature and religion. A traditional philosophy for life on the island called Tri Hita Karana translates roughly as “three causes of well-being” or “three reasons for prosperity”, which are harmony with 1. God, 2. people, and 3.environment. It’s visible in many aspects of life in Bali such as communal practices, daily religious rituals, spatial organisation and architecture.

While other Indonesian islands are mostly Muslim, Bali is Hindu.

The form of Hinduism here incorporates some customs and beliefs of the ancient local animism, ancestral worship and reverence for Buddhist saints. One of the first peculiarities I noticed in Bali are the little baskets in made of leaves and filled with colourful flowers, food items such as crackers or a bit of rice, incense, and an odd cigarette or some money. They are found in pretty much every street corner, on restaurant and café counters, by temples and statues. They are offerings to the gods, believed to keep them on the island.

Besides the offering baskets, religiousness is apparent here in the multitude of temples, shrines, and public ceremonies. They are welcoming to visitors as long as you wear a sarong, borrowed to you at the entrance if you don’t have your own. The entry to some holy places is by donation, and in some places you pay a modest fee. In the water temples by holy springs it’s possible to partake to a guided purification ceremony. At the beautiful site of Taman Beji Griya for example, for around €18 you get a guide and a basket full of offerings that you take to different statues of gods as the guide explains to you what they represent and what you can ask from them or thank them for. You also go under several waterfalls and will get holy water sprinkled on you by a priest.

The guide will also take plenty of photos and videos for you of the whole experience with your phone if you so please.

The many rice terraces of Bali that are also a UNESCO site together with their irrigation system are a perfect example of the Balinese harmony. The system is called subak, more than a thousand-year-old way of distributing water that manifests the Tri Hita Karana principals in their natural, spiritual and social aspects. Canals and weirs were built so that water flows from natural springs through water temples on to the rice fields equally despite their distance to the water source. The subak is a democratic system managed by farmers where the resources, work and reward are shared equally.

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T R AV E L

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The Tegallalang rice terraces are usually considered the most picturesque ones and are one of the most popular touristic sites on the island. You can pay a small entry fee to walk among the terraces themselves, or to admire them from one of the cafes and restaurants next to them. Tis café, for example, would be every Instagrammer’s, TikToker’s or Youtuber’s dream serving food and beverages with a side of infinity pools (no extra charge) and swings (extra € 6) complete with mesmerizing views of the rice terraces.

The area or areas that you choose to stay and visit in Bali can shape your experience of the island a great deal, and I definitely recommend picking several. Of the most popular areas of Bali, Ubud is the best base for exploring temples and waterfalls. It has a lot of ornamentally decorated old buildings and lush jungle and bamboo forests all around. Uluwatu is great for beaches, tanning, surfing, and restaurants and clubs with cliffside views.

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Seminyak for upscale boutiques and beach clubs. Canggu for a bit of everything, and the best nightlife. Kuta and Denpasar and generally less liked but still draw some crowds because of their cheaper prices and cental locations. Areas that are still a bit less popular for staying but worth checking out are Kintamani and Amed, both in the North of Bali. Kintamani is full of cafes and viewpoints with amazing mountain views and Amed has snorkeling, diving and chilled little beach town vibes.

Nuda Penida is a smaller island just a 30-minute ferry ride from Bali. It has jaw-dropping views of turquoise waves crashing on beaches lined with high, steep cliffs, most famous points being Kelingking and Diamond beach. Both of them are so beautiful that it’s worth doing at least a day trip just to see them, but many stay for a couple of days to also do snorkelling or diving at one of the two locations known for manta rays.

T R AV E L

I believe the time of the year can greatly shape your experience in Bali, too. I’ve only been here in September and October, which is considered shoulder season both in terms of high to low in tourism, and from dry to rainy season. The rainy season is considered to be from September to March. In the time I’ve been here it has only rained on two days, lightly and not for the whole day. The driest months, April to August, are also the most crowded. The traffic is bad at certain roads in pretty much all the areas even now in October. Cars often stand still in traffic jams for a long time while bikes can pass them from the side.

Getting around by a bike, taxi or rental, is better in terms of both

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price and speed. The rainiest season is the cheapest and least crowded, so the best season to travel here depends on which of those factors matter most to you. I’ve been very happy I ended up timing my stay for shoulder season.

Even the heavy traffic with no apparent rules doesn’t shake my perception of Bali as the most relaxing place I’ve ever been, and I doubt that somewhat bigger crowds of tourists would either. I wish the peace and harmony that one can feel here in such an abundance could be spread to every corner of the world.

ART IN NEW YORK

C U LT U R E

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C U LT U R E

Jean Michel Basquiat & Andy-Warhol

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EXPLORING NEW YORK’S MUSEUM & ART GALLERY SCENE Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kings of Egypt II, 1982

As far as New York is concerned, this is one big apple that keeps the wanderlust away. As a creative seat of power, this city holds one of the most extensive and eclectic museum portfolios in the world, culturally nourishing the souls of its residents and its visitors. Scattered across her diverse neighbourhoods, the museums and art galleries of New York are cultural hubs that stand tall - both literally and figuratively - and side by side its skyscrapers and commercial centres. It’s a collection that actively reflects the city’s essence, one that serves as a reminder of its tumultuous and arduous past, as well as a testament to her innovative and industrious nature. Here are a few of our top picks for your next adventure in the city of dreams:

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C U LT U R E

THE SOLOMON R. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

Aptly situated on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue overlooking the Hudson River, the Guggenheim Museum was first opened in 1959, a few months after the death of its architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Its purpose was to house one of the most illustrious collections amassed by the Guggenheim dynasty, and it’s the eldest sibling in its family of museums located across the globe.

Just a few steps away from the Guggenheim is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As if it were not a grand enough entity in its own right, the Met likes to remind the world of its presence every year by playing host to the Met Gala. Since its inception in 1870, this museum has been an altar at which people may come to look upon beauty through the ages, serving as a resting place for rare and precious objects.

With its futuristic design and cyclical interior, this is a building that was envisioned for modernity, innovation and contemporary creation. The Guggenheim in New York presents an endless cycle of exhibitions and collaborations, offering itself up as an exclusive platform for publications and digital installations where dynamic ideas are explored through a plethora of media and form.

Its permanent Thannhauser Collection constitutes a vast number of formidable treasures by Picasso, van Gogh, Degas and Manet, and Vincent van Gogh, while upcoming collections explore existential concepts through painting, sculpture and photography, as well as the direct use of the Guggenheim space.

For their new season, be sure to check out Going Dark: The Contemporary Figure at the Edge of Visibility and Going Dark: The Contemporary Figure at the Edge of Visibility.

But, there’s nothing stale or stagnant about this institution.

Its curators toil to reveal new ideas and unearth new connections across time and cultures through events and exhibitions. Its purpose is not just for its visitors to inform themselves about the remaining artefacts of time, but to help them ignite a curiosity about human nature and all the possibilities that lie ahead of it.

Its permanent exhibitions are exhaustive and universal, each one a nod to a point in time that speaks to all cultures and creeds.

And there’s still so much more to explore with their freshly curated events. From Art for the Millions: American Culture and Politics in the 1930s to Scratching the Back by Nairy Baghramian, there’s something for everyone’s inclinations.

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

GAGOSIAN

Further up the road is the Museum of Modern Art, a building that stands in full contrast to the neoclassical structure of the Met. Revered in artistic circles as one of the most influential institutions, the Museum of Modern Art is where the next big thing is dying to be hung or installed. Its building blends in with the rest of the mirrored facades that have come to characterise corporate New York. And yet, its entrance is one of the more elderly residents of 53rd Avenue, dating back to 1939.

Owned and directed by Larry Gagosian, this network of art galleries is the embodiment of an American success story. The Gagosian network holds five spaces across New York City, with eleven additional locations all over the world. This is a truly international exhibition space that dates back to the thriving 80s, and its collections are exclusively contemporary and unofficially niche. You’re sure to come across a Gagosian space at some point during a city stroll, so pop in to witness photography exhibitions such as Seeing Is Believing: Lee Miller and Friends and or Edmund de Waal’s this must be the place installation.

Experimental thought, critical theory and current affairs run through the MoMa’s bloodstream. Ideas, free thinkers and game changers huddle here to discuss, debate, or simply observe the next talking point. The collections are boldly abstract, much to the chagrin of John D. Rockefeller’s ghost, who was very much opposed to the modern form. Nevertheless, his wife and children’s legacy has lived on, despite his disapproval.

Amidst its collection of over 200,000 pieces, three of Europe’s finest artworks find themselves nestled here. You’ll come across a few founding fathers, such as van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lilies and Miró’s The Birth of the World.

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C U LT U R E

BROOKLYN MUSEUM As New York’s third largest museum, Brooklyn Museum has over 500,000 wonders for you to explore. This Beaux-Arts landmark forms part of a cultural cluster with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Mount Prospect Park, and Brooklyn’s Central Library, so your visit definitely merits an extended period to soak up the atmosphere.

As caretakers of the largest African art collection in the United States, Brooklyn Museum has its eyes on history, or rather, history has its eyes on the Brooklyn Museum. The space boasts a thorough portfolio that covers every moment in art history, leaving no culture without its deserved spotlight.

A notable highlight here are the commanding collections of Edward Hopper and Norman Rockwell, celebrating the modern input of American art away from the glittering halls of New York’s Upper East Side. While their Period Rooms celebrating the artistic trajectory of domestic life are closed until the summer of 2024, Suneil Sanzgiri’s Here the Earth Grows Gold is a highly

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anticipated curation of contemporary art that addresses some home truths, while an immersive installation about Spike Lee’s creative sources presents a throughline of Brooklyn and black history through the eyes of the filmmaker.

Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942

C U LT U R E

THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART Founded by American sculptor socialite Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, this museum housed by Renzo Piano’s industrial estateesque structure offers a concentrated but ubiquitous collection of everything that encompasses contemporary American art.

It’s a space that looks to champion the work of the living, whilst paying homage to the modern past. Having uprooted itself from the opulence of Manhattan’s avenues a few years ago, it’s now found its community on the gritty river bank of New York’s Meatpacking District.

As an institution, it looks to perpetually interpret the developments of American creativity, with the Biennial - its permanent exhibition – forever having this subject under a national and international microscope. Its holdings are bold and brash, political and punk, and you are most welcome to join the revolution during upcoming exhibitions such as Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: The Art of Harry Smith and Rose B. Simpson’s Counterculture.

HERE ARE A FEW MORE CONTEMPORARY HOTSPOTS TO SOAK UP SOME MODERN ART WHILE IN NEW YORK: David Zwirner

Four exclusive spaces for contemporary work across New York.

Marianne Boesky Gallery

A recently expanded space for contemporary international work.

MoMA PS1

An artist-centred and communitydriven space for emerging art.

Perrotin New York

An international space featuring an outstanding bookshop selling unique editions published inhouse.

Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, 1967

OUR OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS: Gladstone Gallery

Foley Gallery

Acquavella

Lehmann Maupin

Petzel Gallery

C24 Gallery

Paula Cooper Gallery

Microscope Gallery

Tanya Bonakdar Gallery

Miguel Abreu Gallery

The Hole

The Frick Collection

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INTERIORS

Bringing the Interior to the Intimate CONTEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

BY KELLY BEHUN

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett Photography Kelly Behun Studio

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INTERIORS

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INTERIORS

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INTERIORS

There’s something very intimate about the choices we make for our interiors, and the decorative decisions that end up on and around our four walls. They’re personal acts of expression, idiosyncratic visions splashed across the surfaces and draped over our windows. They’re statements, determined by our own volition, that will dictate the ambience in which we’ll vegetate for the unforeseeable future.

But does this hold true for those who elect an interior designer to set the scene? Kelly Behun, designer extraordinaire for some of the most exclusive homes on a global scale, recognises the intimacy of that space, and endeavours to forge a relationship with her clients that is just as personal. There is spontaneity in her work, as well as a curated wave of emotion. But there is also a lot of reflection, projecting the client’s personality onto the space, as if the four walls were a complex mirror that showcases the inhabitant’s personal style.

It’s evident that there’s a lot of thought behind Behun’s approach to her design – a laying of groundwork that’s been instructed by a rapport with her clients and a deep passion for contemporary

art. From a prestigious condominium in the heart of Manhattan for Robert A.M. Stern Architects, to Alicia Keys’ and Swizz Beatz’s chic abode in San Diego, Behun has stamped her signature in the most elite of spaces, transforming them into harmonious expanses that speak to owners and guests alike.

Despite her penchant for congregating the high end with the high street and beyond, the operative word for Behun’s work is cohesion, although no two spaces are alike, as a result of her customised approach for each client. But although her designs for the sphere of celebrity is to be congratulated, a shining testament to her talent is her very own residence in the Hamptoms, which could be considered to be ground zero for her interior machinations.

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LIFESTYLE

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INTERIORS

Behun’s sense of variety is the spice rack to her work’s life. She seeks to excite and delight with eclectic conglomerates in a space, and yet there is a zen note that is constant throughout her portfolio. Perhaps this is all rooted in her informal apprenticeship under hotelier Ian Schrager, who had given her the freedom to play and create from an entirely fresh angle, tangential to that of most interior designers. Potentially, the calming element of her work stems from the influence of hospitality, while her irreverent style comes from a pure love of contemporary American art.

Although she can boast a number of commercial projects, Behun’s heart lies with residential spaces, where she takes on a hybrid role of interior therapist, helping clients organise their thoughts into their spaces. Moreover, the Kelly Behun Studio has now been an established house for around twenty years, producing bespoke lines with brands such as The Invisible, Collection, The Rug Company, and most notably L’Objet. The collaboration between Behun and L’Objet has borne a delightful collection of geometrically whimsical home objects. Formed of fourteen pieces, the chez-moi objets scream futuristic art deco, with geometric

shapes moulding picture frames, bowls, serving trays and even lazy Susans. This is certainly one way to fashion domestic bliss.

Speaking of the domestic front and its goddesses, Behun is also heavily influenced by historically slighted mediums such as textiles and ceramics, which is why her interiors prominently feature stand-out sculptures and arresting paintings which truly make the space, alongside iconic furnishings. This reflects Behun’s collector’s approach, a nod to the tasteful hoarding of beautiful objects to personalise a home. Her work is supplemented by contemporary artists such as Kim MacConnel, Sagarika Sundaram and Shizue Imai, among numerous other creators.

A significant feature of Behun’s work is the final staging of a space. She punctuates with fillers such as furnishings and follies, but she always makes room for blank canvases. There’s always a championing of negative space, allowing for the viewer’s eyes to recalibrate. Clearly, Kelly Behun is in tune with people’s psychology and its relation to space. Her sophisticated interiors invite you in with their almost surreal quality, providing harmony as well as artistic stimulation.

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INTERIOR

10 Iconic Chair designs that you need to know about Comfort and aesthetics need to work hand in hand as you set about designing your house or commercial space. If you’re lucky enough to have an amazing interior designer by your side, you can rest easy. But if you’re going at it alone, you could do a lot worse than immersing yourself in some iconic designs. Not only will this help you get the job done -- it will also lend a timeless atmosphere to your space.

EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR Created by renowned American designers Charles and Ray Eames, Lounge may be one of the most notorious lounge chairs in the market. The couple aimed to make the most comfortable chair with a well-used vibe. They drew inspiration from the classic English Club Chair.

Debuted in 1956, producer Herman Miller uses a bentwood technique to construct the Lounge’s frame. The frame sits at the right angle to maximize ergonomics and comfort. The upholstery is made of supple leather. The ingenious design offers a luxurious, relaxing experience for the sitter.

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INTERIOR

EGG CHAIR Danish architect and furniture designer Arne Jacobsen created this iconic chair in 1958. He originally designed the chair for Copenhagen’s SAS Royal Hotel. Jacobsen sculpted the egg shape out of clay, producing a signature look to the piece of furniture.

This chair is suitable for a room with straight, rigid lines to offer a nice contrasting look. Its cocoon shape and swivel design allow the occupant to sit comfortably. The modern version of the chair is slightly heavier than the original as it is reinforced with glass fibre.

CLAM CHAIR A Danish architect created the Clam in 1944, but its origin was disputed for many years. According to London’s Dagmar Gallery, Arnold Madsen fashioned this chair decades ago with the help of cabinet maker Henry Schubell.

Many designers were in awe of the design because it was unlike others that came out during that period. The Clam looks simple at first glance, but upon closer inspection, there is a combination of curves and numerous stress points in the joints. There are four wood legs with blunt edges that support the structure.

ROLY-POLY Introduced in 2014, this snuggly chair is an invention of British designer Faye Toogood. Toogood designed RolyPoly based on her first pregnancy experience. When she was pregnant, she couldn’t find a chair that was comfortable enough for her to sit on.

This low chair has distinct thick and stubby legs, not unlike a baby elephant. The frame is a single-form sculpture made by rotational moulding. You can install this chair indoors and outdoors due to its sturdiness. To spice up a living room, choose fluffy upholstery with stark colours for the monobloc chair.

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INTERIOR

PAPA BEAR CHAIR Also known as the Teddy Bear Chair, this chair is a brainchild of Danish designer Hans Wegner. He created Papa Bear for AP Stolen Denmark in 1951. Many consider this chair as one of Wegner’s most exclusive designs. Its construction process is very intensive and precise.

A solid wooden frame supports the chair’s base, securing it to the ground. The upholstery consists of natural materials, such as cotton, horsehair and flax fibre. A metal spring also provides the necessary support for the sitter’s back, increasing comfort.

DIAMOND LOUNGE CHAIR Architect Florence Knoll was once again present in the history of an iconic chair design. The designer of the Diamond Lounge, Harry Bertoia, was Knoll’s classmate at Cranbrook Academy. He came up with the chair design when visiting Knoll’s workshop in Pennsylvania.

A part of Bertoia’s 1952 seating collection, the Diamond Lounge toys between the line of art and function. Bertoia said the chair is “mainly made of air,” comparing the looks to a sculpture. Its frame is a welded steel construction, resembling the shape of a diamond. Lock snaps secure the cushion to the frame.

WOMB CHAIR Finnish-American designer Eero Saarinen first created the Womb chair in 1946. He designed the chair after being challenged by a family friend, the famous modernist architect Florence Knoll. Saarinen partnered with a boat builder to produce the Womb’s design.

In the designing process, Saarinen aimed to create a chair that would accommodate various sitting positions, allowing the occupant to feel relaxed and cosy. A tubular steel frame supports the chair’s upholstered shell. This chair design provides an extra elbow room for maximum comfort.

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INTERIOR

PELICAN CHAIR Finn Juhl, a leading figure in Danish design, designed the Pelican in 1940. First presented at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition, this chair showcases Juhl’s fascination with surrealism. The chair captivated the audience because of its animalistic structure and solid legs.

Thanks to its organic shape, the occupant will feel like they’re being embraced while sitting on the chair. Its design accommodates various sitting postures to optimise comfort. There are several upholstery options, including textile and sheepskin.

BARCELONA CHAIR Designed in 1929, the Barcelona chair was a collaboration between German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his then-partner Lilly Reich. To develop the simple design, they studied various chair designs throughout history, from folding stools in Ancient Egypt to neoclassical seating in the 19th century.

Two chrome-plated flat steel bars support the sides of the cantilevered seat. The chair leans slightly backward, allowing the occupant to relax after a long, active day. It has leather upholstery, with the originals featuring welt and button details.

LC3 ARMCHAIR Three designers — Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand — joined hands to create the LC3. This armchair challenged the classic design then, placing the frame on the exterior and the upholstery inside. Since 1928, Italian manufacturer Cassina has produced this chair.

LC3’s frame accommodates the natural inclination of the human body. The boxy design, thanks to the cushions, creates a contemporary look. You can place this in a modern living room, pairing the chair with contemporary upholstery materials. Those who prefer a cosy living space can install leather upholstery instead.

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LIFESTYLE

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FA S H I O N

STYLING SUSTAINABILITY A New Approach to Upcycling Fashion

Photography: Julia Boikova | Models Maia Saguna, Lilian Kartvelishvili Assistant: Maciej Kogut | Styling: Vogue Xchange | Clothing: Tonya Lehtinen With a background in space organisation, private art management and even yachting, Tonya Lehtinen comes with a history as colourful as her sustainable creations. Born and raised in South Africa, she returned to Malta in 2018, after cementing her romance with her Finnish husband here back in 1992. Having found her community in Gozo after raising a family in South Africa, she’s now on a mission to champion sustainable fashion and upcycling practices through her own creativity. We’re very much looking forward to her collaborative show at the Valletta Design Cluster in November, so we thought we’ d stop for a chat to learn more about her incredible work.

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LIFESTYLE

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FA S H I O N

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FA S H I O N

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN VINTAGE STORE IN GOZO? Once the chapter of raising my family was complete, I felt it was time to give back to the community I was now living in. I connected with Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar and organised a series of clothes swaps to raise funds for them. To date, I’ve raised around €7,000 euros for FAA, and I’m an honorary member. But my contributions made me realise that there wasn’t a pre-owned or vintage clothes culture here like there is in the rest of Europe; the need was apparent. I had to push through the stigma around the notions of charity, and I started raising awareness about the destructive fashion industry. The more I learned and experienced, the more I saw the urgency to promote sustainable fashion choices. So, I opened my first Caza Bottega shop in 2019, and later formalised it to Vogue Xchange in Gozo in 2020.

YOU DESIGN YOUR OWN CLOTHING FROM SCRATCH AND FROM PRE-OWNED ITEMS. WHAT’S THE OBJECTIVE BEHIND THIS? It was during the pandemic that I decided to use the clothes I had in the shop as a clothes bank. At the time, hardly anyone was buying, but everyone wanted to donate. As the clothes piled up, I really began to understand the immensity of the problem of clothing waste. This is where my research began, and I started to look for solutions. It was obvious that the way forward was to reuse, reduce and recycle. I started upcycling and looking for ways to use waste.

I mostly designed utilitarian objects, often inspired by the African craft I was familiar with growing up in South Africa. The process was good for my soul, concentration and creative thinking, especially with the pressures of Covid.

As I dug deeper into the geopolitics of clothing waste, I was deeply disturbed by the negative impacts it has on developing countries. I thought about how I could inspire people to rethink their consumption mindset, and on how to place value on both the garment makers and the items themselves. Upcycling was the answer. Anyone can participate in upcycling, irrespective of one’s skills, because it’s an individual creative process. The environmental and human rights violations with the current overproduction of clothing is simply not sustainable, and the fashion industry needs to descale.

So, how could I upscale upcycling? Through workshops! A circular community would grow through skill share, civic engagement, and corporate and government participation. But, if I wanted to deliver workshops, I needed to learn more and provide a space. I knew that I had a knack for inspiring and getting people together, but I had a lot to learn about upcycling itself. After an unsuccessful year of pitching for funding, I decided to just get on with it, and so I created a crowd funder which enabled me to set up a workshop space in Gozo. It’s given me the space to reconnect with my creative self, and I wanted to tell the story of textile waste, and the plight people in the fashion industry endure because of it.

The fabrics and garments I’ve collected over the years have really connected me to the stories behind them, and although I’m still tentative about putting my work out there, I’m still very excited about the process and the endless possibilities.

WHAT’S THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND YOUR WORK? As an activist, I wanted to use this opportunity to start conversations about colonialism and fast fashion. Over the years, I’ve salvaged unique items of clothing – textiles, tapestries, belt buckles and other objects - that have inspired my work. I’m drawn to using natural textiles or waste because every piece of textile has a history.

Before colonialism and fast fashion’s exploitative take-make-waste

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model, there were burgeoning cotton and silk industries in India and Egypt, leather and fur industries in North and South America, hemp industries in China, and indigo industries in West Africa.

Sustainability and regenerative practices were deeply rooted in the wisdom of the Global South and indigenous people. However, these were subjugated in order to become the extracting ground for the North’s unsustainable way of living.

The fashion industry continuously seeks to operate in countries where trade unions, labour laws, animal rights and pollution governance are not prevalent, and where slavery or wage bondage systems can keep production costs low. It’s where the cheap overproduction of fast fashion can thrive and make billions of dollars for companies in the Global North.

There’s also the dumping of our waste clothing straight back into these countries! Waste and greed are two sides of the same destructive path. In our consumerist addiction, we don’t stop to think about those affected by our waste’s final destination. In the global North, there is a waste revolution, a rethinking of waste referred to as Circular Economy or regenerative systems. Waste is the new gold, a resource at the centre of design, media and education. This is a giant step forward for the environment, but until we stop the depoliticization of waste, indigenous people will continue to suffer.

Clothing waste in the context of geopolitics and neo-colonialism is a battle that should not be gentrified, but unified with the people who are being affected. With this collection, I do not wish to glorify the fashion industry’s waste problem, but to open dialogues with people in the hope of changing mindsets about overconsumption, labour value, and minority groups working together for a more sustainable future.

The salvaged clothing and materials I use often have references to labour, culture and history. There’s no particular style which I adhere to, but it often appears more industrial, and, as my skills are not in tailoring and haute couture, my focus is on practicality and durability.

Young people are often drawn to my workshop space. They want to be there and they want to create, so I welcome additions of small embroideries, hand stitching, garment construction, unpicking and printing from the menagerie of people passing through.

Collaborations are what I enjoy most, and was fortunate enough to have my friend and jewellery designer Heike actualise my vision through her skills and accessories.

WHAT ARE WE TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FASHION SHOW IN NOVEMBER? When I heard that Sarah Portelli was planning on doing a follow up of her sustainable fashion show, Prinjolata, I asked her to collaborate with me. I believed that teaming up with her and her vast experience would result in something impactful. We both view textile and clothing waste as a resource, and this year’s Prinjolata 2.0 will be focused on circular fashion and upcycling. Some of last year’s participants will also be featured, in order to showcase how the sustainable landscape and our own brands are evolving. All our brands are committed to driving the inclusive, sustainable fashion landscape in Malta. You can expect to see an African flair, and items made from handweaving, deadstock, as well as collaborations and reinvented clothing that tell stories.

Tonya’s show will be held at the Valletta Design Cluster on Friday 24th November at 7.30pm. RSVP will be essential as space is limited. There will be an open studio on the 25th November where people can meet the designers, learn more about upcycling, and buy unique pieces for a more sustainable wardrobe.

FA S H I O N

 @vogue__x__

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FA S H I O N

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LIFESTYLE

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E C O / FA S H I O N

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FA S H I O N

Textile Tutelage A LESSON IN SUSTAINABLE FASHION Words by Julia Boikova & Nicolà Abela Garrett

Nowadays, almost everyone finds their own way to contribute to the future. Some choose to become vegan or vegetarian, some choose to opt for more sustainable methods of transport, while others take part in conservation efforts. People have become more self-aware of their own carbon footprint, and although we do have to contend with those who couldn’t be bothered or are climate deniers, there has undoubtedly been a palpable shift in society’s practices. Despite these endeavours, not much is said about textile culture, and the part it plays in our daily habits.

Our education systems have taught us about fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, CO2-emitting fridges and the salvation that we may one day find in renewable energy. However, very little is said in the classroom about textile production, save for the odd mention of landfill sites. As progress is in a perpetual state of flux, syllabi can’t really be updated every five minutes. And as fashion has, over the years, been often viewed as a frivolous subject, this may be why schools have failed to give it the importance it deserves. We have a long way to go.

Therefore, we depend on our own curiosity to see what’s happening in the world of textiles, and what’s being produced to tend to our sartorial needs. But while many of us may be focused more on the form, we’re not giving enough thought to the fabric itself.

Although habits are slowly changing, we’re not yet accustomed to asking the right questions before making a purchase. What’s it made of? Where did it come from? What were the consequences that came with its production?

To put it simply, these questions cannot be fully answered unless we’re informed about the textile industry, from its practices to its processes to its products. Nowadays, plenty of fashion brands are singing from the sustainable hymn sheet, but how would we as consumers be able to tell the guaranteed green from the greenwashing? Well, we’re not always going to get it right, and for a lot of us, the cleaner choice might not always be the affordable one. Nevertheless, there’s still much to be gained from knowing the science behind textile.

Textiles can be separated into two major groups – man-made and natural fibres. Primary natural fibres include cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, silk and any type of wool. While the latter two are proteinbased fibres, the rest are cellulose-based, which means they’re plant derivatives. Meanwhile, man-made fibres such as nylon, polyester, polyamide, elastin and latex are constructed through chemical synthesis, and have been around since the 1920s. There’s also viscose, which can be considered to be a hybrid of both. Although it’s man-made, it shares the same properties as natural fibres when it comes to breathing and temperature regulation, as its source is pulp.

In a nutshell, natural fibres are harvested directly from plants (aside from wool, fur and silk), and these are collected, stripped, cleaned and woven into thread. In contrast, synthetic fibres are produced in factories using chemicals and water, resulting in materials which are not dissimilar to plastic.

Aside from their environmental impact, the difference between natural and man-made fibres lies in their thermal properties.

Natural and consequently more luxurious fabrics are breathable materials, and they’re more comfortable to wear as they help you

regulate sweat. To put it simply, our bodies regulate temperature by secreting sweat, both in warm and cold climates. Natural fibres are exceptionally good at absorbing this. When it’s against our skin, one side of the fabric absorbs the sweat, while the other side allows it to evaporate into the air. This is how our skin stays dry and comfortable underneath high-quality materials.

Nowadays, a quick look through one’s wardrobe will find you plenty of items made from hybrid blends of both. For instance, stretch fabrics tend to have a mix of cotton with 5% elastin and 20% polyester, and many will be also familiar with polycotton, a godsend to those who don’t have time to iron their bed linen.

The issue with polyester has also been addressed as of late, and its manufacturing has evolved to rectify its lack of breathability.

For example, items from the ‘Dri Fit’ series originally unveiled by Nike, are designed to keep you cool and dry while you engage in outdoor activities. Designed from manmade fibres, they do come at a price, but also relieve you of the need to iron them afterwards!

Although natural fibres are certainly kinder to the planet and to our bodies, they still come with a hefty price tag, both fiscally and environmentally. For example, while cotton may be very comfortable, it requires a lot of watering and pesticides. There are also pros to man-made fibres, despite their reputation. They do not take up as much agricultural land as natural fibres, and there are no pesticides involved in their production. However, polyester releases microplastics into our water streams every time it’s washed, and no one’s been able to determine the exact number of years it takes man-made fibres to biodegrade. It is, however, a durable fabric, which is why it’s so often used for boating furniture and sails.

For those of us looking for a cleaner alternative to cotton, there’s always hemp, linen and bamboo. Hemp is a highly resilient and sustainable plant; it certainly requires far less pesticides, and its residue can be used as fertiliser, without the need for crop rotation. New fibres are also being manufactured to give Mother Earth a breather. Bananatex® is the first fibre to be made directly from the self-sufficient banana plant, while ECONYL® is a recycled yarn made from recycled synthetic waste.

We shall of course leave the science in the careful hands of the entrepreneurs. As for consumers, it’s up to us to make smarter choices. Let’s be more efficient with how we use polyester, and only buy this material in shoe form or other items that don’t require as much washing. Let’s invest in higher-quality and timeless pieces for a cleaner and less crowded wardrobe; think style, not trend.

Let’s shop from small independent brands, recycle our vintage clothes items and treat any new ones we bring in as items we are keen to keep in our wardrobes for many years to come.

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H E A LT H

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H E A LT H

Cold Water Immersion: The Latest Wellness Trend of Cold Showers & Winter Swimming

Cold-water immersion, including cold showers and winter swimming, is a growing wellness trend. It offers potential health benefits such as improved mood and energy.

The wellness industry has brought about many peculiar trends these last few years, like gua sha and perineum sunning. Some are good, some are just downright odd, and some might send shivers down your spine but promise a host of health benefits.

One such trend is the so-called cold-water immersion, with its two most popular activities being cold shower and winter swimming.

While the idea of voluntarily submerging yourself in cold water may seem daunting, the potential rewards have attracted a growing number of enthusiasts.

Strange as it may seem, the cold-water immersion does, in fact, serve a lot of health benefits that not many know before.

THE INVIGORATING BENEFITS OF COLD WATER SHOWERS Cold water therapy has surged in popularity as people seek natural ways to improve mood, energy, and overall well-being. Taking a cold water shower is an easier way to enjoy these wellness benefits from cold water immersion.

Cold water therapy received a significant boost from the likes of Wim Hof, the Dutch endurance athlete known for his cold exposure feats. Celebrities and wellness experts, including Oprah, Tom Cruise, and David Beckham, have also contributed to the mainstream recognition of cold showers.

Hof’s BBC TV show, “Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof,” showcased the power of cold water therapy, encouraging even more people to explore its benefits. For those without access to natural bodies of cold water or ice baths, the cold shower emerges as a practical and cost-free option.

Stepping into a cold shower can be beneficial on many fronts. Cold water showers stimulate the production of leukocytes, blood cells responsible for fighting off infections. Research from the Netherlands revealed that individuals who switched to cold showers experienced a 29% reduction in sick days compared to those who didn’t make the switch.

DARING SCANDINAVIAN TRADITION: WINTER SWIMMING Winter swimming, a practice that involves braving cold waters during the winter season, is gaining traction for its invigorating effects on the body and mind. The activity dates back to Scandinavian countries, where winter swimming often follows a steamy sauna session. Just like taking a cold shower, winter swimming also offers an array of health benefits.

In regions like Scandinavia, winter swimming isn’t just about physical health; it’s deeply rooted in culture and tradition.

Swimmers, often clad in minimalist swimwear, gather by frozen lakes, rivers, and seafronts to take the plunge. The camaraderie, sense of community, and timeless connection to nature are integral aspects of this cultural phenomenon.

One of the most striking aspects of winter swimming is the interplay between extreme temperatures. Alternating between hot saunas and icy waters is a centuries-old ritual believed to have numerous health benefits. The sudden shift from heat to cold stimulates blood flow in the skin, promoting circulation throughout the body. This natural “exercise” for the circulatory system can boost cardiovascular health and enhance overall well-being.

Cold water therapy has surged in popularity as people seek natural ways to improve mood, energy, and overall well-being.

Cold water showers have also been linked to a reduction in inflammation, offering relief from pain and soreness. This can be particularly beneficial for post-exercise recovery. Cold water showers improve circulation, aiding in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to body tissues.

Stepping in cold water showers enhances mental clarity and focus by increasing blood flow to the brain. This surge of oxygen and nutrients heightens concentration, alertness, and mental clarity.

Beyond cultural significance, winter swimming offers practical benefits, especially for high-performing athletes.

Immersing oneself in cold water, whether in the form of open water swimming or unheated pools, is a go-to recovery strategy for many athletes.

Research has repeatedly shown that cold water constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and soothing muscle discomfort.

It’s a time-tested method for accelerating recovery and alleviating the soreness that often follows intense physical activity.

A 2019 study published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews suggests that exposure to physiological stressors like cold water therapy and focused meditation can train the brain to cope with stress more effectively.

This controlled exposure reinforces the expectation of a positive outcome each time one conquers the cold, and these brain changes can extend beyond cold tolerance, potentially benefiting everyday life.

From improved mood and increased energy to enhanced immune function and reduced inflammation, the chilling embrace of cold water captivates an ever-expanding audience, making it a trend that’s here to stay.

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FOOD

Crudi FISH SO FRESH

Sunday mornings down at the Marsaxlokk fish market are always buzzing and fun. For early risers the hours of seven o’clock and nine o’clock promise the best fish, which always get snapped up quickly.

If you prefer a leisurely pace, you will find all the atmosphere but less choice. Either way Marsaxlokk is sheltered and provides lovely sunny spots for coffee and lunch too. Venture here and seek out the fish section for the freshest, local catch, which sells out fast, and usually at a decent price. We recommend that you check the eyes and gills of the fish, the eye should be clear and the gills red.

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Even if you don’t make it to the market, there are fishmongers located all over the islands, who can fillet and prep your fish and seafood, so it’s easy to bring your dishes together in minimal time. In fact, one of the joys of preparing seafood is that it often requires little to no cooking, which is why we propose crudi, carpaccio and a quick broth in these recipes, all of which feature a little kick to help whet the appetite and a boost of energy.

Shellfish is safer to eat during the colder months and these dishes are best enjoyed al fresco basking in the winter sun, shared with friends and family who will be impressed with these tasty morsels and zingy broth you have rustled together in a seemingly effortless fashion.

FOOD

Recipes by Emma Mattei

Mussels in Coconut & Lemongrass Broth This fragrant broth comes together in minutes and is best served hot.

The ingredients pack a punch and lift the spirits. Best enjoyed with a cool ale.

INGREDIENTS (For four persons) 1kg fresh Mussels - ask your fishmonger to clean them 4 tablespoons frying oil 4 garlic cloves 300ml coconut milk 1 stem lemongrass 4 cherry tomatoes, diced.

1 medium sized chilli, red or green A bunch of Coriander 2 limes

METHOD If using, prepare Jasmine rice according to the instructions on the pack. Chop the Coriander roughly, and slice the chilli, do not deseed as the heat is essential to this dish. Fry the garlic gently in the heated oil in a heavy based pot that has a lid. Bash the lemongrass at the base to release the fragrance, and add to the dish. Add the mussels and coconut milk, put the lid on and turn up the heat. The mussels should open after 5 minutes. Steam them until they are wide open.

The fish and coconut blend to create perfect umami, though you may want to add a pinch of salt or sugar according to taste.

Ladle the broth into bowls, in which you may have added 50g of cooked rice per bowl. Sprinkle abundantly with coriander and fresh chillies.

Serve with a wedge of lime for that final zing!

Fall upon these bowls and inhale the revitalizing aromas.

Jasmine Rice 200grams (optional)

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FOOD

Gamberini Crudi Agrodolce This dish is inspired by hot summer nights on the coast of NorthWest Sicily, sampled for the first time in Capo D’Orlando after a long road trip. It requires to be prepped in advance, so that the shrimps can ‘cook’ in the lemon. Small, sweet shrimps cost less than €10 per kilo, but require some patience to be peeled. You can use fresh Mediterranean medium sized red prawns for this dish if you are unable to find fresh shrimps. Serve with a buttery chardonnay.

INGREDIENTS (4-6 persons as a starter) 600g small, sweet shrimp Juice of one whole lemon + zest juice of one whole orange + zest 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

METHOD After peeling the shrimps, dress with all the ingredients (except for the parsley) to allow for the shrimps to ‘cook’ in the citrus juices.

Just before serving, check for taste, mix in the parsley and place small mounds on toast.

1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon vinegar.

1 small fresh red chilli, finely sliced pinch of salt.

Bunch of parsley, chopped Small rounds of toast, or crisp bread

Tuna Tartare with Soya, Ginger & Sesame This is a simple and impressive dish that only works if you can get your hands on fresh tuna.

Your fishmonger will advise you if the fish is suitable for consuming raw. Serve with a chilled Pecorino wine.

INGREDIENTS (For four persons as a starter) 600g of Tuna, preferably a slab or two which slices Fresh ginger ( or frozen ginger) Good quality Soya Sauce Toasted Sesame Oil Black and White Sesame seeds

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METHOD Using a large sharp knife, slice the tuna slab against the grain. Place the slices elegantly on a large, flat plate.

Quickly toast the sesame seeds in a pan.

Mix 6 tablespoons of the Soya sauce and 1 table spoon of Sesame oil.

Grate ginger liberally over the tuna slices, dress with sesame seeds, and serve the dipping sauce on the side.

FOOD

Carpaccio of Prawns/Langoustines with Citrus Oils, Chilli & Mint This is so impressive to look at, it always steals the show at an intimate drinks gathering, or to open up a special lunch.

Serve with zibibbo secco or cataratto wines.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

300g Mediterranean prawns, medium size, or langoustines

To create a citrus oil: Blend a whole orange and lemon, and strain through a sieve. Add this to 3 tablespoons of olive oil, you don’t need too much, and it should be concentrated.

1 orange 1 lemon, unwaxed Virgin olive oil Bunch of mint Black or white sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

This dish requires a little patience, but it is worth the effort. Peel the shellfish of choice. On a flat surface roll out a large piece of plastic film wrap, place the shellfish in the middle, place another sheet of plastic on top, begin to flatten and roll gently with a rolling pin. If you require more, double the amounts, and use two plates. Lift the plastic sheets onto a plate and place in the freezer for 20 mins, then transfer to the fridge.

Before serving, place in the freezer again for 10 mins, remove and place on a flat surface, peel away one sheet of plastic, place the dish on top, flip it over, and simply peel away the other sheet. Dress with citrus oil and sprinkle sesame seeds. Finally, chop mint into fine ribbons and scatter.

Feel free to spice it up with some ribbons of fresh chilli.

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DISCOVER RABAT Grottos, Taverns & Roman Remains WORDS BY EMMA MATTEI

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T R AV E L

It comes as no surprise that the headquarters of the National Archives of Malta is located in an old hospital building known as Santo Spirito in Rabat. Hospitals were an established tradition in Rabat, and Santo Spirito served this purpose for more than 600 years. A quick peek through the magnificent glass doors into the building reveals a splendid hallway, leading to a back garden, “you need to make an appointment” says the voice on the intercom. It is here that records from the British period and post-independence are held, as well as emigration and immigration records. It is here, in Rabat, that civilisations have thrived, prospered and waned across centuries, long before the maritime harbour cities were established by the Knights of St. John.

Rabat is a Semitic word meaning either fortified town or suburb – it is a ‘suburb’ of the Mdina, the citadel and old capital, it is a place that continues to thrive with community. Steeped in history and alive with visitors and locals, as you walk along the charming streets, many of which are thankfully too narrow for cars to drive along, you will discover Rabat in all its guises, and an idyllic place to live.

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T R AV E L

Modern day Rabat and Mdina overlie the extent of the ancient city of Melite, which consisted of a residential and public area confined by the natural topography. Part of the remains survive buried beneath the city, with archaeological artefacts, statues and structures still visible at the surface, the most notable being the Domvs Romana and the St. Paul and St Agatha catacombs. The Roman Villa, as it is colloquially referred to, houses exquisite mosaics, columns, statues, oil lamps, urns, iridescent glass vials and intricate jewellery and buckles, it is a small museum and often not crowded, so one can get up close to the objects and admire them with ease; here, one can contemplate the many layers of civilisations beneath the present day urban fabric. Afterwards tea in a glass and pastizzi can be enjoyed at Is-Serkin, a bar still referred to as Crystal Palace, an institution open round the clock.

Ideally a visit to the catacombs is planned for the early hours of the morning to avoid the throngs of babbling group tours, who descend into the somewhat claustrophobic space, with little awareness of why they have been led here in the first place. The extensive early Christian catacombs, lying beneath the town, contain engraved crosses and agape tables, rock-hewn round surfaces that were used for funerary rituals, and exploring these catacombs will surely arouse an Indiana Jones sense of adventure!

For those not so familiar with Malta’s religious history, suffice to point out that there is documentation in the New Testament with recounts how Paul and Luke the Evangelist were shipwrecked on these rocky shores in 60AD. There is a grotto located beneath the Parish Church which is one of the most venerated sites on our island, as it is where Saint Paul is said to have resided for three months. It is from here that he is thought to have preached and spread the word of Christianity, still in its infancy. An awakening of the cult of Saint Paul started with the Spanish hermit Juan Beneguas Da Cordova who in 1600 came to this grotto and acquired land above it and used it as a base from where he could promote the devotion of St Paul.

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T R AV E L

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T R AV E L

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T R AV E L

Rabat in its many iterations continues to adapt to the times. For a fix of retail therapy head to Camilleri Paris Mode, a sumptuous emporium of luxury located across a three-storey flagship shop, which includes artworks by Malta-based artists and items from fashion designer Luke Azzopardi. Meandering through the alleyways you might stumble upon Seffarruġia, an atelier specialising in illustrated silks, or Enoteca, a cosy wine bar that serves their own charcuterie and exciting wine on a quiet terrace. Be sure to make your way to dinner at The Golden Fork, where chef Letizia Vella has made a name for herself with her bold precision. The restaurant opens up its rooftop to the stars under which you can savour fish ceviche with a mussel emulsion and leche de tigre topped with pickled caper leaves, a bijou version of the maltese ‘tarja’ topped with tartar, aged pecorino and caviar, and braised pork cheek topped with raw prawns, finishing off with pickled and dried figs, yoghurt and citrus, each dish accompanied by characterful Maltese wines, selected by sommelier Jean Carl Grech.

As the midnight hour approaches Rabat turns in for the night, save a few stragglers at the little bars, still sipping Cisk and talking loudly over the music, as you leave the enclave of magical streets, the spell is broken and you find yourself back into the carpark life of modern Malta.

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