FEMME MAGAZINE | ISSUE 172 | FMLIFESTYLE.COM
BACK TO THE 1990s AND THE GUEST WORE...
GETTING A SPRING COMPLEXION
PRINTS AND ACCESSORIES
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B AY S T R E E T, S T. J U L I A N S R E P U B L I C S T R E E T, VA L L E T TA
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FM Issue 172 - 5
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SPRING SUMMER collection2014
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MAY ISSUE 172 14 The which and the wardrobe After a season of cosying up indoors under a layer of blankets, it’s now time to enjoy the great outdoors. And that’s what we do in this issue of FM. Bianca Darmanin has the perfect recipe for flaunting your wardrobe against a backdrop of blue skies and brilliant sun: a combination of florals, crop tops, sport luxe numbers, all white outfits and ankle strap sandals. Summer simplicity has never been so beautiful. Another top trend this summer is 1990s inspired fashion. Now, this decade doesn’t usually get rave reviews: some see it as a winding down after the great 1980s, while others don’t see it as accomplished as the noughties. However, the 1990s are a bit underrated: we give it its due through a showcase of A-line skirts, slip dresses, denim, collar contrast dresses and statement t-shirts. In this issue, we meet a line-up of exciting minds working in the fashion industry. First on the line is Sam Corcoran. The New Zealand-born stylist has worked with big names such as Selfridges and Stella McCartney. He tells Davinia Hamilton how for him, fashion is an art form that plays a huge role in our everyday lives. We also meet young designer Ritienne Zammit, travel blogger Jess Gerrow and photographer Juan Villasante. And don’t miss out on Kira Drury’s style missives and Romina Farrugia’s street style chapter from Locarno, Switzerland. Read on and enjoy.
The fashion choices you make say a lot about you, even if you don’t believe they do, Sam Corcoran tells Davinia Hamilton.
18 Style stalker It’s festival time and Kira Drury gets her gear ready.
20 Printed matter FM says it like it is with this season’s most wanted prints.
23 Out and about If you can stand the heat (and we all can), get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Bianca Darmanin follows our advice.
24 Wedding belles The wedding season is open and Arabella Hogg dresses as the perfect guest.
29 Street style Romina Farrugia sets the stage for some fashion moments in Locarno, Switzerland.
31 Here comes the summer sun…
COVER CREDITS Photography Kris Micallef www.krismicallef.com Styling Carina Camilleri assisted by Kristina Abela Hair Pierre Camille Hairdressing Team Make-up Diandra Mattei using Stage Line make-up Model Naledi at Models M www.models.com.mt wearing Peacocks blazer €32; Orsay blouse €24.95
Editor Anthony P. Bernard Email: anthony@becommunications.com Consulting Editor Stanley Borg Email: stanley@becommunications.com Design & Art Direction Roderick Peresso www.peresso.com Printing Progress Press
…and Lenah Caruana updates her skin care routine.
32 Love you to bits Pimp up your wardrobe with FM’s favourite bits and pieces.
35 What I know about style It’s not more of the same for Ritienne Zammit.
37 Suitcase stories For Jess Gerrow, it’s to and from Malta with love.
38 Naughty nineties From slip dresses and slogan t-shirts to crop tops and A-line skirts, FM relives the 1990s.
54 On beauty Photographers find beauty where others do not see it, says Juan Villasante.
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in FM are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The editor is not responsible for material submitted for consideration.
For any information regarding editorial, promotion or advertising contact Tel: 00 356 2131 8522 / 00 44 20 3286 6373 Email: fm@madmediainternational.com
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FM is published by MADMEDIA International, Mezzanine West, Hadfield House, Library Street, Gibraltar.
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FM Issue 172 - 9
FM
FMLIFE STYL E.CO M
NO VEMBE R 2008 –ISSU E 134
In more than three decades, FM has changed a lot. Just like fashion, every season focuses on different cuts and colours. But just like fashion, FM’s aim remains the same – to make you look beautiful, whatever size or age. For Malta’s leading fashion magazine, it’s now time for another change. As from this issue, we’re distributing FM from all leading fashion outlets. That means that while you’re out shopping for the latest trends, you can take a copy of FM to help you create your look.
Well-read In every issue of FM, our writers focus on current trends while Malta’s hottest bloggers help you create a look you want. Our photographers make you stop and stare and our stylists put new trends in your wardrobe.
OUTLET
FM is available for free with any purchase from outlets displaying the FM outlet sticker. You’ll also find us at your local fashion outlet or boutique, beauty nail and hair parlours, clinics and pharmacies, firms and practices, cafes, all 5 star hotels and commercial centres. For more info on advertising and distribution call us on 2134 2155 or hello@fmlifestyle.com.
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STYLE
The which & the wardrobe The fashion choices you make say a lot about you, even if you don’t believe they do, Sam Corcoran tells Davinia Hamilton. Photos by Matthew Attard Navarro
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tylist Sam Corcoran is dressed in a tailored suit and a crisp white shirt, with a perfectly straight bow-tie and a pocket-handkerchief. With not a hair out of place and a pair of tortoiseshell glasses, he looks like a cross between a Tom Ford model and smartypants-chic. You’d be forgiven for thinking he’s simply dressed up to meet me, but anyone who knows Sam will know of his distinct personal style and his attention to detail. Based in London, Sam draws on several years of experience in the fashion industry, both in his native New Zealand and in Europe. From writing for fashion sites to styling for television and advertising, he’s had a varied background and has worked for big names like Selfridges and Stella McCartney. Born and raised in a small town in New Zealand, Sam took what should have been a short holiday to Malta when he was 21, and ended up living here for a number of years.
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ELYTS
“Fashion styling isn’t about clones – it’s about personality.” But what first ignited the spark for him and why did he choose to be a stylist? “I was always interested in fashion, but it really became clear to me when I was at university. I was studying something completely different and it dawned on me that I was not happy with the choice I had made.” Sam says he planned to leave university and take some time to figure out his options when a friend sent him an e-mail. “It was an ad by a PR company which was looking for interns. My friend encouraged me to give it a go, and so I did. I flew to meet them and got the job – interning during New Zealand fashion week.” During his internship, Sam worked behind the scenes – dressing models and making sure everything ran smoothly. When the company offered him a full-time position, he jumped at the chance. “That’s where it all began for me,” he says. What were his first impressions of Malta? “I arrived in the peak of summer, when it’s hot and difficult to think about clothes. All anybody wanted to do was strip down to their swimsuits and cool off in the sea.” In Malta, Sam met his partner Matthew, who was also very involved in the local scene, and who brought him to events and introduced him to other people involved in Maltese fashion. “It was different to what I was used to,” he says. “But Malta is much smaller, and so that is only natural.” He bemoans the fact that not enough importance is given to the industry in Malta. If it were incubated properly, he says, it would have a chance to grow and flourish.
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STYLE
“Some designers – Charles & Ron, for instance – do an excellent job and have made a success of their business. They are lovely people. They work hard and have achieved a lot. They are living proof that fashion can be lucrative in Malta,” he says. He adds, however, that he is a firm believer in stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Sam insists that creatives need to be able to leave their hometown or country, gain knowledge and experience in different places, and then return with all they have learnt, in order to move forward and ensure they are a cut above the rest. “It’s always wonderful when somebody studies or works abroad, and then returns to Malta with their new experience. I love Malta – I think it is a great place to live in. The quality of life is excellent and, with some help, it has the potential to be a creative hub in the Mediterranean.” So what exactly does a stylist do? “There are two sides to it,” Sam says. “Styling for magazines and shoots, and personal shopping. But I think the two go hand in hand.” Personal shopping is about working with a client and creating a personalised service. “I want to help my clients find pieces which will complement their lifestyle and identity, and teach them how to make the right style choices for themselves.” A common misconception is that in order to be fashionable one has to look a certain way, or fit into a specific body shape. “People often get intimidated by fashion or feel like it isn’t for them. But just because what’s featured in a magazine might not be the right outfit for you, it doesn’t mean there aren’t options.” Sam believes in finding one’s own style, and his favourite part of his work is learning what people like so they can find clothes to suit them and make them feel good about themselves. “Fashion styling isn’t about clones – it’s about personality. My own style isn’t necessarily associated with high fashion. I tend to go for classic, timeless fashion, but that’s me, and it would be strange if everybody looked the same,” he says. He says he believes fashion is an art form that also plays a big role in our everyday lives. “The choices you make when you are getting dressed in the morning will say a lot about you, even if you don’t believe they do. Unfortunately, we are judged based on appearance all the time and, for example, an inappropriate outfit choice might keep you from getting a job you want, or from advancing in your career.” Sam cites the example of a lawyer in her mid-30s. “She’s wearing suits all the time, needs to be smart. It’s my job to show her that suits needn’t be frumpy or boring. She could be wearing a gorgeous, tailored outfit which lets her personality shine through, and still look professional and serious.” When I ask him about what he thinks of the current trends, he turns his nose up at the idea of couture trainers. “Everyone is doing trainers now. Valentino does studded ones and Chanel did bejewelled couture trainers. I hate them. I get it, but I don’t like them.” He laughs, adding that the beautiful thing about fashion is that it keeps changing and moving forward. “I guess we’ve never seen things like heeled trainers before, so it’s all about looking ahead, finding new trends, or looking back at past fashions and updating them.” However, he does quite like the French peasant style, which seems to be coming back this summer. “It’s been updated so it’s contemporary but you still get that throw-back to the Riviera, the quintessential summer style – effortless and gorgeous.” FM For more of Sam’s looks visit www.sam-corcoran.com
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SUIT JACKET
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STYLE
Style stalker It’s festival time and Kira Drury gets her gear ready.
Malta Fashion Week and Fashion Awards I am super excited that I have been nominated for an award in the Fashion Stylist category at the Malta Fashion Awards and Fashion Week, which is one of the biggest style events in the Maltese fashion calendar. It showcases the best in local talent, such as Charles & Ron and Luke Azzopardi, as well as big foreigner designers. Not to mention all the fabulous fashion parties and events. I’ll be reporting back next issue with all the happenings, gossip and backstage juice – watch this space. For more information go to www. fashionweek.com.mt and www.facebook.com/StyleMeMalta.
Get the look The most stylish of the Kardashian / Jenner clan, Kendall is taking the fashion world by storm, concurring catwalks city by city. She’s a style chameleon: from boyfriend jeans to seriously sexy body-con frocks, this lady is always one step ahead when it comes to trends. Right now it’s all about slogan t-shirts. Dior, Chris Kane and Alexander Wang have all done them, so naturally Miss K has been spotted rocking this trend. Check out her cheeky Celfie tee. Get the look for less at Boohoo.com.
Versace
Beauty buzz
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Check out the hottest in hair and beauty from the S/S14 catwalks. • Beach babe at Alexander Wang • Pin-up princess at Alexis Mabille • Smoky siren at Versace • Floral femininity at Dolce & Gabbana • Punk princess at Marc Jacobs
ELYTS
Festival fashion
Kimono cool Instantly cool, comfortable and on trend – pack a hippy chic kimono in your rucksack and channel your inner hippy.
It’s festival season and if you were lucky enough to get your hands on Glastonbury tickets or to any other of the many festivals happening around Europe this June and July, you’ll be beginning to think about what to pack. Check out my festival fashion survival guide.
Boot it Jumping around, dancing and walking for hours calls for something sturdy and comfortable. And don’t forget to pack a pair of wellies for rainy days.
Colour punch If you’re really going to get into the spirit of things, there will be no time for make-up, bands to see, and beer to drink. A quick slick of lippie will brighten up your appearance in a flash and off you go – don’t forget your shades.
Wrap up This multi-purpose accessory will be your best friend: headscarf, neck warmer, blanket to sit on. You festival bestie.
Coating A coat that you can throw over whatever you’re wearing will be a lifesaver when the sun sets. This one is perfect. Khaki is always a winner as it goes with everything. It’s waterproof and has a hood – you’ll be covered in every sense of the word.
Mad hatter You won’t often find shade in a massive field. To survive hours in the sun, stay shady and stylish in a chic fedora.
Shady A must have for the morning after the night before – enough said.
Shorty A festival classic, denim is versatile, comfortable and a favourite among fashionistas. Throw on a pair of tights if it gets cold and you’ll be ready to rock.
Backpacking Perfect for all your everyday essentials once you leave the campsite. Big enough to fit in a sweater, camera, water, and you can carry it on your back so you can leave your hands free for optimal dancing.
Sizzling summer with Tally Weijl For more looks follow the Tally Weijl blog at https://blog.tally-weijl.com
Clash your florals
Have fun
Make a splash
Rock a full print
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FASHION
FM says it like it is with this season’s most wanted prints.
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FOR HER 1. ACCESSORIZE CRAZY MARRAKECH SUNDRESS, €54 2. MONSOON NAVARROS EMBROIDERED DRESS, €120 3. ORSAY DRESS, €49.95 4. MONSOON ACAPULCO PRINT DRESS, €120 5. ESPRIT TROUSERS, €59.99 6. SCOTCH & SODA RELAXED FIT CHINOS, €89.95 7. SUITEBLANCO SHORTS, €27.99 8. SCOTCH & SODA SILKY PLAYSUIT, €109.95 9. ESPRIT BLOUSE, €39.99 10. MONSOON LIBERTY EMBROIDERED TOP, €60 11. TOMMY HILFIGER BALLERINA SHOES, €79.90 FOR HIM 12. ARMANI JEANS BERMUDAS, €135 13. ARMANI JEANS SCARF IN PRINTED COTTON AND SILK, €90 14. TOMMY HILFIGER SNEAKERS, €74.90
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FM Issue 172 - 21
PROMO
OPENING SOON AT THE POINT, SLIEMA 22 - FM Issue 172
STYLE
Out and about If you can stand the heat (and we all can), get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Bianca Darmanin follows our advice.
Working the sport luxe trend.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
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othing says spring quite like florals. Every so often they reappear in spring and summer collections, making them a staple piece to keep handy and hanging in your closet from year to year. How to updated them for this season? Easy – try mixing them with other ongoing trends. With cloudless skies, longer and warmer days, you would want to spend every second of your free time out and about. Comfort is mandatory, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or fashion. So here are some tips for mixing ladylike prints and pieces with sporty tones to enjoy the outdoors while following this season’s top trends.
Simplicity can be the most versatile look for heels.
Belly up
If you’ve been hitting the gym, and managed to stay away from Easter chocolates, then you deserve to be showing off your belly this season. The thing with crop tops is the fine line between doing it right and just overexposing. Keep away from wearing them with anything above the knees. Also, keep in mind that a light jacket will instantly add some sophistication.
The all white look is back this season.
Sport luxe
Sporty shoe wear has literally taken over this season. Forget wearing stilettos or wedges – this summer it’s all about flat sandals, lace-up shoes, and bright trainers. If you’re not too sure about wearing your jogging trainers, try canvas slip-ons with colourful prints and hues. Pairing them up with tailored outfits if a perfect example of sport luxe.
It’s all white Heel girl
If you still can’t let go of your heels, then try looking for simple ankle strap sandals with an elegant stiletto or chunky heel. Simplicity is the most versatile, so these will work great with shorter hemlines and a great sweater.
It was last year’s favourite trend, and now it’s back this season: all white outfits. Look out for washed out or monochrome prints to mix with loose fit vests or wide-leg white trousers. FM For more of Bianca’s looks visit www.thefashioncarousel.com
I can see you
OAKLEY FROGSKIN AT SUNLAB, €139
GUESS AT SUNLAB, €87
OAKLEY FROGSKIN AT SUNLAB, €149
LACOSTE AT SUNLAB, €122
ACCESSORIZE SUSIE CAT EYE AT SUNLAB, €21.50
CONVERSE AT SUNLAB, €45
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FASHION
Wedding belles The wedding season is open and Arabella Hogg dresses as the perfect guest.
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s the invites start falling through your letterbox, a sinking feeling hits the pit of your stomach. Dust off your fascinators ladies because the wedding season is open. Dressing for a wedding can be a sartorial nightmare for a woman, and it doesn’t get easier with time. Finding an outfit that is stylish yet suits your body type and is comfortable enough to wear for a whole day is much easier said than done. Your outfit can go down in history, either for good reasons (Pippa Middleton’s bum) or for bad (Princess Eugene and Beatrice at the same wedding getting royally upstaged by a certain derrière) so make sure to put your best foot forward and find the right option for you. Before going on your search for the perfect outfit, there are a few golden rules which must be taken into consideration. First, never, ever wear white – this is the bride’s colour, not yours. That said, we’re a bit more relaxed now about this rule: you can get away with something printed against a white background. Second rule: avoid wearing anything that is too sexy or revealing, even though it is an unwritten rule that weddings are the perfect place to meet a potential partner (due to guests being wrapped up in the love and romance of the ceremony along with frequent trips to the open bar). It is a sign of respect to show some decorum to the bride and groom by choosing to reveal just the right amount of leg or cleavage.
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The third rule is that during the church ceremony, make sure your shoulders are covered. It doesn’t have to be a jacket – you could simply use a pashmina or shawl and then leave it in the car for the reception afterwards. From dazzling cocktail dresses to exquisite gowns, elegant jumpsuits and graceful A-line midi-skirts, there is a world of choice for women available from both high-end designers and high street shops. The key is to set your budget and decide what flatters your figure the best so that you feel, and look, fabulous. Whether it’s a beach wedding or an elegant do at a historical site, witnessing vows in a villa garden or ballroom dancing in a palazzo, there is an ensemble out there worthy of the best-dressed guest. Just try not to show up the bride. If you are looking for a one-off showstopper, Roberto Cavalli is always a winner, and the SS/14 collection is full of luxurious shades of grey, turquoise and blues. Then you have new, up and coming brands like Elisabetta Franchi, which is being worn by all the celebrities. This brand has the most amazing jumpsuits that are both sophisticated yet unusual. There is also the old faithful option that can be worn many different ways time and time again: look out for pastels and florals seen at Mulberry, House of Holland and Stella McCartney which are both very fashionable
NOIHSAF
Guest of honour
SCOTCH & SODA HALTER NECK DRESS, €129.95
Accessories are next on the agenda. Invest in a few key pieces that go with everything. Shoes, supposedly being a girl’s best friend, do give us a big ordeal but enter this season’s midi-heel, which will allow you to stand up for hours without excruciating pain. Colour-wise, with a pair of nude court shoes and a matching clutch bag it is almost impossible to find anything that does not match with them. For the middle of summer, when the sun is sweltering, a pair of strappy sandals are a must – if you go for metallic shades such as bronze, silver or gold you’ll be fit for an Olympic (wedding) win! Along with your perfect shoes and bag you will also need a shawl. It is a common misconception that the shawl has to be an identical colour to your dress – go for a colour either a few shades lighter or darker. A hat or fascinator is an optional accessory today, as these are usually only worn during morning weddings. A wedding is a wonderful occasion that marks an event in people’s lives that they will never forget, and each goes down in the history books like Carrie finally marrying Mr Big. Whether you go for a nifty number that has got the wow factor, or something that will never go out of date, make sure you are dressed to your best. As Tom Ford said, “Dressing well is a form of good manners”. So if the idea of bumping into your ex, or being labelled the oldest singleton at the nuptials is making you come out in a cold sweat, make sure that you look (almost) as good as the bride. FM
ACCESSORIZE NADIA LEAF PRINT MAXI DRESS, €54
“It is a common misconception that the shawl has to be an identical colour to your dress.”
ORSAY DRESS, €34.95
SUITEBLANCO, €37.99
this year and then you totally have it covered. You can also go for a highfashion look by pairing a satin finish midi-skirt with an embellished top as seen at Burberry Prorsum and Miu Miu or even a crop top depending on how sartorially adventurous you are. The choices are endless. There are delightful outfits that can be bought from high street stores if your budget is a bit tight this spring. French Connection have a wonderful maxi dress with a beaded top to give a nod to this season’s catwalk trend, Monsoon has the most dreamy floral prints that will catch the other guests eyes and Topshop have a pretty range of satin-finish dresses that are perfect for a wedding.
CARPISA, €35.90
Delicate seduction Dolce is the newest fragrance from D&G heralding a sensory journey through the heart of Dolce&Gabbana’s DNA: Sicily. The gentle, feminine mix of white flowers is introduced by the freshness of Neroli leaves and defined by white amaryllis. Receive a beautiful handbag mirror with the purchase of an eau de parfum 75ml or a dainty bracelet when purchasing an eau de parfum 50ml. Offer valid while stocks last from authorised retailers only. For local trade enquiries, call freephone VJ Salomone (Marketing) 8007 2387.
FM Issue 172 - 25
PROMO
Bold brights
BETTY SMART YELLOW HANDBAG, €215.00 BLUE SUEDE FRINGE HANDBAG, €130.00 GREEN SCARF, €22.00 WIDE BLUE BRACELET, €29.00 YELLOW AND SNAKE PRINT BRACELET, €25.00 BRACELET WITH RED GEMSTONE, €35.00 RED LEATHER PURSE, €98.00
Step stylishly into summer with Coccinelle accessories. They’ve got a vast range of exquisitely made products, from handbags to purses and jewellery too. I’ve fallen for these pretty little numbers – bold, bright and beautiful. Photography/styling/text by KIRA DRURY
Sliema | t. 2131 3097 | fb.com/CoccinelleMalta
Sunglasses therapy
MEN ORANGE ARM AND TORTOISESHELL, LACOSTE, €105 YELLOW AND BLACK FRAMES, MARC BY MARC JACOBS, €165 BLACK SUNGLASSES, PERSOL, €185
This summer treat your peepers to some seriously snazzy shades. Forget plain and go bold with quirky frames, bright colours, prints and embellishments. Solaris have the best in brands and style – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Photography/styling/text by KIRA DRURY
Sliema / Valletta | t. 2133 5815 / 2123 2955 | fb.com/SolarisMalta
WOMEN GREEN ARMS, MARC BY MARC JACOBS, €179 SPECKLE FRAME, DOLCE & GABBANA, €165 BLACK WITH SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL, PRADA, €429
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FASHION
Street style Romina Farrugia sets the stage for some fashion moments in Locarno, Switzerland.
Antonella
Bianca
Daniela
What is your favourite trend right now? I don’t follow fashion to the letter. I’m focused on having a unique style. This is my fashion statement.
What is your favourite trend right now? Jeans shirts with pearls, skinny jeans and ripped jeans.
What is your favourite trend right now? Studs and also the fact that fashion is more wearable and comfy.
What is your favourite label? My favourite designer is Armani.
What is your favourite label? Guess.
What is your favourite label? I don’t have a favourite label.
Perfume to wear? Candy by Prada.
Perfume to wear? Alien by Thierry Mugler.
Perfume to wear? Daisy by Marc Jacobs
Diana
Lence
What is your favourite trend right now? I love the chained cardigan I’m wearing. I’m also into spike and gemstone necklaces at the moment.
What is your favourite trend right now? I like the printed t-shirts trend, especially those with photos of old film stars or animals.
What is your favourite label? Burberry.
What is your favourite label? Guess.
Perfume to wear? Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana.
Perfume to wear? Poison by Dior.
Matteo
What is your favourite trend right now? I like the fact that Timberland boots are big right now and although I’m not wearing them today, I do own a pair. What is your favourite label? Diesel and Superdry. Perfume to wear? One Million by Paco Rabanne. FM Issue 172 - 29
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BEAUTY
Here comes the summer sun… …and Lenah Caruana updates her skin care routine.
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ost people welcome the first days of spring by spending as much time outdoors as possible, chasing the sun’s rays with the same eagerness as if we had discovered a new phenomenon shining down from the sky. And just like our skin tells us to prepare for winter by becoming pale and gloomy, the first warm days of spring tend to do just the same to remind us that a new regime is due. The plan is to look at yourself in the mirror and say hello to a nicely tanned complexion. But what often happens is that our skin is not fully prepared and more often than not, sun protection has remained in the bathroom cabinet saved for those really hot days. So instead of a pleasant tan, what we end up facing the world in is red, sensitive and itchy skin. To avoid this uncomfortable feeling, start using an SPF day cream and proper sun lotion today on your most exposed areas, such as face, neck and shoulders. Build your tan gradually rather than giving your face a crash course. Excluding sunscreen can also cause unwanted wrinkles and brown sunspots which can be a bit of a challenge to get rid of. Start preparing for the new season by going through your current products and see what you can change and improve so that you can enjoy summer to the fullest. Check the expiry date on your beauty and skin care products frequently – the beginning of a new season is an opportunity to update your products. Also make sure all tools and brushes are properly cleaned to avoid breakouts. As always, a good skin care routine using products suitable for your skin type is key. The first step is to invest in a good quality cleanser. Perspiration combines with your skin’s natural oils which makes the skin harder to clean in summer, so with a good daily cleanser and a weekly exfoliation, your face should be all set to absorb the next steps. Using a toner may seem like a waste of time in the morning rush but it does have a point, which is to remove the residue from your cleanser. A toner also refreshes and quickly restores the pH balance of your skin. The next step is the moisturiser. For those with normal or dry skin swopping those ultra rich creams for lighter versions with SPF is a good start in order to avoid a greasy look on hot days. If you have an oily skin, a mattifying product is great when you want to combat that oily T-zone. It’s important to remember that SPF lotions should be reapplied every now and then, especially if you’ve been exercising or have been spending a long time in the sun. If you overdo it,
use a cooling after-sun cream to sooth your skin. A smart way to refresh your face on a warm day is to keep a bottle of face mist handy. There are plenty of options available for different skin types and these can be used to set your make-up or simply to hydrate and cool down your skin. Soon enough, it’s also time to get rid of those rich body butters and start exploring the fun, exotic and easily absorbed creams, ideally gels or purees. Nothing spells summer more than a light refreshing fruity lotion and surely no one can resist a scent of coconut, mango or watermelon. For the lotion to come to its full right, start by using a grainy scrub in the shower, using gentle circular movements all over your body in order to get rid of dead skin cells. This will allow the lotion to quickly absorb and will leave your skin feeling nice and smooth. Exfoliation is extra important in summer when we need to work off sun lotions and oils. Most people have less sensitive skin in summer which means we can tolerate a more frequent use of exfoliation. Hydration is also extremely important in order to keep your energy level balanced and for your skin to feel and look radiant. In summer there are plenty of fun options and a bottle of water is far from the only way to quench the thirst. Whether you are at the office or on the beach, a container full of summer fruits is one way to refill your body’s H2O level. At the same time you will be getting a dose of well needed anti-oxidants and vitamins – watermelon, pineapple, berries and grapes all contain several important properties we need in order to detox and stay hydrated. Keep away from soft drinks and other sugary drinks and opt for fresh smoothies when you want an extra treat. When it comes to cosmetics, skip liquid and cream foundations and try a light mineral foundation with SPF instead of covering your face with pore-clogging foundations. A concealer is sometimes also enough to cover up red or dark areas. Regardless of your choice, see that you have time for a good cleanse in the evening before hitting the bed and let this season give your skin a chance to breathe. If you manage to get into a good skin care routine now, before the worst of the summer heat hits us, using plenty of sunscreen, good cleansers and moisturisers, the evenings should be trouble-free enough to enjoy your glowing summer skin. FM
“A smart way to refresh your face on a warm day is to keep a bottle of face mist handy.”
For more beauty tips visit www.lenahcaruana.com
Light and secure Lightness has never been so secure, and security has never been so light. Samsonite, the world’s largest luggage brand, is thrilled to introduce Lite-Locked, the pioneering lightweight collection that merges two key features deeply embedded in Samsonite’s brand DNA: a three-point locking system and the revolutionary Curv material, exclusive to Samsonite in the luggage arena. Available at the Samsonite Store, Malta International Airport. For further information call on +356 2202 1401 or e-mail samsonitemalta@vfgmalta.com
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FASHION
Love you to bits Pimp up your wardrobe with FM’s favourite bits and pieces.
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1. TOMMY HILFIGER ESTELLE ESPADRILLES, €89.90 | 2. NINE WEST TATIANA SHOE, €109 3. NINE WEST KIMERY SHOE, €109 | 4. ACCESSORIZE AUCKLAND PERSPEX EARRINGS, €22.90 5. ACCESSORIZE CHUNKY NAUTICAL ROPE NECKLACE, €19.90 6. ACCESSORIZE CANNES STATEMENT NECKLACE, €39.90 | 7. PARFOIS NECKLACE, €27.95 8. MORELLATO NECKLACE, €89 | 9. ESPRIT BAG, €89.99 | 10. CARPISA BAG, €39.90 11. CARPISA BAG, €39.90 | 12. ESPRIT BAG, €59.99 | 13. PARFOIS BAG, €24.99 14. CARPISA BAG, €29.90 | 15. ACCESSORIZE ABSTRACT FLORAL DIGITAL SILK SCARF, €15.90 16. TOMMY HILFIGER HILTON SNEAKERS, €59.90 | 17. ACCESSORIZE MARSEILLES CROSS WEAVE TRILBY, €21.90 18. MICHAEL KORS, €179; 19. SKAGEN, €149; 20. SWATCH, €55; 21. FOSSIL WATCH, €99; 22. SWATCH, €55 ALL AT SUNLAB
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PROMO
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STYLEWISE
What I know about style It’s not more of the same for Ritienne Zammit. Portrait photo by Kurt Paris. Fashion photos by Steven Vella and Tamara Webb.
What first attracted you to design and, specifically, fashion design? I started experimenting with design at a very early age. The feeling of creating something new always gave me excitement and motivation. As for fashion design, my interest in it grew as soon as I started dabbling in different media. Then I continued developing my artistic skills at the Institute of Art and Design. You were awarded with the Best New Designer Award at the 2013 Malta Fashion Awards. How important is recognition in the fashion industry? It is a prestigious award in the local fashion scene. It opens up new opportunities and also gives you confidence, especially when you are the sort of designer who creates outfits or make use of unusual materials. Sometimes some people don’t take to experimentation too well, so this award gave me the right confidence to continue developing my own style. In your thesis, you analysed Maltese reactions to radical fashion. How has the local attitude to fashion changed in recent years, and what has fuelled this change? Recently there was a huge development in the fashion industry. There were also many opportunities for new designers to help them showcase their work. Through these events, the skill level in Malta reached higher standards. I believe that this change was fuelled by the introduction of the Malta Fashion Week, which made a big impact on the local fashion industry. What determines a successful marriage between texture, cut and colour? Like any other artistic sector these are the essentials and you have to find the perfect combination between them. Their role is quite major and you have to find the right balance, while performing them on the intended creation. What are your favourite trends for this season? Definitely the use of pastel colours, the unusual use of mesh fabric and also the variety of fresh prints and contemporary cuts. What is the role of accessories in a look? From my point of view, accessories are the finishing touch for a particular outfit. They also harmonise the whole final look. What are the main inspirations for your next collection? Some of the main inspirations for the next collection are rebellion youngsters in a hectic metropolitan, which fade into a contrast of stillness from our prayers. Two different characters contradict each other within the same concept. FM
Ritienne Zammit
Rules of style
Age: 26
Clash your prints for an unusual outfit.
Education: 3D Design and Interiors
Make an outfit look unique through clever use of texture.
Profession: Fashion designer
Heavy embroidered and jewelled outfits are a perfect combination when implemented with simplicity. Go for unusual cuts.
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TRAVEL
Suitcase stories For Jess Gerrow, it’s to and from Malta with love.
From Canada to Malta: what’s your story? I traded the North Atlantic for the Mediterranean for love – the love of this country and a man. Isn’t that how all good stories start? I first came to Malta in 2008 while my now-husband was studying at the University of Malta. Upon returning to Canada we couldn’t get Malta off our minds, so we packed up our two dogs and moved back in 2010. Since then I’ve earned a couple degrees from the University of Malta and San Diego State University between travelling around Europe and back again. What made you fall in love with Malta? To be sure, circumstances made me fall for Malta: it was the first time I had lived abroad and the first time I lived with my (high school sweetheart) husband, so it was all very romantic. But it was the country itself that made my love affair with Malta last. Malta can feel small, but its size means you get to intimately know it, which I love. Malta is also a beautiful country in it’s own dusty, rocky way. Oh, the limestone. During a trip to Paris I sat in a Moroccan restaurant that was made of the same golden stones and felt the worst homesickness for Malta. What does travel mean to you? Privilege. I am under no illusions: I am incredibly lucky to be able to not only live in Malta, but to see so much of the world while I do. Travel is the leisure of the few and I never take it for granted. What do you do most when travelling: eat, see or shop? Eat: I mentally catalogue trips by memorable meals. Who is your best travel companion? My husband. Our travel habits complement each other well: I find the best shops, cafes, and museums, while he finds the best restaurants and navigates. Something you always pack when travelling? My little Sony NEX 5 camera. And my dogs, when I can. What is your travel wardrobe like? Versatile: an all-weather coat from Zara and a pair of Yosi Samra smoking slippers for long days of walking. I swear by these shoes. They are perfect for daytime and evening – everything in my suitcase has to do double duty. And they’re super comfortable. One place you will return to? Sicily. It’s my haven. It’s a welcome dose of green to contrast Malta’s brown, and I cannot get enough of Sicilian food and wine. Throw in cool locals and great shopping and I can’t stay away. Iceland is a strong contender too. One place you will never return to? Athens. As a former art history student it didn’t live up to the image I had been painting in my head. Sicily’s Greek temples are better preserved and, travelling on a budget, I didn’t have any impressive meals in Athens (I’d had better Greek food in Canada). But Greece’s mountainous countryside around Meteora: now that is a bit of Greece I’ll return to. FM For more of Jess’s adventures visit www.blog-jess.com
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TRENDS
Naughty nineties From slip dresses and slogan t-shirts to crop tops and A-line skirts, FM relives the 1990s.
If you want to say anything important, this season, wear it on your chest. There’s a slogan or logo for everyone. Get inspired by the catwalks at Christopher Kane, Holly Fulton and Golan.
BALMAIN
Denim deluxe
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If there’s one material which defined the 1990s, it’s denim. For this season, denim has gone deluxe and is paired with sheer embellished tops and heels, as seen at Vuitton and Karen Millen.
EDUN
Art school
You might argue that art belongs in museums, public places and private collections. But then, art is for life, so it’s only fair that we wear it. Cue paint swirls, colour-blocking, brush strokes and interesting prints as seen at Celine, Prada and Chanel.
Birkenstocks are back
Yes, they’re hippie. And yes, they look horrible if you wear them with socks. This season, however, Birkenstocks are cool. Stay one step ahead and opt for either the double-strap version or the classic style.
SIMONE ROCHA
CHRISTOPHER KANE
Statement sweaters
PRADA
W
e loved the 1980s. We still do. The big lips, the bigger hair, disco, tongue in cheek fashion and white handbags – it was an iconic decade. The only problem with the 1980s was that the decade that followed would have a hard act to follow. The 1990s gets mixed reviews. Some see it as just a transitional period: a bridge between the great 1980s and the uncertain noughties. The music wasn’t as good as a decade before it. And fashion wasn’t as adventurous as a decade later. But let’s reason it out. Take music, for instance. The 1990s gave us Notorious BIG, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. We listened to Radiohead’s OK Computer and Dr Dre. Joysticks gave us hours of videogame joys. And the fashion? Well, let’s just say that for this season, it’s making a comeback. And anything which makes a comeback (except for Terminator) has to be good. This season, the 1990s are back with a line-up of our favourite icons. The A-line skirt has graced the catwalk, as did the spaghetti strap slip dress: both famously worn by Cher in Clueless. Wearing a slip dress will get you extra kudos, as you will be referencing Carrie Bradshaw in the early Sex and the City. Denim, crop tops, collar contrast dresses, statement t-shirts: it’s all yours for the taking.
RAG & BONE
Cream of the crop top
Now this trend isn’t for everyone – you’ll need to spend some precious time at the gym before you can even think of putting on a crop top. Rag & Bone added to the 1990s layers by proposing a crop top in leather.
Skirts over trousers
Back in the 1990s, there was a brief moment when everyone was wearing skirts over trousers. No one knew what to call this fashion creature: skrousers? Trouskers? Whatever name you decide to give it, this trend is back, as seen at Simone Rocha and Osman.
Blog watch
The who, what, why, wear of the net. www.kayture.com One of the best in the fashion business.
www.cateyesandskinnyjeans.com Fashion in all its faces.
www.painfullyhip.com Not painful at all.
SDNERT
Hello sailor
Indian summer
This summer it’s nautical ahoy.
The art of travel gives your wardrobe an exotic look.
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From florals to slogans, this season is all about prints. 15 16 14
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• Flaunt your flat stomach with a crop top. • Solange in Christopher Kane. Yellow is this season’s colour. • Go monochrome.
Tear • The Olsens at the Met gala. You can’t even see them. • Insects on our bare skin. • So much ice-cream, so little waistline to afford.
1. ORSAY, €14.95 | 2. SCOTCH & SODA PRINTED T-SHIRT, €45.95 3. M&CO PLAIN SKINNY BELT PACK, €10 4. M&CO COLOUR BLOCK SHOULDER BAG, €38 | 5. CARPISA, €22.90 6. M&CO CROCHET TRIM AZTEC MAXI, €45.00 7. AJ WOMEN GEOMETRIC PRINT TROUSERS, €155 | 8. SCOTCH & SODA PINEAPPLE SHIRT, €69.95 9. ACCESSORIZE FRIDA FLORAL KAFTAN, €69 | 10. M&CO PAISLEY PRINT KIMONO, €38 11. NEW LOOK AZTEC PRINT MAXI DRESS, €29.99 | 12. MONSOON INCA EMBELLISHED TOP, €75 13. CARPISA 2, €35.90 | 14. MONSOON JIMBAREN PRINT DRESS, €54 15. NEW LOOK BLUE FLORAL DITSY PRINT MIDI DRESS, €24.99 16. ACCESSORIZE ESSAOUIRA MIX PATCH BANDEAU DRESS, €34 17. M&CO ANIMAL PRINT MAXI DRESS €60.50 | 18. M&CO PRINTED PEASANT TOP, €22.50 | 19. ESPRIT, €39.99 20. SUITEBLANCO, €45.99 | 21. NEW LOOK NAVY TROPICAL PRINT CREPE KIMONO €14.99 | 22. ESPRIT, €59.99 23. SCOTCH & SODA PHOTO PRINT T-SHIRT, €35.95 | 24. SCOTCH & SODA COTTON LINEN T-SHIRT, €45.95 25. SCOTCH & SODA COTTON LINEN T-SHIRT, €45.95 | 26. SCOTCH & SODA T-SHIRT WITH VARSITY PRINT, €36.50
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TALLY WEIJL LEOTARD €12.95; SUNGLASSES €6.95
DISCO QUEEN PHOTOGRAPHY
KRIS MICALLEF WWW.KRISMICALLEF.COM STYLING
CARINA CAMILLERI ASSISTED BY
KRISTINA ABELA HAIR
PIERRE CAMILLE HAIRDRESSING TEAM MAKE-UP
DIANDRA MATTEI USING STAGE LINE MAKE-UP MODEL
NALEDI AT MODELS M
TALLY WEIJL VEST €19.95; BEANIE €7.95 | NEW LOOK BELT €14.99 (worn as necklace)
M&CO SHIRT €35 | TOMMY HILFIGER JACKET €199 | TALLY WEIJL CAP €12.95 | PARFOIS SUNGLASSES €12.95 | ESPRIT SHORTS €24.99
PEACOCKS LACE BRA €12 | MONSOON SKIRT €135 | ACCESSORIZE NECKLACE €13.90 | MANGO NECKLACE €24.99 | PARFOIS BANGLES €12.95 EACH; RING €9.90
MANGO TROUSERS €39.99; SHIRT €24.99 | PARFOIS SUNGLASSES €14.90
SPRINGFIELD TOP €29.99 | PEACOCKS KNICKERS €6.50 (for pack of 2) | MANGO NECKLACE €29.99; BANGLES €19.99; EARRINGS €5.99 | TALLY WEIJL BRACELET €6.95 | NEW LOOK BELT (worn as necklace) €14.99 | CARPISA BAG €23.90
TALLY WEIJL LEOTARD €12.95; SUNGLASSES €6.95
BHS WAIST CHINCHER €17.50; BRA €20 | MANGO BANGLES €19.99 EACH; NECKLACES €22.99 EACH
NEW LOOK SKORT €22.99 | MEXX JACKET €129
SUITEBLANCO VEST €13.99; TROUSERS €22.99; CLUTCH €29.99 | MANGO NECKLACES €22.99 EACH | PARFOIS BANGLES €9.95 EACH | PEACOCKS EARRINGS €4.50
ARMANI JEANS ‘SMOKING’ JACKET €210 | JENNYFER SHORTS €9.99
PROMO
Summer garden B
arefoot beauties walked the lawns of the Prime Minister’s summer residence at the Girgenti Palace for Sarto’s Spring/ Summer 2014 Garden Runway fashion show featuring Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana and Emporio Armani. The Blumarine collection embodies bohemian attitude and a natural elegance: wallpaper prints with coloured flowers on an ecru background, exalted by blue lagoon colour combinations and Art Nouveau inspiration for the patterns. Iris prints with abstract floral designs combine with green and chocolate with contemporary boho graphics. The show moved on to Emporio Armani for men. Graphic effects obtained with a highdefinition technique offer playful geometric shapes on clothes, bags and shoes. Shades of white, putty and ice are set off with touches of Armani blue and teal green. The theme for the Dolce & Gabbana women’s collection is an imaginary journey to ancient Sicily. The ancient temples and theatres are reinterpreted as if in a dream. The prints for the collection are unique: lithography of ancient Sicilian temples, coins and traditional decorations of Sicilian ceramics and glazed pottery. Almond tree flowers are printed, hand-painted or applied on the fabric. The Dolce & Gabbana men’s Summer 2014 draws inspiration from Sicilian mythology, whose Greek origins are still retraceable in Sicily’s majestic amphitheatres and temples. Creativity and tailoring research are the cornerstones of the collection, where prints of the mythical triumphs of ancient gods are present in the whole collection. FM
BLUMARINE
DOLCE & GABBANA
LEAD ME INTO TEMPTATION La Tentation De Nina is an unprecedented encounter of two art forms that merge in a tantalizing swirl of sweet indulgence. Olivier Cresp, Nina Ricci’s Master Perfumer, and Vincent Lemains, Head Pastry Chef at Ladurée, have combined their talents to create the ultimate temptation: a fragrance inspired by a macaron, and a macaron inspired by a perfume. The sensual limited edition plays on temptation and uses Nina’s major symbol: the apple.
GET FRAMED Sunglasses, like all prominent accessories, can make or break your look. Good eyewear is all in the craftsmanship and shape. The size and shape of your face plays a large role in choosing the right frames, as does the boldness (or lack of) of your personal style. At O’Hea, trained staff will help you choose the perfect pair of sunglasses. O’Hea Opticians is at 191, The Strand, Gzira, Tel: 2131 5590. Follow O’Hea Opticians on Facebook.
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LAST WORD
On beauty
Photographers find beauty where others do not see it, says Juan Villasante.
AGE: 23 NATIONALITY: SPANISH LIVING: CURRENTLY IN MALTA BUT BASED IN MADRID
What is your first memory of a camera? I was around eight when my father explained to me what a diaphragm was on his Minolta film camera. He started letting me take some pictures during the holidays. What encouraged you to take up photography professionally? I believe that I found photography at the right moment. I bought my first camera after high school when I had no future plans and I quickly figured out what I wanted to do with my life. That is why I decided to study photography in order to turn this hobby into my job. Why did you decide to focus on fashion photography? At the beginning I got bored shooting real life stuff. I started researching and trying out several fields in photography and I found fashion and advertising the most creative areas. Even if you are working on a commissioned work, you need to be creative, and nowadays this is a privilege. What is your idea of beauty? Beauty is something that pleases the senses. I think that the main task of a photographer is to find beauty where others do not see it. Training your eye is mandatory because photography is, basically, a matter of point of view, perspective, and light. Do you choose a location or does a location choose you? Both. Choosing a location plays a very important role in the creative process. Sometimes I’m looking for a place with a concrete colour palette
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for a specific project, and at other times, the texture of a wall, for instance, can light the spark of a new idea. What stories do your fashion shoots tell? I never try to tell a story with my editorials. When my team and I work together, we just want to produce a group of beautiful images related to each other. Usually, we try to create an environment that works as the main link among them. During a shoot, how important is your relationship with models, stylists, hair and make-up? It is absolutely essential. All the elements of the project, like the beauty of the model, the clothes, the make-up, or the light, have to pull in the same direction in order to achieve the environment we are looking for. Do you always carry a camera with you? Yes, but only because my mobile phone has one. Since my camera has become my tool, I just use it for my job. And considering all the time needed for pre- and post-production, it spends most of its time in its bag. What is the best photo opportunity that you missed? Almost every decision I make can bring with it a missed opportunity. When I plan an editorial with my team, we put a lot at stake by choosing the model or the location. Sometimes a simple detail can give you a cover or a new client. FM For more of Juan’s photography visit www.juanvillasante.com
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PROMO
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