FM April '11 - Issue 152

FEMME MAGAZINE | APR ISSUE 152 | FMLIFESTYLE.COM

MALTA FASHION WEEK速 OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

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WELCOME The fact that last year, FM was celebrating 30 years of fashion goes to show how far we have come. And it’s not just us, but the whole local fashion industry which has put its pimply adolescence behind it and developed into a bright and beautiful young thing.

In these past years, brands which before, we would have had to travel abroad to buy, have opened outlets in Malta. Moreover, model scouting and agencies, fashion shows and events have become a regular fixture in the local diary. And most of them are high quality events, discovering young models and encouraging them to showcase their beauty and personality in front of the camera, for excellent results.

This year, the Malta Fashion Awards also continue to grow, and the event has been extended to a Malta Fashion Week. FM is once again the Malta Fashion Week official magazine.

In this issue, we preview the week-long events of the Malta Fashion Week and carry an exclusive interview with top British designer Julien Macdonald, who, thanks to Debenhams Malta, will be on the island for the Malta Fashion Week.

This month, we wonder whether the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton will be the biggest fashion event of the century, do some serious shopping in London, and also prepare you for a hot summer – follow our advice, tips and trends, get inspired by our gorgeous fashion shoot, and you’ll be the belle of the summer ball.

COVER CREDITS Photographer Tonio Lombardi W: www.toniolombardi.com Stylist Luke Engerer

Read on and enjoy.

Hair Michelle Galea at Roots Hair Salon, San Gwann 2745 4164 Make-up Nicola Powell M: 9986 5369 Model: Emelie - InFashion Malta wearing Miss Selfridge dress

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CONTENTS

13 Haute stuff

Debenhams Malta are bringing Julien Macdonald to Malta for the first ever Malta Fashion Week. Here, the top British fashion designer gives FM an exclusive interview.

21 A royal flush

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding is set to be the century’s biggest fashion moment, says Daniela Brockdorff.

24 Denim daze

We’re back in blue with a denim trend that’s bigger than ever.

27 The long and short of it

Is there a right time for a woman to go for the chop, asks Martina Vella.

40 The long view

This season tells a long hemline story.

FM reads the chapters on midis, maxi dresses and trousers.

49 Out of the Closet

Stylist Luke Engerer feels generous and gives Amanda Bartolo a double makeover.

8 - FM / April 2011

56 What I know about style

Desphina Zahra makes and breaks her fashion rules.

58 Ms Brightside

The only way to rock colour this season is to mix two or three shades together – it’s time to colour block.

60 What I bought this month

Annika Väisänen comes from Finland with style.

64 Feel good

If you aspire to be as good looking as the Mad Men bunch, ditch the smoking and drinking and go for regular check-ups, says Anne Marie Spiteri.

69 A capital idea

With London calling, Mona Farrugia writes a tale of one city.

72 Main course in the desert Abu Dhabi is FM’s sunny getaway.

74 Image rights

Photographer Tonio Lombardi zooms in on himself.

Editor Anthony P. Bernard Email: anthony@fmlifestyle.com Consulting Editor Stanley Borg Email: stanley@fmlifestyle.com Design & Art Direction Porridge | www.weareporridge.com Email: hello@weareporridge.com Printing Progress Press

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 publishers 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 6808 Email: fm@madmediainternational.com FM is published by MADMEDIA International, Mezzanine West, Hadfield House, Library Street, Gibraltar and is distributed free with THE SUNDAY TIMES

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Exclusive

Haute stuff Debenhams Malta are bringing Julien Macdonald to Malta for the first ever Malta Fashion Week. Here, the top British fashion designer gives FM an exclusive interview.

B

orn in Merthyr Tydfill, Wales, Julien Macdonald OBE studied knitwear at the University of Brighton and received his MA at the Royal College of Art. Soon after graduation, his knits caught Karl Lagerfeld’s eye and he was recruited to work for Chanel. In 2000, Givenchy invited Julien to become their Creative Director, succeeding Alexander McQueen. In 2001 he was named British Fashion Designer of the Year. He left Paris in 2004 to work on his own label and has appeared as a judge on Britain’s Next Top Model.

I’ve never been to Malta before so I’m really excited to meet the people and visit places.

FM: Knits were your first love – do they still hold a special place in your heart?

Julien Macdonald: Yes, I started my career by designing knitwear for Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel and it is still a big part of my collection to this day.

FM: How much courage did it take to go from Chanel, Lagerfeld and Givenchy to setting up your own label?

JM: I spent two fabulous years at Givenchy so I was sad to leave but I was ready and looked forward to the challenge of setting up my own label.

FM: The Maltese are very proud of Tiffany’s success at last year’s edition of Britain’s Next Top Model. Did you see Tiffany’s potential from her very first day on the show?

JM: Absolutely. I always thought she was fantastic. She was my favourite girl from the start and I saw that she had the potential to become an

This May, Debenhams Malta has invited Julien Macdonald for the Malta Fashion Week and the official launch of Julien’s new Designer at Debenhams brand Diamond. In this exclusive interview, Julien tells FM about this season’s trends, seeing potential in Tiffany, and what he’s looking forward to in Malta. amazing top model. I’m so glad that she has found an agency in London and is on her road to becoming a superstar.

FM: You have a popular range at Debenhams – why did you decide to go into the high street?

JM: Britain is one of the best and most exciting destinations for high street shopping and I wanted to make my designs accessible to as many people as possible, whatever their age and income. I’ve always been a fan of Debenhams who are known for their wonderful designer collaborations, so I thought it would be the perfect partnership.

FM: You’ve just launched the Diamond by Julien Macdonald collection at Debenhams – what are your favourite pieces from the collection?

JM: I love all the pieces in the Diamond range but my favourites have to be the leopard print jumpsuit and the black printed maxi dress, which

is great for taking you from day to night. I also love the floral printed kaftan, which is perfect for lounging by the pool and enjoying the sunshine.

FM: What should women wear this summer?

JM: Colour is back in fashion, so update your wardrobe with fantastic brights or feminine floral prints. Couple this with a tan for that summer glow and don’t forget to use a fresh and light floral scent to complete the mood.

FM: What is your greatest fear?

JM: Spiders and snakes.

FM: Your designs are always very sexually charged – do you consider sexiness to be everyone’s right, or only for the few who deserve it?

JM: Everyone should be and has the right to be sexy, absolutely. You can be sexy whatever your age or dress size. It’s your attitude more than anything else.

FM: Which city do you consider to be the most exciting fashion capital in the world right now?

JM: London is very exciting at the moment. There are lots of emerging young designers as well as cool, interesting models.

FM: In 2004, you were quite disillusioned with London Fashion Week. Yet you stayed on and since then, LFW has flourished. What has given LFW this new lease of life?

JM: There has been a lot of attention from the press recently. I think with designers like Christopher Kane and Mark Fast, models like Agyness Deyn and Lily Cole, LFW has become the centre of fresh, young talent.

FM: Are you proudly British?

JM: Yes I’m proud to be British but really, I’m Welsh.

I’m from a small town in Wales and very proud of my roots.

FM / April 2011 - 13

Exclusive

A fashion invitation Kevin Gollcher, General Manager for United Department Stores Limited, explains how Debenhams Malta managed to attract Julien Macdonald to the island’s catwalk.

FM: How difficult was it to convince Julien Macdonald to come to Malta, and what attracted the designer to the island and to Malta Fashion Week?

Top international British designer Julien Macdonald is bringing his Debenhams Designer Collections to the first ever Malta Fashion Week

Kevin Gollcher: It was not difficult at all.

Julien has never visited Malta before and is extremely excited about the upcoming visit. Also the presentation sent to him from the producers of The Malta Fashion Week, with photos and images of what happened in last year’s Fashion Awards, was just amazing.

FM: What will be Debenhams Malta’s role and exposure during Malta Fashion Week?

KG: We are really pleased to hold a show at the Malta Fashion Awards, showcasing Julien’s new SS 2011 collections at Debenhams for his two fabulous women’s fashion brands, Star and Diamond.

FM: Will Julien Macdonald also be visiting the Debenhams Tigné outlet?

KG: Julien will be visiting our store at Tigné during which we will have a launch event for the official unveiling of Diamond

by Julien Macdonald in Malta.

FM: Being Welsh, you certainly understand what it’s like to come from a small place. For Maltese designers, could the fact that Malta is a small island be a hurdle?

JM: Malta is such a beautiful island and I think this makes the Maltese designers more interesting. It’s my belief that if you work hard, it doesn’t matter where you come from. You always have a chance to succeed.

FM: How do you chill out?

JM: When I’m not working, I like just wandering around London looking for inspiration. In London we’re lucky to be surrounded by vintage shops and museums such as the V&A with incredible architecture. I also like going to Portobello market and watching people walk by and looking for vintage gems.

FM: What are your expectations of Malta Fashion Week, and what attracted you to it?

JM: I’ve never been to Malta before so I’m really excited to meet the people and visit places. I love the Mediterranean culture so I’m looking forward to finding out what Maltese fashion is like. I’m expecting lots of glamour, vibrant colours and a real sense of Mediterranean living.

14 - FM / April 2011

FM: How popular is Julien Macdonald’s Star collection for Debenhams, with Maltese customers?

KG: Julien Macdonald is an internationally renowned fashion designer, famed for his fashion forward and feminine designs.

Julien Macdonald’s Star collection has to date been one of the most sought after brands in our store and we are convinced that the new brand Diamond, targeting a younger customer, will prove to be even more popular in Malta.

FM: Apart from current collections, is Julien Macdonald resuming his collaboration with Debenhams on future collections?

KG: Debenhams continues to work with Julien on his Star and Diamond collections

by Julien Macdonald range for AW 11.

The Point Shopping Mall, TignĂŠ Point w w w. d eb e nham s.com .mt

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Exclusive

Seven days of fashion Adrian J Mizzi unveils his plans for Malta Fashion Week. final night. British Fashion Designer Julien Macdonald, brought over by Debenhams Malta, will also honour us not only with his presence but also with his collections.

World Fashion Channel and The European Fashion Council are giving me all their support to succeed in this venture.

FM: In these past 13 years, how have you seen the local fashion scene develop?

AM: It has developed a lot even though I am never satisfied. Many people lack the determination to succeed and even though there is a lot of talent there is a lot of room for improvement.

FM: And what has been the Malta Fashion Awards’ contribution to this development?

AM: Many people think that the Malta Fashion Awards are just a one off event. Yet behind the awards is a whole year of work to promote the local industry, help new talent to succeed, find new opportunities, meetings and contacts with potential foreign people, companies and entities.

FM: The Malta Fashion Awards has now developed into a whole week of celebrating fashion. What does the Malta Fashion Week have in store for us?

Adrian J Mizzi: The Malta Fashion Week has been planned as a whole week of activities targeted for different mediums, where fashion will be the centre of all events.

FM: Is this development a risk or a challenge?

AM: It’s both. Challenges carry risks, but I am afraid of neither challenges nor risks. I have drawn up my plans well, so the risks are minimal.

AM: If I did not believe in Maltese talent, I would have been making fool of myself for the past 20 years. I do believe we can make it big, although we still need to invest more in this industry. The fashion industry can give a lot to Malta, but we need to invest, not just economically but also in the Made in Malta. A lot of students love this industry and there is room for new talent. Fashion can have its say in our economy.

Smile on

AM: One needs to look for perfection, anticipate what might go wrong and prepare all necessary precautions. Only experience can lead you to this, and I think having almost 20 years experience in this sector will be a plus.

AM: The highlight of the Malta Fashion Week will definitely be the Malta Fashion Awards, which have become an icon of the local fashion industry. This year we will see a drastic change in presentations.

This will be by means of the various international guests attending for the

16 - FM / April 2011

AM: To all those who believe in their talents, to all those who do more than others, to the creativity of the participants, and to those companies who believe in the event.

FM: Despite Malta’s size, do you think that we have the necessary talent to make it big, both locally and abroad?

FM: Logistically, what does a whole week of events entail?

FM: What will be the highlight of the Malta Fashion Week?

FM: To what do the Malta Fashion Awards owe their success?

FM: What is your role at the European Fashion Council?

AM: I am a full member, with the same rights as the other members from EU countries. Being the smallest country we still have the same rights as any other European country. Not only but I have these fashion giants helping me and assisting me.

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Exclusive

Malta Fashion Week Wednesday, May 11, evening Launch event and party at 2 22, Valletta Closed private event Sunday, May 15, morning Fashionable Weddings at the Radisson Golden Sands Hotel Entrance free with invite Sunday, May 15, evening Fashion Collective at the Excelsior Hotel Free Monday, May 16, evening C&R Fashion Show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre Entrance free with invite Tuesday, May 17, evening Fashion Photography & Design Exhibition Launch at The Point (Exhibition will remain open till Sunday) Wednesday, May 18, late afternoon Charity fashion auction at Villa Francia (official residence of the Prime Minister of Malta ) Closed private event

18 - FM / April 2011

Wednesday, May 18, evening Fashion by night at Paceville - Free Thursday, May 19, afternoon Upcoming Designers Launch at Corinthia Palace’s Villa, Attard Thursday, May 19, evening Young Designers Launch at the Corinthia Palace - Entrance free with invite

Designers - Closed private event Saturday, May 21, evening Malta Fashion Awards at the MFCC Tickets required Sunday, May 22 After party at the MFCC petite Closed for private event

Friday, May 20, morning Launch of designer “Fersani” by Marygrace Pisani at Casino Maltese Friday, May 20, evening New designers with fashion models at the Casino Maltese - Entrance free with invite Saturday, May 21, morning Launch by Julien MacDonald at Debenhams The Point - Open to the general public Saturday, May 21, afternoon Presentation to International International Media & other International

For more information visit www.fashionweek.com.mt and www.fashionawards.com.mt

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Feature

A royal flush Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding is set to be the century’s biggest fashion moment, says Daniela Brockdorff.

May they live glamorously ever after.

I

’m guessing that most of us are aware that a big wedding is coming up somewhere in the land of hope and glory. It is a simple enough tale. Girl meets boy, boy falls in love with girl and they both live happily ever after. This tale, however, gets a little more interesting when the boy is revealed to be the charming Prince William and the girl Britain’s new fashion icon Kate Middleton. Now this is a story worth reading.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s official engagement photo

Let’s start from the very beginning – was it love at first sight? Many believe this to be true. At a charity fashion show in 2002, Middleton, wearing a simple skirt-turneddress designed by Charlotte Todd, caught Prince William’s royal eye as she walked down the catwalk. Who would have thought that this brief encounter would turn out to be the love story of the decade? The charity show’s theme is said to have been the art of seduction and Middleton has indeed shown that she had wonderfully mastered the art as she managed to catch the attention of Britain’s most eligible bachelor at the time. Indeed, as author Carol Lieberman has stated, Middleton was “The quintessential good girl who used bad girl secrets to catch her prince.”

The wedding will be a feast for the fashionlover’s eye and most probably, the fashion event of the decade.

This see-through dress, the swish of which triggered a princely romance, has been recently sold at auction for the handsome sum of £78,000. Its wearer, in 12 day’s time, will be walking down the aisle in another dress which is still shrouded in speculation.

Bruce Oldfield – a favourite of Princess Diana’s – is said to be the most popular candidate for the post of royal wedding dress designer but nothing has been confirmed yet. Oldfield has also been hinting that there might be two wedding dresses instead of one, a dress for the marriage ceremony and another for the royal ball.

Britain’s new fashion icon

Others beg to differ, believing that Victoria Beckham will be Middleton’s wedding dress designer. Daniella Issa Helayel and Phillipa Lepley are also very promising candidates.

What’s more, somewhere, somehow, a group of fashion editors decided to declare that Sarah Burton, a designer for Alexander McQueen, will be creating a red wedding dress for the princess-to-be.

FM / April 2011 - 21

The dress that started it all

Feature

Kate Middleton’s sapphire blue Issa engagement dress sold out within hours

The truth, however, is that we all just have to wait and see. What is certain, however, is that the wedding will be a feast for the fashion-lover’s eye and most probably, the fashion event of the decade.

Arkadia’s long Easter weekend For your added convenience, Arkadia Commercial Centre, Gozo will be extending its opening hours throughout during the whole Easter week – April 18-24 – with outlets opening until 8:00pm. Arkadia Commercial Centre will be closed all day on Good Friday. Arkadia Foodstore will close at 1:00pm on April 24 and will not re-open in the evening with the rest of the shopping outlets.

22 - FM / April 2011

Some three decades ago, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, married her own Prince Charming. The much-loved Lady Di soon became the most photographed woman of her time, a style icon whose hairstyle, in particular, was imitated by millions of women across the globe. Even young girls followed suit with turquoise eyeliner and moccasins worn without socks. Undoubtedly, Middleton has a pretty hard act to follow but it seems that she’s doing quite a good job of it. In fact, she has already been included in People magazine’s ‘Best Dressed Women’ for 2007 and 2010.

Ranging from skinny jeans, boots and baseball cap from her St Andrews University years to classy, elegant gowns

by Issa and Christopher Bailey at Burberry, Middleton’s wardrobe is every girl and woman’s dream as she manages to look chic in whichever style she chooses. As for those of us who are country girls at heart, Middleton’s white shirt and tweeds are worth looking at. Whether it’s a number from a retail store even we can buy in Valletta or Sliema’s high street shops or a designer label, the future princess proves that a girl can look good in anything.

But if you really want to get the sassy Middleton look and buy the gorgeous sapphire blue Issa engagement dress, you can either wait for the online retailer’s restocking – the originals, priced at £395, were sold out in a matter of hours – or pop in at Tesco’s and buy a short-sleeved version of the dress for just £16. As for the 18-carat sapphire engagement ring – if you’re really keen on getting the complete look – there are many copy Kate rings out there that you can get hold of to brighten your day.

Glamour contributing style editor Tracey Lomrantz says that, “People are definitely excited about her style and wanting to look like her.” She goes on to state that, “We haven’t had a big public figure who’s really wowed us with her wardrobe for quite some time. We’re sort of starved for women who dress in a real, relatable way.”

Undoubtedly, Middleton fits the bill.

Kate Middleton is the next English rose in bloom and most probably, she will soon be taking her throne as England’s queen of style. In 2002, Middleton caught Prince William’s attention, but this time round, in 12 days’ time, all eyes worldwide will be on her and rightly so.

From my part, I truly hope that they’ll live happily and glamorously ever after.

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Fashion

Denim daze

We’re back in blue with a denim trend that’s bigger than ever. Photography - Tonio Lombardi, Stylist - Kira Drury 02

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Hair

Twiggy’s revolutionary chop

The long and short of it Is there a right time for a woman to go for the chop, asks Martina Vella.

Jerry Hall

As

soon as I make myself uncomfortable in the hairdresser’s chair, my muscles tense up and I lock in on the hairdresser’s smiling eyes in the mirror (hairdressers do love their scissors). Then there is the sound of metal grazing against metal, and chunks of hair start falling, doing a little victory dance before graciously settling on my lap.

The moment had finally arrived. I wanted a change, something fresh, and boy did I get it. With a chop here and a snip there, the long locks I once cherished were gone and in their place, was the shortest of pixie cuts.

These are all hairy hurdles that can stop a woman from taking the plunge and going for a short haircut.

For years I had thought about chopping off my hair but never found the courage to do so.

What if it doesn’t suit me, I used to wonder, nursing doubts which women all over the world are so familiar with.

Whether to go for the chop or not is an eternal female conundrum. Should I cut it?

Will it suit me? What will my other half say?

These are all hairy hurdles that can stop a woman from taking the plunge and going for a short haircut.

While for men, a haircut is just a fashion statement, bordering on the practical, for women, hair defines who they are. It is a reflection of our mood and self-esteem –

whenever a woman is going through a lifechanging moment, it’s always reflected in a change of hairstyle or colour.

Hair influences our wardrobe choices and makes people form their first impression of us.

Anyone is familiar with the feeling of seeing a platinum blonde bombshell walking by and the word ‘Barbie’ silently escapes through our pursed lips. Yes it might be offensive and judgmental but it’s the truth. Our judgments, at least the initial ones, are influenced by what we see. And since a new hairstyle attracts a lot of attention, most women shy away from a pair of scissors and stick to their familiar hairstyle.

Ever since Twiggy revolutionised the 1960s with her boyish hair and elfin-like features, the pixie cut has established itself as a fashionable statement and, for more than five decades, the popularity of the short haircut hasn’t faltered.

From Victoria Beckham and her sleek bob to Rihanna’s mohawk, women have explored all variations of the short haircut.

So if women of all ages are chopping off their locks, why is it that there is still the notion of there being a right time to cut your hair?

As women hit a certain age it’s as if they are expected to go all scissor-happy – it’s as if only young women can get away with long hair.

FM / April 2011 - 27

The first time I cut my hair short was because it’s easier to handle and I wanted a change. Since then. I’ve come to love it so much more than how it was before. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to long hair because this style really goes with my character. Moreover, with short hair, I rarely have a bad hair day.

That, of course, is a false conclusion if ever there was one. There’s no rule stating that a woman over 40 should say her goodbyes to her long hair. Susan Sarandon is just one great example of a woman who is ageing gracefully and still flaunts voluminous raven hair.

Then there is the issue of young mums. A lot of them go for the chop when kids come into the picture and the reason is very simple – practicality. Short hair is a no fuss style, the best option when you just want to wash and go. For many mums, short hair is one less hassle to deal with.

Although times have changed, an oldfashioned mentality is still deeply rooted in society, that of associating long hair with young girls and short hair with older, more mature women. Many of us picture long hair with life, vitality, health, sexiness, and then you move onto short hair and old age, house chores and wrinkles come to mind. That pretty much sums it up, right? Wrong – just look at Nigella Lawson and Jerry Hall, both over 50 yet still gorgeous and longhaired.

Jaclyn Psaila, 21 I’ve always had long hair because I think it suits me. It just makes me feel more confident when I walk out the door. I like short hair but I would never take that road – I dread even going for a trim. Although my hair is long, it’s naturally straight so at least I don’t have to fuss over it.

28 - FM / April 2011

Susan Sarandon’s long hair ageing gracefully

Cristina Dimech, 19

Nigella Lawson

Hair

Still, there are several reasons why a woman over 40 would want to cut her hair.

After dyeing it for years, hair can deteriorate in condition. So what better way to give some life to your locks than cutting it short?

Having said that, some women are blessed with gorgeous, strong healthy hair and keep it in pristine condition well into their mature years. Cutting it short would therefore be the last thing on their mind as they believe it would make them feel older than they are.

Whether they have long or short hair, women of all ages should not feel pressured into sticking to a certain hairstyle just because of some outdated norms of society.

Proud of your tresses? And so should you be. If you’re a Twiggy, Pocahontas or even a gutsy G.I. Jane, being comfortable in your own skin is more important than what society expects from you. So stand tall, walk proud and flaunt those locks.

Long lasting colour Choosing the hair colour that fits you best and keeping it vibrant for as long as possible is a challenge. Koleston colourant gives your hair colour long lasting intensity for up to eight weeks. With a variety of shades, Koleston’s special formula penetrates deep into the core of the hair, giving you a vibrant colour that lasts. Koleston’s special conditioning serum with the advanced colour seal technology helps smoothen your hair’s surface to maintain your colour intensity. For local trade enquiries call VJ Salomone (Marketing) Ltd on Tel: 8007 2387.

Promo

It’s a Square Deal The Square Deal group has recently totally refurbished its Valletta store at the Energy Complex. This 300 square metre floor is dedicated to the Tally Weijl and Tom Tailor brands.

The idea behind this revamp was to create the best possible shopping environment, one which also showcases the brands’ true identity.

There is a great synergy between Tally Weijl and Tom Tailor, as both brands offer stylish, good quality products at affordable prices.

Tally Weijl has become one of the most popular brands in Malta amongst the young and trendy customers it is designed for.

The store receives new collections every week, straight from the Tally Weijl styling offices in Paris. This is one of the secrets of Tally Weijl’s success. Today, the brand has over 700 stores internationally, 137 of which were opened in 2010.

As the company’s CEO puts it, “Tally Weijl creates fashion for self-confident women who like to dress sexy and trendy. These women enjoy life to the fullest, love to be admired and decide on their own how sexy they want to be.”

Tom Tailor has also been enjoying much expansion internationally with over 60 stores opened in 2010.

At Energy complex Valletta, you can find the Tom Tailor collection, which consists of two lines – the casual collection and the denim line, the latter of which is more focused on the younger customers.

As Tom Tailor head stylist says, “Our fashion simply looks great. We provide casual fashion for a natural life, which are always in today’s look, but never overdressed. Our fashion is for people across the globe, who live with fashion but don’t slavishly follow every single trend. For people who feel good because they have found their own style.”

30 - FM / April 2011

A day at the races Photography: Tonio Lombardi www.toniolombardi.com Creative Director: Luke Engerer Hair: Michelle Galea - Roots Hair Salon T: 2745 4164 Make up: Nicola Powell M: 9986 5369 Model: Emelie - InFashion Malta

32 - FM / April 2011

Esprit cardigan - €59.95 Miss Selfridge top - €25.00 New Look trousers - €29.99 Peacocks shoes - €32.50 Opposite Maison Scotch @ Junction top - €44.95 French Connection belt - €57.00 Hilfiger Denim trousers - €79.90 Piazza Italia shoes - €29.99 Carpisa bag - €119.90 Tom Ford sunglasses @ Solaris - €265.00

FM / April 2011 - 33

OVS top - €3.99 Junction trousers - €79.95 Tamaris shoes at King Shoe Shop - €79.00 Carpisa bag - €35.90 Opposite Miss Selfridge dress - €52.00 French Connection shoes - €128.00

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FM / April 2011 - 35

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Hilfiger Denim jacket - € 199.00 Tommy Hilfiger skirt - €130.00 New Look shoes - €32.99 Opposite French Connection dress - €155.00 Mango shoes - €69.90

FM / April 2011 - 37

Mango dress - €49.90 French Connection shoes - €151.00 Opposite Monsoon dress - €235.00 Gauda @ Sliema shoes - €29.00

38 - FM / April 2011

FM / April 2011 - 39

Trends

The long view This season tells a long hemline story. FM reads the chapters on midis, maxi dresses and trousers.

S

ummer is all about flaunting your long, tanned, toned legs – after all, you have to show a bit of leg for all your gym, diet and waxing efforts.

Yet this season, hemlines have been lowered. It’s all part of the ode to the 1970s, a decade which, for SS 11, is being celebrated through bright colours, patterns and stripes, flat sandals, and soft make up.

Maxed out This season, catwalks took last summer’s bubble dress trend and further lowered the hemline.

Hot summer days are the perfect stage for long, breezy, flowing dresses which show off your femininity to full effect, and which will bring men’s imagination to a boil. And they say so much about you – maxi dresses project an image of you as a girl who loves her leisure time and who is up for some summer loving.

Coco Chanel was once quoted as saying that, “There is nothing uglier than the knee.” And this season is certainly paying fashion’s grand dame heed as the chosen skirt length of all major fashion houses like Chloe, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior is either mid calf or ankle length. Another popular trend is trousers which come with high-waisted tailoring. Autumn 2011 shows have also been inspired by the trend and have showcased lower hemlines.

This season’s maxi dresses come in fluid, delicate fabrics. Colours are bright while patterns are romantically floral, bohemian, ethnic or roaring with animal attraction.

Monsoon - €132.00

Maxi skirts can be both casual and glamorous. Pair with sandals for the ultimate in casual daywear and go for a lace, floor-skimming number to turn heads at al fresco cocktail parties. If you’re a bit on the short side, go for maxis which stop just above your ankle.

Christian Dior

Celebrate summer New Look jumper, €29.99 jeans, €32.99 sunglasses, €6.99 belt, €6.99 wedges, €32.99

40 - FM / April 2011

This season, Upim’s look is a celebration of nudes, pastels, flowers and lace with vests and tees designed to be worn alone on a hot day or layered for the evening. Accessories including scarves, headdresses and belts complete the chic high street look. Upim Woman, Man, Kids, Home, Beauty and Accessories are at Valletta, Birkirkara, Tigné Sliema and The Duke Gozo.

Trends

Summer burst

Zac Posen

On Wednesday, April 6 at the magnificent St John’s Cavalier, the Malta Tommy Hilfiger team presented an array of colourful and vibrant styles for SS11 under the creative direction of Luke Engerer. Music, models and atmosphere instilled a relaxed aura of perfection and effortless style.

The show opened with a twist as Sherman, a world champion basset hound, strutted out with Diana and Christian. Tommy Hilfiger red, white and blue were presented mixed with patterns, checks and stripes. Khaki mixed with yellows and pale blues are key colours for this spring while ice cream colours are a favourite summer trend. The boyfriend trend for women has a strong presence in the collection together with brightly coloured chinos for men.

The Hilfiger Denim show started with plain tank tops and a pair of statement denim then moved to the Hilfiger denim fashion collection. The style is very different to the Hilfiger main line – preppy but younger and a bit more rock and roll.

Byblos

Caught with your pants up

Photography: Tonio Lombardi Hair: Michelle Galea at Roots Hair Salon Make up: Nicola Powell assisted by Diandra Mattei Tommy Hilfiger styling: Luke Engerer Hilfiger Denim styling: Luke Engerer and Chantelle Micallef

If you cannot afford a stroll along the French Riviera, this summer you can at least buy the look, with leisurely, high-waisted trousers that walk with casual, understated elegance.

High-waisted flared-leg trousers are the dominant trouser shape this season, as are wide-leg pants. Other options include bellbottoms and Capri pants. For the ultimate in smart casual, style with a fitted, crisp white shirt or a fun bow blouse with large sleeves tapered at the wrist. For a full on elegant look, put on silk trousers, perfect for a night out.

As for colours, go for darker shades if you’re not that happy with your thighs. But if you can afford to wear white, then go for it girl. If you’re petite, go for a slim leg style and pair with high heel sandals.

Monsoon - €217.00

The perfect pair for dresses

New Look tie up, €24.99 flares, €29.99 wedges, €32.99 Nine West Ignition - €89.00

42 - FM / April 2011

Nine West Eyeful - €99.00

New Look cami, €24.99 waistcoat, €24.99 trousers, €24.99 scarf, €9.99 shoes, €29.99

esprit.com sliema 路 48, tower road 路 the point shopping mall level -1 valletta 路 26, merchants street 路 tel: +356 20601075 email: info@espritmalta.com

Trends

The Barometer The Barometer The Barometer The The Barometer Barometer Wear Miu Miu finally goes online.

What will Kate Moss wear for her wedding with The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince? The bets are on.

Jean-Michel Cazabat’s autumn shoe collection – beautifully sculptural.

Stéphane Rolland

New Look top, €29.99 trousers, €37.99 shoes, €39.99

Peacocks chic dress €40.50

Peacocks jungle print dress €19.50

Peacocks black dress €19.50

The maxi effect This season, Peacocks is offering a mix of fantastic chiffon printed day dresses and a perfect range of maxi dresses. The jumpsuit is available in many guises – wide leg, tapered and short versions, as are printed trousers, with the newest being the wide leg palazzo pant. Peacocks carries a new lifestyle range every three weeks, offering the perfect look for everyone. Peacocks – Valletta, Paola, Sliema and Arkadia, Gozo.

44 - FM / April 2011

The hidden knee This season, it’s a midi revolution, with ladies wearing demure skirts that cover the knees. Even designers who usually love showing off the skimpiest of minis have, this season, opted for ladylike midis.

If you think that minis are the only way to look sexy, think again. And covering your knees doesn’t mean that you’ll look like a prude. You only have to look at Mad Men’s Joan Harris to realise that midis can be an effective instrument for some summer seduction.

Go for skirts that nip at the waist and a corset on top for that 1950s bombshell look.

Then pair with some seriously fierce heels to pull off a look that achieves a perfect balance between sexy and ladylike.

John Varvatos hails the return of the dandy.

Tear Jellyfish. Not again.

Milla Jovovich having a bad dress day.

Ice cream – the proverbial one second on your lips, forever on your hips.

Short sleeve shirts – why do men keep insisting?

Blog watch The who, what, why, wear of the net www.frugal-fashionistas.com Fashion without breaking the bank www.hippyshopper.com Your eco-friendly wardrobe www.fashiontribes.typepad.com Runway reports and fashion tips

15 portomaso PTM 01 2138 7687

Trends

Fashion Frenzy Update your wardrobe.

La dolce vita It’s time to take off those thick winter jackets and dress up for a Morgan summer.

The mood is Dolce Vita with an ethnic feel and patterns that give fresh emphasis to a wide skirt or short jumpsuit. This summer also sees large needlepoint stitching – dare to wear over a close-fitting vest and shorts. Natural materials including leather, suede, ecru and animal prints are also the order of the day.

A new shopping experience Scotch & Soda and sister brand Maison Scotch are now available at a new outlet at the Plaza Shopping Centre, ideally situated in the heart of Sliema. Dutch brands Scotch & Soda and Maison Scotch collections offer a fusion of vintage, preppy clean image, high quality clothes with emphasis on the detail. To complement Scotch & Soda, the outlet will also be introducing the Italian brand Antony Morato and shoes from Fly London.

Morgan is at St Anne’s Square, Sliema (former Magic Kiosk square).

Tel: 2131 9485.

First step Nine West is a leading designer, developer, and marketer of women’s casual and dress footwear, offering a full selection ranging from €39 to €110. Nine West is available in over 60 countries and 800 global locations. Besides footwear Nine West also has an excellent collection of bags and accessories such as jewellery and eyewear. Nine West is located in St John’s Square, corner with Merchants Street and is open all day from 9.30am till 7pm.

A new star is found Following the model search inviting all potential models to apply for French Connection’s and Milkshake magazine’s competition, Eva Warrington has been chosen as the winner. Eva wins a €200 voucher from French Connection, an editorial shoot in the next Milkshake issue, a one year contract with models.com.mt and a weekend break for two at The Palace Hotel.

Managing Director to French Connection Michelle Farrugia was very encouraged by the applicants who attended the event, stating, “There was such potential that it was very hard to choose the person who we felt was right for our campaign, yet we have found her, and we are sure Eva will enjoy a successful future in modelling.”

French Connection would like to thank Guerlain make-up, available at Franks, Bar Celona Lounge for canapés and Demajo Group for Barton and Guestier sparkling wine.

46 - FM / April 2011

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Makeover

The Style Council FM’s makeover team is made up of stylist Luke Engerer, photographer Tonio Lombardi, make-up artist Melanie Gregory and hairdresser Michelle Galea at Roots Hair Salon.

Out of the Closet

Stylist Luke Engerer feels generous and gives Amanda Bartolo a double makeover.

You should be so lucky

Before I visit Amanda at her apartment to have a good old rummage through her wardrobe. After five minutes, all I manage to find are jeans, t-shirts, more jeans, more t-shirts, and a few black tops.

Amanda can tell that I am not impressed, and quickly confesses to being stuck in a jeans and t-shirt world.

Every month, stylist Luke Engerer and his makeover team will visit one lucky reader, rummage through her wardrobe and give her a restyle. It’s all treats but no tricks as Luke & Co. only use your own clothes to create a new style for you.

“I’m comfortable in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt,” she tells me. “The combo is so easy to wear and I’m ready in a jiffy.”

If you want to be our lucky makeover girl, drop us an e-mail at model@fmlifestyle.com and tell us why we should choose you. Also, include your contact details and attach two photos of you – one full body and one headshot – with your e-mail.

Well, it’s time to teach Amanda a lesson. I want to show her that there are other options which are more stylish and which are also easy to wear.

So I head off to the shops.

The following day I meet Amanda at Roots Hair Salon and, surprise, surprise, she’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt. But I’m ready with some options, and Amanda is soon busy trying on some new things.

Amanda has a great frame and height, so clothes really sit nicely on her. In fact, I have a hard time narrowing the outfits down to one – in the end, we go for two different looks.

To complete the makeover, Michelle and I have a chat with Amanda and convince her to go for a cut and colour.

Make up

Melanie Gregory, M: 7772 8043 “I used a light foundation as a base and translucent powder. On Amanda’s cheeks I used a golden colour shimmer bronzer. I decided to keep it natural on the eyes, and used cream and light brown just in the corner of her eyelids, and a touch of brown eyeliner pencil.

I finished off with a nude lip liner and pink gloss.”

About a girl I’m an easygoing, friendly, caring and fun girl.

I wouldn’t live without my family.

Style-wise, I’m just a t-shirt and jeans girl.

I like the fact that I’m tall, although I would never have said that when I was growing up.

The part of my body I like least is my size 42 feet – buying shoes is a nightmare.

The nominee Our nominee for this month is working mother of two Amanda Bartolo.

Hair

Michelle Galea at Roots Hair Salon T: 2745 4164, M: 9945 4164 “The texture of Amanda’s hair is beautiful. To enhance it, I took her hair to a shade lighter and added some golden shades to it to brighten it up.

Then I added some layers for volume and cut in a more updated style. Then I blow dried Amanda’s hair, sprayed it and she was ready to go.”

Amanda, who reads every issue of FM earnestly, wrote to us saying how she saw our call for makeover nominees and how, when she started searching for a full-length and head shot, she found that, “Like most mothers, I just don’t have my photo taken any more. My pictures are all of my daughters.

“As a working mother of two children,” Amanda continued, “I just don’t have the time to give myself a makeover, as I spend most of my energy on my girls.

But if someone else was doing it for me, well, I would love it. And I think it’s about time I had a full-length photo of me.”

I treasure a fitted coat that I bought from a charity shop in the UK some 15 years ago. I love it, although I don’t get to wear it in Malta so much.

My shopping weakness is buying toys and gifts for my children. I know they love them and they bring a big smile to their faces, even and especially if they are completely useless.

My daily beauty routine is cleansing and moisturising. Then I add a touch of eyeliner, blusher and mascara, and use Vaseline for lipgloss.

I usually get ready in 25 minutes flat. I shower, wash my hair, moisturise, put on some make up, dry my hair and get dressed.

When I’m not working, I play netball with the NRG netball team in the Malta Netball League. I also love reading, spending time with my family and going out for a nice meal with my husband.

FM / April 2011 - 49

Kristina Nesvadbova model Valerio Gianni certified accountant

shirt 24.99 EURO

dress 29.99 EURO

Eleonora Abbagnato ballerina

shirt 19.99 EURO

Michelangelo and Erica

now open at Pavi shopping complex Qormi

jeans 39.99 EURO

Makeover

I also learnt that I desperately need to do some serious shopping. And I can always take Luke along with me.

After “The first outfit Luke chose is very 1970s and a lot of fun. I would never have chosen it myself but I love the way Luke put it all together. With the second outfit, it’s uncanny how accessories just changed the whole look.

“I loved the whole makeover experience,” continues Amanda. “It was great fun. Everyone made me feel very welcome, confident and special. And they managed to make me look years younger.”

Dress, Mango Bangle, Mango Opposite Dress, New Look Waist coat, Monsoon Necklace, Accessorize Shoes, New Look

FM / April 2011 - 51

Promo

THE GARDEN OF FASHION T

hursday, May 5 promises to be a stunning day in Malta’s fashion calendar.

FCUK, Max Mara, Monsoon, Morgan and Tommy Hilfiger will come together, each with their own fashion show, for an afternoon of glamour and high tea at Palazzo Parisio gardens in Naxxar.

Over 25 male and female models from the modelling agency models.com.mt will sport this season’s best collections from the five labels, under the direction of stylist Carina Camilleri.

LEVEL 0, BAYSTREET, ST. JULIANS, MALTA, T + 356 2372 0712 307, FERRERIA PALACE, REPUBLIC STREET, VALLETTA, MALTA, T + 356 2123 3877

For SS 11, Tommy Hilfiger returns to the roots of iconic preppy fashion, re-inventing this most American of styles with a forward-looking twist.

02616 FM Double Page Ad v1.indd 1

05/04/2011 16:13

Another label on show is Max Mara – its stunning SS 11 collection harnesses the company’s defining features of precise clean cuts, decisive lines and essential items, at the same time confirming its tradition for excellence and equilibrium.

Models will showcase the FCUK SS 11 collection, which is all about pared back, contemporary style that captures chic Parisian fashion and 1970s Riviera with a mix of preppy British influences.

FC_HK_SS11_E_TOUCH_01.03.indd 1

08/02/2011 11:55

Morgan is the brand for women looking for confident femininity and spontaneous, yet discreet sensuality. This season, the mood at Morgan is Dolce Vita with an ethnic feel, for a sensual, glamorous and natural look.

52 - FM / April 2011

Models will also be wearing Ice Watch from Classic Jewellers and sunglasses from Solaris. Boasting bold and vibrant colours, Ice Watch has been a huge hit on the style scene. Young, trendy and fun, you can dress them up or down and they will still make a fashion statement. Solaris in Sliema and Valletta offers a range of sunglasses from over 70 world leading brands including Ray Ban, Prada, Gucci, Dior, Bvlgari, D&G, Emporio Armani and Chanel. Solaris is always at the cutting edge of fashion.

Monsoon’s 2011 collection, also on show, captures the romance and spirit of spring and summer. This season is overflowing and speaks of a new fashion flirtation with beautiful embroidery, sensual silhouettes and 1970s chic.

The event is further supported by Deborah Milano make-up, Pierre Camille hairdressing and Olay Regenerist skincare.

Olay Regenerist 3 Point Treatment Cream and the Olay Regenerist 3 Point Treatment Serum are designed to help visibly firm areas such as the eye area, jaw-line and neck, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restoring elasticity and suppleness.

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Fashion

“The event is a treat for lovers of fashion and social events. Palazzo Parisio is the place where life happens as art, so it naturally provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the pieces style followers must have this season,” said Carina. “In the afternoon, the surroundings have a fresh spring feeling and offer a perfect alternative to the evening fashion shows people are used to.”

During the fashion show, a high tea buffet will be served, with an extensive menu that includes a variety of finger sandwiches, savouries, cakes, teas and coffee.

Guests will be given a Pimm’s welcome drink and wines from Demajo Group will be served throughout the event.

The fashion show starts at 4:00pm. Tickets at €15 are available from all the participating outlets and from Pierre Camille hairdressing salon, 21, Milner Street, Sliema. Tickets are also redeemable against a purchase of €150 at any of the outlets. For more information contact Carina on carina@models.com.mt and 9947 2771.

46, Tower Road, Sliema.

Zachary Street,Valletta.

Tel: 2133 9249 WWW.OASIS-STORES.COM 54 - FM / April 2011

Unlock

8

Hour Confidence

with Always’ Little Feminine Touches

We all know that during your period it can sometimes be difficult to feel your feminine best. What with PMT, spots, and bloating, it’s often the time of the month when you feel least confidence.

Always knows that if you look and feel pretty and feminine, you feel better – there’s no question about it. Not just a bit better - a heck of a lot better. And it’s the little feminine touches, however big or small that help you put a spring in your step and give you confidence.

Always also knows just how far the way us girls look affects how others see us. We may be burning up inside after a painful break up, or with nervous anticipation before making that work presentation. But if you’re wearing a killer dress or super chic suit, and your nails are beautifully manicured (in the latest, must-have nail colour – even better) you project something quite different. You look great, pulled together and in control – and that gives you a quiet, inner confidence, like a serene, beautiful water lily floating on the water’s surface.

8 Fabulously Feminine Confidence Boosters: • • • • • • • •

Use a new scent Wear silk underwear!

Wear your favourite lippy – even when picking up the kids from school Keep a sexy pair of heels under your desk at work in case of last minute evening plans Get a new haircut Use highlighter cream on your cheek bones & cupids bow Wear statement earrings!

Use a floral water spray to keep you feeling fresh all day

Newly Designed Always allows you to feel fresh and clean for up to 8 hours New microchannels take liquid and odours deep 8h into the core of the pad, away from skin, leaving you feeling fresher for longer.

Style wise

What I know about style Desphina Zahra makes and breaks her fashion rules.

Photos by Gege Gatt at www.lightsquad.net When I was four years old I saw my mum modelling at a fashion show. My parents say I plunged in and started parading around the pool. That was my first ‘modelling’ experience, and I loved it when I heard the guests clapping. Since that day, I haven’t stopped modelling.

When I was young, my wardrobe mostly consisted of black items.

Now, it’s packed with all styles, but I still love black, as it’s a colour which you can pair with whatever you want.

When I’m in front of a camera, it’s the only time I can be myself.

I wear anything, as long as there is black involved. But in summer, I put black aside and opt for anything in white.

56 - FM / April 2011

One thing I wouldn’t wear is pink from head to toe. I find that look hilarious.

I do follow trends but I mostly try and innovate – I don’t like to dress up like everyone else in the room. I believe that you shouldn’t imitate others but try and create your own style.

I’m currently busy shooting some adverts for clothes brands and a number of fashion shoots.

With fashion, there are no rules.

If what you wear makes you happy, then go for it.

Read on.

Join our Femme Magazine page.

Spring / Summer 2011 Collection

â‚Ź24 worth of FREE Bata Vouchers!

Collect your free vouchers from any of our stores.

Terms and Conditions apply

Old Theatre Street Valletta Tel: 2385 9330 The Point, Tigne Point, Sliema Tel: 2385 9385 De Tigne Complex,(Next to Nazarene Church), Sliema Tel: 2385 9375 The Duke Shopping Mall, Republic Street, Victoria Gozo Tel: 2385 9367

Fashion

Ms Brightside

The only way to rock colour this season is to mix two or three shades together – it’s time to colour block.

Photography - Tonio Lombardi, Stylist - Kira Drury

09 01 02

07

10

03

11 05 04

12

06

08

01. Piazza Italia blue top, €9.99 / 02. Piazza Italia purple top, €19.99 / 03. Miss Selfridge stripe t-shirt, €32.00 04. New Look bikini top, €8.99 / 05. Solaris RayBan shades, €152.00 / 06. New Look bikini bottoms, €6.99 07. Mango red trousers, €24.90 / 08. Fly London @ Junction sandals, €124.95 / 09. Carpisa handbag, €25.90 10. Mexx cardigan, €65.00 / 11. French Connection dress, €110.00 / 12. French Connection bangles, €8.50 for set 58 - FM / April 2011

Shopping

What I bought this month Annika Väisänen comes from Finland with style.

“I’ve always been interested in fashion,” says Helsinki born Annika Väisänen. “When I was a little girl, I used to put on different costumes and my mum would take photos of me. I was even chosen as the best-dressed girl at High School. This was probably due to my fondness for wearing mum’s old clothes from the 1970s and my frequent bouts of shopping for vintage stuff. Then when I was 15 I did my first fashion show in Finland.”

Annika practically grew up in Malta. After graduating in Communications and Anthropology, she spent the next 10 years working in London, Miami and Helsinki.

“I was managing art galleries in London and writing as a freelance journalist in Helsinki. After travelling around the world, I decided to return to Malta – I just love the beautiful weather all year round, the friendly people and comfortable lifestyle.”

Annika has a very keen eye for fashion, and having travelled so widely, can compare styles in different countries.“In Finland, women dress in a very practical way because of the harsh weather – you would break a leg if you tried tottering around in high heels on the icy streets in winter. Finnish women also go for alternative fashion and a minimalist style.

“Maltese women, on the other hand, dress in very feminine clothes – they could be a bit more experimental. And they’re always in high heels, even if they’re just going shopping. I would also like to see more vintage shops and designer outlets in Malta.”

Age: 32 Studying: Law and Theology at the University of Malta and starting a course in interior design at MCAST Passions: Yoga, French Martinis, shoes, my garden and crib by the sea, and my dogs Dita and Becky

Currently living in Sliema, Annika is conveniently spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping. “On my way home, I frequently check out new stocks and trends.”

However, when in Paris or New York, she plans her shopping trips carefully. “You have to know where you’re going, as the distances can be quite forbidding,” she says.

And although she loves a bargain, if it’s something she likes, then the price tag is no hurdle.

This season, Annika is going for flared jeans with wedges, flowery feminine silk blouses, skinny highwaisted jeans, floppy hats, pastel colours and rattan bags. However, she avoids 1980s-inspired trends.

Annika’s April wardrobe

“I already wore them when I was young, so I don’t want to go down that road again,” she says.

This month, Annika shopped in Paris.

“I try to combine high street finds with designer and vintage items,” says Annika. “Since moving to Malta, I’ve also started wearing more skirts and dresses since the weather allows it.”

“A weekend in Paris is not quite long enough, but I did manage to do some serious shopping. When in Paris, you shouldn’t just stick to the Champs-Élysées – my favourite areas are Le Marais and Belleville. I bought a Chanel pink tweed jacket, a burgundy spring coat from P.S., a silk top from French Connection, and a sorbet-coloured shirt and rattan clutch bag from H&M. Back in Malta, I bought a pair of polka dot shorts and a linen blouse from Zara.”

60 FM- /FM April / April 20112011 - 60

For her look, Annika does rely on magazines. “I have written for the Finnish edition of Elle, so I do get my inspiration from glossies. However, I do not feel obliged to follow trends. It’s more important to be loyal to your own style.”

F O OT H E A LT H C E N T R E

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MODEL SEARCH

T he

scouting challenge

FM and models.com.mt have teamed up to scout for the next FM model.

If you think you have model looks and style, e-mail your photos to info@models.com.mt and you will have the chance to be selected and photographed for the FM model page, be part of models.com.mt and participate in a fashion editorial on Malta’s leading fashion magazine, FM.

This month’s model Name: Jade Mangion Age: 16 Currently: Studying for my SEC exams Ambition: To be successful in the world of fashion Book on my bedside table: I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk What do you love? Being different What are you wearing? T-shirt, dress and denim jacket by Oviesse

Photography: Pierre Camille Styling: Carina Camilleri

62 - FM / April 2011

Favourite fashion item? The ‘Love You’ T-shirt I’m wearing

Chemistry

Feel good

Recommended medical check-ups

If you aspire to be as good looking as the Mad Men bunch, ditch the smoking and drinking and go for regular check-ups, says Anne Marie Spiteri.

Dental check-up All ages, every six months to one year Sight test All ages, every two years

I

f you have any intellectual aspirations at all, you must have at one time or another watched or at least pretended to have watched the hit television series Mad Men. Consequently, you must already know that this series is set in 1960s America and revolves around the life of Don Draper, the elusive creative director at advertising agency Sterling Cooper.

The critics have heaped avalanche upon landslide of praise upon the series, very often citing the general attention to detail as the root cause of all their ecstasy. I suspect that the rest of us, who have no idea what 1960s America was like anyway, mainly enjoy the series because of the handsome, mysterious Don, the smoking, drinking, philandering, unrepentant yet completely tortured main character.

Blood pressure From 20 onwards, blood pressure should be checked every two years, and annually or more frequently if it is found to be high Cholesterol testing From 40 onwards, blood cholesterol levels should be checked around every two years. Testing may be advised for younger people

In between drooling, the health nerd in me never fails to be shocked by the huge chasm that separates health awareness today from that in the 1960s. In Mad Men world, drinking and smoking all day long was the norm rather than the suicidal lifestyle it has since been proven to be.

Even pregnant women used to happily puff away while sipping their pre-dinner tipple, and the first studies suggesting that cigarettes may be harmful to health were only just starting to be published.

Chronic conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels need to be picked up early and strictly controlled through lifestyle changes alone, or through both lifestyle changes and medication, depending on the individual situation. These conditions are often present with no symptoms at all, making it easy to forget all about them, or to find the medication side effects more worrying than the condition itself. Yet it is important to keep in mind the grave consequences which hypertension, high cholesterol levels and many other chronic conditions will certainly have if left uncontrolled. As regards side-effects, these should be discussed with a health care professional.

Nowadays, health care is advancing in leaps and bounds, knowledge is easily accessible and educational campaigns are constantly visible. Furthermore, simple and accurate diagnostic tests, sophisticated medical procedures and highly effective medicines have all been developed to save us from our aches and pains. Yet in some ways the mentality of some of us seems to be obstinately stuck in the 1960s. We would rather discuss our health complaints with our trusted work colleague than with our doctor, health check-ups are postponed from one year to the next, and if we do not feel any annoying symptoms we conveniently forget to take our medicines.

Get in the habit of always speaking to a trusted health care professional about any health related concerns which you may have. Notwithstanding how convenient they may be, medical consultations with your next door neighbour are invariably a bad idea. No matter how well a medicine works for them or for their brother’s wife’s mother’s sister-in-law, the same product might not be suitable for you. Everyone’s body and medical history are unique, and besides, similar symptoms may be due to completely different underlying conditions.

Check-ups and medicines are important for a healthy lifestyle so many of us aspire to, and not its antithesis. It is inevitable that functions and parts in the body will sometimes go wrong and will then need to be corrected – regular health check-ups help to detect conditions at the outset and to resolve or control them more easily, before too much damage has been done.

64 - FM / April 2011

Finally, if this whole healthy living business does not appeal to you anyway, you could simply decide to pretend that you are a successful product of 1960s America. Smoke and drink, eat lots of lobster and pastrami, and perform absolutely no exercise aside from the not-so-occasional extramarital romp.

Avoid pesky modern health care professionals and their joy killing check-ups and treatments. As if this were not already awesome enough, your adopted lifestyle will also free up a fair amount of money which would otherwise be going into a considerably larger retirement plan. Truth is, while the average life expectancy in 1960s America was about 69 years, all these maddening and completely useless health care advances have increased the current average life expectancy in the developed world to about 79 years.

You see, in the end, facts do speak for themselves.

Sexually transmitted diseases All people who engage in unprotected sexual activity, whatever their age, gender or sexual preference

Exclusively female fun Cervical smear tests From 25 onwards testing needs to be carried out every one to two years. Frequency of testing may be lower in older women and screening may be completely stopped at the age of 65. However always consult your gynaecologist Mammogram Normally breast cancer screening is required from 40 onwards and needs to be carried out every one to two years. Some guidelines recommend starting this type of screening from the age of 50 onwards, however your own personal doctor should always be consulted

The exact type and frequency of screening tests required vary depending on each person’s individual medical history.

The list

Zero points

As the annual glitter-fest strums up, FM lines up 10 Eurovision outfits that are just out of tune.

Marija ŠestiC The theme of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2007 entry was Christmas.

The lights were kept dim, the air crackled with sparkles, and the singer wore a pine tree for a skirt.

Milan Stankovic Last year’s Serbian entry looked like a Happy Days extra gone wrong. Completing his outfit is a belt buckle made of glittering teddy bears.

66 - FM / April 2011

Verka Serduchka

Gypsy.cz

Cat Cat

Barbara Dex

In 1999, the Czech Republic sent a Romani rap outfit with Glastonbury credentials.

Yet the lead singer thought he was a caped crusader on a mission to save the world.

The Finnish duo woke up very late for their 1994 Eurovision appearance. So they just rushed on stage still wearing their embroidered nightgowns.

The 1993 Belgian Eurovision entry’s dress was so awful that an annual award for the worst dressed Eurovision entry was named after her. A Maltese singer once won the award.

Guess who?

Lydia

Gisela

Martin Vucic

Guildo Horn

Spain hasn’t won the Eurovision since 1969.

And if it keeps sending entries dressed like 1999’s Lydia, then it won’t win it. Ever again.

For the 2008 entry, Andorra chose Wonder Woman, dressed in tin foil and nursing a massive bad hair day.

Sorry, it was actually Gisela.

Make my Day, sang Martin Vucic, Macedonia’s Eurovision representative in 2005.

Well, with that pink jacket, he certainly didn’t make our day.

To love your mother is a beautiful thing. To wear something she made for you when you were 12 to the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest is another thing altogether.

Ukraine’s 2007 Eurovision representative is one of Ukraine’s biggest pop stars. Except that it’s not a she, but a he. And that’s not a costume, but space garbage.

FM / April 2011 - 66

Out & About

A capital idea With London calling, Mona Farrugia writes a tale of one city.

O

nce I tried to get a group of friends together and organise a shopping trip. Now for die-hard plastic-wielders such as my mates, the mere mention of a ‘shopping trip’ produces mad screaming and too much excitement.

So I started researching. Flights were top of my list. There’s no point in booking low-cost if the seat costs €100 and the luggage €300, so it had to be Air Malta. I suggested Munich and Milan but they were having none of it. “We. Want. London,” was their conclusion.

Back in the 1980s, the Maltese shopping nation – and we do adore a good shop, mostly as a result of not having any local ones for so long – was split culturally between the ‘Londoners’ and the ‘Sicilians’. Those in the know and in a flush did the former; those with a predilection for Auchan and plastic clothing did the latter. These days it is not so clear-cut and I know people who simply go to Sicily to buy food. Meanwhile, London has positioned itself firmly in the fashionistas’ mind as the place to shop from.

I usually start my trip with Banana Republic in Regent Street. For the over-30s who need to wear something other than a nylon black suit

to work, BR does a brilliant selection of stylish clothing, shoes and accessories. Their sizing is extremely reliable, to a point where you can easily buy online with no issues about your bum looking big in anything. Moreover, the shop itself is brilliantly laid out. Most of the time there is a discount section somewhere at the back on the first floor going up to a fantastic 70 per cent off. If you’re lucky you will find something in your size. If you’re going, try and get one of the changing rooms at the back – they are huge, comfortable, well lit and come with an advisor.

The greatest thing about BR is their customer service. On a couple of occasions (out of 300) the clothing turned out to have manufacturing defects and months after purchase they quickly and easily give me store credit in exchange. When this happens, you know that the service is excellent.

Outside BR, store customer service has taken quite a dip in London. I have stood in an empty Marks & Spencer in Oxford Street and been ignored by seven sales staff who seemed intent on spending their time ignoring me and gossiping amongst themselves. Harrods and Harvey Nichols have improved tremendously although you still get the odd snob focusing on the Middle Eastern ladies and not ‘noticing’ anybody else, especially at Chanel.

The last time I was at the Design Museum, they had a Manolo Blahnik retrospective.

I was so inspired I ran out and bought two pairs of his shoes.

FM / April 2011 - 69

And there’s more My favourite department store for both selection and service has to be the gorgeous Liberty. Everything about it – from the wonderful architecture to the sweet scarf ladies – is spot on. They stock Current/Elliott in their denim section as well as Ash shoes. They also have some very good diffusions, including Vivienne Westwood, so you can easily bag yourself some lovely frocks at around £100.

Liberty may be missing out on Bobbi Brown and

By Terry cosmetics (those are Harrods and Space NK respectively) but they do have Kiehl’s, Aveda and Aesop. Liberty staff are go-getters, rather than process-obsessed automatons. On one occasion I found a Missoni scarf which needed mending – they offered it to me at half price.

It is very difficult to go to London and not go to Selfridges Shoe Galleries, an outrageously beautiful female space. Few realise, though, that Selfridges also has a scrumptious food hall, with some really great British companies selling traditional items such as fudge and sausages. Their bookshop is also wonderful and has a great selection of cookbooks.

For the men, I enlisted the great wisdom of Francis Sultana, who has been living in London for many years.

He introduced me to Taylors of Old Bond Street, one of those old-fashioned barber-supplier shops which sell the kind of shaving cream that makes every man super-kissable in minutes.

Not on an empty stomach The one thing that both men and women love is eating and London is one city which cranks up the heat in the kitchen.

I adore the Borough Market in the City of London. On a Saturday morning, meander through the stalls and get an idea of what real food, and real food shopping, should be like. The pork pie stand sells award-winners, the vegetables are stunning and mostly organic, and the sweets and cakes are picture, and taste-bud, perfect.

I like to plan my trip to the Borough Market on the way to the noon flight with Air Malta. Wake up early, have a breakfast of kippers at the chic Roast (which overlooks the market), shop, then go straight to the airport. Like this, your food remains super fresh. It’s very cold in the aircraft hold and there is nothing illegal about transporting food from the UK to Malta.

Restaurants in London have become extraordinarily good. I almost always go to Racine on Brompton Road where Henry Harris does French food – dare I say it – better than the French themselves. Their offal is unparalleled but just in case brains scare you, stick to their fish and outstanding meats, fitting in some creamed spinach with foie gras while you’re at it. Racine is not cheap but it is certainly excellent value for money.

70 - FM / April 2011

London does Eastern particularly well.

You cannot miss out on Nahm, the first Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Europe and probably the best Thai restaurant outside of Thailand that I have ever eaten in. Their degustation is an amazing culinary adventure – I spent most of my meal there ooh-ing and aah-ing on my own, inwardly just in case people started to wonder about my sanity. Even better value for money is the lunch set-menu – two courses at £20.

I also have a bit of an obsession with Byron Burgers. Byron do one thing and they do it brilliantly. I took a Londoner there and he was also surprised at the excellent quality of his beef patty. I tried a lamb and mint one, wondering if I would miss my favourite Byron (with bells on): it was excellent, fragrant and almost gooey.

Their chips are superb and if you’re lucky, the Manager in the South Kensington

If the shopping and the food are not enough, remember that the parks, including Hyde Park, are glorious the moment the sun comes out. If it’s raining, as it does most of the time, spend a few hours meandering around one of the brilliant museums. The last time I was at the Design Museum, they had a Manolo Blahnik retrospective. I was so inspired I ran out and bought two pairs of his shoes.

Design Museum, by Luke Hayes

Out & About

If you have a day free, you must go to Bicester Village. Just on the outskirts of Oxford, Bicester, forming part of the Chic Outlet Shopping group which has villages throughout Europe, is everything you want from a collection of designer boutiques.

The Oxfordshire village has an outstanding selection. I found Celine at 80 per cent off (do not ask how I refrained from screaming), Gucci at 50 per cent off, a pair of last-size Jimmy Choo stretch suede boots at £125 (I know), Mulberry at 30 per cent off, Alexander McQueen, Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry, Furla, Smythson, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and even Joseph with sample sizes at £50 down from £500.

Moreover Bicester is stunningly well organised, not just in the layout (every shop is smartly laid out, the staff informed) but in the general setup. There is a chic black and gold ‘bus’ which picks people up from right outside their hotel in central London and drops them right outside the door. If you are wise you will go there with your luggage, buy some discounted Samsonite (50 per cent off), pack it with the day’s purchases then arrange for taxi pickup outside the village. Heathrow is only an hour of beautifully landscaped motorway away. branch will sing for you. At least, that’s what he did for me.

If you are into cooking, then do not miss Books for Cooks at Blenheim Crescent – the selection is quite extraordinary. And if you are into books in general then the Waterstone’s in Piccadilly will have you salivating at its shelves. The last time I was there I managed to buy 14 bags of paperbacks and hardbound cookery tomes at quite silly prices. It was even sillier that I then could not carry them and the lovely girl behind the till had to come out and help me into a taxi like an old lady.

Mona Farrugia edits and writes for restaurant review, food and travel website www.planetmona.com

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One night in

Stay

Main course in the desert

The clue is in the name – the Emirates Palace Hotel is not a hotel but a palace.

The statistics are mind-boggling – this monument to opulence stretches for more than a kilometre and contains 1,002 chandeliers made with Swarovski crystals and 6,000 sq m of gold leaf. Its atrium is the biggest in the world while its gold gilded dome is larger than the one in St Paul’s Cathedral. Stay here, and you’re in for a super-luxury experience where the service is just outstanding – that’s to be expected when you have four members of staff for every guest.

Abu Dhabi is FM’s sunny getaway.

When in 2009, at the height of the financial crisis, Abu Dhabi moved in to save Dubai from the brink of default with $10 billion, it was a strong sign to the rest of the world that this wealthiest of the seven members of the United Arab Emirates had become a force to be reckoned with.

With year-round sunshine, postcard beaches and sand dunes, a cosmopolitan lifestyle and a heavy dose of culture, Abu Dhabi is one of the hottest destinations in the Emirates. It’s also clocking up a series of firsts – the recently opened Ferrari theme park is a world first and has the fastest roller coaster on the planet. And it will soon be opening a new branch of the Louvre as well as the biggest Guggenheim museum in the world.

For a less over the top, but still exciting stay, book a room at the Yas Hotel. Built around the new Formula 1 circuit, the Yas Hotel is an icon of design and the first hotel in the world to span a Grand Prix racetrack. The F1 cars whizzing outside your room are an added bonus.

Wait Abu Dhabi is set to add to its attractions.

Saadiyat Island especially is on its way to becoming a world-class hub for culture, commerce and business. And with the input of world-renowned architects such as Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster and Jean Nouvel, it can’t but look good.

Eat In Abu Dhabi, you can feast on any world cuisine, from Arabic and Far Eastern to Latin and Continental. The more popular eateries are situated around the Corniche Road, Sheikh Zayed Street and the Tourist Club area.

Coffee and shisha are part of the social and gastronomic experience, with plenty of parlours offering endless varieties of coffee blends and flavoured shishas.

Shop Abu Dhabi offers the best kind of shopping experience – tax-free shopping malls where designer items rub shoulders with traditional items like spices, fabrics, carpets and pottery.

72 - FM / April 2011

See The best place to see and be seen in the city is the buzzing Corniche, a six-kilometre stretch overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Following the city’s coastline, it is dotted with public parks, beautiful fountains, openair cafés and dhow boats for hire. Make time to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is the third largest in the world.

An hour outside the city is the oasis of Al Ain, which is more traditional with forts, a livestock market and the palace museum of Sheikh Zayed. Al Ain is also home to the Hajar Mountain and the Jebel Hafeet, which are the highest point in the Emirate.

Far south from the skyscraper skyline of the city is the famous Liwa oasis, home to some of the largest sand dunes in the world. And if you’re in for some adventure, the new Ferrari theme park is the largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park, and includes over 20 attractions.

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Last word

The man behind the lens

Image rights

Name: Tonio Lombardi

Photographer Tonio Lombardi zooms in on himself.

I remember the very first time I held an SLR – it must have been a couple of decades ago. It was an old Zenit which my dad had bought. I used to shoot away endlessly without film, loving the feel of it and the sound of the shutter.

I bought my first digital camera when I was 18 years old. At the time, I was happy just shooting landscapes.

However, my real relationship with photography started when I got my first digital SLR and started taking photos of people. I’ve been hooked ever since.

When I realised I was spending serious cash on photography equipment, I decided to pursue my passion on a professional level. Joking apart, I made this decision based on the fact that I was making considerable sacrifices on a personal level to continue to develop my photography.

Like everything else in 74 - FM / April 2011

life, photography may not necessarily be as glamorous as it looks from the outside – it is a very demanding job both on a physical and mental level.

I come from quite a creative background, however, I never gave art any serious thought until I felt the undeniable urge for it in my early twenties.

I remember flipping through issues of local and foreign magazines and feeling an irresistible urge to pursue fashion photography.

Fashion photography is not merely a photographic discipline but an entire art form. It allows me to express my creativity through a medium which, although is over abused in today’s digital world, can be interestingly unique.

As a fashion photographer, I am constantly on the lookout for new trends.

Having said that, I believe in the importance of style and

Age: 31 form. Every photographer has a specific style which they can relate to better than others – that is where really good photos come from.

Apart from fashion, I seem to be enjoying shooting interiors and contemporary weddings.

Most of the time, I prefer to shoot outdoors, where you can fuse the subject with the environment. Still, some subjects are more appropriate to shoot in the comfort of the studio where I have all aspects of the lighting set-up under control. Sometimes, nothing works better than a grey background, throwing the focus of the photograph entirely on the subject.

On a fashion shoot, the effort of the whole team is paramount in the whole process. I believe that each member of the team has their particular area of expertise which they are

best at – however, input from the whole team is important, especially during the shooting stage. Chemistry is an important aspect during a shoot. When it is there, things work out much better and it shows in the final results.

Until a few years ago, the local fashion scene was stale.

Now we are seeing a burst of photographers, models, new publications and fashion events which are making the whole scene more and more interesting.

Photography is interesting in many ways, one of which is the fact that a photo is a captured snapshot of a moment in time which will never happen again, no matter how hard you try to reproduce it. Depending on the subject and the context where it is used, a photo is a memento which will preserve the captured moment for as long as the photograph exists.