VAMP MAGAZINE
>02
DESIGN FEATURE:
THE BALANCING BARN BY MVRDV
>
ARTIST CHRIS JENSEN LETS US HAVE A PEEK ON HIS LATEST WORKS
+ECO
LIVING
CULTURE
FASHION! + MORE... amsterdam issue
FASHION TRENDS
02
amsterdam issue
FASHION TRENDS
amsterdam issue
03
SLIEMA 路 VALLETTA 路 THE POINT
FROM THE EDITOR
Following our first issue’s success and having received such positive feedback on the whole outlook of the magazine, here we present you issue 2 “The Amsterdam Issue” where we shift our focus to this exemplary city and get some insight into its incredible design language, the road to modernization along with exploring its unique culture and traditional flavours. Apart from that we also introduce our readers to the the hottest collections autumn has to offer, where to get them and how to wear them together with the second VAMP fashion shoot styled by Luke Engerer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our contributers for this issue... Chris de Souza Jensen, Dr. Joanna Delia, Nicola Powell, Bart Saive, David Schembri, Naiwe Kuiper and Nicole Cuschieri. Enjoy your read!
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices are believed to be correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor the publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that the organisations and firms mentioned are reputable. The editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfill their obligations under all circumstances. © Copyright 2011
Join VAMP group on facebook.com
Editor Lily Agius
Sales & Marketing Director Marc Urpani 9985 9606
Art Director Chris Psaila
Magazine Coordinator Samantha Psaila
Design Chris Psaila Nicholas Cutajar Lab Communications 9985 9606
Contributers Bart Saive David Schembri Dr. Joanna Delia Luke Engerer Nicole Cuschieri Nicola Powell
Photography Julian Calabrese Luke Engerer Lab Communications
Printers Progress Press
amsterdam issue
07
2 2 I N D I V I D U A L LY D E S I G N E D
APARTMENTS
PJA Z Z A T I G NÉ INTERIORS BY CHRIS BRIFFA ARCHITECTS
(t) 2065 5510 (e) info@tignepoint.com (w) www.tignepoint.com
CONTENTS PAGE
11. VAMP NEWS 14. THE TIGNÉ POINT PROJECT
James Vassallo talks to VAMP about the upcoming Pjazza Apartment phase
17. ARCHITECTURE:
“Balancing Barn” By MVRDV on the edge
26. STAY HUNGRY, STAY FOOLISH!
The Apple Evolution from 1976 - 2011
32. JEAN-IOUS!
Luke Engerer selects some denim essentials to wear this season
in>side 35. TRANSITIONS:
VAMP FASHION! moody, edgy... fabulous!
47. REINVENTION:
How to make good use of your creativity, whilst keeping your carbon footprint light!
49. EXPOSED:
Interview with artist Chris de Souza Jensen a.k.a (Seapuppy)
57. COOL EVENTS:
From Milan, London and Amsterdam to functions held locally
60. DIGG’IN DUTCH:
Chef Bart Saive brings some Dutch flavour to the table
62. I-AM-STERDAM
Highlights of things you can’t miss out on when in Amsterdam
69. ASK DR. JO:
Useful beauty tips you can’t do without!
amsterdam issue
09
AMSTERDAM, situated North of Holland and nicknamed the Venice of the North, was once – back in the 12th century – a simple fishing village. Now it is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. Its original name, Amstelredamme,
originates from the fact that it was situated on the site of a dam in the middle of the River Amstel. The Dutch Golden Age – when Dutch trade, science, military and art were among the most acclaimed in the world – saw
the city flourish as a centre for finance and diamonds. Today, it is the hub for many international companies and is the financial as well as the cultural capital of Holland and attracts more than three-anda-half million visitors a year.
Cobbled streets, well-planned bike lanes, the flower market, museums, galleries, the park, winding canals and an array of restaurants will keep you entertained – and if that’s not enough, maybe even check out its Red Light District! >> amsterdam Issue
011
THE KIDS OF AMERICA THE POINT SHOPPING MALL TIGNE’ POINT
VAMP MAGAZINE VAMP NEWS
SWISS SCIENCE OFFERS PREMIUM QUALITY, EFFICACY AND SAFETY
THE NEW BMW 1 SERIES: UNIQUE DRIVING PLEASURE IN A PREMIUM COMPACT CAR The BMW 1 Series is already synonymous with driving pleasure. Now, the all new, second generation model offers state-of-the-art engine and suspension technology, further improvements in fuel efficiency, significantly more space and an innovative range of features and equipment. The new BMW 1 Series is the first car to feature the new BMW Lines, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for personalization.
Ginsana® is the result of the very best natural healthcare knowledge elaborated through comprehensive scientific research by Ginsana, a Swiss company manufacturing in Switzerland according to the highest quality standards of its Mother Company Boehringer Ingelheim. Ginsana’s products are supported by over half a century of experience in medical research and development of innovative natural health care solutions. Although it has only been in operation since 2009, Ginsana is perpetuating a tradition and a quality drawn from more than 65 years in business with former Pharmaton, the company which first pioneered research into standardizing natural plant extracts. In particular, Ginsana has been the world leader in ginseng for more than 30 years. The result is the standardized G115® Ginseng extract which has been tested in multiple clinical studies. The safety and efficacy of the product is therefore assured. Ginsana® is available in capsules and tonic from all leading pharmacies in Malta and Gozo www.ginsanaproducts.com
Numerous choices are available to suit your style – whether Sporty or Urban. For more information or to book a test drive, please contact Muscats Motors Ltd on 2326 4581 or email info@mml.mizzi.com.mt
CREATING ART WITH LIGHT These fittings are specifically designed to interact simultaneously with colour, light and shape creating an interplay of transparency and contrast. If you are looking for a truly unique piece of modern lighting encompassing beautiful design and quality visit Catellani & Smith at Light Design Solutions Ltd, Emmanuel Schembri Street, Birkirkara www.lds.com.
COOL CATS Ever dreamt of owning a wild leopard? Well now’s your chance! The Bengal is a relatively new hybrid breed of cat, the result of crossing a domestic cat and an Asian wild leopard cat. Bengal cats have “wild-looking” markings, such as large spots and rosettes, and a body structure reminiscent of the Asian wild leopard cat. They have that desirable “wild” appearance with the temperament of the domestic cat. And they are now available in Malta! For more information call: 7925 5209.
amsterdam issue
013
VAMP MAGAZINE VAMP NEWS
REST EASY! BAY RETRO + BAY EASY Since their launch in 2010 and early 2011 respectively, Bay Easy and Bay Retro have achieved an incredible audience response by offering the crispest sound in radio and excellent playlists. Bay Retro has quickly become Malta’s leading station for playing classic hit tracks from the 70s, 80s and early 90s. Some of the biggest names in the music world grace the stations play-list, keeping your head bobbing and feet tapping all day long to tracks by Blondie, Madonna, U2, and much, much more, with over 2,000 hit tracks on its playlist.
THE METROPOLITAN CASUAL STORE MEXX opened its 4th store in Pjazza Tigné, on 5th September, following Mosta, Valletta and Baystreet. MEXX is inspired by life in big cities. And that is exactly what people see and feel in our new stores – from the store’s construction, which takes its inspiration from typical New York lofts, through the many authentic details to the collections themselves. This is yet another exciting milestone for the local fashion industry and the store is sure to be another success for the VF Group, which represents other timeless brands such as French Connection, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Samsonite.
GET TO THE POINT! Head down to The Point Shopping Mall to grab the trendiest outfits and update your wardrobe before winter kicks in. The latest collections for Autumn/ Winter are now in store! With ample car parking spaces, a mix of amenities and the widest spread of fashion elements under one roof, The Point is the right stop to make sure you’re updated with today’s fashion trends. For full info & calendar of events log on to www.thepointmalta.com & www.facebook.com/thepointshoppingmall. Open Monday to Saturday; 9.30am to 7.30pm. The Point Shopping Mall, Tigné Point
A NEW BATHROOM SHOWROOM TAKES CENTRE STAGE FLOW opened its doors for business during Malta Design Week, revealing an innovative project that showcases 13 self-contained bathing environments enhanced by the work of different local artists including Gabriel Caruana, Norbert Attard, Vince Briffa, Clemens Hasengschwandtner and Richard England. The conventional showroom layout has been revisited and redefined. The project is a collaboration between Carlos and Melanie Zerafa and Andre Camilleri from S&S Bathrooms, Silvio Bartolo from Light Projects Ltd and Chris Briffa Architects.
014
amsterdam issue
Bay Easy is your all-day-long station that will keep you feeling great through the different times of the day by playing the greatest hits from the last 10 years, along with the very best of current chart-toppers. This is the ultimate pop station and it stays away from heavy dance numbers, so if you’re tired of hearing the ‘same’ music, this is the perfect option for you! Warm, friendly presenters will keep a smile on your face, while surprise hits from years ago will catch you off-guard and bring back great memories. Being part of the Bay brand and subbrands of Malta’s leading hit music station, 89.7 Bay guarantees you excellent broadcasting and great listening! Listen to Bay Retro & Bay Easy on DAB+ radio; your mobile, or on www.bay.com.mt
ARCHITECTURE
TIGNÉ POINT> THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
JAMES VASSALLO – SENIOR MANAGER, SALES AND MARKETING FOR THE MIDI PROJECT – TALKS TO VAMP ABOUT TIGNÉ POINT AND THE UPCOMING PIAZZA APARTMENT PHASE.
Envisioned by Midi’s lead consultants, aoM partnership, the award-winning mixeduse development at Tigné Point is a holistically conceived, multi-faceted urban project. Although unashamedly contemporary in design, the development is actually inspired by traditional town planning and pays homage to many of the planning solutions of the past: it is built around a public square where people meet, eat and do their shopping; it is criss-crossed by a series of car-free walkways that were planned to be shady in summer; it has hidden gardens and sunny terraces where one can dine and socialise al fresco and in privacy; and it provides for natural climatisation methods using shading devices, wind passages, huge rainwater reservoirs and other ageold Mediterranean planning features. That said, it is built for the 21st century and addresses 21st century concerns and market requirements and has, in fact, sold very well, with almost every unit now handed over to its new owner. The main reason for this is that it is very far from being a standard ‘block of flats’, and the convenience of mixing top-notch residential spaces with Malta’s prime retail, commercial and leisure facilities, has been appreciated by the ever more discerning local and foreign buyer. It is also far more environmentally friendly than most developments of its kind, due to the natural climatisation principles used in the design and the state-of-the-art centralised heating and cooling offered as a standard with the recent apartments. On the new apartments at Pjazza Tigné: The new phase overlooking the car-free square consists of only 22 apartments. As these are situated in very small blocks
016
amsterdam issue
of only six to nine apartments, we felt that there was an opportunity to create a niche product that would accentuate their exclusivity and draw out their competitive advantages. Rather than go for a “one size fits all” design, we invested in a scheme that has created unique, individually designed spaces, each with its own theme and specific look and feel. To achieve this, we chose young, creative and very forwardlooking architect and designer Chris Briffa to plan the interior design. The starting point was the fact that these apartments were unlike most others on the island – not only because they overlook a very distinctive open, urban public space which is at once both tranquil and vibrant, but also because of their diverse layouts, which are certainly not the norm. Many have very high ceilings, open
plan layouts and split levels and some, like the townhouse apartments, are practically houses with lavish accommodation and private roof gardens. Why the change in design from previous phases? Client requirements and expectations and are not set in stone and in my nine years working on the project I have seen the market change quite substantially. Our more recent buyers have been younger and enjoy more fluidity in their work/home balance than their parents’ generation ever did – many do not have your traditional 9-to-5 jobs and spend far more time at home as interconnectivity has blurred the office/home divide. Another noticeable difference is the living space to bedroom ratio. Until recently, most developers concentrated on the 3-bed, 2-bath model as though all buyers were your typical
ARCHITECTURE
>> THE RESULT IS A SERIES OF NEW HOMES WHERE NO TWO ARE ALIKE. THEY
ARE AS DIVERSE AS THEY ARE ORIGINAL AND THEIR COMMON DENOMINATOR IS INDIVIDUALITY – AND A LOVE FOR THE CONTEMPORARY <<
Artist impressions of some of the interiors: Sketch by Chris Briffa. Computer generated images by Chris Briffa Architects and Exalta Projects.
textbook family unit. Sales in the project over the years have proved otherwise. If buyers were using their third bedroom as an office or a music/TV room, why plan it as a bedroom to begin with? If buyers want a walk-in wardrobe that you can actually walk around in, why not plan for this? We also realised that few developments were being planned for the single occupant or for couples without children. This is where Chris Briffa has excelled. His fresh approach was to identify potential users and then, in meticulous detail and with artistic flair and design, plan the spaces around them to combine a rich palette of beautiful materials with designer-style sanitary ware and architectural lighting. What would a photographer be looking for in his perfect home? What would a high-flying and much-travelled executive require?
How would a work-from-home designer lay out his space? These were the kind of questions that Chris and his team pondered before creating the one-off designs that we are convinced will be very well received. The result is a series of new homes where no two are alike. They are as diverse as they are original and their common denominator is individuality – and a love for the contemporary. With only seven townhouse apartments and a handful of studios in this phase, this limited-release launch promises to be as exclusive as they come. V For more information call 2065 5500, visit www.tignepoint.com or contact your estate agent. Tigné Point Won 2011 International Property Awards At this year’s awards, held at London’s Park Lane Hotel at the end of September, Tigné Point won Best Mixed-use Development in Malta and then went on to the final stages where it won Best Mixed-use Development in Europe.
amsterdam issue
017
ARCHITECTURE
Architecture is all around us and effects our daily experience of a neighbourhood, a street, or a city, it is woven into everyone’s world on a daily basis. Even if you don’t realise it. Balancing Barn, Designed by dutch architecture firm ‘MVRDV’ (overleaf) is an unusual yet incredibly efficient execution which re-evaluates the countryside making modern architecture more accessible. >>
“LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET, CONUR ADIPISICING ELIT, SED DO EIUSMOD TEMPOR UT LABORE ET DOLORE MAGNA ALIQUA
>>
amsterdam issue
019
BALANCING BARN
Dutch Architecture firm MVRDV creates a restful holiday home with a smart design allowing nature to be experienced at different levels
020
amsterdam issue
ARCHITECTURE
B
alancing Barn sits on a beautiful site by a small lake in the English countryside near Thorington in Suffolk. The Barn responds through its architecture and engineering to the site condition and natural setting. The traditional barn shape and reflective metal sheeting take their references from the local building vernacular, living up to its educational goal in re-evaluating the countryside and making modern architecture accessible. Furnished to a high standard of comfort and elegance, set in a quintessentially English landscape, it engages its temporary inhabitants with both a restful and exciting holiday experience. Approaching along the 300-metre drive, Balancing Barn looks small. It is only when visitors reach the end
of the drive that they suddenly experience the full length of the structure. The Barn is 30 metres long, with a 15-metre cantilever over a slope, plunging the house headlong into nature. As the site slopes, and the landscape with it, the visitor experiences nature first at ground level and ultimately at tree height. The linear structure provides the stage for a changing outdoor experience. At its midpoint the Barn projects as a cantilever over the descending slope, a balancing act made possible by the rigid structure of the building, resulting in 50 per cent of the barn being in free space. The structure balances on a central concrete core, with the section that sits on the ground constructed from heavier materials than the cantilevered section. The long
sides of the Barn are well concealed by trees, offering privacy inside and around it. The exterior is covered in reflective metal sheeting, which, like the pitched roof, takes its references from the local building vernacular and reflects the surrounding nature and changing seasons. >>
amsterdam issue
021
FASHION TRENDS
022
amsterdam issue
ARCHITECTURE
amsterdam issue
023
Find us on Facebook
ARCHITECTURE
The living room is suspended in mid-air and has a glass floor which overlooks part of the garden below.
On entering the Barn, one steps into a kitchen and a large dining room. A series of four double bedrooms follows, each with en suite bathroom and toilet. In the very centre of the barn the bedroom sequence is interrupted by a hidden staircase providing access to the garden below. In the far, cantilevered end of the barn, there is a large living space with windows in three of its walls, its floor and its ceiling. The inclusion of a fireplace makes it possible to experience all four elements on a rainy day. Full height sliding windows and roof lights throughout the house ensure continuous views of, access to and connectivity with nature. The rooms are themed. Partly abstracted
and enlarged cloud studies inspired by country scenes by English masters Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable are used as connecting elements between the past and contemporary Britain, as carpets, wallpaper and mounted textile wall elements. The crockery consists of a set of English classics for two, and a modern series for a further six guests, making an endless series of combinations possible and adding the character of a private residence to the home. The Barn is very well-insulated, ventilated by a heat recovery system and warmed by a ground source heat pump, resulting in an extremely energy-efficient building. V
The interior is based on two main objectives: >> The house is an archetypical two-person home, expanded in shape and content so that it can equally comfortably accommodate eight. Two will not feel lost in the space, and a group of eight will not feel too cramped. >> A neutral, timeless timber is the backdrop for the interior, in which Studio Makkink & Bey have created a range of furnishings that reflect the design concept of the Barn.
www.mvrdv.nl
amsterdam issue
025
LIGHTING DESIGN
LIGHTINGTHEWAY LIGHTING DESIGNER PETER CUTAJAR SUGGESTS SOME BRIGHT IDEAS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF INTELLIGENT LIGHTING SOLUTIONS.
Peter Cutajar has been in the business of lighting in Malta for the past 25 years. He branched out on his own 2 years ago to practice his belief in good design, defining his role as a light designer. He talks to Lily Agius about how lighting is sometimes overlooked, and offering an idea can transform a space. What is the ‘idea’? How and where to use light, and what type of light to use. The ideas come after studying the house and listening to what the customer is looking for. Good ideas only come from experience. Do you design your own light fittings? We are not tied down to our product, producing custom-made fittings also. What else does your company offer? We present our clients with a visual of how the light will look in a room, a facade, a garden... before the works are done. We plan this with the client from the start and transform the ideas into a 3D model with light effects to see the final result before it is done. We look at the lighting possibilities and emissions, and secondly, the shape of the fitting.
How can LEDs save you money? A lot of people just presume that they are
026
amsterdam issue
TEND TO LEAVE THE LIGHTING TO LAST MOMENT AND NOT USE IT TO ITS FULLEST POTENTIAL.<< going to save energy with LEDs. If a good LED is used money will be saved with time, but the initial cost will be expensive. You have to calculate if it is worth it to recuperate your expenses. So, how can someone save money with lighting? Planning. Planning the positioning of the lighting before works start will save money with the installation and the light fitting itself. Preparing a space in good time minimises the number of fittings which can save you a lot of money, eliminate wasted time, and overall achieve a better light effect. Do you find that you have conflicting ideas with interior designers and architects when working on the same project? Interior designers and architects need to have a lot of experience to know how light really works and what you can do with them. Those who have not got the experience tend to leave
lighting to the last moment and not use it to its fullest potential. How do you see your role as light designer? Light design is a profession in itself. It can have nothing to do with being an architect or designer. Abroad you will find the roles separated - including a mechanical engineer, the architect, interior designer, electrical engineer, and lighting designer to collaborate together and finish one job. Everyone in Malta tends to get one person to do everything since they think they will save money, but in some cases they will not. What’s your company philosophy? I believe in selling the right product to the client and not just any product. We take our time with each client to make sure the choice they make is going to benefit the setting and their budget, offering ideas and solutions. I take as much pride in every project as I would in my own house. V
This is a paid advertorial
In your lighting experience, what have you found to be a problem in Malta? There is much more to lighting than most think and people are only starting to understand this, however, people still don’t know what is on the market. People also tend to spend a lot of money and time on the building and interiors itself, without budgetting for light. Lighting can bring out the design and furnishings – it is ever so important. I have also found alot of people wanting to use LED’s when in actual fact no-one knows how they work or if they can save you money.
>>THOSE WHO HAVE NOT GOT THE EXPERIENCE
Special Offers
in all leading stores valid un til stocks last
Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone (Marketing) tel: 8007 2387
Illustration: Chris Psaila
TECHNOLOGY
028
amsterdam issue
TECHNOLOGY
“STAY HUNGRY, STAY “ FOOLISH. Words: By David Schembri
O Quote by: Whole Earth Catalog
n 6 October, Apple’s website had nothing on its front page but founder Steve Jobs’ face and the words “Steve Jobs, 19562011”. It was an elegant, simple way of saying that the man who brought elegancy and simplicity to the computer world had passed away at the age of 56. “Death is very likely the single best invention of Life,” Jobs, who made the computer personal, said in his inspirational commencement speech at Stanford in 2005.
“It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.” Jobs, an unstoppable perfectionist, seems to have learnt a thing or two from Death, trimming off perceived excess in his products while making ways for new eras of computing. Apple’s success is closely related to Jobs, who founded the company with Steve Wozniak in 1976 in his parents’ garage. It was he who launched the Macintosh to a wildly enthusiastic audience in 1984, the iPod to a somewhat muted crowd in 2001 and the switch to intel processors in 2005, which, along with attention garnered by the company’s iPod range, saw the Mac being
adopted by a new generation of users. Not to mention that he managed to make the iPhone, Apple’s first phone, a de facto standard of the smartphone industry. After launching the Macintosh in 1983, an internal power struggle saw Jobs leave the company in 1985, only to return in 1998. By that time, Microsoft had won the vast share of the market, with Macintosh computers being seen as the workhorses of the design, publishing and music industries, while everyone else used Windows machines – or no computer at all, it still being the 1990s and all.>> amsterdam issue
029
TECHNOLOGY
>>DESIGN IS THE
FUNDAMENTAL SOUL OF A HUMAN-MADE CREATION THAT ENDS UP EXPRESSING ITSELF IN SUCCESSIVE OUTER LAYERS OF THE PRODUCT OR SERVICE<<
Apple Inc. had suffered three years of financial loss and low stock prices, and the then CEO Gil Amelio bought up computer company NeXT, which Jobs had founded after he left Apple. This brought Jobs back on to the board and after Amelio was ousted as CEO, Jobs was back at the helm. Once back in the driving seat, Jobs halted a number of projects and set his sights on reinventing the computer, launching the iconic iMac, a self-contained computer that did away with floppy disks and embraced USB. This was the start of the era where anything with ‘i’ in front of it became desirable. A few years later, the iPod changed the way people listened to music, with the unmistakable click wheel also causing a clinical condition referred to as the “iPod thumb”. The iPod was what led to widespread recognition of the Apple brand,
030
amsterdam issue
turning a computer company that was once the domain of connoisseurs into the mainstream, in turn enticing people to the Mac range of computers. Apart from the ubiquitous prefix, the common link between these products has been Steve Jobs, in jeans and a black turtleneck, smiling triumphantly in front of an eager, devoted crowd that had been waiting for months, possibly years, for whatever product he was announcing. Apple sells more than computers. Mention the iMac, the iPhone or the iPad, and you’ll get an instant image, and these are not just products, they are icons, they are things in themselves. “Steve had this perspective that always started with the user’s experience – that industrial design was an incredibly important part of that user impression. He believed
that the computer was eventually going to become a consumer product. That was an outrageous idea back in the early 1980s, because people thought that personal computers were just smaller versions of bigger computers,” said John Sculley, Apple’s former CEO in an interview on Jobs. Sculley and Jobs fell out when a power struggle between the young Apple founder
TECHNOLOGY
Summary firings were not unusual, and Apple employees are believed to have undergone quite a few telling-offs – at least according to those not bound to confidentiality agreements.
and the man who was hired as CEO from Pepsi to add credibility to the company saw Jobs being fired from his own company. “What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating,” he said of this time. Sculley’s tenure (earning him the title of 16th worst CEO of all time) saw some bad business decisions being made, such as not
going for the burgeoning Intel technology and, worst of all, firing Jobs himself. Meanwhile, Jobs’ eviction was possibly one of the most important periods for Apple, with Jobs feeling free to pursue his dreams and enter what he described as one of the “most creative periods” of his life, where he was to found Pixar Studios (of Toy Story fame) and NeXT, on which the next era of beautiful, iconic products was based. But perfection has its price. Ahead of the iPod press launch, Jobs discovered that the input on the iPod did not make a “clicking” sound when you inserted a headphone jack, so engineers spent the whole night changing the inputs and repackaging the players. Back in the earlier days, Jobs was known for obsessing on how round the corners on computers were, and he was also convinced that he could not have more than 100 people on the Macintosh team, as he could only remember 100 names.
This dictatorial approach is also present in Apple products which, although beautiful, are also very difficult to repair or customise. But ultimately, Jobs’ success as a designer and a businessman lay in his ability to choose. At 17, the young Steve, raised by his adoptive working-class parents, went to Reed College, fulfilling his biological mother’s wish. “I naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of my working-class parents’ savings were being spent on my college tuition. After six months, I couldn’t see the value in it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and no idea how college was going to help me figure it out,” he said.
“And here I was, spending all the money my parents had saved their entire life. So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK. It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The minute I dropped out, I could stop taking the required classes that didn’t interest me, and begin dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.” This included dropping in on a calligraphy class, which was to inform Apple’s later reputation as a purveyor of beautiful machines – inside and out.
Jobs’ apartment, according to Sculley, had almost no furniture in it, with just a picture of Einstein, a Tiffany lamp, a chair and a bed. “He just didn’t believe in having lots of things around but he was incredibly careful in what he selected. The same thing was true with Apple,” Sculley said. This might just be the reason why the iPod, with its solitary click-wheel, is as identifiable as it is. Jobs reportedly badgered designers to get rid of all the buttons other MP3 players had and reduce the design to a wheel – which in turn has triggered a thumb condition, such was its success.In 2004, Jobs faced death for the first time when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which at that point turned out to be a curable form. At the time, the disease left more of a dent on his outlook on life rather than on his life itself. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of
other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And, most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. “Stay hungry. Stay foolish” V
“It was the first computer with beautiful typography,” Jobs says of the Mac. “If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally-spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, it’s likely that no personal computer would have them.”
amsterdam issue
031
VAMP MAGAZINE
GADGETS
MUST HAVE GADGETS
WE CAN CHOOSE TO LIVE WITHOUT TECHNOLOGY, BUT MOST OF US WILL FAIL MISERABLY. THIS IS FOR YOU, OUR FELLOW TECH LOVERS. VAMP TAKES A LOOK AT A FEW OF THE LATEST GADGETS.
>>
RIM BLACKBERRY PRESENTER This handy 3.4” x 2.4” accessory is designed to be used with BlackBerry smart phones. Simply connect it to a projector or monitor and you can use Blutetooth connectivity in order to display Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 and 2007 slides directly from your handset. You can pause images and set slides to automatically change at prearranged intervals allowing you to enjoy the benefit of accurate reproductions with the most visual and animated effects.
i PHONE 5 Based on a face recognition mechanism with a sleek design, it has a 64GB memory with OLED screen. With the GPS navigation feature you are able to synchronise with iTunes and customise SMS alerts and tones with HD audio quality. With Apple iPhone5 you can video chat in 3G and for more durability, the screen is scratchresistant. For improved resolution it contains the most advanced graphic chips with dual core processors and you are also able to watch local TV channels. Besides all this, it also includes a Pico projector that is used for presentation on a wall or flat surface. Rumoured to hit the rock in summer 2012.
FUNKY iPHONE COVERS There is a wide choice of mobile covers out there, but for those who prefer the natural look these could be for you. Choose from bamboo, zebra wood, wenge and cork covers to intelligent eco-friendly solar charging solutions and large battery capacity.
PRESSO COFFEE MAKER Make yourself an ‘eco friendly’ cup of coffee at home with this nifty and sleek coffee maker – that uses no electricity! All you have to do is fill it with ground coffee and pour in boiling water, lift up the handles, press them down and there you have it! Available from www.ecoutlet.co.uk/ presso-espresso-coffee-maker.
3DS BY NINTENDO Discover a whole new world of eye-popping gameplay possibilities. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic three dimensional effects without the need for additional accessories. The Nintendo 3DS makes game experiences more intuitive for all levels of player.
APPLE TV Redesigned to be small in size but big on entertainment, you can rent from the largest selection of HD movies Watch Netflix titles instantly on this beauty. Buy TV shows in HD, uninterrupted, and stream photos, music, movies and TV shows from your computer to your widescreen TV.
SOLAR BACKPACK Never be without power with this multi-purpose tarpaulin solar backpack. Through the integrated solar panel or AC outlet, the battery pack is able to supply power for various portable devices such as iPhone, iPod, cell phones, digital camera, PSP, MP3 player, etc., while on the move. Moreover, the solar charger backpack has a pair of stereo speakers and comes with eight connectors for any devices you need to charge! V
amsterdam issue
033
FASHION STYLIST LUKE ENGERER SELECTS SOME HOT THREADS FOR THIS SEASON
From Top Left: Scotch & Soda mens Snatch regular low riders €144.95 Hilfiger Denim mens boots €169.90 Scotch & Soda mens shirt €81.95 Hilfiger Denim men Scranton slim-fit €109 Bata mens sneakers €69.00 Scotch & Soda mens t-shirt €45.95 Hilfiger Denim mens v-neck sweater €129 Hilfiger Denim women - Ruby straight leg low-waisted €109 Hilfiger Denim womens tank-top €39.90 Bata womens sneakers €69 Miss Sixty high-waisted flares €76 Miss Sixty t-shirt €42 Bata womens boots €115 Miss Sixty dress €102 Miss Sixty scarf €29 Miss Sixty bag €76 Miss Sixty t-shirt €26
Photos + Words by Luke Engerer
There is nothing easier than throwing on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt! But even though it is so easy, not everyone manages to get it right. When it comes to finding the right pair of jeans, the most important thing is to try on as many different cuts and washes as possible – there is a pair of jeans out there for everyone! Here is a collection of a few of my favourite cuts and washes for the coming season.
amsterdam issue
035
FASHION TRENDS
Shoot Direction: Luke Engerer Photography: Julian Calabrese Photography Assistant: Jack Coode Styling: Luke Engerer Styling Assistant: Stefan Vella Make up: Nicola Powell - 9986 5369 Hair: Michelle Galea and Charlene Borg - Roots Hair Salon - 27454164 Models: Sharon & Richard from SO Management
Monsoon dress: €185 Miss Sixty jacket: €89.90 Miss Sixty shoes: €148
amsterdam issue
037
Calvin Klein top: â&#x201A;Ź135 Branko Popovic trousers www.brakopopovic.com
Miss Sixty dress: â&#x201A;Ź86
Branko Popovic jacket www.brakopopovic.com
S/S WOMEN’S FASHION
Maison Scotch @ Junction top: €81.95 Hilfiger Denim trousers: €149 Accessorize necklace: €29.90 amsterdam issue
041
FASHION TRENDS
Hilfiger Denim t-shirt: €69.90 Scotch & Soda @ Junction jeans €99.95
S/S WOMEN’S FASHIONFASHION TRENDS
Miss Sixty jeans: €129 Maison Scotch @ Junction tank top: €29.95 Accessorize bag: €39.90 Accessorize necklace: €19.90 Miss Sixty shoes: €148
V >M P ’ I N MAKE-UP ESSENTIALS
WOMEN
MAKE-UP ARTIST NICOLA POWELL, TWICE NAMED MAKE-UP ARTIST OF THE YEAR AT THE MALTA FASHION AWARDS, GIVES HER TOP TIPS FOR A GLOW THIS SEASON 1. Dior Addict Lip Polish and Dior Addict Lipcolor available in feminine shades of light peach, soft pink and shiny purple will help you create spectacular and bright lip makeup. 2. Clinique Chubby Stick: recommended autumn colours – Mega Melon, Fuller Fig and Whole Lot of Honey. This super-nourishing balm is loaded with mango and shea butters and is just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth. 3. Clarins Instant Light brush-on protector: great for concealing dark shadows and imperfections around the eyes, with a silky finish. 4. YSL Matt Touch oil-free primer: silicone based and perfect for smoothing open pores and fine lines. 5. Chanel Powder Blush: a light glow with a fresh natural finish. 6. Diorshow Extase Mascara: really lengthens the lashes and dramatises the eyes. 7. Environ Colour range: Full of vitamins, gives a great coverage with a very light feel and is good for all skin types and tones. €28 8. Make-up For Ever, High Definition Blush: Add a dab of colour. Oil-free cream blush, great for applying on the go and works well on all skin types. 9. Revlon’s Colorburst lipstick provides a luxurious, virtually weightless, high-impact colour and offers a unique shade range allowing women to make a statement without saying a word. It contains long-wear and skin conditioning properties as well as anti-oxidants , includiong sweet Almond Oil to improve lip texture. Recommended autumn colour – Icy Nude (for fair to olive skin), Pink Sugar (for fair to olive) and Plum (dark olive skin). Selling Price €8.96 10. Revlon Photoready Concealer helps erase imperfections and camouflage dark under eye circles, lightweight creamy texture blends seamlessly onto the skin. It gives a soft luminous airbrushed finish and contains photchromatic pigments which reflect and diffuse light, giving you good coverage and is ideal for medium to oily skin. Selling Price €10.40 11. The professionally designed formula and shades of Photoready have been tested under the harshest lights , resulting in the appearance of flawless skin. The key benefits are a poreless airbrushed appearance with full yet virtually undetectable coverage. It contains SpF20 and is oil-free and fragrance free. This product is great for all skin types, with a velvety finish. Selling price €17.75 V
>NICOLA’S PRICELESS TIPS! 1: Eyebrows give structure to the face and frame your eyes, so having the right shape can enhance your beauty. If you’re not confident about doing them yourself, I recommend that you get them done professionally. Do not pluck too much! 2: Make sure you have a flawless base; if the base is applied quickly or badly, your make-up will never turn out right. This does not mean you need to cake the foundation on – just make sure you are using concealer, foundation & powder in the right places. Remember, less is more.
044
amsterdam issue
F O OT H E A LT H C E N T R E
Autumn/Winter2011 24.119.27
Brand: Gabor Colour: Black Size: 36 - 42 Price: €95.00
34.161.13
Brand: Gabor Colour: Mud Size: 36 - 42 Price: €90.00
COMPTON
Brand: Scholl Colour: Grey Size: 35 - 42 Price: €90.00
ARDIM
Brand: Scholl Colour: Grey / Brown / Black Size: 36 - 42 Price: €95.00
HOXTON
Brand: Scholl Colour: Black Size: 35 - 42 Price: €85.00
ARVEY
Brand: Scholl Colour: Grey Size: 36 - 41 Price: €90.00
35.701.19
Brand: Gabor Colour: Grey Size: 36 - 42 Price: €110.00
KIRAM
Brand: Scholl Colour: Black Size: 36- 40 Price: €90.00
36.085.43
Brand: Gabor Colour: Brown Size: 36 - 42 Price: €98.00
Available from all Scholl Foothealth Centres, Suffolk - (Valletta) and Abela’s Health & Beauty Centre (Gozo) While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this brochure, prices may be subject to change and not all sizes and colours may be available
KITCHENS BY CARMELO DELIA
Cucine Lube offers a wide variety of kitchen ranges to suit your taste â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether your style is contemporary, modern or classic. With our experienced team and the flexibility of our products, the possibilities are endless. Visit us today and make your dream kitchen a reality! Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2388 9200 Email: info@carmelodelia.com www.bigbon.com
the home of luxury living Part of Big Bon Group
ECO LIVING
Words by Nicole Cushchieri
To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. – Thomas Edison
They say one man’s junk is another man’s treasure and with a little imagination it’s amazing what weird and wonderful creations can be born out of the simplest and most abundant of materials. Re-using commonly discarded items not only saves you money, it is also one of the easiest ways to be green. Minimising the amount of waste you dispose of can contribute greatly to a reduction in composting, rubbish handling, land filling, combustion and pollution – not to mention the effect on greenhouse gases that add to global warming. So whether you’re trying to save money or be more eco-friendly, the art of recycling can teach you to indulge your imagination and flair to give a second life to many items such as plastic bottles, circuit boards, cassette tapes, newspapers, old tyres and any other type of junk that you may have lying around your home. Creative recycling is a great way of challenging your inventiveness and discovering the material possibilities of objects that would otherwise be considered as waste. The key to your creativity is to look at the object laterally: forget its original function and reinvent it with a new and more unconventional one! Almost everything that is produced has the potential to have more than one life. By thinking beyond the rubbish bin and the usual
recycling practices, you can discover a magical world of fun and fulfilment by turning your junk into treasure. Furniture Let’s face it, flat pack furniture is FLAT. It encourages society to consume and throw away products as soon as they fall apart or something else becomes more fashionable. We live in an age that lacks a sense of pride and quality in our belongings. There is little appreciation for a piece of furniture that ages alongside you and becomes part of the family or an heirloom, perhaps. Most pieces of furniture deteriorate the minute they are taken out of the box. As a result, houses tend to look bland, institutional and characterless. By looking at old items with a newly creative and innovative eye, you will realise that most items can become part of your trendy, original and unique home. Funky ideas Cassette tapes may have an element of nostalgic for some, but they can also be cumbersome and lack the aesthetic value and sound quality of vinyl records. However, to keep your 80s tape collection out of the landfill, you can link your old cassettes with plastic ties and glue to create a gorgeous, stylish lamp. A nice bonus to this reinvention is the disco ball-style light effect thrown onto the walls! Decoupage is a great way to decorate old and tired-looking furniture.
This technique can achieve a fairly sophisticated look, and although decoupage is often thought of as child’s play, in its early years it was a craze amongst the gentility. You can find interesting art in old storybooks, gift-wrapping paper or greeting cards. Magazine covers, napkins and fabric are also potential sources of this technique. Decoupage looks complicated but it’s actually quite simple. All you have to do is cut out pictures and glue them to your item of furniture with a few coats of PVA glue and water until it is totally covered. The last step is to apply a final coat of varnish to the surface after the glue has completely dried and you have a wonderfully original piece of furniture. If you think that your old bike wheel has no use at all, then you haven’t been thinking hard enough. How about transforming it into a trendy and useful clock? It’s a great conversation piece on your wall or as a gift for someone special. You can create your own bike wheel clock with your wheel, a clock kit and some brackets to hang it up.
retro accessory. Turn a teapot into a lamp. Try converting a ceramic – or your grandma’s metal – teapot into a table lamp to create a stylish statement in your home that can be elegant, fun and funky. Lamps are simple to make and you can recycle the working parts of any damaged lamp and re-house it in a once beloved but now forgotten teapot. Reshape an old vinyl record into a fruit bowl. When heated, vinyl can take all manner of shape. A record can be moulded into the shape of a durable bowl, taking its strength from the curves in its design, while the original record label sits at the base. But, don’t forget that they have a hole in the middle! V
Glass bottles are quite often pieces of art in themselves. You can even turn a bottle into a lamp! A brilliant home decor idea is to create your very own glass bottle lamp by just saving six glass bottles from your favourite brand of soft drink or beer. Make sure they’re clean and dry and insert them into a wire frame to create this great
amsterdam issue
049
a camel is a horse designed by a committee. Thomas J. Watson Jr
Intelligence made visible.
M: 9985 9606
From High Places> From illustrating advertising campaigns in Denmark, London and Arizona, to freelance illustrating in Malta, Danish illustrator Christian de Souza Jensen has taken control of his creative rights and destiny. VAMP meets this young artist to discover whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for him and the future of street art in Malta â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and just who is Sea Puppy?
EXPOSED: CHRIS JENSEN
“AS AN ALTERNATIVE, WE TOOK OUR BEERS ELSEWHERE, AND JUST HIT UP SPOTS AND SPRAYED. IT WAS A RANDOMLY CREATIVE YET TIPSY TIME OF MY LIFE” The Pre-Occupied Horseman, spray-paint, 12 x 4.5 metres.
Photo: Julian Delia 052
amsterdam issue
EXPOSED: CHRIS JENSEN
Why ‘Sea Puppy’? It’s a name given to me which describes my love for the sea. I spend a lot of time either under it, jumping into it from high places, or surfing it, no matter what season it is (thank you, wetsuit). It was a name that I used mainly for spray paint work, but since it has such a good ring to it, I’ll be using it for most things. What do you love about Malta? Sea, old amigos, the fact that you can see the stars at night, the word “Sacranats”... Do you plan on living in Malta for good? I have no plans for anything, but I’m happy Malta is my base for the time being. It’s also a good birth place for Prosimian. What’s Prosimian? Prosimian is the name of my online business selling limited edition prints. I’m starting off small at the moment, but hopefully in a short while some shirt designs will be in the mix too, among other things. All that I create are good quality things that I would like to wear or have on my walls at an affordable price. As far as the name goes, prosimian is the animal family group that is made up of animals such as tarsiers, bush babies and ringtailed lemurs, found mostly in Madagascar. The logo itself is a drugged out, fat ring-tailed lemur. I’ve always loved lemurs and this family group or species: they are either really cute or have amazing agility, with legs that seem to have hydraulics in them. Did you know that black lemurs get high off giant millipedes? Its the coolest thing ever – check it out on youtube and be prepared for your mind to be blown!>>
Supersuckers “Hell & Back”, graphite & digital, U.S.A.
>>
amsterdam issue
053
EXPOSED: CHRIS JENSEN
What would be your ultimate illustration gig? Man, I’ve got a bunch of those. One of them would be perhaps creating a whole series based on a band’s mascot. Something along the lines of Iron Maiden’s ‘Eddie’. You know, a band makes you create a mascot and you develop his/her personality through different scenarios. What got you into spray painting? Most of the time, spray-painting was something I did randomly with my old homie, James ‘Twitch’ Grimaud (the original graff master of Malta). We hated Paceville with a passion, with its monotonous mediocre sounding/ looking bars and the ridiculous amount of idiotic drunken testosterone there. As an alternative, we took our beers elsewhere, and just hit up spots and sprayed. It was a randomly creative yet tipsy time of my life...
I loved it, and it instantly became my favourite medium, and Twitch being the distributor of Montana in Malta suits me fine. He’s the most real street artist in Malta – he has never stopped, he’s always progressed while others faded away. He is a true artist and because of him, we will be seeing massive changes toward mural art in Malta, in that it will finally exist! What is your conceptual process like? I write an idea down when something pops up. Thumb till I’m happy with composition, preliminary sketch, get all the stages of rendering done, oh yeah and, depending on how technical the piece is, feel afraid that I’ll f**k it up. As far as a series is concerned, I do the same but write down a storyline with occasional quotes. I think it’s important to do this, so the characters you 054
amsterdam issue
Patriotic Prostitute, graphite & digital.
However, it’s not until somewhat recently that I took it really seriously. The old cans we used before were complete rubbish. Even the ‘best ones’ at the time were so frustrating to use. As Twitch has mentioned: “That’s why we got drunk when we sprayed, it was the only way we could enjoy it!” Early on, in 2010, Twitch distributed Montana spray paints in Malta – a Barcelona-based company made specifically for spray paint art. When I gave these cans a whirl, the creative cosmos opened up to me.
present appear as real as possible. Sounds artistically fluffy, but it’s important to feel what the characters feel. Did you ever get busted for spraying? Yep, the first time I tried it – I was 13. Typical teenage stupidity. You think graffiti is awesome, you want to be as cool as other graffiti artists, you have stupid tag names like “ACID” or “LSD”(despite the fact that you don’t know what they are), you wear balaclavas and bandanas over your faces/heads but forget to take them off while walking away from your tag sites. Then two guys swing to the side of the street with their car, both get out and say: “Very fancy head-gear you got their boys!”
Since you find this moment very awkward, and perhaps even annoying, because two dudes just got out to butt into your business and you’re both obnoxious teenagers, you say: “Why is that your biz? Why don’t you and your pervert boyfriend go suck eggs?” Then they reveal their badges, showing they’re under-cover cops. You stop laughing and don’t feel like the smartest people on the planet at that moment in time. What do you reckon is the problem with the world today? Money is the root of all evil. V SeaPuppy.net + Prosimian.net
SP
RT
EC
N
N
L A RM
CR-Z. Three completely different driving modes for three completely different journeys. Speaking of which, which mode do you
MEET A NEW KIND OF HYBRID. CALL US ON 2278 1222 TO BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE TODAY, OR VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO MEET THE CR-Z Associated Motors Co. Ltd, Mriehel By-pass, Mriehel BKR3000 | www.honda.com.mt EMAIL: honda@zamgroup.com | SB Autocentre - Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Gozo TEL: 2155 6773
Follow Honda Malta on Facebook
CHILL’IN OUT
LIKE NO OTHER! ID CAFE... A NEW CAFÉ EXPERIENCE WITH WHICH YOU CAN IDENTIFY Id Café prides itself on serving a selection of the finest and freshest food available, all of which has been specially selected by head chefs Claudio Travato and Adam Demanuele. Positioned on the Sliema front, with a view of the majestic Valletta bastions, the relaxed atmosphere offers a rich Mediterranean flavour and laid back Italian sophistication, while the minimalist yet modern interior – with its soft and soulful music – has the ambience of a Parisian bistro, all fused together to offer only the best of contemporary style. Id Café originally developed with the idea that the public could be part of a creative experience. A creative campaign engaged five local artists to unleash creative energies on the brand known as ‘Identify Yourself’, which showcased various interpretations for the branding of the cafe.
This is a paid advertorial
The artists involved in the campaign were Elisa Von Brockdorff, Moira Zahra, Denise Scicluna, Matthew Grima Connel and Christian de Souza Jenson – who also created an artwork on site, on the whole frontage, during the setting-up of the café.
identity through the project, while united under the Id brand.
The next creative campaign will begin soon allowing each of the artists to express their
4/5 The Strand, Sliema, (2134 4791. To view the artists’ profiles and café events log on to www.id-yourself.com or www.idcafe.com.mt
Reaffirm your individuality and experience the difference at the iconic Id Café. V >> Id Café catered for guests at Malta Design Week <<
amsterdam issue
057
VAMP MAGAZINE ENTERTAINMENT
WHAT’S ON?
A MASSIVE FEW MONTHS LOOMING LARGE WITH BOTH LOCAL AND FOREIGN TOP EVENTS
WHAT’S ON IN AMSTERDAM
>
SUNDAY MARKET: 6 NOVEMBER
More than a hundred unique stalls occupy the Culture Park Westergasfabriek as artists, designers and craftspeople established and up and coming - sell their wares. The cafés and bars are open and there is plenty to keep the children entertained, including painting & cooking workshops. www.sundaymarket.nl
ART FESTIVAL: REALISME 2012 19 - 22 JANUARY
This event has been held in mid-January every year since 2003 to celebrate Realism – the older and richer artistic tradition of Amsterdam – by featuring only figurative art along with free lectures. This is a rare opportunity for art lovers to view spectacular art from 32 renowned art galleries under one roof. www.realismeamsterdam.com
THE CANNABIS CUP 20 - 24 NOV 2011 (ANNUAL)
During The Cannabis Cup, all things marijuana-related are celebrated. The coffee shops have the chance to show off their wares as they compete in categories such as Best Marijuana, Best Hashish, Best Seed Store and Best Hemp Products. Visitors can find hemp cosmetics, new hemp fashions – clothes and jewellery – and sample food from hemp-burgers to cheeses. www.hightimes.com/public/cancup
ART AND ANTIQUE FAIR 20 - 27 NOVEMBER
The biggest national antique fair in Amsterdam, and lasts for the full week. PAN takes place at the RAI congress and exhibition center. PAN is fun to visit, even if you do not intend to buy anything. www.pan-amsterdam.nl
SILENCE, SOUNDS & SPACES 11 – 12 NOVEMBER
Silence, Sounds and Spaces is the title of Renzo Spiteri’s new solo work that will be released as an audio CD during live performances in the Theatre in the Round at St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, Valletta on the 11th and 12th November 2011. The album defines Renzo’s creative journey across a selection of the most prominent archaeological sites spread across the Maltese Islands, encompassing music inspired by these sites and exploiting some of their unique natural sonic timbre. This project is the follow-up to the scoring of the music to the visitors’ audio guide of the Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum for which Renzo was commissioned by Heritage Malta (the national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage) in 2007. Not to be missed!
THE MALTA INTERNATIONAL CHOIR COMPETITION FESTIVAL 3 – 6 NOVEMBER
The Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism, the Environment and Culture together with the Malta Tourism Authority and INTERKULTUR Foundation (Germany) have once again joined forces to organise The Malta International Choir Competition Festival of Sacred and Secular Music 3rd – 6th November, 2011. The festival is open to various categories of choirs which hail from all over the world. The 2009 edition saw some 550 choristers participating amongst twenty international choirs. It is expected that for 2011 the number of participants will be greater. The festival takes place in various locations, ranging from theatres to churches and other public places in Malta and Gozo. The festival is made up of an optional competitive part as well as performance according to preference by the choir. Appropriately enough, the Sacred Music competition will be held in St. Publius Parish Church, Floriana.
CHEMICAL BROTHERS IN MALTA: 5 NOVEMBER
This award-winning, internationally acclaimed band is hitting our shores in November. This will mark the end of their world tour, which started in Paris in March, and then took in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Chemical Brothers will be performing at MFCC Ta Qali.
amsterdam issue
059
VAMP MAGAZINE ENTERTAINMENT
LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL: 11 – 20 NOVEMBER
The London Jazz Festival celebrates its 19th year, with a flamboyant programme which reflects the diverse roots of this great city - and celebrates the 110th anniversary of Louis Armstrong’s birth. The many Southbank venues lead the way, but there will be shows (more than 250 of them!) throughout London. The organisers attract some top rare performers and blend them together with both newcomers and mainstays of the British jazz scene - from stars of the American jazz tradition to key players of the European scene and free musical thinkers. check out: www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk for a full programme and ticketing information.
WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL – BARCELONA 2 – 4 NOVEMBER 2011
World Architecture Festival (WAF) is the world’s largest global architectural awards programme and showcases works by some of the most influential, innovative and stimulating individuals and practices today.
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, HAMRUN: 29 OCTOBER
Described as a chocoholic’s delight, this annual festival turns the use of chocolate into an art form. New recipes are prepared, a wide variety of chocolate products can be bought and an interesting array of chocolate sculptures can be viewed during this tantalising event. Various forms of entertainment are also presented during the event.
>> THE LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL IS RENOWNED FOR SHOWCASING INTERNATIONAL WORLD-CLASS ARTISTS ALONGSIDE EMERGING STARS IN WHAT HAS BECOME THE UK’S LARGEST CELEBRATION OF JAZZ. << BOB DYLAN + MARK KNOPFLER LIVE IN MILAN! 14 – 15 NOVEMBER
Keep your eyes peeled for this incredible concert by Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler, two greats of international rock, who will be in Italy in November, at the Mediolanum Forum in Assago. Bob Dylan and the ex-leader of Dire Straits have decided to tour together but each has their own band and programme, but they will also be performing some songs together. A guaranteed sell out!
MALTA DESIGN WEEK – PAST EVENT
Created to promote and celebrate good design, this seven-day event was spread across cultural and commercial venues around Malta with its base at The Old University, Valletta, attracting over 40,000 visitors. MDW hosted exhibitions, talks, workshops and launches bringing together local and foreign designers, architects, artists, artisans, journalists, critics, academics and entrepreneurs. MDW aims to establish Malta as a hub for Mediterranean creativity; with the potential to grow and transform itself into a yearly or biennial event of international repute. Until next year check out their website for past events and who to contact for next year www.maltadesignweek.com MDW was financially supported by the Malta Arts Fund, the Good Causes Fund and Bank of Valletta; and co-ordinated by architect Chris Briffa, Prof Alex Torpiano, Anton Grech, Stephen Vella, Matthew James Mercieca, Justin Schembri, Liliana Vella, Matthew Casha and Lisa Gwen Baldacchino. Partners include the University of Malta, MCAST, HalMann Vella, JP Advertising, S.A.W Ltd., FLOW, Pedrali, Ellul Wines & Spirits, 240 Ltd., Garden it, Absolut Vodka, Valletta Local Council, Nexos, onepercent, camilleriparismode, cre8 and iCentre.
amsterdam issue
061
They say the Dutch don’t have a cuisine, just food. I’ll let you be the judge of that as you indulge in this selection of traditional Dutch dishes. Chef Bart Saive introduces us to three classics
Digg’in Dutch
by chef Bart Saive
DUTCH CUISINE
Gegratineerde Oesters (Oysters au gratin) Ingredients 12 oysters in shell 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed ½ tbsp freshly ground pepper ½ tbsp nutmeg ½ tbsp Cayenne pepper 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 250gr grated, slightly ripened cheese Butter, melted
Method Open the oysters and reserve their water in a small bowl. Remove the flesh from the shell, discard the top shell and rinse the oysters in fresh water. Put some coarse salt in the shells and replace the oysters on the shell. Sprinkle with the oyster liquid and a small amount each of freshly ground pepper, ground nutmeg, Cayenne pepper, crushed garlic, finely chopped onion and chopped parsley. Top with grated cheese and drizzle with melted butter. Arrange on a baking tray and place on the middle shelf of a pre-heated oven (200ºC). Bake for about 10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Blinde Vinken (Veal Bragioli) Ingredients 8 thin veal cutlets 200 gr ground lean veal 2 eggs, separated 2 slices dry white bread ½ tsp white pepper ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground Salt to taste ¼ tsp nutmeg 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 cup bread crumbs 4 tbsp margarine 8 lemon slices Parsley, for garnish
Method Sprinkle the veal cutlets with salt, and allow to stand in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Beat the egg yolks and soak the bread slices in them. Add the ground veal, pepper, nutmeg and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly. Divide this evenly among the 8 cutlets and spread on each. Roll the mixture inside the cutlets and secure each roll with a toothpick.
Beat the egg whites with a little water and brush this mixture over each of the veal rolls. Cover each roll with breadcrumbs. Heat some of the margarine in a large frying pan. Brown each of the veal rolls, turning them occasionally. Remove them from the pan and set aside. Add a little water to the pan and stir. Add some more margarine and put the veal rolls back into the pan and add the lemon slices. Simmer the rolls, covered, for approx 20-25min, or until they are done. Check that the liquid in the pan does not dry out. Add more water if needed. Once done move the rolls to a heated plate. Remove toothpicks. Remove the lemon slices and pour the gravy over the veal rolls. Garnish with parsley and serve with potatoes and French beans.
Nederlands Haringsla (Dutch Herring Salad) Dutch herring salad is a traditional dish that can be found in many Dutch homes and restaurants. It makes for a satisfying light meal, and it’s perfect to take on a picnic or by the beach. It goes especially well with some fresh crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine. The ingredients used in this recipe are those commonly found in Dutch cooking such as herring, beets, gherkins, potatoes and hardboiled eggs. In Holland the herring is fresh and practically raw, but what can be found here is usually cured and therefore more salty. Ingredients 300gr of cured herring, filleted 2 small heads of lettuce 1-2 Granny Smith apples, peeled & chopped 2 small beets, boiled and chopped 3-4 cold boiled potatoes, chopped 6 pickled cocktail onions 6 small pickled gherkins, sliced 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced 3 tbsp fresh chopped chives to garnish
Vinaigrette: 3 tbsp oil 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or cider Vinegar or tarragon vinegar 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Sea salt (to taste) Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
beets in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, pickled onions and gherkins to the mixture. To make the vinaigrette, whisk the oil with the vinegar and lemon juice in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat. At this point mayonnaise can be added to the salad. Top with chopped chives. Serve cool.
Dutch Liqueurs The Netherlands is well-known for the quality and large diversity of liqueurs elaborated since the Golden Age, when Dutch ships brought home herbs, spices, fruits and seeds from all corners of the world across the oceans. With the great availability of these products, people started to use them in different recipes, that of course included liqueurs. Typical Dutch liquers include alcoholic bitters such as Beerenburg from Amsterdam, Jenever, a spirit made with juniper berries and sometimes called Dutch gin, Brandewijn, a brandylike spirit, Advocaat a thick drink, made with brandewijn, egg, sugar and vanilla, and many others like Curaçao, Triple Sec (similar to Cointreau), Parfait d’Amour, apricot brandy and crème de menthe. The most commercial Dutch liquer brands include Bols, Wenneker and DeKuyper. Here is a very easy and ‘teasing’ cocktail using Advocaat!
Dizzy Blonde 60 ml Advocaat 30ml Pernod Lemonade Ice
Method Pour Advocaat and Pernod into serving glass filled with ice. Top with lemonade. Serve in a 285ml highball and garnish with a red cherry. V Bart Saive is the chef for the Belgium Embassy and caters for private dinners, parties and events including fine dining and beach barbecues. You can contact Bart by phone on (+356)7999-6292 or email bart.saive@gmail.com www.marcelkitchen.com
Method Slice the herring. Mix the herring, chopped potatoes, apples, lettuce and amsterdam issue
063
I-AM STERD AM:
064
amsterdam issue
ESCAPE: AMSTERDAM
>> AMSTERDAM IS A CULTURAL MECCA
BUZZING WITH THINGS TO DO ALL YEAR ROUND. VAMP HIGHLIGHTS A FEW MUST DO’S THIS VIBRANT CITY HAS TO OFFER << Rijksmuseum 17th century art - No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum. This national museum specialises in ‘Dutch Masters’, paintings by famous artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Jan Steen from the 17th century, when Dutch art and society were blossoming. The Rijksmuseum is only partly opened, due to massive renovations lasting until 2013, but the good news is that really all the highlights have been put together in a very sophisticated exhibition. www.rijksmuseum.nl / +31 (0)20 6747000 / Tram 2 and 5 (stop Hobbemastraat), tram 12 (stop Concertgebouw) or tram 6, 7 and 10 (stop Spiegelgracht).
Van Gogh Museum
This is the Netherland’s most popular museum with 1.5 million visitors a year. The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh is one of the most important painters of the 19th century internationally, and the Van Gogh Museum owns about a quarter of his many paintings. The museum also displays works by his contemporaries, including Monet and Gauguin. www. vangoghmuseum.nl / tel. +31 (0)20 570 52 00 / Tram 2 and 5 (stop Hobbemastraat), tram 12 (stop Concertgebouw) or tram 6, 7 and 10 (stop Spiegelgracht). The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are located right next to each other.
Heineken Experience
It describes itself as the ‘Heineken Experience’ rather than a museum. The displays are interactive, so you can touch, smell, taste, learn about the brewing process, star in your own video, and sip a
refreshing beer in the bar with Heineken fans from all over the world. Those under 18 years of age have to be accompanied by an adult, and no alcohol is served to anyone under the age of 16. Tram 7, 10, 16, 24 or 25 and get off at the Heineken Experience. www.heinekenexperience.com
Supperclub Owned by Bert van de Leden, Supperclub offers a totally different experience to the rest, eliminating tradition to instead offer a mix of food, music, performances, and art, allowing you to let go. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but whatever your style, be prepared for a unique dining experience. www. supperclub.com/html/ amsterdam
Vip Water Taxi Treat yourself to a day to remember on the VIP Amsterdam Watertaxi whatever the weather. This floating limo accommodates up to 40 persons with a well-stocked mini bar and music player. Hop off to a restaurant, theatre performance or cafe or simply stay on for a meal and a drink. The VIP Water Taxi also offers Comedy Cafe weekend cruises, bar, canapé and drink parties, and running dinner cruise which offers you one restaurant for a starter, another for your main and desert and last drink on the boat. See www.water-taxi.nl for more information and all they have to offer.
Greenhouse This coffee shop has multiple locations. This is the most popular which boasts some famous visitors, including Lenny Kravitz, Quentin Tarantino and Jon Bon Jovi and the marijuana quality is very good. The atmosphere is funky and psychedelic. The kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
WHERE TO STAY? Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand This luxurious 5-star hotel is set in a prime location in the centre of Amsterdam with National Monument, City Centre Amsterdam and Madame Tussauds close by. Be comforted by the lobby fireplace, garden, and library, and work out in the indoor swimming pool and tennis court, or just relax away in the spa www.sofitel.com Qbic Hotels Cheap and central – This is a good option for those wanting to save some money and have something a little more highly designed than usual. If you don’t mind being away from the city centre, neon lights and no bathroom door, this cheap and cheerful hotel could be the choice for you. www.qbichotels.com Dylan Amsterdam The Dylan Amsterdam offers a luxurious retreat, set behind a historical facade right on the canal at the centre of Amsterdam. Laid around a courtyard and garden, this contemporary yet classic boutique hotel can do nothing else but charm their guests. www. dylanamsterdam.com Conservatorium Said to be one of the most fashionable hotels in Amsterdam, it is also located in the heart of the city. Over 128 rooms and suites are nestled within an iconic building, designed by leading Italian architect Piero Lissoni. The hotel also offers a holistic well-being retreat, restaurant, bar, lounge and brasserie, and designer shops on the upper and lower ground floor will soon be in action. www.conservatoriumhotel.com V
amsterdam issue
065
INTERVIEW
AHEAD OF THE GAME.
M
atthew Calascione took over the role of managing director of Link Projects and The House Shop along with his two sisters, Michele and Mandy. Michele became the creative director after enhancing her design career, studying and working in LA and London and Mandy handles the day-to-day business operations. Matthew talks to Vamp... How did the business begin? The House Shop’s origins go back 35 years, when it began manufacturing and retailing cane furniture at its outlet in Sliema. The founders, Alfred and Stephanie Calascione, diversified the operation into a textile and branded wallpaper supplier. In parallel, Link Projects was set up to specialise in wood flooring and warehousing solutions, from large industrial installations to small residential requirements, eventually branching into steel manufacturing and bespoke shading solutions. The two companies have developed and expanded so much that merging them was the obvious course of action What do you sell, and what services do you offer? Apart from the obvious retail side of the business, which offers exclusive brands in soft furnishings and accessories together with our flexible engagement and wedding service, we firmly believe the only way to win the respect of our clients is to earn it through our commitment to the job and a special understanding of their needs. From consultation to project, from planning to production, delivery, installation and post-sale assistance, be it flooring, kitchens or outdoor solutions, our team at The House Shop Interiors constantly aims to understand our clients’ needs and to satisfy them, through the utmost effort and flexibility.
066
amsterdam issue
What would you say Link Projects and The House Shop do differently to other businesses? I am not in a position to talk about other companies but what I can say is that I do like the way we establish excellent relationships with our customers, who keep coming back to us. This is an integral part of business. We also aim to always stay ahead of the game and try to be the most innovative we can.
In your experience, do you think that the concept of ‘design’ has changed over the recent years? Yes. Nowadays people are more partial to ‘designers’ and understand that, at the end of the day, what you are paying for is not only expertise but peace of mind.
Of which job, to date, are you most proud? It’s difficult to pick one because each project offers different challenges. The satisfaction of installing Malta’s largest state-of-the art storage facility at Simonds Farsons Cisk is very different from the satisfaction achieved in completing a small but incredibly challenging shop conversion in Republic Street.
What plans does the company have for the future? For now, we are working on our latest projects. We have recently opened our new showroom in Ta’ Xbiex and we have also set up a steel fabrication business, specialising in steel structures and shade solutions.
How would you describe ‘contemporary Malta’? The word “catalogue” comes to mind. The look is very much the same in most shops but there are a handful of shops that stand out from the rest.
Quality or quantity? Quality brings quantity
The House Shop, Marina Business Centre, Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex, 21-334-226 www.thehouseshop.com.mt. Link Projects, Ta’ Xbiex Sea Front, Msida, 21-312-772 or 21-334-145 www.linkmalta.com
V
This is a paid advertorial
Do you think that you sell your products and services at a high price compared to other companies? In this day and age, if you want a job well done you have to pay for it. If you compare our prices with those of others, like for like, then we are very competitive. Having said that, you will always find other companies that do things more cheaply, but the best final result cannot be guaranteed.
>> WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THE ONLY WAY TO WIN THE RESPECT OF OUR CLIENTS IS TO EARN IT THROUGH OUR COMMITMENT TO THE JOB AND A SPECIAL UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR NEEDS <<
FABRICS. Discover our new range of curtain and upholstery fabrics available exclusively at the house shop interiors. The House Shop, Marina Business Centre, Abate Rigord Street, Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Xbiex, 21-334-226 www.thehouseshop.com.mt.
UÊ ÌiÀ ÀÊ ià } ÊUÊ*À iVÌÊ > >}i i ÌÊUÊ Þ«ÃÕ Ê UÊ*>ÀµÕiÌÊy À }Ê,i> ÊÜ `Ê> `Ê > >Ìi®ÊUÊ ÌiÀ > ÊEÊ ÝÌiÀ > Ê` ÀÃÊ UÊ iV }ÊUÊ1 `iÀ y ÀÊ i>Ì }ÊUÊ16Ê*À ÌiVÌ Ê >â }Ê
I SAY...
Vamp catches up with female Dutch fashion designer Nawie Kuiper at Runway Malta - the first fashion festival in Malta for local and international designers and models. Interview by Lily Agius, Photos by Peter Stigter
Who do you design for? “I design for confident men who dare to dress differently and do not care whether what they wear is meant to be women’s or men’s clothing. I make clothes for those who are not terribly fashion conscious rather than just knowing what they like to wear for themselves. What is the look for this Autumn? I am not very concerned with what is ‘in’ and what is ‘not in’ and I do not design
trying to predict what the next trend will be. My only focus when designing a collection is the concept or idea which inspires me with no commercial intention. This is the way that I love to design. I find it weird that fashion is seen as something temporary – today, would someone say that a painting is passé or “so 2010”. No. So why do that with fashion? What’s next for you? I organise a fashion event called
FASHIONCLASH Maastricht (www. fashionclash.nl) together with Branko Popovic and Laurens Hamacher, and we also organise a shop for young designers. I am now preparing for my next presentation for a showroom in Paris in November, all of which leaves me with little time to work on my own collections, but I do create a small collection every year. I hope that I can show my next collection at FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2012 in June.” V
Super foods Spirulina
Baobab: The Ultimate Super food
powder, a Baobab superfruit super food natural and organic health-giving extracted from the African fruit of the ancient ing six Baobab tree contain nts than times more antioxida re iron than mo and s rrie jibe go is the ultimate red meat, Baobab nt. me ple sup nal ritio nut
Linwoods
The Linwoods range of delicious, nutritious â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;super foo dsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the perfect solution for those wh o want to ensure that their diet com prises the essential fatty acids, vitamin s & minerals that can add such quality to life & living. These are made up of ground seeds, nuts and berries tha t can add that healthy boost to alm ost everything you eat. Important ly all the products are GLUTEN FREE and have NO ADDED SUGAR.
e/ known type of blu Spirulina is a well the in nd fou be can green algae that is d lakes. Spirulina worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oceans an es rce of plant enzym sou nt rta po im an ce amounts of tra ins nta co ich wh s and, plus the vitamins, mineral eds ds your body ne aci ty fat nt rta impo protein (60-70%) in h ric is It y. da every acids. 8 essential amino and contains all of ChlorophyII, rce sou nt elle It is an exc infect respiratory tract which helps with immune the ost bo lps he infections, n, vent inflammatio system, helps pre bacteria hts fig dy, bo deodorises the aling of wounds. and speeds the he
UĂ&#x160;ÂŁĂ&#x17D;x]Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;°Ă&#x160; iÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;}i½Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;,Â&#x153;>`]Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;°Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2C6;>Â&#x2DC;½Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;/iÂ?\Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;ÂŁĂ&#x17D;nĂ&#x160;{nÂŁĂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; {Ă&#x160;-Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;ÂŤÂŤÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;ÂŤÂ?iĂ?]Ă&#x160;"Â?`Ă&#x160;,>Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x153;>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;/Ă&#x20AC;>VÂ&#x17D;]Ă&#x160; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x20AC;`Ă&#x160;/iÂ?\Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;ÂŁ{Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Â&#x2122;ä£
VAMP MAGAZINE HEALTH
Q+A>ASK DR JO SKIN CARE SPECIALIST DR. JOANNA DELIA ANSWERS SOME COMMON QUESTIONS PUT FORTH BY OUR READERS I’m 25 years old and I would like to make my lips bigger. Should I use Botox or Fillers? Is now a good time to start and do I have to carry on with it after the first time if I don’t like it? Lip augmentation is carried out with the use of fillers that plump up the area in a very natural way and should not be used to enhance the lips to extraordinary proportions. The product used is usually hylauronic acid and it will last between 9 to 12 months. Botulinum toxins are not used on the lips, as they are primarily muscle relaxants and would be of no help here – unless we want your lips to collapse! When the effect has subsided, the lips will return to their original size and you are completely free to decide whether to repeat the procedure or not. There is nothing wrong with a young person starting these treatments, but adequate consultation will help you decide exactly how your concerns can be helped. I want to get rid of my ‘man boobs’. I’m on a diet but this area is the only place where I cannot lose weight. Please help! The reason for larger unsightly breasts in men can stem from not just the presence of stubborn fat, which can frustrate men and women alike in various parts of the body, it can also be due to a condition called gynaecomastia, which indicates the presence of
an underlying hormonal imbalance. The situation needs careful assessment. If it turns out to be the former, lypolytic mesotherapy can be the right option for you as it is ideal for localised fat deposits (and the good news for the ladies is that it also helps with cellulite!). A concoction of ingredients are injected into the area concerned to emulsify the fat from underneath. Four to six sessions might be needed on the same area, with a one to two week gap in between. Once the fat has been melted, it will then be easier to get rid of through diet and exercise. I am 40 years old. I suffered from acne when I was a teenager. The acne cleared up, but I unfortunately still have the scars. What can I do? Micro needle rollers may be the best treatment for any type of scars, including acne scars. The roller has needles which pierce the skin and micro traumatises it, creating tiny holes. In this way more blood, together with collagen precursors, are brought to the area and the skin is re-built. The depth of the scar is reduced, the pores will tighten straightaway and the vitality of the skin is improved immediately – and it will continue improving over the next 12 months. A number of treatments might be needed, depending on the depth of the scar, and a shallower take-home roller is recommended to keep this
process of neo-healing on its toes. The face will be red for the first three days but apart from this, there are no other side effects. Lately more brown spots have been coming out on my face and hands and the skin on my hands is looking very thin. Is there a way by which I can remove the spots and make my hands look younger? And would this hurt or be at all risky? The most traditional treatment involves chemical peels that will help lighten the pigmentation. This involves an acid that is applied to the face, décolleté and also to the hands. There are different percentages of acid that can be used, depending on the skin of the client. The acid reacts with the melanin, which is the pigment that gives us colour, and regulates its production. For the first week, the pigmentation will darken, form a scab and be shed. Sometimes two to three sessions might be needed to lighten the pigmentation as much as possible. There has to be a three-week interval between treatments. As for the thinness, layers of fillers such as Calcium Hydroxyapatite and hyaluronic acid based products will help fill up that which time has sucked away! V Ask Dr Jo any question by email on askdoctorjo@gmail.com joanna@thesmartskinclinic.com
>FANTASTIC FIVE! PORE CLEANSE Cleaning is about removing pollutants from their entrapment in the superficial oily secretions on your skin. This foam will leave your skin clean. There is no need for toners to remove oily cleansers, and the tea tree ingredient is the icing on the cake.
HYDR8 NIGHT Definitely the most comprehensively sensible cocktail of anti-ageing ingredients around – the science is all there, as is the hydrating formulation that makes it perfect for working the magic while you are asleep.
RED ALERT This world-famous serum, packed with topical Vitamin K, is proven to shrink those tiny spider veins and telangiectasia around your nostrils and on your cheeks, as well as in other places! And over time it will prevent new ones from popping up. You’ll love it.
RETINOL 3TR NIGHT SERUM Vitamin A is needed for new cell growth, healthy skin, hair and tissues,and it essentially promotes the healthy renewal of skin. Applying it in this form will mean you get an almost flawless complexion with the fast removal of old stagnated superficial skin cells.
DARK CIRCLES Imagine an eye cream that simultaneously improves the skin consistency of the eye contour – which, being naturally very thin, is liable to show the blood vessles underneath – and slowly controls pigmentation issues in this area. ‘Dark Circles’ takes care of all this. Available from TheSmartSkinClinic, Tigne Street, Sliema, and other leading clinics and salons
amsterdam issue
071
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL TAKE YOUR TASTE BUDS TO NEW HEIGHTS AT ZEST
ZEST RESTAURANT, SPINOLA BAY, ST. JULIAN’S T. 2138 8000 E. info@zestflavours.com W. www.zestflavours.com
EATING OUT
HOTSPOTS! VAMP BRINGS YOU FOUR HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED RESTAURANTS EVERYONE MUST TRY! This country has plenty of restaurants and choosing the right place is imperative to making it a special experience. Following are four restaurants you will adore and will definitely have you going back again!
Perched above the water and away from the noise & bustle, Terrazza has been a favourite of locals and visitors alike for more than 10 years. At Terrazza, you will enjoy the relaxed, romantic atmosphere whilst indulging in skillfully prepared dishes or sipping a glass of fine wine from a fantastic selection. Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s Call: 2138 4939 / 7949 7914
ZEST Where East meets West in both dining and decoration. The chic restaurant is a point of encounter between Continental and Asian cuisine in a contemporary ambience, oozing RELAXED ELEGANCE. 12 St. George’s Road, St. Julian’s Call: 21387600 www.zestflavours.com
GRILL3301
GIUSEPPI’S
With its charming ambience and stunning views of St George’s Bay, the award winning Grill3301 offers a selection of prime beef cuts cooked to perfection, together with fresh fish and seafood, complimented by fine wines from around the world.
In the heart of Mellieha has been serving clients for the past 27 years with Michael Diacono at the helm. His kitchen uses only the best local ingredients to create modern mediterranean and maltese dishes. 25, Saint Helen Street, Mellieha. Call: 21 574882 or 99493579
St George’s Bay, St. Julian’s Call: 9999 3232
TERRAZZA Terrazza Restaurant & Wine Bar offers friendly service, great food and the very best views of Spinola Bay. Discover the soul of Mediterranean dining whilst taking in the breathtaking view of Malta’s most charming bay.
amsterdam issue
073
Keep your body glow with Visit our website on www.unreal.me.uk and call for an appointment on 9926 4271
TBA-Polished Vamp Issue 2 HP Ad FINAL.indd 1
27/09/2011 21:00
FASHION TRENDS
amsterdam issue
075