First December 2017

THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE | DECEMBER 2017

SUPPORT LOCAL CREATIVES VALLETTA’S FOOD BANK DOCUMENTING MALTA’S IN YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKING NEEDS OUR HELP BEAUTIFUL DOORS

Editor’s note

here’s a man who lives a few doors down from me who has been working on creating a wooden nativity scene since August.

In the midst of summer, people would walk by him in their swimwear whilst he carved religious figures in his drive-in.

Back then it seemed out of place, but now that it is put together, taking up two garage doors, twinkling with fairy lights: a handmade, quasi life-size nativity scene, it is the only thing providing cheer in the otherwise bland street, dominated by towering soulless apartments and a myriad of cars and congestion. It literally feels like as if the street is being given a muchneeded hug.

In fact, from singing a carol to buying a gift for somebody, much of the Christmas spirit is about giving and this Christmas issue of First is built around the same notion. I greatly enjoyed seeing the ‘Community Christmas: Supporting Local Creatives’ feature come together (page 24). I feel that something created by small businesses – that they have been inspired to make and into which they have poured their hearts – are the best kind of gift. They somehow make the giving a little more personal and the fact that they are made locally adds an extra special dimension.

Perhaps central to the concept of giving that you will find in this magazine is the feature on Valletta’s food bank (page 42). The team behind the venture has taken it upon itself to provide food to the needy in Malta and Gozo, until they are able to get back on their feet. However, their act of giving is fuelled by the support of many others and the need for generous contributors is constant – which is where the public comes in.

On page 77, four local bakeries/cafes tell us what dessert they would make for a Christmas tea table, making sharing a piece of cake (pun intended).

Also, don’t miss out on our Inside feature for this month, in which we speak to Lisa Gwen, who is dedicating much of her time to documenting beautiful doors around the Maltese Islands, capturing them before they are gone.

Such a project reminds you to notice and appreciate more; other factors which also seem to come to light during Christmas time.

Wishing a wonderful Christmas season – filled with giving and gratitude – to you all!

JOANNA DEMARCO Editor Editor Joanna Demarco jdemarco@independent.com.mt Advertising & advert placements Claire Bondin Gafà cgafa@independent.com.mt Designer Conrad Bondin cbondin@independent.com.mt Production manager Andre Camilleri acamilleri@independent.com.mt Publisher Standard Publications, Standard House, Birkikara Hill, St Julian’s. Tel: 00356-2134-5888 Printer Print it E-mail first@independent.com.mt Online www.independent.com.mt Facebook firstmagazine.

December 2017

Cover details: Illustration by Magda Azab

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First is published every month as a complimentary magazine with The Malta Independent on Sunday and is not to be sold separately.

Contributors ANN DINGLI Ann is an art and design writer who moves back and forth between Malta, London and New York. She runs I think I like it – a blog that discusses art, architecture and design in a frank and relatable way. www.anndingli.com www.think-like-it.com

ROBERTA RANDON Full-time mother and primary school teacher, who enjoys ranting whilst looking on the brightside.

MAGDA AZAB Magda is an Italian Illustrator based in Malta, she creates colourful illustrations, working with strong shapes and vector textures in order to give her distinctive touch. www.magdaazab.it

DORIANNE MAMO Dorianne is a content creator and a fashion stylist.

She’s interested in all things fashion, travel and beauty and blogs on whatever she finds intriguing on www.askdorianne.com

MATTHEW SPITERI Matthew Spiteri is a local, award-winning fashion photographer.

Find him on his ‘Matthew B Spiteri photographer’ Facebook page.

ARABELLA HOGG Arabella is a mummy, journalist and content writer living in Malta, keeping up to date with the world’s ever-changing pop-culture and the latest trends.

Follow us on Instagram @firstmagazinemalta Want to be a contributor? Email us on first@independent.com.mt

CONTENTS [ DE C E MBE R ISSUE 2 017 ]

24.

IDEAS

74.

Give a gift made by a local creative.

ART

12.

39.

CHRISTMAS FEATURE

CONVERSATION WITH Santa Claus

42.

14.

AWARENESS

Documenting beautiful doors around The Maltese Islands

48.

BOOKMARK

December 2017

The Triton Fountain

10

50.

FASHION Those Christmas lights

The Valletta Food Bank

INSIDE

22.

Author Gabriel Schembri on his new book Patria

STYLE

Celebrating the Christmas jumper

64.

BOOKMARK Ziguzajg

66.

77.

FOOD

What would four bakers contribute to a Christmas teatime table?

85.

DIARY

Unchristmassy things to do

CULTURE

94.

Creating pantomime costumes

Christmas calendar

DIARY

Interview

CONVERSATION WITH Santa Claus

THROUGH A FRIEND WHO HAS A COUSIN WHO KNOWS AN ELF, FIRST MANAGED TO GET A RARE INTERVIEW WITH SANTA CLAUS, SO WE ASKED SOME CHILDREN TO TELL US THE QUESTIONS THEY WOULD MOSTLY LIKE TO ASK HIM.

Interview by Roberta Randon

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS JOB? Well, I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. I don’t keep track of the years, as each one is more magical than the last.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER? If I’m honest, I am very fond of my hot chocolate and warm blankets during the cold weather. However, when it gets warmer, I do enjoy a spot of fishing – although I’ve never yet caught anything. I shall not give up: Santa Claus never gives up.

WOULD YOU EVER SHAVE OFF YOUR BEARD? Oh! Nothing scares me more. I don’t know what’s worse, the thought of a sharp object approaching my face or not being recognised by all the children. Both make me tremble.

December 2017

HOW WOULD YOU REACT IF A CHILD SAW YOU LEAVING PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE? Well, this question takes me back to a nerveracking experience I once had. A little girl, not older than four, walked up to me in the middle of the night and tugged at my jacket. I could barely feel her pull – her hands were so small. She stared up at me and said: ‘why did you eat my cookie?’ I was speechless as I dusted off the remaining crumbs from my beard – I’d been caught red-handed. So, to answer your question, I would do exactly the same thing I did then: I would sit down, with the little one on my lap, and ask him or her what he or she wanted for Christmas and send them off to bed. All will be well in the morning.

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DOES MRS CLAUS EVER JOIN YOU IN DELIVERING THE PRESENTS? Oh no, certainly not. She suffers from severe motion sickness so she is more than happy to stay at home. She is the brains behind everything and looks after everyone. My reindeer won’t spend a day without seeing her, especially Rudolf. She organises and plans my routes every single year; I couldn’t do it alone. You know the saying ‘behind every great man, there is a great woman’? Well, that’s Mrs Claus.

WHAT IS THE STRANGEST SNACK A CHILD HAS EVER LEFT YOU? I don’t know where to begin. A child once left me one lonely jelly-bean on a giant plate, with a block of cheese for my reindeers and a spoonful of yoghurt as I imagine they’d ran out of milk. Another child left me half her supper, which I thought was rather clever. My reindeers devoured her Brussels-sprouts.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COOKIE? A round one: I’m easy to please.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE WHO DRESS UP AS SANTA ALL OVER THE WORLD? I feel flattered and find many of them quite entertaining. I always find the slim Santas the most amusing, even though Mrs Claus always tells me I should aspire to be like them and eat a few thousand less cookies every Christmas. But at the end of the day, it’s all about spreading the Christmas cheer – hats off to them all.

December 2017

Inside

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DOCUMENTING MALTA DOOR

BY DOOR With over 10,000 Instagram followers and hundreds of doors collected, MaltaDoors has come far, especially considering that it all started because of the founder’s need to get virtually organized. It has now become a personal mission to document the doors before anything happens to them. first spoke to Lisa Gwen, the person behind the local social media sensation, about the abundance of beautiful doors lining Malta’s streets, and what doors have opened up for her (pun intended) through this documentation.

Interview by Joanna Demarco. Photography by Lisa Gwen

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Inside Other than that, it’s the tremendous feedback I have received since embarking on this project, that and the alarming rate at which gorgeous buildings are disappearing. I think this project has evolved, organically, and has now become documentative more than anything else. So I now also feel compelled to document as many doors and façades as possible, out of fear for their disappearance.

Why doors?

How did MaltaDoors start? What keeps you taking pictures of doors?

MaltaDoors started on a lazy Sunday afternoon, when I was trying to organise the myriad of photos in my picture gallery. I noticed that I had been increasingly taking photos of doors, and that I was posting too many on my personal Instagram feed. Being the slightly anal person I am, I opted to solve this by creating a second account.

And that’s how it was born.

December 2017

I call myself ‘The Local Tourist’ – I love switching off at the weekends; I take to exploring the islands, practically once a week, specifically to take photos and hopefully make some new, interesting or quirky discovery. I genuinely enjoy exploring new ‘territories’ and my enthusiasm to do so has never waned or faltered.

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I’m not sure I can answer that actually, as there is no specific reason why I opted to focus on doors. My penchant for photography stems from a love of architecture and a fascination with abandoned or dilapidated spaces. With time, I have come to realise that the doors are an excuse, a pattern I detected in my images, a symbol. Yet being a person who loves the outdoors and going out on long walks through towns and villages in an attempt to soak in as much of a space as possible, the doors become a common denominator: they are the constant, keeping me company as I familiarise myself with spaces I would have thought I knew, but which I had never really seen.

Why do you think it has grown into a local social media phenomenon?

I’m not sure, to be perfectly honest. The only thing that comes to mind is that there is too much negativity surrounding us on a dayto-day basis. People look for a means of escape, something which restores the balance, and aesthetics can play an important role. This is also one of the reasons why I take photos of doors, why I choose ▶

EN We’re

SPLASHING

GIFTS this Christmas

Terms & conditions on

roseberrycosmetics.com

R EPUBLIC STR EET, VA LLET TA T. 00356 2750 5050

E. shop@roseberrycosmetics.com

Inside

◀ to focus on details, colour or texture. I see Malta changing at an alarmingly fast rate – so many construction projects, so much development and so little regard for the safeguarding of our spaces and places.

December 2017

What are some of your favourite doors?

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Ah! That’s a good question and one I’ve never been asked. I like the Modernist or post-war/mid-century builds, best. I am incredibly

enamoured with Villa Carmel, for instance, and can’t believe I finally got the chance to photograph Mon Nid in Wied iz-Zurrieq just a few days back. Then there’s the glorious Villa Sunshine in Ta’ Xbiex, the mosaic-laden façade of the Naxxar Barber, WilMarVille – the pink/green stunner on Old Railway Road, the impossibly tall green doors of the Floriana apartments just opposite the public garden, the exquisite surviving examples of the art nouveau period in Sliema… anything with a pink door, wall or accent. Yes, I have a thing about pink – and I can’t explain why. ▶

Inside

Then there was this woman in Għaxaq, who appeared in her upstairs window, sceptical and suspicious of what I was doing… that is until I complimented her on her gorgeous façade, in three graded shades of mosaic.

At which point, she was so touched, she actually asked me whether I would like to come inside and take photos of the interior too.

The stories never end, really. It’s what makes this project so special, it’s why passers-by often notice me smiling to myself. I’m never really alone, there’s much company to be found.

What do doors tell us about Maltese You have recently won funding to begin a culture? documentary? Could you tell us more?

Well, for one, that Maltese people are, on the whole, incredibly house-proud. Since starting this project, I have noticed so many façades and apertures change colour, be upgraded, have their balconies restored… and yet at the same time I’ve also realised that there is little appreciation for some of the unique architectural styles and features. I have already observed the steady disappearance of many modernist builds, many of which should have been scheduled, at least in part. I don’t think it’s enough to safeguard the mediaeval, baroque or neo-classical builds: our cultural heritage extends well beyond that. I do fear that a time will come when we will look back on the second half of the 20th century and realise that there is little to remind us of the era.

Yes, just recently, I was awarded a research grant through the Arts Council Malta to explore the possibility of a producing a publication. This will be a story-telling project that will allow me to tell the stories about and behind the doors. I’ve been asked by a considerable number of people to think about producing a publication, based on the hundreds of images I’ve collected.

However, I’ve always known that, should this materialise, it wouldn’t be a coffee-table publication full of lavish images. I want to tell the story of Everyman. I consider myself first and foremost a writer and a curator: the documentative/photographic aspect of what I do is merely complementary to my sense of the aesthetic, to my curious nature… it was never an end in itself.

What does the future look like for MaltaDoors?

Do you have any stories behind some of your What are your plans? pictures of doors?

I haven’t the foggiest idea! All I know is that I can’t see the project

December 2017

I do, some of which are incredibly heart-warming, such as the elderly gentleman and his daughter sitting on their stoop in Zurrieq who, after observing me scan a number of houses, asked me whether I was going to take a photo of them, too. Needless to say, I obliged.

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Or just recently, I met another elderly gentleman, sitting on a green cart outside his house in Siggiewi. He had the most gorgeous cat by his side, with whom he seemed to be having a very serious conversation. I walked up to them and the cat and Mattew (Maltese version), quickly included me in the conversation. The cat has no name, yet is Mattew’s constant companion, even following him to the bank and while running errands.

slowing down any time soon. I find it incredibly enthralling that barely a week goes by when I’m not contacted to contribute something or other – to a magazine, an online portal or whatever.

I love how the project has resonated with audiences and readers and how it has connected me to so many amazing and wonderful people – one of them being the uber talented Magda Azab, who even designed the MaltaDoors logo. A good friend of mine also helped me set up a ‘store’, so now a few prints and images are available online. Otherwise, what I hope for and what I look forward to is more collaboration like the one with Surface magazine (US), on the Valletta feature.

Follow MaltaDoors on instagram @maltadoors or on facebook at MaltaDoors

December 2017

Bookmark

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People view the newly-restored Triton Fountain from up close, as the entrance to Valletta nears completion.

Photography by Joanna Demarco

December 2017 23

December 2017

Ideas

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COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS Filling your stocking whilst supporting local creatives

In a bid to encourage local gift-giving this season, first magazine speaks to ten Maltese makers about why their locally-made products make the perfect Christmas presents.

Words by Ann Dingli. Photographs sent in by the creatives.

e all know the benefits of shopping locally – reducing shipping footprint, buttressing local wages, encouraging entrepreneurship, bolstering competition, and so on. And Christmas is the perfect testbed for gauging whether or not the market for locally-made products is abundant, varied, and – yes – high-quality enough for us to buy into it in a serious way. For better or worse, a lot of money

is spent at Christmas, so choosing products just for the sake of their localness is also not a good sustainability model.

They need to be robust, lasting, and conscientiously made.

Even if we take all the benefits of buying locally as given, it’s genuinely not always easy to put our money where our local products are, and that purely boils down to the size of our market and its irrefutable limitations.

Happily, this year’s Christmas shopping comes at a moment of particular richness on the local market. There’s been a

monumental return to craftsmanship in recent years, with a specific inclination towards products that convey a very Maltese spirit. Around ten or so years ago, we enjoyed a spike in high-quality locallymade food and drink products –which remain perfectly desirable gift ideas today. But recently it’s the Maltese art, craft and design scene that has been lit up like over-zealous house decorations, and – for once – we’re not complaining.

We’ve hand-picked some of the most exciting products available to fill your stockings and place under your trees. ▶

December 2017 25

Ideas

Play your cards right Solitary Christmas-card-giving has largely lost its popularity – how often do you receive a card in the post unless it’s a promotion?

KrissZammitEndrich’sIslandand the Prairiescard collection might just have the back-bone to restart the tradition. “You might not be able to get every friend a Christmas gift, but you can finally get them a card they can relate to!” ZammitEndrich says. Her illustrations are fun, unpretentious, and at times locally-themed. Think climbing Santas and luzzu giving side-eye.

December 2017

Where to get Island & the Prairies cards: On sale at Emma’s Kitchen in San Gwann, on Etsy at islandandtheprairies.etsy.com.

You can aslo email islandandtheprairies@gmail.com to arrange a local pickup.Single card price is €3.50 ▶

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Ideas

December 2017

Patterned presents

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The holiday season has a way of springing giftgiving occasions onto consumers in all manner of formats. Whether it’s a Secret Santa event, or a dinner invitation that warrants a gift, an intimate staff party – the list goes on. Local designer Stephanie Borg has emerged on the scene to put an end to the frustration of trying to find a meaningful gift that fits within such parameters.

Borg designs a number of gift-worthy products from prints to mugs, aprons, art cards and calendars. Her packaging is as attractive as her products, and she designs it all herself – down to the finest detail. “My daily tear-off calendar comes

in its own customised gift box, which I designed purposely,” Borg explains. “The calendar is quite a unique piece in that there hasn’t been anything like it locally before, and there won’t be another one exactly like it, ever!”

Where to get Stephanie Borg products: Visit Stephanie’s studio boutique on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4-7pm, and Saturday mornings between 10am-1pm for the period between the 4th-22nd December, and 10am-5pm on December 8th & 13th. The studio is located at 33 Triq Santa Katerina, Rabat. You can order directly from the designer at: stephanie@stephanieborg.com, or visit her website: www.stephanieborg.com ▶

Ideas

Tiny treasures Self-described as being created with “ink and magic”, Tiny Island’s whimsical prints will put a smile on the end of any gift-giving transaction this year. “In Malta, we put Christmas lights on palmtrees,” illustrators Jimmy and Max tell us. “Charged with the island’s energy, our hand-pulled, limited edition prints irradiate sunshine all year round”. These Gozitan-made prints are simple, fun and uncluttered by needless metaphor. They’ll put the sunshine back into Christmas in a heartbeat.

December 2017

Where to get Tiny Islands prints:Visit the brand’s website at: www.tinyislandsstudio.com ▶

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Ideas

A print for all seasons

December 2017

For anyone who’s fully on the printswagon but looking for something that feels more like Christmas, the Te fit-Tazza design duo are back this year with a new collection of prints called Colours of Malta.

This new line still smarts of their quirky, angular style, but its colours are richer, deeper and more suited for the winter season. “We know that Maltese life surrounds us in every way,” the designers tell us,“so we’re constantly thrilled by a dancing changing colour palette – whether it comes from Valletta’s horizon or the warmth of a stunning Riviera sunset”.

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Where to get Te fit-Tazzaprints:Visit the brand’s website at: www.tefittazza.com

Poster perfect “My posters are perfect for people that love illustration and are looking for an unconventional present, or [for those who] want to share their love for Malta and Valletta,” explains Italian illustrator Magda Azab. Azab has made Malta her home, and whilst discovering the islands’ sights and sounds, has produced a handful of charming illustrations that celebrate their colour and character.

Her posters are bright, playful, and make a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves design.

Where to get Magda Azab products: You can purchase prints online at: www.magdaazab.it/shop ▶

December 2017 33

Ideas

Gifts that won’t suck And while we’re in the neighbourhood of token gifts that are actually meaningful – the designers at Souvenirs That Don’t Suck have made our job of seeking these out delightfully easy. “They may be called souvenirs, but these gifts are really for any Malta-lover with a sense of humour,” the team explains. “From keychains to hoodies, our products highlight the beauty and culture of Malta, with a designer twist”. Their range of products are perfect gifts for friends, parents, even grandparents who have a fondness for pleonasms and bright colours.

Where to get Souvenirs That Don’t Suck: Available in the brand’s Sliema shop, located at 108, Triq Manwel Dimech. You can also order online at: www.souvenirsthatdontsuck.com – shipping to Malta and Gozo is free.

A bit of burlesque

December 2017

Going local is not the only measure of sustainability to be taken at Christmas – there’s also a great opportunity to seek out products that are sustainably made.

Burlesque’s luxurious, triple scented candles are made from 100% clean burning soy wax, free from artificial ingredients, petrochemicals and paraffin – they even use organic, lead-free cotton wicks. “[Burlesque candles are] hand made in Malta from a unique blend of exotic fruits, flowers and spices, made from natural essential oils and candle fragrance – each one depicted by its very own burlesque dancer”. With scents including lavender and mint, mandarin and French vanilla, Bulgarian Rose, and more, these candles will ensure that yours are the sweetestscented Christmas stockings on the islands.

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Where to get Bursleque Candles: Visit their Facebook page: @BurlesqueCandles ▶

Ideas

Considerate confectionaries There are some people who just want to indulge at Christmas. No matter how creative you try to get, they’re much happier with something that’s going to get their taste buds twitching. The delicious, local Honest food line of homemade dessert products will tick this precise box. “Our artisan chocolates are a guilt free indulgence, infused with a pure devotion to your health and vitality,” says Emma Camilleri

from Honest. “Not only are we organic, vegan, paleo and gluten free, we are also low GI, so you don’t get those nasty sugar spikes”. Meaning – these gifts will satisfy your loved one’s longing for luxurious confectionaries without even a trace of guilt.

Where to get Honest Food products:Visit their Facebook page: @Honestfoodmalta or contact Emma at: emma@honestfoodmalta.com

Christmas cheers People overdosing on all things mulled, spiced or nutmegged is a guaranteed eventuality during holiday season; so a drink that will cleanse the Christmas palette is always a welcome gift. Stretta home-brewed beer came onto the market just about a year ago and has been making leaps and strides in its popularity ever since. The beer makes a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates lovingly crafted products. The brew firm today has two beers on the market –India Pale Ale No1 and Muzajk - Transatlantic Pale Ale. “Both these beers have been brewed using a method called dry hopping,” brewer John Borg Barthet explains.

“We add specially selected hops postfermentation to bring new dimensions of flavour to the beer”. In plain English: it’s love and devotion – bottled.

December 2017

Where to get Stretta Craft Beer: You can purchase the brand’s products directly from The Store at P.Cutajar& Co, located at P.Cutajar& Co. Ltd., Capital Business Centre, Triq Taz-Zwejt, San Gwann, SGN 3000

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Christmas feature

CHRISTMAS AS A TIME FOR FAMILY, LOVE AND GIVING

Words by Joanna Demarco. Illustration by Magda Azab

If Christmas were a person she would visit once a year, for a few weeks, flying in from her exotic home with presents in her luggage and a bright smile on her face.

Every year, planning for her arrival begins in about September, and the first time she is mentioned, some people roll their eyes and mutter “her arrival is still two months away” under their ▶

December 2017

ere Christmas a person it would be an aunt who is warm and smiley, humane, peaceful and softly-spoken, with an instantly recognisable scent, who gives everyone great hugs, wears bright colours, takes care of her appearance, is ecstatic to see you and is generous in every way.

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Christmas feature ◀ breath. For the time she is here, you will have a large number of events revolving around her, or organised in her name, to the extent that, by the time the last one arrives and she begins to pack her bags to return to her exotic country, everyone is actually quite happy to see her go.

They would be kind of glad to stop the celebrations, because even celebrations are only appreciated in moderation.

Of course, there are those who do not like this particular aunt so much: they cannot understand all the fuss people make about her, or they have some bad memories associated with her, which is perfectly understandable. And yet most of us still have a soft spot for her, and when it is time for her annual visit, no matter who we are or what we believe, there is usually that feeling of warmth associated with her.

BEFORE CHRISTMAS WAS CHRISTMAS Despite Christmas being a religious celebration, down to its name which, as Archbishop Charles Scicluna explained to First, literally means ‘the feast of Christ’, it has become a feast of humanity – whether it is celebrated as a religious feast or a secular celebration.

a a good supply of fresh meat. Similarly, wine and beer that had been made throughout the year was by this time fermented and ready for drinking.

Saturnalia and Juvenilia celebrations were also held by the Romans during this time of the year. The former was a feast in honour of Saturn – the god of agriculture – and Juvenalia honoured the children of Rome. One of the most sacred days of the year was 25 December, when members of the upper classes would celebrate the birth of Mithra – the god of the unconquerable sun – who was believed to have been born of a rock.

FAMILY, LOVE AND GIVING In the early days of Christianity, Easter was the main celebration and the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. It was in the 4th century that the birth of Jesus was instituted as a feast day, with Pope Julius I choosing 25 December as the date, without any mention of a date in the bible. It is generally accepted that the Church chose this date to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival, thus improving the chances of the feast being celebrated.

It was known as the ‘Feast of the Nativity’, and the celebration had spread to England by the end of the year 6AD and to Scandinavia by 8AD. In the middle ages, Christianity had more or less replaced pagan religions. Believers would mark the occasion with a religious rite and then celebrate in a carnival-like manner and the poor would demand food and drink from those who were better off.

“Even though in many ways Christmas has been diverted from the celebration of the birth of Christ, it still remains for many a time of family, love and giving.”

It is also interesting to read the history of Christmas, and know that that period of the year was always a cause for celebration amongst many communities worldwide.

Long before the birth of Jesus, the mid-winter season was already acknowledged as a time of celebration in many European countries, where they celebrated light and birth in the midst of winter’s cold and darkness.

December 2017

People cheered and feasted when the winter solstice came around, as it meant that the cold, long winter days were over and increased hours of sunlight were just around the corner. The December period, which has become synonymous with the celebration of Christmas, was a time in the year when many different cultures celebrated the year’s rebirth.

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Books such as Washington Irving’s The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol instilled and further pushed the concept of performing acts of kindness and charity at Christmas time, as family structures were becoming less disciplined and therefore Christmas was seen as an excuse for giving attention to children without appearing to ‘spoil’ them.

Whilst the birth of Jesus is the main focus of the Christian celebration, feasting, giving and showing love are factors that are practiced by nearly everyone during December, whether they are Christian or not.

The ancient Scandinavians, known as the Norse, celebrated Yule from 21 December – the date of the winter solstice – until January.

A large log would be lit and people would eat and drink around it until the log was finally burnt out: sometimes burning for more than 10 days.

When asked whether most Maltese still celebrate Christmas with the birth of Jesus Christ as the focal point, Archbishop Scicluna said that he believes this is the case. “I’m sure that most Maltese are still familiar with the true Christmas narrative. The way they celebrate it may be different, but I do think there is a focus on the true narrative and that most people celebrate Christmas knowing what they are truly celebrating,” he said. “Furthermore”, he continued, “even though in many ways Christmas has been diverted from the celebration of the birth of Christ, it still remains for many a time of family, love and giving.”

Feasting and overeating (and possibly being static for a few hours following) were also prevalent during this period. Most cattle were slaughtered during this period so they would not require feeding during the winter, so for many, that time period was when they had

The Archbishop went on to explain that the cultural, secular Christmas celebration of family, love and giving “are factors not removed from the [religious] meaning of Christmas, but rather, they bring it to life in the narrative of everyday life.”

Awareness

December 2017

“I STARTED THE FOOD BANK BECAUSE WE WERE MADE AWARE THAT THERE WERE PEOPLE IN MALTA WHO WERE STRUGGLING TO HAVE ENOUGH FOOD TO EAT.”

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HOW CAN WE HELP THE FOOD BANK HELP?

The number of people turning to the Valletta Food Bank because they cannot afford to buy their own food is growing. Currently providing for about 70 families a week, the Food Bank plans to increase its distribution, but needs to know that enough food will be coming in order for this to happen. first spoke to the Reverend Kim Hurst, who runs the project, to see how it works and how the public can help.

Words and Photography by Joanna Demarco December 2017 43

Awareness

December 2017

nlike other cities, such as London and Rome, poverty in Valletta is somewhat out of sight.

However, for the food bank tucked away in the city’s pretty Old Bakery Street, poverty is a daily reality and, in fact, as time goes by it sees an ever-increasing number of clients opening its doors requiring the basic need that is food.

Smiling, strong-headed and throwing in a witty comment here and there, Reverend Kim Hurst opens the door and welcomes me in to the Food Bank, after walking through a waiting area where a number of people are seated on chairs, waiting to pick up their weekly packages.

The food bank is run by St Andrews’ Scots Church and came into being soon after Rev. Hurst became its Minister in 2014.

When they first set up the food bank back in 2015, the charity organisation was only getting about eight or 10 people at their door every week but now, two years on, it is almost 10 times that number, with between 60 and 80 families making use of the service on a weekly basis. The food bank provides food supplies for families who are temporarily facing a crisis.

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‘There are people in Malta struggling to have enough food’ “I started the food bank because we were made aware that there were people in Malta who were struggling to get enough to eat,” said the Minister, who believes that the number of people making use of the service has dramatically increased due to both increased exposure and a surge in poverty. “The number of people referred to us has tripled, exactly in the same way as the number of people referred to the Community Chest Fund has tripled. There are more and more people in Malta struggling financially,” she said. Although you don’t see poverty on the streets in Malta, Rev. Hurst emphasises that it is still there, just currently out of sight.

“You don’t see people begging or sleeping on the streets,” she said, “the poverty here is more hidden. We are feeding people who do not have a roof over their heads – who do not have a home.

They are ‘sofa surfing’, moving from one sofa to another. We know of people who are living in their car, or at airports and ferry terminals, because they are places that are warm. So, they are not sleeping on the streets in Malta – yet.” ▶

“WE ARE FEEDING PEOPLE WHO ARE ROOFLESS AND DO NOT HAVE A HOME. THEY ARE SOFA SURFING, MOVING FROM ONE SOFA TO ANOTHER, WE KNOW OF PEOPLE WHO ARE LIVING IN THEIR CARS, OR AT AIRPORTS AND FERRY TERMINALS AS THEY ARE PLACES WHICH ARE WARM. SO, THEY ARE NOT SLEEPING ON THE STREETS IN MALTA YET.”

Flamant Malta, Pjazza Tigné, The Point, Sliema (+356) 2395 7630 | info@flamant.com.mt | www.flamant.com.mt |

½ Flamant Malta

PARIS | BARCELONA | CASABLANCA | DUBAI | HAMBURG | KUWAIT | LJUBLJANA LONDON | PRAGUE | REYKJAVIK | SÃO PAULO | SLIEMA | TUNIS | ZÜRICH

Awareness ◀ Rev. Hurst sees the rise in rent prices as one of the reasons why the food bank is getting more and more clients. “In the past two years, rentals have doubled,” she said. “Many people are moving back with their parents, relationships are put under pressure – it is not an ideal situation,” she said, also noting that “without an address you cannot get an ID card and without an ID card you cannot get benefits.”

The aim of the food bank is to help ‘fill the gaps’ during periods when people cannot afford to buy food themselves, such as during the waiting time when applying for benefits or getting your first salary after you start going off benefits. “There are gaps,” she said, “and we fill them.”

People who are receiving food packages from the food bank are referred through organisations that help people in crisis, such as Appogg, and they are usually provided with supplies for six weeks.

However, each situation is decided separately, and this period can be prolonged, depending on the situation and with the knowledge that the clients want to help themselves and improve their situation.

If there was just a small need for people to be given food, then churches would be able to help the people around them, “but it has become overwhelming,” said Rev. Hurst, adding that many social workers were visiting people’s homes, opening the fridge and seeing that there was no food for the family to eat.

“We want to make sure that we are here for situations like that,” she said.

Each food package can provide food for a family for up to a week The food bank provides four different types of packs: packs to help people who are living without a roof over their head and others for a single individual, a couple or a family. The pack for those people who do not have a home in which to cook consists of food which can be cooked without having access to cooking facilities.

In each pack of food, there is enough to be able to feed the family for a week if they are able to add things like bread, tomatoes and onions themselves. The pack includes oil, tea or coffee, breakfast cereal, jam, meat, fish, tomatoes, vegetables and fruit.

Families come from all over Malta and Gozo seeking help People benefitting from the food bank come from all over the country, including the north and south of the island and even Gozo. In fact, the organisers are planning to introduce a new distribution centre in the south of Malta in the coming year.

Volunteers and a location for the centre are in place. “What we need, though, is to know that food will be coming in, in order to keep the distribution point flowing,” said Rev. Hurst.

The team is also looking into eventually opening a distribution point in the north of the island.

How can each one of us help?

One of the initiatives Rev. Hurst and her team are working on is to have collection points at supermarkets, such as those already present at Value Supermarket in Naxxar and Mellieħa. Using such schemes, shoppers can simply buy an extra item and put it in the collection box, from where it will be delivered to the food bank.

Rev. Hurst spoke of people who have taken it upon themselves to help the food bank. “There is a group of friends who meet for coffee once a month and whenever they meet up, they each bring an item, put them all in a box and bring them here,” she said.

Another idea currently being encouraged by the food bank is the reverse advent calendar, encouraging people to fill a box with food products – one for each day in December up to Christmas.

The box can then be delivered to the food bank. “When your Christmas is all over, thanks to you their Christmas is only just beginning,” the poster promoting the initiative reads. Every item put in the reverse calendar will make an emergency food parcel for those in desperate need.

Rev. Hurst and her volunteers are also talking to children in schools about the initiative.

“THERE IS A GROUP OF FRIENDS WHO MEET FOR COFFEE ONCE A MONTH AND WHENEVER THEY MEET UP, THEY GET AN ITEM EACH, COLLECT THEM IN A BOX, AND BRING THEM HERE.”

December 2017

How much food does the food bank provide?

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Although she believes more people tend to come during the winter months, the Rev. Hurst does not think there is much of a fluctuation from one season to the next. “At the moment, we hand out just over €2,000 worth of food a week, sometimes more,” she said. Since its doors have been open, the food bank has handed out over €100,000 worth of food for over 10,000 people.

Rev. Hurst said that January this year saw double the number of clients compared to last year, and there has also been an increase in the past few months. Indeed, the number definitely does not seem to be going down. “This year the figures are more than double what they were in 2016,” she said, comparing the two as they are the two full years during which the food bank has been functioning.

Food donations can be delivered to 210 Old Bakery Street, Valletta or, when closed, to the box office at Embassy cinemas.

Monetary donations can also be made on the website thefoodbank.webs.com.

Rev. Hurst can be contacted at kim.hurst@methodist.org.uk

Style

THAT CHRISTMAS SWEATER Words by Arabella Hogg.

‘Winter’ as a season is almost solely defined in people’s minds by the fortnight or so of Christmas/New Year festivities: anything before or after is either known as ‘pre or post Christmas’. It is the Marmite period of the year – you either love it or hate it. I personally love it (and Marmite too, which I generously slather on toast almost every morning.) I find the sense of unity that comes with it with rather comforting, knowing that whether you are from Tarxien or Texas, when the 25th day of December comes around, everyone will be unwrapping presents and over-eating all day. It’s a time when you make a point of calling your great-aunt or send a stream of loved-up messages to your friend who lives abroad.

December 2017

Whilst dressing with a sense of taste is strongly advised throughout the first 11 months of the year, a metaphorical ‘hall pass’ is given during December, when we can embrace all levels of crassness – cue the Christmas sweater, embroidered and embellished to your heart’s content. Over the years, it was the dreaded present, knitted carefully by a grandmother, but nowadays, fashion has truly embraced this tradition with on-trend high street shops stocking every version imaginable, truly embracing the ironic comedy of wearing something utterly tasteless.

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Fashion has had a love affair with kitsch for quite a while. This year has seen high-end luxury brands releasing quite questionable pieces *cough cough* GUCCI: bright pink shiny ruffled dresses, fur-lined leather slippers and jumpers featuring an array of crocheted animals, have all been perfectly acceptable this year. The transition into winter just amps up the cheese-factor, and I would say that, this year, there is nothing holding you back from going allout-crass.

It becomes socially acceptable to quite literally drown yourself in glitter for the entire month of December – from shimmer eyeshadows, sparkling nail polish and rhine-stoned tights to any sort of Christmas-themed accessory. There is always one middle-aged woman in every office who seems to own an entire collection of spangly, dangly festive earrings and headwear – entering the office at 9 o’clock with a tinkle of bells coming from a pair of miniature Rudolphs hanging from her earlobes… go for it, girl!

So how can you incorporate festive cheer into your usually quite conservative wardrobe? Answer – novelty sweaters and Nordic knits: the ‘it-knit’. Depending on how involved you want to be in the Christmas theme, you have two options. You can go for the full-blown Winter Wonderland and opt for a holiday sweater (Santa, penguins, snowmen... you know the drill, teamed with a pair of leather trousers, heels and some statement earrings or a micro-mini skirt, tights and boots, and you’ll be Christmas party season ready. Or, if you want to opt for a more subtle approach, a Scandi Fair Isle-patterned jumper (championed by hipsters) and denim jeans, or a chunky cable-knit sweater paired with a full A-line skirt and dainty heels, is the way forward.

Aside from the great expense and sometimes quite materialistic aspect of this season, there are moments of pure happiness that come from the simplest things: the scent of spices, getting cosy under a blanket on the sofa and watching ‘Dr Seuss’ movies, endless mugs of steaming hot drinks and unadulterated levels of tackiness.

It’s your chance to embrace going a bit wacky with your wardrobe for one month of the year. The ‘it-knit’ is a perfect option for this season’s festive gatherings: understated or ridiculously cheesy – the choice is yours.

Jumper

€24.99

December 2017

Fashion

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Black top (E95) and palazzo pants (E115) from 1-2-3 PARIS. Squadra blue necklace (E224) from PORTO.

THOSE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

December 2017

STYLING: DORIANNE MAMO FROM WWW.ASKDORIANNE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW B SPITERI HAIR: NEVILLE AT NVAD MAKE-UP: AMANDA GREAVES MODELS: ANDREA CARUANA FROM MODELS M

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December 2017

Fashion

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December 2017

Red dress with bow detail (E55) from MARKS & SPENCER. Chunky ring (E78) and bag from PORTO. Luciaa shoes (E95) from ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES.

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December 2017

Fashion

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Black dress with bell sleeves (E38) and open cardi with faux fur (E40) from F&F. Dansk necklace (E45) from PORTO.

December 2017

Velvet black dress (E89.95) from MARKS & SPENCER. Earrings (E43) from PORTO. Luciaa shoes (E95) from ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES.

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December 2017

Fashion

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Jimmy Choo glasses (E252) from O’HEA OPTICIANS. Top (E18) from F&F.

OUTLETS FEATURED: 1-2-3 PARIS Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian's, tel. 21375781.

ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES, The Point Shopping Mall, Tigne, tel. 99751057, Valletta, tel. 99892331, Pama Shopping Mall, tel. 99854540, Paola, tel. 99892332, Gozo, tel. 99000106. 21315590. F&F, The Plaza Shopping Mall, Sliema, and Pama Shopping Mall, Mosta, tel. 21437290. MARKS&SPENCER Valletta and Sliema. O’HEA OPTICIANS, 191 The Strand, Gzira, Tel. 21315590 PORTO, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian's, Tel. 21372079.

December 2017

Purple knit top (E89) and skirt with flower detail (E115) from 1-2-3 PARIS. Stessy heels (E89) from ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES.

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s e t o N

Fashion

from the stylist - December

If you're looking for something sophisticated a nd slighty different than the usual dress this Christmas, then ‘ Palazzo Pants’ is your answer! Wear them with some strappy sandals or a nice pointed shoe; you'll love the final look!

December 2017

Tips

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* Dress up your outfit even further with some faux fur details; with a coat or cardi or as a neck accessory. f the year o e m i t t a h * It's t ake the m o t e v a h where you lery; you l e w je r u o most of y simple a n r u t y l te can comple ck dress a l b e l t t i l outfit or a ctacular e p s g in h t e into som the right d d a u o y when ms and e t i y r e l l e jew accessories.

*Sazz up your look with some sparkly accessories such as a nice clutch bag or glittery eyeglasses!

Have a happy, merry Christmas beautiful people!

Dori

www.askdorianne.com

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PORTO, PORTOMASO SHOPPING COMPLEX, ST. JULIAN’S. TEL: 2137 2079 PORTO BOUTIQUE, HILTON HOTEL, ST. JULIANS. TEL: 2373 3765 FACEBOOK PORTO HANDBAGS AND ACCESSORIES WW W. P O RT O M ALTA. C O M

Fashion spots

What to wear!

What the shops recommend

HOW TO STYLE YOUR PARTY WARDROBE The metallic plisse jumpsuit – simple, elegant and versatile.

This jumpsuit is an easy alternative to the party dress. Paired with strappy block heel sandals (or boots), it’s the perfect party outfit for the girl that doesn’t want to go too casual.

For more information on our stores, visit https://www.facebook.com/NewLookMalta New Look – The Point, Valletta, Fgura & Gozo

BLACK METALLIC PLISSE WRAP FRONT JUMPSUIT PRICE: E24.99

BLACK VELVET STRAPPY BLOCK HEEL SANDALS PRICE: E39.99

KAREN MILLEN BLAZER – E270 Sometimes, you don’t want to wear a dress for cocktails – meet the sassy and grown-up alternative. This blazer is expertly crafted from deliciously soft velvet to a tailored silhouette (that highlights the right places) with smart buttoned down cuffs. Go for all out glamour with the matching trousers and a pair of sky-scraping heels.

BLACK JACQUARD SWEATER ADORNED WITH SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS – E115.00 This festive season 1.2.3 and the masters of crystals, Swarovski, will transport you to a winter wonderland of crystal stars. Come and explore this special collection at 1.2.3, Westin Dragonara, St. Julian’s

December 2017

KAREN MILLEN NAVY DRESS – E270 Inspired by the classic charm of traditional trench coats, our navy dress has typical military references such as waist-cinching tie-belt and wide lapels. It is decorated with sharp pleats at the hem and finished with smart button cuffs.

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BREMONT SUBMARINER – E3,650.00, only available at Vascas

SARTO Draw inspiration from SARTO’s selection and treat your style-savvy family, friends and loved ones to something special. With glittering accessories, tailored occasion wear, party-dresses and cute children’s clothing, a gift from SARTO is guaranteed-to-please. Many of the world’s most beautiful brands are once again using their coveted logotypes as core-design elements, in a stark move away from the minimalism of recent years. Bold in design yet elegant, this trend is clearly reflected in the latest offerings by Dolce&Gabbana, Burberry, Moncler and DSQUARED2 .

Discover this season’s collection over a festive glass of bubbly or a cosy winter-warmer.

SARTO, Ross Street St Julians www.sarto.com.mt 2202 1601

KAREN MILLEN CROSS BODY BAG – E89 Our sleek patent cross body bag will be your new best friend this party season. It's just the right size for all your evening essentials: phone, keys, purse, lipstick, and it comes in two sleek and wintry shades, black and aubergine.

ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES WINGTIP LEATHER BOOTS E129 Rugged meets refined: channel ‘40s sophistication in this handsome wingtip leather boot.

Advertorial

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November 2017

CARVEN L’ABSOLU Carven L’Absolu is a sensual version of the scent, composed as an intoxicating bouquet of white flowers. Accords of Italian mandarin and ylang-ylang from Madagascar grace the top of the composition.

The heart of the perfume encompasses flowers of Egyptian jasmine, tuberose and iris. The base hosts notes of Indonesian patchouli, sandalwood and labdanum.

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MONTBLANC LEGEND NIGHT The aromatic notes of clary sage and peppermint, enhanced with cool spices and sparkling bergamot, set the fragrance’s fresh and lively tone. The opening is bright, the middle notes immediately counterbalance this first impression of refreshing coolness with their warm elegance. The precious scents of cedar wood blend well with the floral lavender tones, a classic in men’s fragrances, and slightly powdered violet.

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STRONGER WITH YOU Stronger With You lives in the present, moulded by the energy of modernity. Unpredictable, it surprises with its originality, like the spicy accord in the top notes - a mix of cardamom, pink peppercorn, and violet leaves. The fragrance for men has inherited a confident elegance, with the easy nonchalance of youth, conveyed by the sage at the aromatic heart of the scent.

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LIU JO GOLD The new Liu Jo fragrance tells an Arabic tale, with olfactory and sensory notes enhanced by a touch of exotic and eastern scents. The eau de parfum, enclosed in a simple, elegant bottle, starts with Damask rose, continuing with the refreshing tones of pear sorbet, then exploding with the femininity of vanilla and sensuality of musk. The result is an extravagant infusion.

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DIRK BIKKEMBERG This is a fragrance focused on strong will and intensity – two forces which bind football and life.

The numerous facets on the flacon play with strong green shades reflecting the adrenaline of the game, football glamour, and passion.

Composition of perfume Dirk opens with a fougere combination of green apple, pink pepper and bergamot mixed with geranium, orange blossom and balmy tonka beans. The base is elegant, masculine and cheerful.

Fragrances exclusively distributed by Chemimart Tel: 21492212

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December 2017

Bookmark

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A performer wedges herself. into a doorway . during a performance for the Ziguzajg Children’s Arts Festival in Valletta last November.

Photography by Reno Rapa

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CLOTHES WITH KEYS, COGS AND WHEELS

Behind the scenes of pantomime costume preparations What is panto, without the bizarre, loud, unconventional, wonderful costumes?

Come to that, where do these costumes come from? As we are now into December – the panto season – first magazine talked to Simona Mamo, the seamstress responsible for the dame’s extravagant attire in this year’s pantomime by Masquerade at the Manoel Theatre: Alice in Wonderland.

Photography and words by Joanna Demarco ▶ December 2017 67

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imona Mamo, who is creating the dame’s costumes for this year’s Masquerade panto Alice in Wonderland at the Manoel Theatre, would choose creating fantasy clothes over ordinary fashion any day – deeming the latter somewhat bland in comparison.

“The dame’s costumes are much larger than those for any other characters, and usually require about double the amount of material. Pantomime costumes are a lot more colourful and cheerful,” she told me, as we sat in her sewing room in Sliema, where all the costume creation magic happens.

Just walking up the staircase to the room half-an-hour earlier was testimony to that. A bright lime green dress, larger than life, was resting on the banisters. With orange buttons and shimmering sequins, it would have seemed out of place anywhere other than in the workshop of a pantocostume designer.

“When you are creating fashion for a period piece, you need to research and specifically keep to the styles of that period. When making ballet costumes, set rules are needed in order to facilitate the dancers’ movements. In panto, however, there are absolutely no rules,” said Simona, who has been creating costumes for all types of performances for the past 25 years.

With normal fashion, she explained, you use fabric from the fabric shop, basic zips and buttons and you can make a

dress in a day, whereas with panto, “there is nothing in this room that you can’t use.” In fact, keys, goggles, chains, cogs and wheels will all be featured in the costumes for this year’s Alice in Wonderland panto.

With the dame having a grand total of eight dress changes, and within a context where there is no such a thing as colour-clashes, it is reasonable to wonder how the extravagant dresses are designed and what thought process is behind the creations.

“First of all, I speak to the writer of the pantomime, who in this case is Malcolm Galea,” Simona explained. “Very often, he has a preconceived idea about how all the characters should be. He won’t give me a specific look, but he’ll say, for example ‘this character is a bit scatty’ or ‘a bit bossy’, and from his description of how he sees the character, I then develop the concept for the costume. I also take into consideration what the character is getting up to at that point in the script.” ▶

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Written by Malcolm Galea Directed by anthony bezzina Music directed by Kris Spiteri

23rd December 2017 to 7th January 2018 Tickets: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt • 2124 6389 More info: www.masquerademalta.com

Culture

“REFERRING TO IT AS A THERAPY OF SORTS, SHE WENT ON TO SAY: WHEN YOU ARE SEWING, ALL YOUR PROBLEMS FADE AWAY.”

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◀ If the character in question is a bossy woman, for example, Simona would do everything in her power, through the art of costume, to make her appear so.

“I would probably emphasise the bust, and put a bustle at the back to make her look big and domineering, and I’d also use appropriate colours, in this case probably red, which is more of a forceful colour.” Simona also likes to research her characters for inspiration. For example, this year’s Alice is very much inspired by the female protagonist in Hullaballoo, a steampunk animation.

With costume-production time going over the timeframe of a 40-hour working week, Simona explained that, to her, the work takes on more of a hobby status. “One single ballet tutu often takes more than 40 hours to sew to perfection,” she explained. “If I had to charge for what I sew by the hour, the items would be much more expensive than what I actually sell them for. But I do it because I love it, so I don’t mind going over 40-hour-work-weeks”. Referring to it as a therapy of sorts, she went on to say: “When you are sewing, all your problems fade away.”

Once the last curtain falls and the pantomime season ends, the costumes make their way into the company’s wardrobe and come the following July, discussions on December’s costumes begin again.

“Masquerade has a large wardrobe which includes

costumes from all of the productions,” Simona explained.

“Some of them are used again, usually those of the chorus.”

“Very often they are cannibalised, so you would use parts of them to make other costumes, in order to keep costs down.”

Beyond the dame’s eight dress changes, the 16 members of the chorus each have their own eight dress changes, meaning a total of 120 costumes – which are often quite time-consuming to put on – have to be created just for the chorus. In fact, the costumes are entrusted to the hands of about four costume-makers, sometimes with additional help. Simona explains that she and Carmen, a costume maker who works alongside her, tend to do more of the specialised costumes.

Asked about the struggles costume-makers can come across, Simona and Carmen both listed creating elaborate costumes with a given budget, as well as making people understand that some ideas are impossible to turn into costumes, and therefore some expectations can be dampened.

When all the work is done, and the stage lights are pointing towards the costumes, Simona says it is ‘fun’ to see them complete and connecting with the set as a whole. And really, there could not be a better word to describe everything panto-related.

Interview

A book inspired by Facebook racist comments OW DIFFERENT WAS IT WRITING YOUR SECOND BOOK COMPARED TO WRITING YOUR FIRST? When my publisher gave me the go-ahead for this second book, I promised myself I would be better prepared for the hassle that publishing brings about. I knew, from the first publication, that I’d need months of preparation.

Editing the document, the book cover, marketing – you name it. Luckily, I have a very understanding publisher who always tries to accommodate my wishes: that really helps.

Obviously, it was a really nice experience because, it seems that the public has liked the first book and many were asking me if I was working on anything new. The truth is, many assumed that Esklussiva Dotkom would be a one-off and this is not the case.

I’m always writing – and I don’t intend to keep any manuscripts hidden in my desk drawer.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE YOUR BOOK? Patria is an encapsulation of anger. For me, the first chapters especially are nothing more than my personal way of dealing with anger. Fortunately, unlike my first book, I recall the exact moment I started writing Patria.

December 2017

I remember that we had been living in the north of Peru for four months, helping out in an HIV clinic and drug rehabilitation centre in Iquitos. The parish is run by a certain Fr Ray Portelli, who is a priest and a doctor, and it doesn’t get more interesting than that. He deserves a jam-packed book on his own.

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Anyway, when we started travelling south, we stopped by another Maltese priest in Arequipa. We stayed there for some days. It was a period of limbo: we were between the end of a very emotional period in Iquitos and the start of more travels to Bolivia. I recall opening Facebook for the first time in many months on this tiny laptop and among the items which appeared on my timeline, I see this news item about the arrival of migrants. For some inexplicable reason, I decided to open the comments section. What I read shocked me. I was so lost for words – I couldn’t control the burning

rage inside my stomach. I started to write something random and that same piece is now, almost unedited, the first chapter of the book. It’s the most brutally honest thing I’ve ever written.

THE BOOK TACKLES THE SUBJECT OF RACISM IN MALTA. IN YOUR OPINION, IS RACISM EVIDENT AROUND US AND, IF SO, HOW? Yes, of course it is. And social media is serving as the biggest manifestation of a platform for racists. I have grown extremely sensitive to racist comments online since I started working on the book. Sometimes, when I was not inspired to write, I would go on Facebook and hunt for racist comments. The anger that builds up inside me is then transposed into words. Fortunately – or rather unfortunately – I was not short of inspirational material.

WHAT IS THE MALTESE LITERATURE SCENE LIKE? DO YOU FEEL THERE IS A DEMAND FOR NOVELS WRITTEN IN MALTESE? I think so, yes. Actually, I think the demand for Maltese novels has grown because we are going through this era where the Maltese language is being rejuvenated. The proper use of the Maltese language is something which even young people want. I feel lucky that I’m part of this generation where Maltese is back in fashion. Take the local music scene for example. We’ve had decades of the same old bands singing in English. Now we’ve finally realised that the Maltese language is perfectly suitable for musical lyrics. We have bands like Brikkuni, Plato’s Dream Machine and Brodu, just to mention a few that use Maltese in such a beautiful, artistic way that it’s inspiring. Now obviously, when it comes to demand, with a population of 400,000 there is a limit as to how many people actually buy our books. To be honest, I really don’t care if 10 or a thousand people buy my book, as long as those who read it approach me to give me their feedback.

HOW HAS PATRIA BEEN RECEIVED SO FAR? It has been very well-received. The feedback I have had so far has been excellent. For me, the best thing is to hear people who got hold of a copy telling you that they read it in one or two sittings. That’s what makes it all worth it.

When Gabriel Schembri opened up Facebook during his travels only to find an abundance of racist comments underneath an article written by a news portal back home, he began fuelling his frustration by writing a novel on the topic. first magazine interviewed the writer about his second novel Patria, writing in his mother tongue and his views on racism.

Interview and photography by Joanna Demarco.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE WORD ‘PATRIA’?

I remember author Jean Paul Borg saying at the book launch that he is normally taken aback by the word ‘patria’. To be honest, I feel the same way. And I chose the title for this reason: I want it to mean the exact opposite of what the book is about. I want patria, which means homeland, to be taken almost sarcastically, because the protagonists in the book don’t give a damn about who was born where and how.

I love my country but my patria – homeland – does not define me. I firmly believe that I did nothing to be born in Malta: I just consider myself lucky. Likewise, those who were born in some war-torn country did nothing bad to deserve that. Maybe we should keep in mind that we don’t have a divine right over this little island of ours.

SINCE YOU BEGAN WRITING YOUR BOOK, MANY FARRIGHT ACTIVITIES IN THE WESTERN WORLD HAVE BEEN HIGHLIGHTED BY NEWS OUTLETS, SUCH AS TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN. DO YOU THINK THE SITUATION HAS WORSENED SINCE YOU BEGAN WRITING THE BOOK, MAKING IT MORE RELEVANT? The situation has worsened and I was actually worried because I wanted to get the book out before some extreme measure was set in motion. Not that racism will ever cease to exist, mind you, but I didn’t want anything dramatic to happen. The book barely includes the time of the Syrian refugee crisis. I had to choose to either limit it to one particular period or present it over a more generic timeline. I decided to focus on the period when the MV Salamis was outside Maltese waters and it was denied entry. It’s more of a reference point than an actual strict timeline.

WHY DO YOU WRITE IN MALTESE? I get asked that question a lot. I am asked why I write in Maltese when I work with an English-language newspaper and it’s probably because I miss writing in Maltese. The truth is that, because of work, I tend to associate English with journalism. So then I automatically choose Maltese for writing fiction – even because I love this language, the way it’s written, the way it has evolved and how expressive this unique language of ours can be.

Until some years ago, I used to limit my reading books to English. But then I bought It-Trilogija tal-Fiddien, a fantasy trilogy

by Simon Bartolo and Loranne Vella. I read the three of them in a couple of weeks and that was when I realised that the best of stories can be told in our native language. I had read other Maltese books before, but nothing captivated me as did these three books.

BUT DOES IT LIMIT YOUR AUDIENCE? Well, technically speaking, it does. There are only a couple of hundreds of thousands Maltese-speaking readers and millions of people who’d rather read in English. But for me personally, since both Esklussiva Dotkom and Patria are solidly based in Malta, I don’t mind having the book concentrated on one particular market. We’ll see what the future holds, but I won’t exclude switching to English for my next work of fiction.

IF THE BOOK IS TRANSLATED, WILL IT LOSE A CERTAIN ESSENCE ACQUIRED AS A RESULT OF THE MALTESE LANGUAGE? If what you write is a good story, compact, with no loose ends or gaps in the plot, it can be translated into any language without much trouble. The Maltese language, if used properly, can help you manifest great emotions and there is really no limit to the descriptions you can come up with. Actually, some expressions that I included in the book had to be in Maltese because otherwise they would have lost their descriptive value.

December 2017

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE GROUP IS TO ELIMINATE RACISTS. WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT ON FIGHTING VIOLENCE WITH VIOLENCE? Well, Patria is about an extreme idea – and extreme ideals bring about extreme actions. This is the continuous struggle of the protagonist, Nathan. He has to see if he should let go and follow Martin on his crusade against racists or hold to his principles and come up with an alternative solution. In the real world, of course,

I don’t agree with anyone using violence to fight violence. And that’s the beauty of being an author or a scriptwriter: you can take ideals to new heights and experiment with them a little.

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Food

WHAT WOULD YOU CONTRIBUTE TO A CHRISTMAS TEATIME TABLE?

We all know that Christmas lunch is only round one of the meals that the day has in store. first asked four local young bakers what they would bake if asked to contribute to the Christmas teatime table. Here they share their ideas and recipes.

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Food

Photo by Joanna Demarco

LIGHT AND CREAMY MERINGUE NESTS BY BAKER STREET Ingredients Meringues 180g egg whites 180g caster sugar 180g sifted icing sugar Food colouring (optional)

Cream

December 2017

250ml Local fresh cream 1 tsp Vanilla essence Handful of fresh fruit and nuts

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NB You may need to buy a piping bag and a star-shaped nozzle

Method

1. Heat fan oven to 90°C. 2. Whisk egg whites in a food-mixer until stiff.

3. Add the caster sugar, continuing to whisk.

4. Fold in the sifted icing-sugar and optional food colouring dropby-drop, continuously stirring until desired colour is obtained.

5. Put the mixture in the piping bag, with star-shaped nozzle attached, and pipe the meringue nests into palm-sized circular shapes.

6. Place in the fan oven for 90 minutes.

7. When set, leave to cool in the oven with the door slightly open.

8. Whip the fresh cream in a bowl, mixing in the vanilla essence.

9. Spoon cream on to top of meringues and embellish with fresh fruit and nuts.

GINGER BREAD CAKE BY NAKED BAKES Ingredients For the cake

For the cream cheese frosting 125g soft unsalted butter 125g cream cheese 275g icing sugar

For the gingerbread biscuits (optional) 175g dark muscovado sugar 85g golden syrup 100g slightly salted butter 350g plain flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tbsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 egg, beaten

Pour the milk and treacle into a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until combined, then set aside to cool. Meanwhile, grease three 20cm round cake tins and line with baking parchment. Heat oven to 160°C. 1. Put flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, sugar and spices into large bowl and add half a teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients together with a whisk to make sure there are no lumps of sugar left.

2. In a jug, whisk the oil, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla extract. Add the milk and treacle mixture, and mix well.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until you have a smooth batter.

4. Divide mixture between the three tins and bake for 35-30 minutes.

Once cooked, leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, turn out onto a wire rack, peel off the baking parchment and leave to cool completely.

To make the icing, make sure the butter is soft then, using either a hand-held whisk or an electric mixer, beat the butter with the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth, light and airy. Sieve/sift the icing sugar into the mix and gently incorporate it with the cream cheese mixture until it is light and smooth.

December 2017

Photo by Naked Bakes

150ml full fat milk 3 tbsp black treacle (oil the tbsp before so the treacle slides off) 225ml vegetable oil 375g plain flour 3tsp baking powder ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 375g soft light brown sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger Pinch of ground cloves 300ml buttermilk 3 large eggs ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method

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Food

Photo by Zach Farrugia

CRANBERRY AND ROSEMARY BISCUITS BY BAKED Ingredients

December 2017

100g butter 100g sugar 200g plain/all purpose flour 1 egg yolk Zest of ½ a lemon and ½ an orange Juice of ½ an orange 60g roughly chopped dried cranberries 5g roughly chopped fresh rosemary

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Method 1. Beat sugar and butter together until well combined.

2. Add egg yolk and beat until creamy.

3. Fold in the zest followed by juice, cranberries and rosemary.

4. Add the flour and beat again until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

5. Transfer to a clean surface and combine the crumbs till the dough is solid.

6. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for about an hour.

7. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Using a very sharp knife (to be able to cut through the cranberries) cut the dough into slices around 5mm thick.

8. Place on a baking sheet on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes.

This Christmas Welcome Home Casa Modena

Food

Photo by Joanna Demarco

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

BY EMMA’S KITCHEN Cake 340g dried dates, pitted and chopped 2 cups boiling water ½ tsp baking soda 110g unsalted butter, melted 150g dark brown sugar ¼ cup molasses 2 large eggs 210g plain/all-purpose flour 2-3 tsp gingerbread spice or ½ sp ground ginger 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg 1 teaspoon cloves Pinch allspice

Toffee Sauce

To serve

115g unsalted butter, melted 1 cup mascarpone 215g dark brown sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt

Coarse sea salt Mascarpone, slightly sweetened whipped cream or ice cream

Method

1. Put the dates in a heatproof bowl, pour over the boiling water and leave to soften for 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 175°C and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.

2. Blend the date and water mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth. Stir in the baking soda and put aside.

3. In large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar and molasses. Whisk eggs in to the mixture, one at a time. Use a wooden spoon to gently fold in the flour, followed by the date puree. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce. Combine the butter, mascarpone, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a pan over a medium heat. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook for 10-15 minutes, whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the salt and set aside.

5. Turn the cake out onto a cooling rack and remove the parchment paper, if using. While the cake is still warm, slice into desired portions and drape each slice with a generous amount of toffee sauce and a pinch of coarse sea salt, plus more mascarpone or whipped cream, if desired.

December 2017

Ingredients

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Diary

Unchristmassy things to do this Christmas season Thinking of buying earmuffs just to muffle out the Christmas carols? Can’t drink one more sip of mulled wine? Have your retinas become sensitive to all the flashing fairy lights? Surprisingly, there are other events happening this December which don’t have a slither of Christmassy-ness to them. Here are a few.

REL.INK – INDELIBLE NARRATIVES ▶ EXHIBITION Find out more about Malta’s marine past, through tattoo art. This unique exhibition features images and oral accounts of early 20th century tattoo designs on elderly Maltese men who worked on ships or the waterfront; including stevefores, fishermen, longshoremen, dockers, sailors, stewards, members of the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy or related occupations.

As sailors working in the Mediterranean, the culture diversity was indeed very rich, and the tattoos reflected that. The research in the run up towards the exhibition also found that Maltese sailors had close tattoo ties to the port of Marseilles in the South of France.

The exhibition will run till the 29th December and is open all week between 9am to 5pm at the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu. Admission is free. ◀ STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI The next chapter in the Star Wars saga and the second in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, the Star Wars: The Last Jedi sees Rey, protagonist of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens continuing on her journey with Leia, Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker.

Ray strengthens her abilities with Luke Skywalker’s guidance, with the latter feeling unsettled by the strength of Ray’s powers.

Showing in cinemas from mid-December.

KIDS DIG SCIENCE: FLOURESCENCE ▶ Fun performances for kids related to topics within and outside the school curriculum for children above the age of six. It is a combination of interactive theatre and hands on science experiments, games and crafts which allow kids to tap into their desire to explore and discover, teaching them how to solve in creative ways. Kids Dig Science is thought up by the Science in the City team at the Malta Chamber of Scientists.

23rd December at Spazju Kreattiv. Buy the tickets from www.kreattivita.org.

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Diary

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Unchristmassy things to do this Christmas season

HOMESPUN MARKET An array of stalls will sell a variety of products from Malta’s vintage crafters, designers, upcyclers, recyclers and collectors. There will also be a tea and cake room.

Why not buy a gift for yourself? That is quite an unchristmassy thing to do.

THE APS MDINA CATHEDRAL CONTEMPORARY ART BIENNALE 2017-2018 This year’s Contemporary Art Biennale is titled The Mediterranean: A Sea of Conflicting Spiritualities, and is presenting original works by artists from diverse cultures across the globe at the Mdina Cathedral Museum. This year, the exhibition will focus on the struggles faced by the Mediterranean and its surrounding countries which continue to be experienced today. Originally an exhibition showing Catholic and religious art, the APS Mdina Biennale now welcomes both local and international artists with participants from various countries including: Malta, France, Israel, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Austria, USA, Russia, UK, Australia, Italy, Serbia, Lebanon, Jordan, Poland, Latvia, Georgia, and Lithuania.

This year’s edition the Maltese modern art section of the exhibition will be dedicated to the experimental Cubist paintings of Frank Portelli and Esprit Barthet as part of the international conference 'Cubsim Beyond Paris: Mediterranean Interpretations and the Crystallisation of Cubism A Maltese Test Case' organised by the Department of Art and Art History, Faculty of Arts, University of Malta, to be held on 15th December 2017.

December 2017

For more information, visit the facebook page ‘The APS Mdina Cathedral Contemporary Art Biennale 2017’ or visit the website www.mdinabiennale.com.

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The Biennale will be running till 7th January 2018 at the Mdina Cathedral Museum.

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17th December from 12 to 5pm. Funky Monkey, Manoel Island

IL-MISTERU TAL-GĦOĠOL TAD-DEHEB Il-Misteru tal-Għoġol tad-Deheb is inspired by an article in The National Geographic about the mysterious disappearance of a number of Maltese children, who, as story has it, in the 1940s, disappeared in underground tunnels during a school visit.

The story focuses on Pia, an orphan who feels unwanted. After hearing that the Golden Calf mentioned in the Bible is hidden in Malta, and after finding an ancient treasure map, her and her cousin Sandro embark on an adventure.

The film is in Maltese and is suitable for the whole family.

To be released on the 15th December at Eden Cinemas.

Advertorial

HAVING AN EYE FOR EYEWEAR first magazine interviews O’Hea Opticians’ annual special guest; colour analyst and fashion stylist specialising in eye wear, Angelica Pagnelli. slowly create our own eyewear wardrobe and we will enjoy glasses, sunglasses and cosmetic glasses (with tinted lenses), by matching them with our different styles.

Another point is to look at a variety of features: the eye zone, the shape of the face, proportions, colours and other individual features. Last but not least, it is important to include both timeless and fashionable numbers in a wardrobe.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR EXACT ROLE AS A COLOUR ANALYST AND WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? In my role as a colour analyst I support my customers in wearing colours that compliment their natural beauty.

First impressions count, and wearing the right colours close to the face enhances your non-verbal communication. I usually analyse the colour of the eyes, the person’s natural hair colour and complexion to determine a cool or warm skin undertone.

In order to be harmonious, fresh and young, cool people need cool colours close to their face, while warm people need warm tones. I also use a technique called ‘draping’, which means testing the effect of fabrics in opposite colours, close to the face, to identify chroma and skin intensity.

After my consultation, people start to use the right colours and they feel more self-confident.

December 2017

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A FASHION STYLIST, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE POINTS YOU WOULD MAKE TO PEOPLE BUYING NEW EYEWEAR? First of all, they have to analyse their lifestyle, because life inspires style – both for clothing and accessories.

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Each of us has different needs and different occasions in life, and if we think about glasses in the same way that we think about all the other accessories (shoes, bags, jewellery), we will

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE COLOURS WHEN IT COMES TO EYEWEAR? To be honest, I like all my cool colours and I would prefer silver to gold, but my favourites are fuchsia and blue. Fuchsia is the colour of femininity and blue is a relaxing colour. Symbolism really influences people and creates a good mood.

DOES EYEWEAR FASHION CHANGE AS OFTEN AS CLOTHES FASHION? Nowadays, all trends in apparel, accessories and interior design, etc, are more and more linked to each other. Of course, eyewear fashion changes as often as clothes. In fact, on recent catwalks, this alignment is very visible and well-appreciated. In some countries, such as Italy, fashion trends are very fast in all categories.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE EYEWEAR PIECES? I have many favourite pairs of glasses and I always have about three pairs in my bag, to change during my business and private life. Also, when I’m on a flight, I change my glasses many times, even when it lasts two hours: before departure, for landing, for reading and for sleeping.

Anyway, I have a crazy passion for vintage and I often look for iconic models of the past to wear with new generation lenses such as tinted flash mirror transitions or cosmetic shadows.

When I work all day on my laptop, silhouette glasses are always the best for me because lightness is very comfortable. I enjoy wearing all my glasses, but every day I look for the next ones that will improve my existing wardrobe: it is not only a job, but a passion first and foremost!

Season’s Greetings from the team at

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THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, SINCE 1992.

For advertising opportunities in 2018 contact Sean Ellul on sellul@independent.com.mt

Product spots

Shopping basket What the shops recommend TREE Stunning Christmas trees and other great options for festive glass decorations including baubles, decorative angels, candleholders and candlesticks at Mdina Glass. Visit any Mdina Glass outlet between 7 – 17 December for great discounts during the Open Week sale.

For more info tel: +356 2141 5786 visit www.mdinaglass.com.mt or follow Glass on facebook.com/mdinaglass

NERO LANTERNS Create the perfect ambience with Nero Lanterns by Mdina Glass.

Mouthblown glass is encased in a metal structure and finished off with high-grade leather handles for a striking, timeless look. Visit any Mdina Glass outlet between 7 - 17 December for great discounts during the Open Week sale.

TEA SETS Eye-catching cups and saucers, mugs, milk jugs and more with beautiful festive designs to impress your guests or for great Christmas presents to friends or family, available at HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique. Visit HENRI during the Pre-Christmas Sale between December 7 – 17 for 15% off all stock.

WINTER WOODS & WHITE JASMINE ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS PROSECCO DIFFUSER

Prices starting from E20 – E38

Exclusively available from PORTO, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian's, Tel. 21372079.

CANDLEHOLDERS Stylish candleholders and candelabras for a classic, warm ambience this Christmas available at HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique. Visit HENRI during the Pre-Christmas Sale between December 7 – 17 for 15% off all stock.

Outlets: Pjazza Tigné and Mdina (next to Palazzo Falson). Tel: 2010 6306 or visit facebook/henrimalta

December 2017

Cancer Care is designed to provide important financial aid should an individual be diagnosed with cancer, and is intended to provide peace of mind to the Life Assured. A unique product within the local market.

For more information visit www.cancercare.com.mt or call us on 21342342.

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GlobalCapital Life Insurance Limited is authorized to transact Long Term Insurance Business and is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Registered address: GlobalCapital Life Insurance Limited, Testaferrata Street, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1403, Malta. COM:GCL026

ALISTAIR’S REINDEER PLUSH TOY This reindeer plush toy is one of the many free standing plush toys available from Alistair The Christmas Shop. It is the perfect gift to give to someone who has an eye for home decoration during the festive season. The best thing about Plush toys is that there are various different sizes and models, therefore choice is not an issue.

The reindeer plush toy is 34cm height and costs E75.00

PETER CALAMATTA GOES COUNTRY Former Broadcaster and plant expert Peter Calamatta has just launched a country CD in aid of Inspire, which includes cover versions of country hits from across the years.

All proceeds from the sales of the CD will go towards Inspire Foundation.Buy the CD on www.inspire.org.mt.

HERITAGE MALTA’S BRANDED GIFT LINES Heritage Malta is retailing a selection of own branded gift lines which are only available from museum retail outlets around Malta and Gozo. The agency is producing a range of collectable figurines in different sizes that are ideal as a gift but also of interest to collectors. The main focus of such figurines is the historic interpretation and representation, a researched product that convey the correct message of heritage and culture. The figurine, first in this collection, is the military officer of the army of the Order of St John from the late 16th Century. This figurine wears the typical battle dress worn by the soldiers and Knights of the Order of St John engaged in safeguarding the Maltese islands. This figurine has been based on original arms and armour found inside the Palace Armoury Museum collection in Valletta. This exclusive figurine is available in three different sizes and a keychain. This figurine can also be bought online, www.heritagemalta.shop

FLAMANT – THE ESSENCE OF HOME Flamant is a luxurious Belgian home interiors brand with a global reputation, that has now opened at The Point, Sliema. Flamant’s collections offer a multitude of styles, encompassing a broad design spectrum. From classic, country to modern vintage and contemporary urban design, Flamant merges past and present, making tradition and innovation, simplicity and design meet. The result is a vast and diversified collection of products, allowing for the creation of a very personal interior.

Find out more about Flamant on www.flamant.com

Product spots N°5 L’EAU TWIST AND SPRAY For women who prefer the fresher, crystal-clear expression of N°5 L’EAU, CHANEL proposes the N°5 L’EAU Twist and Spray with three refills. Take this practical and refillable little spray with you wherever you go to touch up your fragrance with elegance at any time of day or night.

VALENTINO UOMO E DONNA NOIR ABSOLU Valentino Parfums presents two new fragrances: Valentino Donna Noir Absolu and Valentino Uomo Noir Absolu, intimate evolutions of the classic Valentino Fragrances. Uomo Noir Absolu is a modern exploration of oriental intensity, translated through sandalwood, cinnamon, pepper and a veil of incense. Valentino Donna Noir Absolu is a collision between the spice of black pepper and a lascivious rose. The decadence of plum liquor meets sensuous leather and sandalwood.

Exclusively Distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Limited Tel: 21331553

SKIN REGENERATION Peels is one of the most modern treatments in order to achieve a healthy, smooth, radiant, younger looking skin. Low Irritation Chemical Peels from Medik8 provide an easyto-choose range that caters to every client’s need.

Available from leading salons and certified Medik8 centers.

For trade enquiries contact Beauty Culture Group, Sta. Venera 2144 0424 or 2744 0424 www.beautyculturecentre.com info@beautysuppliesmalta.com

WE ARE GIVING AWAY Olympea 50ml Gift Set – !72 courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery.

December 2017

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN, ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: HOW MANY DRESS CHANGES DOES THE DAME HAVE IN THE MASQUERADE PANTOMIME?

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Like First magazine on Facebook and send your answer the good, old-fashioned way, by post, to: FIRST COMPETITION, The Malta Independent on Sunday, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s, by 30 October.

THE NEW CLASSIQUE AND LE MALE CHRISTMAS COLLECTORS BY JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Turn over the Le Mâle and Classique collectors’ snow globe: the iconic bottles will appear through the snowflakes, revealing a red-striped marinière or a red glossy corset! Le Male, the power and freshness of mint. Lavender, referencing the familiar and reassuring smell of shaving soap, is enhanced with the sensuality of vanilla. Classique, the irresistible temptation. A perfume of contrasts, carnal and inebriated, to seduce and to succumb. An orchid note which tells a lot of this characterful woman.

Exclusively Distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Limited Tel: 21331553

WET N WILD® MAKE-UP BRAND NOW IN MALTA wet n wild®, a trusted beauty destination for all beauty lovers, inclusive of all ages, skin colors and economic status is now available in Malta at leading pharmacies and stores. wet n wild® is the cruelty free, bold and trusted beauty brand for on-trend women who want to express themselves at their best. wet n wild® is on-trend in shades, a leader in package design, and a fast-follower in formulation.

For local trade enquiries, contact Paloma Cosmetics Ltd on 27575757 or through Facebook on https://www.facebook.com/pg/palomacosmetics/.

WINNER FROM THE NOVEMBER ISSUE Lara Agius from Mosta has won a bottle Valentina Blush by Valentino EDP 50ml courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery.

AN IDEAL GIFT FOR BIRTHDAYS OR CHRISTMAS...

UNLIMITED PARK VISITS *

€100

€50

FO 12 M O NRT

FOR S H 12 M O N T

HS

*This card is valid for one (1) person for 12 (twelve) months

*This card is valid for four (4) persons for 12 (twelve) months

from the date of issue. It allows unlimited entrance and park visits to the Mediterraneo Marine Park.

from the date of issue. It allows unlimited entrance and park visits to the Mediterraneo Marine Park.

ON PRESENTATION OF THESE CARDS, THE HOLDER MAY BENEFIT FROM A 5% FIVE DISCOUNT ON PURCHASES MADE DURING EACH VISIT INSIDE THE PARK. Terms and condi ons apply.

A visit to the Mediterraneo Marine Park is a great way for adults and children to experience some of the beau es of Marine life.

Through specific educa onal programmes, which include the interac on with different species of animals hosted at the Park, we propagate knowledge following the highest standards in both animal and personnel welfare. The animals present at the Park are cared for by a number of professionals, namely Animal Carers, Marine biologists and veterinary surgeons, who are all specialized in the various fields. Besides the bo lenose dolphins, the Park boasts a large selec on of different animal species including South American Sea Lions, Parrots, Green Wing Amazons, Snakes, Tortoises, Turtles, Frogs, Toads, Spiders, Scorpions and various kinds of Lizards.

We welcome you to enjoy the wonderful diversity of these creatures that share the planet with us – thus remembering that, it is their world too!

Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq, Malta | +356 2137 2218 | +356 2137 6519 | info@mediterraneopark.com | www.mediterraneopark.com

Diary

Christmassy things to do this Christmas season MALTA’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS STOCKING ▶ A local record will be broken by filling the country’s largest Christmas stocking. Everything in the stocking will then be donated to children in hospitals, care homes and to other charities. The stocking will be two stories high.

16th December at 6pm at The Elves’ Christmas Factory Għaqda Talent Dingli- Ċentru Għall-Arti u Kultura in Ħad-Dingli.

MINGLE OVER MULLED WINE For many, Christmassy Sundays at The Villa St Julians has become a Sunday staple in their December calendar.

Live music, mulled wine, chestnuts, mingling, mince pies and good cheer.

Entrance is free.

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Visit the facebook page ‘GET it’ for more information.

WALK THROUGH REPUBLIC STREET Valletta is looking gorgeous this year with its pretty street lights running all down Republic Street. The lights, made by Italian light artists Faniuolo Illuminazione were purposefully built to synchronise with Valletta’s architecture. Taking a walk down Valletta’s Republic Street is definitely a Christmassy thing to do.

BETHLEHEM GĦAJNSIELEM ▶ Year after year, the lifesized and live crib attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the Maltese Islands. Bethlehem f ’Għajnsielem offers a naturalistic reproduction of the environment of Bethlehem of 2000 years ago. On entrance, a map is given to all visitors and, following it, visitors can visit different stops along the way including a bakery, carpenter, blacksmith and fisherman. Each is animated by whole families. The tavern offers local food and wine. The last stop is the grotto where an unknown couple is tending to their newly-born Baby Jesus surrounded by animals.

Opens on Sunday 10th December. Check the opening days and times at http://ghajnsielem.com/bethlehem/.

December 2017

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HAVE A HOT CHRISTMAS DRINK AT COSTA COFFEE These hot drinks from Costa are like a warm hug. Santa’s hot chocolate, Mrs Claus’ white chocolate, Gingerbread latte and Coconut Latte. In case, as often happens, Malta’s Christmas is actually a hot Christmas and not a snowy Christmas at all, Costa have drinks appropriate for our climate, choose from Rudolph’s Cherry Delight and Little Elves Caramel Frostino.