VAMP Magazine 05 by VAMP Magazine

VAMP MAGAZINE

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FRESH PAINT

VAMP TALKS TO ART COLLECTOR HOWARD FARBER

THE GALLERY HUNT THE VALLETTA ART MUSEUM EXHIBITION BY CHRIS BRIFFA ARCHITECTS

FASHION

ART

CUISINE TRAVEL

WIN A WEEKEND BREAK AT THE HILTON! SEE PAGE 60 TO WIN!

Cuba Issue

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The new Formentor Collection. Gear you can rely on for weather that you can’t. The shoes have Gripstick™ quad-cut, siped rubber soles to keep your feet glued to the deck, while the jacket repels water with a vengeance but still lets you breathe. So when conditions get wet and uncomfortable, you don’t. Visit timberland.com.

Levi’s Store Merchants Street, Valletta St. Anne’s Square, Sliema - Tel. 22584444

FROM THE EDITOR

Cuban art and design is an interesting new territory that we pick up on in this issue. American art collector Howard Farber has recently discovered talent there and now spends his life promoting Cuban art and culture. He has tapped in to soul, and a craft in its embryonic state. Farber has sunk his teeth into this exciting venture and explains more about why and how inside. Maltese art and design can also be seen in this way - new territory. With more still needing to be done in terms of promotion and funding, there is a good handful of talented artists and designers amongst us and, it is only time before the Maltese are recognised internationally. I came across the only Maltese designer at Milan Design Week, Noel Zahra, there on his own initiative, supported by The Malta Arts Fund. When will MCAST or the University of Malta organise something similar to London’s Royal College of Art and take off to Milan, for example, to show off its graduates’ design work? On a different note, in this issue, Ashley Lukas recalls his holiday of a lifetime in Cuba and tells us about his experience, Chez Philippe throw together a creative Cuban feast, I review the exhibition by Chris Briffa Architects for the Valletta Art Museum and reveal what caught my eye at this years Milan Design Week, and the camera gets turned the other way to talk to photographer Kris Micallef... So why not read this issue in peace, while lapping up the sun? If you got this copy of Vamp at the beach, then you are one of the first to have been part of our latest development: bringing Vamp to you! To receive a copy of every issue of Vamp, please visit www.vampmagazine.org to subscribe. You can also come to Lily Agius Gallery, 54 Cathedral Street, to subscribe in person.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices are believed to be correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor the publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that the organisations and firms mentioned are reputable. The editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfill their obligations under all circumstances. © Copyright 2012

Join VAMP group on facebook.com

Editor Lily Agius

Magazine Coordinator Samantha Psaila

Art Direction/Design Chris Psaila

Stylist Luke Engerer

Contributers Ashley Lukas Chez Philippe Chris Briffa Architects Howard Farber Ingmar Spiteri Kris Micallef Luke Engerer Sandra Calafato

Sales & Marketing Manager Matthew Spiteri

Printers Gutenberg Press

Photography Kris Micallef Daniel Coppini

77242490 publishing@active-enterprises.com

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CONTENTS PAGE

20. GALLERY HUNT Review of the Valletta Art Museum exhibition by

Chris Briffa Architects

24. INSIDE MILAN DESIGN WEEK

Milan Design Week 2012 revisited

31. TECH TOYS 33. CITY OF COLUMNS Spring/Summer 2012 fashion shoot

in>side 40. FLIP SIDE

Interview with photographer & architect Kris Micallef

48. FRESH PAINT

Interview with American art collector Howard Farber

54. CHARMING DILAPIDATION OF THE SWINGING CITY

A Travel story in Cuba by Ashley Lukas

59. LA COCINA CUBANA

Chez Philippe get cooking, Cuban style

67. SKIN INTERVENTION

Your most pressing beauty questions answered

Cover Photo: Photographer: Kris Micallef (www.krismicallef.com) Model: Yulffi from BDV Management (www.bdvmanagement.com) Local bookings: SO Management (www.somanagement.eu) Make up: Meritxell Seva (www.meritxellseva.com) from BDV Management Styling: Txell Tous (www.txelltousfashionstylist.wordpress.com)

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VAMP MAGAZINE UPDATE

VAMP UPDATE > THE NEW KOLESTON COLOUR INTENSE FOAM The new Koleston Colour Intense Foam puts the power of intense colour in your hands – a professionally-inspired luxuriously rich hair colour that you can apply yourself at home. Koleston Colour Intense Foam gives you the power to shake up your colour routine. It can be applied evenly across the head with both hands and its gold-standard rich colour intensity makes it especially suitable for colouring dark hair. The unique formula is drawn through the hair by capillary action and delivers colour to the core. Its easy-to-spread formula that quickly absorbs into the hair means that you won’t lose a drop of colour. Just three shakes, foam and indulge! For local trade enquiries call VJ Salomone (Marketing) on: 8007 2387.

MASSIMO DUTTI LATEST S/S COLLECTIONS The latest collections from Massimo Dutti are an ode to the much-awaited colours of spring and summer. A bold and sensual confidence lies behind these latest collections, which reflect a special and unique elegance, subtle but always present. This coming season is going to be exciting for those who want to boost their wardrobe with the new season’s vibrant colours containing pieces that are minimalistic but full of impact and meant to be head-turners. Massimo Dutti is the brand to carry if you are after a visible presence that makes subtle but defined statements. www.massimodutti.com

NEW ALWAYS ULTRA Sometimes you don’t feel as fresh as you’d like to during your period, which is why new Always now has unique odour-neutralising ActiPearls which neutralise odour rather than simply masking it. Always Ultra Normal and Always Ultra Long have an instant dry effect so you feel dry in an instant, SecureGuard protective contours to keep fluids in check, SuperFit to keep pad in place, a cotton-like feel top-sheet that is super-soft on your skin, and a super absorbent core that locks fluid away. The Always Ultra Normal with wings and Always Ultra Long with wings have the added benefit of double curved wings to keep the pad in place. The new Always Ultra Night gives extra night protection. For local trade enquiries call VJ Salomone (Marketing) on 2298 3201.

> WIN A SPA DAY FOR TWO AT MYOKA SPAS! HAVE YOU RECEIVED SOME OUTSTANDING MORAL SUPPORT FROM A SPECIAL FRIEND RECENTLY AND WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION? Then why not say a big thank you to them by entering the “Stress Free Day” competition. The competition is completely free, all you have to do is write no more than 140 words on the Myoka Facebook page to explain why you and your best friend deserve to win! The winner will receive €300 worth of vouchers that they can exchange for an experience that they will truly remember! www.myoka.com

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VAMP MAGAZINE VAMP UPDATE

BRANDS INTERNATIONAL – SIKA–DESIGN AVANTGARDE COLLECTION

GUESS UNDERWEAR & BEACHWEAR WOMEN’S & MEN’S SPRING / SUMMER 2012 COLLECTIONS The Guess Underwear collections for her this Spring/summer 2012 are inspired by college days, sport and sunny holidays in California, with its magical beaches and unique atmosphere. Graphics, colours and details recall the swinging 60s and the more recent 80s, thanks to the use of both matt and shiny materials and sequin embroidery. In contrast, a second mood becomes more wild and romantic, inspired by the warm desert climes of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as sunny Florida. Colours are washed-out and faded and vintage and destroyed details abound. Fabrics, which include mixes of net and floral micro-fibres, Vichy and floral print georgette, smooth jersey and threedimensional applications, along with washes and details are more rustic and natural with hints of a western style. The collection for him offers casual, easy-to-wear items with folk theme accents, garment-dyed pieces and a smoky colour palette. The latest arrival this season for both him and her is the “Fitness Concept”. A variety of garments perfect for either lounge wear or the gym, adorned with 1980’s prints, are offered in cotton jersey. More are available, such as nylon jackets, sports socks and gym towels. Visit a Guess outlet at The Point, Sliema or Baystreet, St.Julians

Since 1950 Sika Design has created handmade furniture with comfort, quality and sustainability as the main requirements for the design and manufacturing process. The trends today show that the borders between house and garden or apartment and balcony have become blurry. The collections were initially made for outdoor use, but the models are equally suitable for indoor use since the Scandinavian minimalist design fits many homes perfectly. It is in fact an ideal choice for both residential and commercial spaces where durability, quality and design are the key requirements for furnishing. In a commercial environment, Sika Design models can be found in several worldwide hotels, restaurants and cruise liners withstanding constant use. The Sika Design collection is resistant to high temperature and high humidity climates, and is therefore perfect for our Maltese climate. There is no compromise on stability and durability, when it comes to Sika design production. The Avantgarde collection is hand-woven and made from UV resistant Sika-Fibre which is mounted on a stable hot galvanized frame. It endures all kinds of weather, and it simply requires wiping off with a moist cloth to keep it clean. Sika Design furniture comes in black, white, grey and brown and the tables can be bought with a variety of different tops. Brands International Ltd is the official Sika Design supplier for Malta. For more information about this product please visit us at our showroom in Naxxar Road B’Kara or view the entire Avantgarde collection on: http://www.sika-design.com/Collections/Avantgarde

NEW FILM: TRASHED – NO PLACE FOR WASTE

Trashed – No Place for Waste, with the participation of Jeremy Irons, looks at the risks to the food chain and the environment through pollution of our air, land and sea by waste. The film reveals surprising truths about very immediate and potent dangers to our health. It is a global conversation from Iceland to Indonesia between film star Jeremy Irons and scientists, politicians and ordinary individuals whose health and livelihoods have been fundamentally affected by waste pollution. Visually and emotionally, the film is both horrific and beautiful: an inter-play of human interest and political wake-up call. But it ends on a message of hope, showing how the risks to our survival can easily be averted through sustainable approaches that provide far more employment than the current ‘waste industry’.

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THE POWER OF INTENSE COLOUR... IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND. NEW! COLOUR-INTENSE FOAM. EVEN INTENSE, PERMANENT COLOUR, NO DRIPS, NO MESS SEE ALL 18 GORGEOUS SHADES AT KOLESTON.COM

THE POWER OF INTENSE COLOUR Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone (Marketing) tel: 8007 2387

THE GALLERY HUNT verseeing a gallery can at times be a lonely affair. The time of year and the art on show decides the natural flow of people and the last exhibition at my gallery by Chris Briffa Architects, that opened in March, kept the pulses ticking and tongues wagging. People of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities came to the gallery especially to see what had been proposed for the architectural gem that is Is-Suq Tal Belt (the old covered market in Valletta), and I listened to a myriad of opinions and ideas. Read on to discover what people said and to see the plans and images. You can watch the presentation on YouTube by searching for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;VAM Valletta Art Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on www.youtube.com

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Exhibition by Chris Briffa Architects Words by Lily Agius Plans & Images: Chris Briffa, Sandro Valentino, Justin Schembri, Alex Spiteri

THE GALLERY HUNT

BRIFFA’S PROPOSAL TURNS THE FOOD HALL CONCEPT INSIDE OUT, FREEING THE LARGELY UNSUSTAINABLE MARKET HALL AND OFFERING A NOVEL OPEN-MARKET EXPERIENCE IN THE CITY. << ART & FOOD The Facebook group revealed affection (to say the least) for the Old Market, and a desire for its rebirth as a functioning market hall. Those who came to the exhibition will have seen how the current basement was transformed into the ground floor thanks to a public staircase flanking the façade and spanning the full width of the building. Gently leading to the VAM’s entrance, the stairs, together with the widening of the side streets, will lead to the independent food stalls surrounding the perimeter of the building. The very visible vegetable and meat stands will attract daily shopping for fresh suppers while luring locals and visitors to enjoy freshly cut cheeses, meat and bread, or a glass of wine after office hours… sparking off some much-needed nightlife in the neighbourhood.

THE LOCATION The questionnaires completed by visitors to the gallery revealed that 99% agree that Valletta needs an accessible art space for modern and contemporary shows. Similarly, 90% agreed with the suitability of the old covered market for this new function, 6% saying “maybe”, 2% not expressing an

opinion and 2% saying “no”. A very common comment was that the Suq is conveniently central for this new function and that such an iconic and unique building was in need of an injection of new life. The Facebook group is currently at around 500 members, and posts concerning art and Valletta have become a daily occurrence. >>

Briffa’s proposal turns the food hall concept inside out, freeing the largely unsustainable market hall (due to the rise in popularity of the supermarket and the difficulty in reaching the place with one’s car) and offering a novel open-market experience in the city. The images illustrate people flowing in and out of the museum, sitting at the art café and bookstore, or on the steps, while circling the fresh food outlets. CUBA ISSUE

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THE GALLERY HUNT

THE DESIGN The proposal essentially restores the precious interior space, while endowing its exterior with a strong contemporary signifier, informing the passer-by: “I am a contemporary art museum!” The white, purist cantilevered box above the entrance in fact restores the original cross-section of the building (a third of the Suq was destroyed during WWII and never rebuilt) while sheltering the stepped piazza from sun and rain. One of the most loved images was the night-time shot of people sitting on the steps watching a film projected on to the VAM’s façade, with the translucent beaconlike upper galleries hovering above the action below. This is another unique initiative by Chris Briffa Architects, with no axe to grind other than a love for Valletta, art and design. All new ideas invite criticism, and from what I

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have seen, it has been nothing but healthy. The exhibition offered members of the public the chance to voice their opinions and placed Valletta’s old market, its nightlife and its need for an art space high on the agenda. The nostalgic minority, of course, also expressed their scorn, with one in particular on the Facebook group claiming that this idea was his own which he had presented years ago! (His remarks fell strangely silent when asked to prove his claims with plans and images…) THE FUTURE The city is in the hearts of many, whether they live there or not, and it is a city for which this young team of architects has constantly battled, to keep it alive. You would think that they would lose heart when it comes to their ditched public projects (such as the most unfortunately lost funding for the renovation of Valletta’s

public conveniences), or that they would be zapped of energy after the success of Malta Design Week attracting over 7,000 visitors, but they prove us wrong. We might be surrounded by the kind of people who never try to make things happen, or sometimes feel that we were born in the wrong decade and the wrong country but the proposed revamp of Is-Suq shows that there is hope yet for Malta to stand side-by-side with its European counterparts. V

MILAN MAY NOT BE AS ATTRACTIVE AS ROME, BUT FOR A WEEK A YEAR IT IS TRANSFORMED INTO A VERITABLE TREASURE CHEST

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MILAN DESIGN WEEK

FLOATING NIGRO SOFA BY COMFORTY The innovative Floating Sofa, designed by Philippe Nigro, has received a new openwork colour scheme of the steel frame, which hovers the comfortable cushions and backrest above the ground.

The annual Milan Furniture Fair (Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano), which is also known as Salone, Milano Salone and Milan Design Week, was held last month in Milanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s metropolitan area town of Rho and in the FieraMilano complex. The largest trade fair of its kind in the world for show-casing the latest in furniture and design from countries around the world, it is considered a leading venue for the display of new products by designers of furniture, lighting and other home furnishings. The editor takes a look at what caught her eye on her visit this year. I Saloni has come up trumps in the midst of financial gloom. Every year it offers real business opportunities and exhibitions of a high standard, and as a result, promotes Milan as a cultural destination and subject of design excellence.

The eyes of the world were focused on the 51st edition of the Saloni this April, which showcased 2,700 Italian and foreign exhibitors at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, the SaloneSatellite and the biennial EuroCucina/International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition and the International Bathroom Exhibition. According to the number crunch provided by the organisers, there were 331,649 visitors in total. There were 292, 370 sectoral operators, 3.5% up on 2011, of which 188,579 were non-Italian operators accounting for 64.5% of the total (+5.9%), and 103,791 Italian operators, in line with last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s figures. In addition to the sectoral operators, 6,484 members of the communications industry attended the 2012 Saloni, 5,725 of which were from outside Italy. >>

HOCKN, HOCKA, CLUBHOCKA The chair, stool, and lounge chair promise optimal seating at the table and at the bar. The ergonomically designed surfaces in the seating and reclining area provide optimal support for the buttocks and spine. The design of the chairs derives from the purist demands of the high-grade oak used. The goal, on the other hand, is the utilisation of renewable resources and integration of nature into day-to-day life. www.marchgut.com CUBA ISSUE

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MILAN DESIGN WEEK

>> AS AS AS PRODUCT PRODUCT

DESIGNERS, IT IS OUR DESIRE TO CULTIVATE CURIOSITY SO THAT WE CAN ABSORB THE SPIRIT << OF THE TIMES TIMESAS March Gut – Industrial Design

The entrepreneurial flair at the Saloni was greatly supported by the visiting dignitaries the presence of whom was a testament to the fact that the event has become a driving force for the Italian economy who were able to witness for themselves the efforts and creativity of the exhibiting companies at what has become the benchmark sectoral event at global level. >> COMMANDER BY MARCH GUT The outer characteristic of ‘Commander’ is the combination of curved steel and a rubber-veneered surface, and consists of an especially developed sliding system with felt inserts sliding over a guide rail. The opening is supported by the surface finish and due to the fine grooves its haptics are good.

MOTION BY ANNE BOENISCH The MOTION Collection contains a sculptural folding chair and table. By integrating stainless steel bolts into the frame and seat, MOTION can be stretched and squeezed horizontally. MOTION’s agility thereby renders it highly functional to be used flexibly in bars or restaurants or as additional seating for one-time events.

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Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone (Marketing) tel: 8007 2387

MILAN DESIGN WEEK

(From Top – left to right): Koishi by Noel Zahra: Koishi, the device created by Noel Zahra, monitors the activity within a plant and transforms it into an audio-visual improvisational performance. We cannot have a conversation with plants but interaction is different. It’s nice to put a plant in the limelight for a change. The music played through the pot is produced instantaneously. It’s more than just a pot, it’s an instrument controlled by your plant. Imagine cooking to the sound of the basil plant in your kitchen. www.noelzahra.com Medici chair by Konstantin Grcic: Born on the floor of a carpentry studio, “medici”, the wooden chair created by Munich-based industrial designer Konstantin Grcic for Italian manufacturer Mattiazzi, follows the natural qualities of the material from which it is made. Three types of wood: thermo treated ash, walnut and Douglas fir are joined at irregular angles, resulting in a comfortably reclined chair. The shape is assembled from planks, a reference to the tree trunk that was cut into slices at the beginning of the construction process. Instead of hiding the way it is constructed, this remains visible, as the composition and joinery become both aesthetic and functional components. Plisee by Anne Boenisch: The design for the Plissee Sideboard designed by Anne Boenisch was inspired by pleats in fashion garments. The folds and colour gradient of the fabric accentuate the motion sequence of the opening and closing of the cabinet. www.anne-boenisch.com Geh` Stell by March Gut: Harnessed in “Geh’ Stell” (a tube rod with a contact surface), the wooden slats create a table for a convivial yard party or park festival. It combines elegant design with today’s demand for individuality and do-it-yourself ethic, allowing you to give it your own personal stamp by using different materials for the table top. www.marchgut.com Karat Crystalline Lighting by Anne Boenisch: Resembling crystalline forms, the purist lighting collection Karat features different geometrically folded aluminium sheets. Acryl glass plates connecting the edges allow for light to be transported to the outside and thereby emphasise the crystalline form of Karat. The inner surface of the aluminium sheets are anodised in gold so that a warm light radiates from Karat’s interior creating a contrast to the lacquered outer surfaces. Karat is held by an aluminium pillar resting on a circular pedestal. www.anne-boenisch.com Stewie by Nichetto design This is an original take on the floor lamp, which develops horizontally and has appropriated its name from a cartoon character. Stewie is the new element for the house of today, brand-new, unconventional and friendly. It breaks the mould, choosing a light source that skims the ground, comes in large sizes and is made of a light, soft and flexible material. Gnu Chair by Comforty: The Gnu chair designed by Tomek Rygalik is comfortable, slender, and lightweight upholstered furniture intended for both interiors and prestigious public spaces. The sophisticated way of connecting upholstered elements with the wooden structure makes Gnu and Opera innovative and distinctive pieces of furniture that fit perfectly in the refined contemporary interior. www.comforty.pl Fin Light Round Blue by Tom Dixon: A round aluminium pendant light proudly exposes its inner workings, taking usually invisible electrical components and making them integral to the design. The result is a self-contained piece featuring a shade and light in one. Fin Round is also available in aluminium and copper, and the range includes an obround pendant and a table light. Futon Puff by Comforty: Charming in its simplicity, this is a functional piece of furniture. Kors can serve well as a puff or a side table. As part of a group, it gives the space a strong contemporary touch while providing additional compact seats. With its side pocket, Kors can be a perfect newspaper holder. Geometric form an endless collection of fabrics and leathers, makes Kors suitable for most interiors. www.comforty.pl

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BUTTER UP

& CHANGE D L R O W E H T ACTIVIST

NEW

GADGETS 2012

SLR LENSE i PHONE MOUNT There have been other, more awkward, SLR mounts for iPhones in the past, but non of them compare to this version. What it does is allow you to mount your Canon EOS or Nikon SLR lenses to your iPhone 4/iPhone 3G or 3GS to give your phone “powerful depth of field and manual focus”. Think of it as ripping the engine out of a Lambo and mounting it on a moped. That’s how little sense this makes. www.photojojo.comco.jp

TECH TOYS

VAMP HIGHLIGHTS THE FUN, THE QUIRKY AND DOWNRIGHT MAD!

TRIGGER HAPPY The AppBlaster gun adds a precision grip to iPhones. Snap the phone to the barrel, and download one of seven compatible apps. Games superimpose targets and enemies—ducks, troops, aliens—over a live camera image of the room around you. Pulling the trigger taps two conductive pads on the screen to fire. Just snap your iphone in and kick some alien ass!

THE OFFICIAL TRAINING BIKE OF LE TOUR DE FRANCE Get the experience of riding outside without leaving the comfort of your own home. You draw the route anywhere in the world and iFit Live™ Technology Powered by Google Maps™ automatically downloads the map to your console. What you see is exactly what you feel – every hill, every flat and every decline. This versatile Indoor Cycle delivers more options for a greater benchmark performance. With 24 digital gear controls, you can personalise any workout. Interactive incline and decline controls allow your bike to follow the road. Intelligent wind resistance factors in your height and weight for a calculated ride. Train like a pro with Le Tour de France Indoor Cycle.

RETRO SMARTPHONE HANDSET The Moshi Moshi Pop Phone, originally by Nicholas Roope, combines the classic style telephone with a contemporary and colourful edge. The handset has a high quality speaker and microphone and can be used with the iPhone 4 and Blackberry. Simply plug into your phone and chat away!

MONTANA SPRAY PAINT Malta has experienced a change in direction in the world of graffiti and mural art thanks to the introduction of Montana spraypaint to the market. Montana 94 (low-pressure matt) and Montana hardcore (gloss) are by far the best spray paints on the market, due to their great reliability, excellent coverage, quick drying, UV resistance and absence of lead or any other heavy metals. Find out more about this Montana culture on www.mtncolors.com. Spray cans and markers are available from: Why Not in St Julian’s, VeeGeBee Art in San Gwann and Hobbyworld in Mosta.

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M A S S I M O D U T T I .C O M

SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION AVAILABLE AT MASSIMO DUTTI STORE, THE POINT SHOPPING MALL, TIGNE.

“City of Columns”

Creative Director / Stylist: Luke Engerer www.lukeengerer.com Photography: Kris Micallef www.krismicallef.com Hair: Michelle Galea from Roots Hair Salon - 27454164 Make-up: Nicola Powell - 99865369 Model: Laura from Supernova Massimo Dutti dress - €99.95 Guess shoes - €160.00

French Connection dress - €159.00 Guess shoes - €160.00

Ingmar Spiteri, owner of VW

Zara shorts - €27.95 Massimo Dutti shirt - €45.59 Zara coat - €119.00 Guess shoes - €160.00

CKJeans top - €73.00 CKJeans shorts - €103.00 French Connection shoes - €114.00

Guess top - €139.00 Zara skirt - €39.95 Guess shoes - €160.00

Massimo Dutti Top - €59.95 Zara Skirt - €39.95

FEEL THE

LIGHTNESS

feel the LIGHTNESS, find the BAL NCE and savour the F R E E D O M A With Misura your senses are fully satisfied, offering a product range which is as tasty as it is good for you! From pasta, crackers and biscuits to croissants, toast and muffins. Misura brings a new world of flavour and well-being without giving up the pleasures of life. Discover the full range in all leading supermarkets, pharmacies, food stores and start living well!!

Distributed by Vivian Corporation T: 2132 0338 E: info@viviancorp.com www.viviancorp.com

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INTERVIEW: FLIPSIDE

Macram from SO Management wearing Nawie Kuiper (NL)

PHOTOGRAPHER AND ARCHITECT KRIS MICALLEF MEETS UP WITH VAMP REVEALING HIMSELF, HIS WORK AND HIS INSPIRATION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Designer Nawie Kuiper (Netherlands) Model: Danny Pryke @ SO Management

>>WHEN THE COSMETICS COMPANY SHISEIDO ASKED ME TO FLY OVER I WAS THRILLED<<

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INTERVIEW: FLIPSIDE

ven a brief glimpse at Kris Micallef’s stunning work suggests he has a unique perspective on 21st-century photography. Be it fashion, editorial or commercial, the way he translates real life to final image through his lens is an art in itself. At just twenty three years old, Kris has already worked on countless local and international projects with high- profile designers, stylists and clients. Kris updates us with what he’s been up to and what keeps his creativity flowing. I heard you have just come back from a shoot in Spain. How was it?

(my friends can confirm this). I hope I’ll be working somewhere or other.

Locally, we are very limited with resources – we don’t have many designers, so styling a shoot is always a challenge, but not impossible, as with the right styling the photographer can create good material. Working on foreign projects was great fun, as I got to work with new designers, some of whom are well-established, and worked with big celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, Rihanna and Daisy Lowe.

Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work?

How long have you been working as a photographer and what are your plans for the future?

If you had to choose between architecture or photography, which would it be?

The first time I picked up a camera and started taking pictures was around four or five years ago. So far it’s been a lot of fun and I’m sure it will only get better. I have various plans for the future. I’m happy to remain based in Malta but my aim is to travel and work in various countries, as this will widen my horizons – and my portfolio! This year I’ve been to Stockholm and Barcelona and in a few weeks’ time I’m going to be exhibiting and also shooting in both Maastricht and Brussels – something I’m really looking forward to.

I find inspiration in various places and moments, sometimes even in my sleep! Usually I’m inspired by a model’s look and the material available to work with, but sometimes it works the other way around, and I get an idea to do something and will then seek out the team to work on it.

This is a question I’m often faced with when meeting people these days. I recently graduated with a degree in Architecture and Civil Engineering, but I don’t work as a fulltime architect. Most of my time is taken up with my photography – I’m always working on something new and constantly meeting new people and artists and this keeps me motivated and looking forward to working on new projects. However , in my ‘free time’ I’m also working as a freelance architect and currently working on some cool projects including the design of a private residence, and the part-conversion of the upper floor of an old townhouse into a private office. >>

Where do you see yourself in five years? Ah! Who knows? I’m terrible at making plans

Melanie Zammit

Well, I love everything about Barcelona – the culture, the food, the people, the language, the architecture... I just feel so at home when I’m in Spain, so when the cosmetics company Shiseido asked me to fly over for a whole week to be the official photographer for their 140th anniversary, I was thrilled. While I was there, I did two editorial shoots as well, and we had items from various designers including the amazing Gori de Palma, Zazo & Brull and Oriol Puyol Miro.

Do you find any difference working on foreign projects?

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Kris Micallef

INTERVIEW: FLIPSIDE

What has been the best moment of your career so far? There have been several fun moments in my career so far and this is exactly what I like about my work. There’s always something new and different coming my way and this keeps me motivated to work even harder. However, I think one of the best moments of my career will be in a few days’ time when I’ll be exhibiting and also working in the Netherlands at an event called Fashionclash (http://fashionclash.nl/). I’m also going to be working on a very cool shoot with various young and extremely talented designers while I’m there. I can’t wait!

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Who is your favourite photographer? I’ve got several, but these are three of my favourites: Steven Klein, Robert Mapplethorpe and Helmut Newton. I love their ability to fuse sex and fashion together with a clever use of lighting.

Mac or PC? Mac! Three words that describe you? Spontaneous, creative and fun. Your favourite film of all time? Metropolis, from the late 1920s.

Canon or Nikon? I get asked this question a lot, and many photographers actually ‘make fun’ of the fact that I use a Nikon, because apparently the majority of them use a Canon. You’ve probably heard this before, but it really doesn’t depend on your equipment when it comes to getting interesting images.

What is wrong with the world today? Politicians. V www.krismicallef.com/backstage www.facebook.com/krismicallef.photography

VAMP MAGAZINE ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S ON? DAMIEN HIRST AT THE TATE MODERN

Damien Hirst can be labelled a self-promoting new-to-money millionaire artist who is deliberately commercial (though trying to offer some soul) and cheating the British nation and international audience with his own fame and glory when really his work can be seen as rather grotesque and lacking skill. I visited the Damien Hirst exhibition in London a few weeks ago in the hope that my opinion would change: it didn’t. I felt as if I was visiting a science project rather than the exhibition of an “artist”. Okay, the imitation stained glass windows Hirst created from torn butterfly wings was art and strikingly beautiful (though damningly cruel when you think how many butterflies presumably lost their lives for them); the diamond encrusted skull in its own dark room was also engrossing; and the cow’s head dripping with blood and housing maggots and producing flies was surprisingly intriguing, but what a waste of a gallery space! It only proved that humans are always curious and happy to support blatant commercialism. The shop even offered limited edition prints of his work and grotesquely painted imitation skulls for over £37,000! That said, it would have been a stroke of luck to have known him when he was just a student and to have acquired a piece of his work then. Whoever would have thought that he would become such a success?... You are still in time to have your own opinion on this exhibition – open at Tate Modern until 9 September.

SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT: OFFICIAL OPENING

Sunglasses at Night™ is back on Saturday 16 June at ARIA in San Gwann - embracing summer at a brand new club! For €10 tickets log on to www.ooii.com.mt and www.tilllate.com for more information.

GEMMA RAY FROM THE UK LIVE + EXCLUSIVE

Coach & Horses and HairyAmp are proud to announce that pop-noir songstress Gemma Ray will be playing two exclusive intimate gigs at Coaches & Horses (6 and 7 July). Gemma is one of the most highly acclaimed female artists in the UK. She has supported the likes of Nick Cave’s Grinderman and Midlake on their tours and has been enthusiastically endorsed by a number of superstars such as Jimi Page, among others. The Malta shows are part of her tour promoting her upcoming album Island Fire that has just been released on Bronzerat Records. Space is limited, so book your tickets by sending an email to coachandhorsesmalta@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.tilllate.com

WHERE TO EAT? ASSAGGI AL MARE NEW LOCATION & FANTASTIC CUISINE

Assaggi food and wine has moved to Tigne in Sliema for the summer, offering a new, fresh and light summer menu of Sicilian cuisine, including carpaccio of octopus, chorizo chili and lime dressing, Occi di lupo (home-made penne) pomodoro basilica, Melenzane e ricotta salata, Bistecca tagliata limone, rucola e pepe nero, fresh fish, and wood oven baked pizza. Assaggi al Mare is open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, and Sundays for lunch. The lido is the perfect place to spend the day, by the pool or the sea, using the comfy sunbeds, drinking cocktails by the lounge bar, and eating delicious, fresh food at Assaggi al Mare. The Lido, Qui si sana,Tigne, Tel. 21336625, 77338855 or 99458079. www.assaggialmare.net

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Interview: Lily Agius Photos: The Farber Foundation

Retired American realestate investor Howard Farber became an avid collector of modern American, Chinese and Cuban art by chance. He had no idea when he started putting together his collection of Chinese art, that it would sell for millions and break the world sales record. Howard Farber talks to Lily Agius from his home in Miami about his success in the art market and his recent fascination with Cuban art. When did you start collecting art? I started to collect from the early 1970s with American Modernist art and then Contemporary Chinese from 1995 to 2007. I bought what became some iconic gems. Over the years the market increased, and some similar paintings to those which cost me $5,000, sold for half a million. I was priced out of the market. I had two auctions with my Chinese art collection in the year 2007 which brought in $25 million. How did you choose which American art to collect? I always bought what I liked, but I went for a niche market – the first being American Modernist art from 1908 to 1935. I didn’t study art. I just walked into an art auction one day and bought what I didn’t know at first glance were by famous artists: something just drew me to them. They were from the collection of Alfred Stieglitz, a photographer who brought over works by 048

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artists such as Matisse. As you are doing in Malta – I see a correlation... Stieglitz worked with crazy artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, whom he later married, and a whole bunch of other artists: Max Weber and pop artists of that era and later. I bought them inexpensively, and then appreciation for them started to escalate over the next decade. When did you start collecting Chinese art? I eventually stopped buying American art and my wife and I took a trip to Asia, and on one of the stops – in Hong Kong – I walked

How did you choose what to collect from Chinese art? I have always gone for what I would say are historic works. I decided to collect Chinese art dating from the year 1989 onwards. That was the year of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, so I knew that the artists of the time – some of whom were anti-government – would be very creative. It took something like that to get their juices going. There were only a handful of art collectors around the world and I was helped by a curator in China. It’s amazing what you can do with a Jpeg picture and someone you can trust!

>> I HAD TWO AUCTIONS AT PHILLIPS DE PURY AND COMPANY IN OCTOBER 2007, WITH BOTH SALES MAKING ABOUT $25,000,000. << into a contemporary Chinese art gallery. I never knew that there was anything called Contemporary Chinese art before. I started to buy Chinese work and to read a lot; one book at the time was called China AvantGarde, and that is what I called my company later on. Between 1995 and 2005 I built up a great collection of works created by Wang Guangyi, Zhang Xiaogang, Xu Bing, Huang Yongping, Gu Wenda, Zhang Peili, Yue Minjun, Cai Guoqiang, Fang Lijun, Chen Zhen, Ai Weiwei, Wang Qingsong, Geng Jianyi, Yang Shaobin and Zheng Guogu, as well as other early works by top artists. A work that I purchased by Wang Guangyi called “Coca Cola” for $25,000 was sold for almost two million.

The Chinese art market has had explosive figures over the last few years which do not seem to be flagging. Do you regret selling part of your collection? And when did you decide to sell? In 2005, something happened: China became famous. This Chinese revolution was on the cover of Time magazine, in Newsweek, and reported by the BBC. A billion people were gaining economic strength. A lot of the Chinese artists made money quickly and their lives changed. Some of the top artists in China now have deals with the top US galleries and live in mansions with six models in bikinis. Some have gone crazy because they are not used to this sort of success. >>

OPENING DOORS

Wang Guangyi – Coca Cola

With all this excitement going on, there was an auction at Sotheby’s in New York in 2005. This was the record-breaking year for Sotheby’s, with Asian works doubling its profits in two years to $220,000,000. The October series of Hong Kong sales achieved $94.8 million alone, which was the highest total ever for a Hong Kong sales series. A work by an artist from whom I had bought a piece for $15,000 was sold at the auction for

almost $1 million. It didn’t make me a genius to have done what I did, it’s just that the country caught on. When good art collectors see something coming in for that price they start to speculate on the market. In 2007 I decided to sell 75 per cent of my Chinese art collection, leaving what was still in my New York apartment. I had so many works in storage at the time, which is a crime. I had two auctions at Phillips de Pury and

Company in October 2007, with both sales making about $25,000,000. I don’t collect Chinese art now. For one thing, I can’t afford to and for another, I’ve already done it. It just stopped being fun. I sold the last of it last year. It was great fun, but fun seems to evaporate with the money. >>

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>> THERE IS NO INTERNATIONAL ART MARKET IN CUBA, AND I ALWAYS GO AFTER THESE ‘ORPHAN’ MARKETS <<

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And when did you start collecting works from Cuba? My wife, once again, said: “Lets take a trip.” I never intended to look for art. She is involved in dance and ballet, and I was initially only interested in the architecture. But when I went around and visited some art studios, I really liked what I saw. It opened up another opportunity. It is totally untouched. Cuban contemporary art is the markets best kept secret, and I always go after these ‘orphan’ markets. Once again, I made friends with a curator, now in Havana, who became my eyes and ears. In 2001 I asked him to help me buy a few drawings,

and by 2005 I had about 70 works of art. The bottom line is that I’m still collecting, but prior to the Chinese art boom, I only started I was only dabbling with Cuban art. What do you find so fascinating about Cuban art? Some Cuban art does not reveal the nationality of the artist. Some of the early Cuban works are political – showing a flag in the background, political leaders, etc. – but some could be from anywhere. Some artists are internationally known but it’s made up of only a small group of four to five people. It is so fresh! Most of the artists left Cuba

OPENING DOORS

in the 1980s and 1990s. Some are still waiting to return. Some have travelled back and forth and are still waiting for a change in government. I like to go where people haven’t really been before.

How many Cuban works do you own?

I became friends with Cuban artists in Cuba and around the world. If they worked as an artist in Cuba and then moved to Paris then they are Cuban contemporary artists. If they were born in the USA, they are not. I am a Russian American, but that doesn’t make me a Russian. I am a purist. I have been buying and buying and buying and haven’t yet stopped.

Do you have a strategy when it comes to collecting Cuban art?

Today I have about 200 or so works of Cuban art (most can be seen on the website (www.farbercollection.com).

I try to use the same formula – I buy paintings that are still wet! I look for what they did in the 1980s and 1990s, when they were younger and expressing outrage. The first thing I would do with my curator in Havana is rescue a lot of the artworks. The Soviet Union was Cuba’s main economic

support until its collapse in 1991. When it left, Cuba was left in a bad state and the artists used that as an excuse to leave. They didn’t care about what they left rolled up at their grandma’s and they had a hard time, only knowing how to speak Spanish. When I look at a booklet and come across art that they have created that I’ve not seen before, I ask them about it. I hear the usual story – that they don’t have it anymore – and I say that surely they do and that I would like to buy it. I would be asked for an exorbitant amount and I’d buy it. >>

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INTERVIEW: FRESH PAINT

Armando Marino (La Patera)

>> I GET WHAT YOU CALL “ART ATTACKS” AND HAVE AN ADDICTIVE PERSONALITY << Would you ever buy a dissected animal in the name of art?

What is your ultimate aim with Cuban art?

That’s been a big discussion with my wife. I believe that there is no work too ugly or too shocking. If that is what the artist does and I see something great in it, I will buy it. If it is not commercial – in terms of a big collection – it’s a part of the bigger puzzle. I get what you call “art attacks” and have an addictive personality... like all art collectors. A lot of people will buy what goes in the dining room over the table. I want someone to put themselves out there for the art. There were times when I had art on the walls but no furniture.

I am trying to promote Cuban art. Unfortunately, the real truth of the matter is that one person can’t make a market: it can just happen on its own, with a collective force, and one day it could be announced on CNN. There is no deadline for me, I’m just happy collecting art and will continue to support Cuban art.

Have you come across Maltese art? I got a little twinge for a second with you asking me that. I already have a list of artists written down from before we spoke...

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Howard Farber and his wife Patricia have established a foundation that offers grants for anything to do with Cuban culture – food, music, dance, visual art – including the short movie called Unfinished Spaces (which subsequently won an award), residencies for artists, exhibitions, books, visits to a ballet school in Havana and the setting up of an increasingly popular online newspaper exclusive for Cuban news. Howard Faber is currently working on a new book about Cuba. V For more information and updates log on to www.thefarbercollection.com & www.cubanartnews.org

Wilfredo Lam, Pajaro Sobre Cabezza de Mujer (Bird on a Woman’s Head)

FASHION TRENDS

CHARMING DILAPIDATION OF THE SWINGING CITY > WORDS BY ASHLEY LUKAS

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TRAVEL: CUBA

Collage by: Ju Costa ‘Havanna’

It’s almost noon and the sun’s warmth is filtering through the shade on the rooftop of Ambos Mundos, Ernest Hemmingway’s old residence in the centre of Old Havana. I order a mojito and settle down at a table near the edge of the wall, in the shade. Soon my drink arrives and I’m ready to take in my surroundings. Interestingly enough, if you (like me) think you’re a bit of a cocktail

aficionado, you can draw a lot of parallels between the Havana mojito and its mother city. It is a much simpler affair than one might find in the latest, slick, capital hangout. As hard as you may look, there’s no option of passion-fruit, spiced, gold-leaf or essence of Dodo; every mojito in Havana is served with the same thing: Havana Club rum (your choice of age), brown sugar, mint and sparkling water.

And it is this unpretentious simplicity that first hits me as I look out over the city. Look in one direction and there are old colonial buildings, once painted in pastel colours, now crumbling into a state of charming disrepair. Look in the other and you see the harbour, a glittering streak of blue flanked by green and dotted with old forts and governors’ mansions. >>

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TRAVEL: CUBA

It’s when you finally cast your gaze just across the street and witness the soulless reflection of Ambos Mundos in the Ministry of Education’s mirror windows that the peso drops: “I am Havana – and I don’t give a damn what you think of me”. It is clearly the regime that has changed the once incredibly beautiful showgirl of the Caribbean. In her day, she was the star attraction – a muse to American writers, poets and artists and hosting parties a-plenty. In 1959 it all changed. Her marriage to Castro was supposed to bring her better things: an end to the hard living and a renaissance of everything. It was not the case. The beauty was simply caged, tragically allowed to fade and yet he still made her perform every night for those who flocked to see her. And perform she does. Strolling around old Havana during the day, you will be aware of all types of impromptu entertainment, from musicians to jugglers and all of them very skilled at what they do. Bands of Latin musicians go from café to bar to street corner playing classics from the Buena Vista Social Club and hoping that generous listeners will pay for the privilege. The street bands are good, yes, but the exceptional talent seems to be saved for the theatres and bars such as Floridita, touted as “the birthplace of the daquiri” and an opulent, red-leather nod to days goneby. Just as much importance is afforded to artists, sculptors and the like. On the corner of the lush, green and beautiful Plaza des Armas, you will find them painting landscapes or abstracts or whatever takes their fancy. You can see state-sanctioned, colourful frescos on most roads, joyfully proclaiming that Cuba is a free country and that everyone is happy. Galleries and impromptu art stalls dotted around the narrow back streets and squares offer an incredible opportunity to pick up an amazing piece at a reasonable price. Even the Artisan’s Market on Cuba Tacon which, on average, had much lower quality work than the galleries, was still a joy to explore and barter my way through. The regime hugely encourages musicians, artists and athletes, so Havana is overflowing with song, dance and art. Even so, it is a regime that has left many of the streets crumbling and the people

destitute. From the minute you arrive, there is a constant stream of “helpful” individuals who will certainly offer to carry your bags, guide you to their favourite places, take you on historical tours, show you local landmarks and sell you cut-price cigars. When faced with such poverty on a daily basis, it is no surprise that many locals see the letters A, T and M hovering about two inches above every visitor’s head at all times. But don’t let that stop you talking to anyone who isn’t red, wearing flip-flops and three-quarter length shorts. Local people are friendly and it is really worth getting to know them, as long as you keep your wits about you, harden your heart up a notch and never buy cigars on the street. By around midnight, the streets are no longer filled with music, the locals and tourists have all but gone and a still quiet,

either side of me had suddenly changed. The style, which earlier could be called “charming spots of dilapidation”, now had a theme of missing walls, split doors and open roofs. It was early evening, and still bright, but now a faint smell of rotting meat permeated the air. I was spotted by a young couple, probably aged 25, who came over to offer help. They told me that it wasn’t far, but first they’d take me to a different bar, saying that La Bodeguita Del Medio wasn’t the real Havana. Where they took me didn’t have a name or a door and was simply a corner of a building with a bar and some drinks in a cold box. It served rum, beer and cola. After buying some drinks for us, we sat and talked in broken English about Havana, Cuba and the area, straying into politics only a little bit. The government essentially employs

>> “I AM HAVANA – AND I

DON’T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU THINK OF ME” << punctuated by the odd stray cat or scrawny dog, takes over. It all becomes very surreal, the only places open being the hotel bars – for tourists only, of course. Unlike her distant cousin Rio, Havana doesn’t party all night long but even though the trappings of poverty are all around, you don’t worry that you are in much danger. Violent crime involving tourists is low because of the swift and harsh punishments meted out to those who transgress against Cuba’s primary earner. The biggest threat to your wallet are smooth-talking locals, day or night, who through skill, pity, counterfeit goods or a combination of all the above try to part you and any amount of money they can get away with. The problem is that sometimes, after talking to them, getting to know them as real individuals and seeing the way they live, it is all you can do not to just hand over that £10 note.

and takes care of most people, subsidises food and maintains its buildings and infrastructure, making it virtually impossible for anyone to change their fortunes. I asked what had happened to the area; after all, it was in the centre of the old town and only a few streets away from where I was staying, yet the buildings were crumbling. They laughed, looked at me and said: “Hurricane Fidel”. I chatted some more, left some money for them and headed back towards the relatively less damaged parts of the old town for a sip of rum and a fresh Cohiba. This is the stark juxtaposition: the two sides of the city, only a stone’s throw from each other, held together by individual pride and mass propaganda. Although Havana may have seen better days, her timeless charm makes a visit culturally rewarding. So while she won’t give you the party of your life, she certainly will make the rest of it that much richer. V

It’s very easy to get lost. Once, after scouring the maze-like back streets for La Bodeguita Del Medio (a tiny and somewhat famous Cuban bar with live music), I found that the architecture of the buildings on CUBA ISSUE

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Blinds made to measure...

Mosta T 21432003 Fgura 21801092 www.b4.com.mt

LA COCINA CUBANA

LA COCINA CUBANA.

From what I have been told, food in Cuba is not that good, and the best you will find will be in the Americanised hotels. So Vamp no doubt gave the young chefs at Chez Philippe: Michel Vergnaud and Sean Gravina, and managers Lisa Darmanin Demajo and Eunice Muscat, a real challenge by asking them to come up with a Cuban menu. However, based on typical ingredients that are available in Cuba â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fusing Spanish, African and Caribbean cuisines with a little bit of Chinese â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they came up with a mouth-watering array of recipes and prepared a real banquet for us to sample, resulting in an equally satisfied Vamp team, all fuelled up to complete the rest of this issue >>

Recipes: Chez Philippe, The Strand Photos: Daniel Coppini

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SUBSCRIBE TO VAMP MAGAZINE & WIN AN AMAZING WEEKEND BREAK AT THE HILTON! SIMPLY ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION AFTER SUBSCRIBING ON OUR HOME PAGE: www.vampmagazine.org

‘How many pools and restaurants does the Hilton Malta have?’

tanding as a centrepiece of the Maltese coastline, the Hilton Malta has come to represent the style, comfort and hospitality for which the Hilton brand is renowned. Overlooking breathtaking views, the 410 rooms and suites available offer the discerning traveller the best in luxury and relaxation. Ideally located in the prestigious Portomaso development within the fashionable district of St. Julian’s, the hotel is just minutes away from all the major entertainment areas, attractions and sites the beautiful island of Malta has to offer. The hotel features 4 outdoor swimming pools, 2 paddle pools for children, an outdoor Jacuzzi, private beach club, water sports and diving centre. The LivingWell Health and Fitness centre includes a fully equipped gymnasium, dance studios, Toni & Guy Hair Studio, Myoka Spa, tennis & squash courts, sauna, steam room and an indoor heated pool. An exciting variety of dining experiences await guests in the fine restaurants and bars available at the Hilton Malta. Whether you decide to indulge in Mediterranean Cuisine, take a gastronomic trip to the East in the Blue Elephant Restaurant or simply dine al fresco by the pool, you will certainly have a culinary experience like none other. Award winning Executive Chef Joe Vella and his team prepare every dish to perfection and deliver the highest standards in culinary excellence.

SPRING WEEKEND AT HILTON! Spend a relaxing spring weekend in style and take advantage of our excellent room rate offer at just €139* per room per night including breakfast, free upgrade to a Contemporary Room and a 10% discount when dining at either the Oceana Restaurant, Bottega del Vino or Blue Elephant Restaurant during your stay! For reservations contact us on 21 383 383 or reservations.malta@hilton.com *Terms & Conditions apply. Offer is valid over specific dates during the month of June.

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LA COCINA FASHIONCUBANA TRENDS

Avocado pear and pineapple salad Dice up Âž of a fresh pineapple and an avocado and mix with a finely chopped red onion and salad leaves. To make the dressing, mix together 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons of orange juice, a good splash of olive oil, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Whisk well until sugar has dissolved and dress salad before serving. Grilled marinated shrimp skewers Prepare the marinade with 1 cup of olive oil, a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, the juice of a lemon, three cloves of garlic, crushed, fresh chopped chilli to taste, a tablespoon of tomato paste, two teaspoons of dried oregano, salt and black pepper. Marinate the prawns for a couple of hours before cooking. Soak the skewers in cold water before using them to prevent them burning. Put the prawns on the skewers and grill for a minute on each side. Drizzle over the marinade before serving. Baked red snapper with mango salsa Pre-heat the oven to 180ÂşC. To make the mango salsa, mix together one diced fresh mango, one red onion and one red pepper, three tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, chopped fresh chilli, the juice and zest of one lime and one tablespoon red wine vinegar and set aside. Mix together a teaspoon each of paprika, cumin, allspice and ground ginger and some black pepper and rub this mixture onto the fish. Place in a shallow baking tray and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Fish should flake easily when tested with a fork. To serve, pour over pan juices, pile on mango salsa and garnish with fresh lime wedges. >>

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Grilled pork chops Ask your butcher to butterfly some pork chops for you. To prepare the marinade, whisk together the juice of two large oranges, the juice of one lime, 3 tablespoons of oregano, a teaspoon of cumin and six crushed cloves of garlic. Marinate the pork chops for a couple of hours in the fridge. Pat dry before use. Place the pork cut side up and season. Place a slice each of ham and cheese on one side of the chop and top with a chopped pickled gherkin. Season and fold over. Brush with olive oil and cook under a hot grill for 4 minutes until golden brown. Flip over and continue cooking until cheese melts. Meanwhile, make a dressing with some more orange and lime juice, coriander, oregano and salt and pepper and drizzle over pork to serve. Moros y Cristianos Literally translates as “Moors and Christians”

Boil 500g of rice according to instructions on packet. In a large saucepan, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté a large onion, sliced, a sliced green bell pepper, 2 crushed cloves of garlic, and 2 chopped tomatoes. Add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and a teaspoon each of cumin, oregano, ground coriander and fennel seeds. Add a cup of water, salt to taste, and a dash of Tobasco sauce. Bring to the boil and reduce heat. Add black beans and rice and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed. Serve immediately. Cuban Cigars Cut a packet of filo pastry into rectangles, brush with melted butter, spread them with Nutella and roll. Bake in the oven at 180ºC for 7 minutes then turn over and cook for another 7 minutes. V Chez Philippe: 181, The Strand Gzira T: 21330755 M: 79280499 M: 99014839 E: eat@chezphilippe.com.mt Opening hours: Monday to Sunday lunch 12pm - 3pm Tuesday to Saturday dinner from 7pm

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IMPRESS YOURSELF, NOT JUST THE NEIGHBOURS.

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Photo: Daniel Coppini

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VAMP MAGAZINE SKINCARE

SKIN INTERVENTION Your most pressing beauty questions answered

I rarely applied sunscreen in my 20s and 30s and now my face and chest are paying for the price. Can I do anything to reverse the damage? While you cannot totally turn back the clock, with today’s sophisticated skin care products you can definitely reduce the appearance of some of the damage. Products containing vitamins A and C will brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of brown spots. Reducing the appearance of damaged skin takes time and discipline. Make a start by not going in the sun during the peak hours between 10am and 2pm. Make sure that, after a daily application of Vitamins A and C moisturiser, a good broad-spectrum sunscreen containing antioxidants is used on the exposed areas of your skin. Recommended products: Environ’s AVST 1 Moisturiser €45.60, RAD Sunscreen €20.45

My laugh lines seem to be getting deeper and deeper. Is there a way to make them less noticeable? A retinoid (Vitamin A) eye cream/gel and moisturiser are your best bet. They will help build up the collagen that has slowly been broken down due to aging and sun damage. The best products will also contain peptides that also help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This is a paid editorial

Recommended product: Environ’s Cquence Eye Gel €54.62

How do I get rid of the little red veins around my nose and cheeks?

Sometimes these broken capillaries can be genetic but they are usually the result of sun damage, smoking, extreme temperatures or treating the skin roughly. Vitamin C helps to reduce the appearance of smaller threads, so take it in capsule form and treat topically. Recommended product: Intensive C-Boost €34.59

I have had little blackheads all over my nose since I was a teenager. How can I get rid of them once and for all? Banishing those annoying black dots is a three-step process. Start with a precleansing oil that contains salicylic acid, followed by a mask containing salicylic acid that will remove dirt from the pores and prevent them from re-clogging. This needs to be done three times a week until the pores are cleared. A daily application of a moisturiser containing Vitamin A is the last final step to be blackhead-free. Recommended products: Environ’s Sebuprep €13.63, Sebumask €13.63, AVST 1 moisturiser €45.60

What are the white bumps that appear on my cheeks and forehead?

My cellulite looks worse after dieting. How can I smooth out my dimply thighs? Losing a lot of weight quickly often leaves you with slack skin. The situation can be improved by targeted toning exercises and massage of the affected areas with firming creams. No cream will banish cellulite overnight, but a good body cream with Vitamins A and C can boost the overall tone and make your thighs appear more sculpted. Recommended products: Environ’s Body Profile €41.35, Vitamin A,C & E Body Oil €39.55

My elbows and knees seem so dark and rough. How can I soften them? Dry, rough skin on the elbows, knees and heels is sign of disruption in the skin’s natural renewal process. Extreme weather conditions, indoor heating, friction from clothes and shoes and even genetics all add to the problem. Regular use of moisturiser containing alpha hydroxy acid will soften dry and calloused skin, and a Vitamin A and C oil, cream will add to the softness. Recommended products: Body Derma-Lac Lotion €36.00,Vitamin A,C,E Body Oil €39.55/Body Cream €34.59 Sandra Calafato Director of Environ Skin Care Malta 33 years experience working as a beauty therapist. V

They are called ‘milia’ and form when keratin proteins are over-produced and become stuck under the surface of the skin. They can be removed quickly and painlessly by a qualified beauty therapist. Call 21313208 for your nearest Environ qualified beauty therapist.

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Consumers allergic to salicylic acid (asprin) may not use Sebu prep & Sebumasque

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