#57 The Spring 24 Issue

‘

This Summer Starts & Ends wiTh Merkanti’

There is a NEW Cookie in Town. Indulge with taste

scan for more

CONTENTS

As this sweet season starts to settle in, Vamp Magazine unleashes an edition which celebrates the spirit of spring and the transformation it brings. But before I walk you through the nitty gritty, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Dayna, who apart from being an amazing person and great friend, has been of enormous value to this magazine. Her tireless efforts have helped further strengthen and develop the brand, something I will continue to build on and evolve as i take over the reigns as the new Editor.

In this season’s issue, we invite you to immerse yourselves in a world of captivating profiles, where emerging creative talents take centre stage. We explore the latest, most hottest trends for her by Calvin Klein and Mango, featuring hand picked pieces by Stylist Robert Walker, modelled by Tiffany Pisani and Gabriella Gherghel.

We Journey through the serene beech forests of Halland, Sweden, as we explore a breathtaking architectural marvel that blends seamlessly with nature’s perfection.

Back in Edinburgh we catch up with talented French - Scottish Artist Flore Gardner who’s work stirs emotions and is sure to get your creative juices flowing. And we speak with the chefs of the recently Michelin awarded restaurant, Rosami.

Join us as we explore a diverse range of stories, features and updates in our 57th edition of Vamp Magazine!

Editor

Kay K

Design / Art Direction

Vocab®

Photographer

Matthew B Spiteri

Stylist Robert Walker

Sales Director

Sam Psaila T:7788 0300

Contributors

Andrea Amore

Cliff Borg

Elisabet Casany

Flore Gardner

Gabriella Gherghel

Fernando Mifsud

Nicola Powell

Matthew B Spiteri

Norm Architects

Robert Walker

Tiffany Pisani

Vanusia Hair Design

016. BEYOND BRIDAL

Discover timeless elegance and bespoke luxury at Alamango Bridal and Textiles.

022. DESERT STORM

A captivating fashion editorial that defines this seasons’ amazing CK ‘24 collection.

034. LE JARDIN

A fashion shoot, set in Villa Frere’s verdant garden, mixing chic styles in nature’s splendor, while capturing the spirit of the season.

044. SJOPARKEN

Nestled in the serene beech forests of Halland, Sweden, the new Sjöparken by Norm Architects redefines the essence of tranquility and luxury.

046. FORMS OF MADNESS

Vamp meets Flore Gardner, an inspiring French-Scottish visual artist, based in Edinburgh.

064. SECRET GARDEN

Fernando Mifsud walks us through a historic gem hidden in plain site. A grand estate built by Malta’s renowned architects and which later went onto become Villa Frere.

066. ELEVATE YOUR BEAUTY GAME THIS SEASON!

Brace yourself for the Spring / Summer 2024 make-up revolution brought to you by Nicola Powell.

067. RADIANT BEAUTY

Get your hands on our favourite beauty breakthroughs by Clarins.

070. FROM CONCEPTION TO MICHELIN STARDOM

Meet chef Borg and chef Amore, the culinary masterminds behind the recently Michelin awarded Rosami Restaurant by Xara Collection.

076. UPDATE: CELEBRATING

THE SPIRIT OF A CLASSIC

Vamp reviews the sucessful event hosted by Muscats Motors, a unique, immersive experience that combined the best of travel, gourmet food, and fine wine.

078. OPEN UP SICILY WITH AVERNA

Discover Averna’s heritage; A contemporary expression of the true Sicilian Character.

082. HASSLE FREE HOME LOANS

We sit down with Larissa Ciantar, Senior Manager – Mortgage

Lending at MeDirect to find out how Malta’s first digital bank is helping customers to make the purchase of their dream home a more pleasant experience.

[ BEYOND BRIDAL ]

Welcome to the world of timeless elegance and bespoke luxury at Alamango Bridal & Textiles, where dreams are meticulously woven into reality. With over six decades of excellence, Alamango Bridal takes pride in crafting personalised experiences for every bride, ensuring that each journey is as unique as the love story it accompanies.

Alamango Bridal is a fine example of sophistication and timeless beauty. Mrs Alamango, the driving force behind Alamango Bridal, along with her team graciously shared insights into the secrets that have made the boutique a cornerstone in the bridal fashion world. “At Alamango Bridal, our mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that each bride feels cherished and celebrated throughout her journey with us,” she reveals.

“From the moment a bride steps through the doors, she is enveloped in a world of exquisite fabrics, unparalleled craftsmanship, and dedicated attention to detail. We take great care to understand each bride’s unique vision and desires,” the team explains. “Our experienced team provides one-to-one attention, guiding brides through the process with expert advice tailored to their preferences.”

Just a quick look around the boutique and you’ll instantly notice Alamango Bridal boasts an impressive collection featuring top industry brands, including Maggie Sottero, Allure, Morilee, and more. “Our relationship with our suppliers goes back years and is passed on through generations,” Mrs Alamango proudly shares. This allows us to offer exclusivity to the Maltese Islands, ensuring our brides have access to the finest designs available.”

But Alamango Bridal offers more than just a curated collection, it’s an A-Z journey filled with excitement and anticipation. “During the appointment, brides are invited to explore our stunning collection of dresses, where they can try on various styles in our beautiful fitting rooms,” the team describes. “We make the whole experience fun and memorable with celebratory drinks and our signature gift.” >>

“At Alamango Bridal, our mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that each bride feels cherished and celebrated throughout her journey with us,”

For brides seeking a truly personalised experience, Alamango Bridal also offers custom creations brought to life by skilled seamstresses. “We offer customisation options to ensure every bride feels truly special and reflects her style on her special day,” Mrs Alamango emphasises. “All alterations are done in-house by our highly skilled seamstresses, providing brides with peace of mind knowing that everything is done under our guidance and supervision.”

The journey doesn’t end with the perfect gown, Alamango Bridal ensures that every aspect of the bridal experience is cared for. “From veils and accessories to dresses for the bridal party, we work closely with our clients to ensure that every detail exceeds expectations,” the team assures.

With over 60 years of textile experience, Alamango Bridal & Textiles maintains its unmatched reputation by sourcing the finest materials from renowned fabric manufacturers. “Our commitment to textile excellence ensures that each gown is crafted with precision and care,” the team explains. “Our skilled artisan suppliers carefully craft each fabric, delivering unparalleled luxury to our customers.”

What’s more, inclusivity lies at the heart of Alamango Bridal, where brides of all ages, sizes, styles, and budgets are welcomed with open arms. “Every bride deserves to feel beautiful and confident on her wedding day,” Mrs Alamango declares. “That’s why we offer a diverse range of dresses in various sizes, styles, and price points to accommodate every bride’s needs and preferences.”

As a family-run business now in its third generation, Alamango Bridal embodies values of excellence, integrity, and personalised service. “Our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering,” Mrs Alamango affirms. “We treat every customer who walks through our doors like a member of our own family, providing them with the attention, care, and respect they deserve.”

In the stunning world of Alamango Bridal, every bride’s journey celebrates love, beauty, and elegance. From the first appointment to the final fitting, Alamango Bridal promises a seamless experience filled with everlasting memories and breathtaking moments. “For brides embarking on the journey of a lifetime, Alamango Bridal is more than just a boutique. it’s a sanctuary where dreams become reality,” the team concludes. [ V ]

[...““WE TREAT EVERY CUSTOMER WHO WALKS THROUGH OUR DOORS LIKE A MEMBER OF OUR OWN FAMILY, PROVIDING THEM WITH THE ATTENTION, CARE, AND RESPECT THEY DESERVE”...]

MERCURY & THE POINT

“AMIDST THE GENTLE EMBRACE OF SPRING,THE DESERT SANDS STIR THE MOOD EVOKING A SENSE OF ADVENTURE – A CELEBRATION OF THE FREE SPIRIT”

CK Leather Jacket – €529.90

CK Pants – €129.90

Denim Jacket – €169.90

Authentic Straight Jeans – €129.90

High Thong – €29.90

Unlined Bandeau – €46.90

Authentic Bootcut Jeans

€149.90 , Denim Tube Top

€79.90 , Leather Jacket

€529.90

Satin Bomber – €219.90 , Satin Strappy Top – €79.90 , Parachute Pants – €129.90

PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW B SPITERI

MODEL: GABRIELLA

HAIR: VANUSIA HAIR DESIGN

MAKE-UP ARTIST: ELISABET CASANY

STYLING: ROBERT WALKER

CLOTHING: CALVIN KLEIN

PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW B SPITERI

STYLING: ROBERT WALKER

MAKE UP ARTIST: ELISABET CASANY

MODEL: TIFFANY PISANI

HAIR: VANUSIA HAIR DESIGN

LOCATION: VILLA FRERE

Blazer –€69.99, Trousers –€49.99

Scarf –€12.99, Necklace –€22.99

Sunglasses –€22.99

Dress€119.99, Blazer€99.99, Earrings€49.99 Right: Top€29.99, Skirt€59.99, Necklace€15.99

estled in the serene beech forests of Halland, Sweden, the new Sjöparken redefines the essence of tranquility and luxury. With an architectural vision to create the ideal setting for intimate rituals of self- care and harmonious living amidst nature’s embrace, these lakefront retreats exude an honest simplicity without sacrificing warmth and tactility.

At the heart of the concept are seven villas, perched delicately on the lake. Each villa seamlessly intertwines four hotel rooms through glass corridors, offering a poignant homage to the site’s history by creating the sensation of strolling through an open-air village.

The intentional design masterfully blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, amplifying the intimate connection with the surroundings.

Whether taking a refreshing dip in the private bathing jetties nestled in the lake, unwinding in the in-room saunas, or indulging

in the tranquility of lying in bed and gazing through expansive windows, each moment unveils an unparalleled communion with nature. >>

SJÖPARKEN, A SANCTUARY OF UNDERSTATED LUXURY IMMERSED IN THE EMBRACE OF NATURE, INVITES YOU ON AN EXTRAORDINARY RETREAT. DRAWING AR INSPIRATION FROM THE ELEGANCE OF NORDIC SIMPLICITY, THE TIMELESS TRADITIONS OF JAPANESE DESIGN, AND THE TROPICAL ALLURE OF RESORT LIVING, THIS ARCHITECTURAL GEM EMERGES AS A UNIQUE HYBRID – A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF DISTINCT INFLUENCES THAT CONVERGE SEAMLESSLY WITHIN ITS WALLS. EACH CORNER TELLS A STORY OF SIMPLICITY, UNITY, AND THE SPIRIT OF THE PLACE, CREATING AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE WHERE THOUGHTFUL DESIGN AND NATURE COME TOGETHER IN PERFECT HARMONY.

As integrated architectural elements and bespoke design optimize space, the minimal, peaceful rooms create a framework for immersive experiences, focusing on stillness, togetherness, and well-being.

Expanding on our initial collaboration with the Michelin-starred restaurant ÄNG, Sjöparken seamlessly augments the offerings of Ästad Vingård by extending the hotel. It’s a venture that transcends mere functionality, delving into an exploration of how the location can evolve through a collaborative effort between Ästad and Norm Architects. Consequently, Sjöparken stands as a benchmark, representing the convergence of aesthetic values and a harmonious expression as various elements of the estate align and come together in unity.

Sjöparken sets itself apart by fostering a direct and immersive connection with its natural surroundings – an ethos that permeates every facet of its design. This emphasis on connectivity is not just a design choice; it’s a testament to the genius loci of the place embedded in both the architecture and interior spaces.

The seamless interplay between the interior and exterior spaces extends beyond mere aesthetics, shaping how the space is utilized. Hence, the connection to the surrounding nature is not a mere afterthought but a guiding principle that has influenced architectural and design decisions alike. The way that sunlight filters through the rooms, the choice >>

[...“THE SEAMLESS INTERPLAY BETWEEN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SPACES EXTENDS BEYOND MERE AESTHETICS, SHAPING HOW THE SPACE IS UTILISED”...]

of materials that mirror the natural elements, and the fluidity of movement within the hotel – all are intentional gestures, a manifestation of the belief that architecture can be a bridge between the man-made and the organic.

It’s not merely about constructing a building; it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with the soul of Ästad Vingård.

The architecture is a masterful dance of subtlety, seamlessly blending into the local building traditions. Wooden cladding and green roofs pay homage to the region’s architectural heritage, creating a visual harmony that resonates with the surroundings. In essence, the villas beckon those seeking an escape into nature’s embrace, where architecture becomes a conduit for a harmonious coexistence between luxurious living and the untouched beauty of the Swedish landscape.

Uninterrupted views of the tranquil lake are omnipresent as the villas form a floating village; each unit graced with a private pool discreetly hidden beneath the surface of the lake.

Working with this clear connection to the water and the natural surroundings, the architecture instinctively makes you feel at ease. There is something calming about both the sound of water and the reflection of light on water.

Even the scents of the lake and its biophilic life, creates a special experience. It’s a luxurious and comfortable experience, complemented with visual and tactile moments that appeal to the senses and well-being of the guests, from the abundant use of raw natural materials to the elegant ways of filtering light through lamellas, louvers, textiles, and skylights. >>

[...“IT’S NOT MERELY ABOUT CONSTRUCTING A BUILDING; IT’S ABOUT CRAFTING AN EXPERIENCE THAT RESONATES WITH THE SOUL OF ÄSTAD VINGÅRD”...]

On the inside, everything from the walls adorned with warm tones from oakwood cladding, the intricate texture of soft textiles, and the sensory allure of natural stone and ceramics is likewise intricately linked to the earth, the adjacent forest, and the rippling waters that surround the exclusive villas.

In each room, a seamless division between the lounge area and bedroom is achieved with strategically placed wooden louvers, striking a balance between transparency and privacy, while also transforming filtered light into enchanting wall art, eliminating the need for additional decor.

This way of filtering daylight adds a magical touch, resulting in rooms that evolve and captivate throughout the day. Whether the light reflects off the dolomite plaster ceilings or the wooden cladding, the atmosphere undergoes a mesmerizing transformation. The interplay of light, creating dynamic triangles or softly filtering through the natural fibres of draping, ensures each experience is uniquely varied. >>

...“TRANSITIONING FROM THE SAUNA TO THE LAKE AND BACK TO THE BATHROOM BECOMES A DELIBERATE JOURNEY, A DESIGN-INDUCED SHIFT”...

The lighting scenarios of artificial light sources to compliment daylight are also crucial for the atmosphere and comfort. In a collaborative effort with Anker&Co, we have ensured a calm ambiance where the illumination seemingly disappears – we didn’t want to create anything too dramatic to compete with the breathtaking nature outside. Instead, the soft lighting accentuates the tactile nature of the space.

The intimate sauna, enveloped entirely in wood with an oven seamlessly integrated into the floor and positioned at the water’s edge, crafts a unique experience — a cocoon of comfort.

Transitioning from the sauna to the lake and back to the bathroom becomes a deliberate journey, a design-induced shift from the cozy warmth of wood to the serene embrace of a darker stone realm. This transformation is akin to the art of chiaroscuro, as you move from the illuminated wood interior into the shadowy cave of stone, enlightened only by a sacred skylight in the shower, extending the space into the sky. The design delicately engages the human senses, creating a soft yet dramatic experience.

Given the compact size of the rooms, doors are concealed to maintain a sleek appearance. Only the handles are visible, with doors to the wardrobe, sauna, cabinet, and bathroom discreetly integrated into the design.

The small village of humble wooden villas on the lake draws on many different sources of architectural inspiration – from simple fishing huts on a lake with a wooden pier to the wellknown glass corridors at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

The style of the architecture is distinctively Nordic, but there are also elements of transitional spaces like the columnlined walkways between each house, the louvered elements, and the wooden deck, that are translations of elements in traditional Japanese architecture. Fused with the water villa typology from tropical resorts, this enclave of luxurious hotel rooms become a completely new hybrid with its own new character. [ V ]

MATTRESSES BEDS SOFA BEDS ADJUSTABLE BEDS PILLOWS ACCESSORIES

Your journey from studying medicine to pursuing a Ph.D. in Fine Art is quite unique. How do you feel your background in medicine influences your drawing practice?

I often draw bits of bodies gone wrong - is this a direct influence from my experience of dissection at medical school, or was this interest for the inside of the body always there? What’s obvious is that I cannot get away from the body - it is in all my drawings even when I deliberately set out not to draw it , it just keeps coming back.

For me the body is a carrier of meaning for human vulnerability and ephemerality, sexuality and identity. I am also interested in

VAMP MEETS WITH FLORE GARDNER, A FRENCH-SCOTTISH VISUAL ARTIST, LIVING AND WORKING IN EDINBURGH.

the history of medicine, especially historical forms of ‘madness’ and its physical manifestations such as the ‘wandering womb’ of hysteria, or excess black bile causing melancholy according to humoral theories.

I’m really interested in the inside of the body, the organs but also the mind. My dad was a hunter and a fisherman, so during my childhood I would see animals plucked, gutted, butchered, and this has also influenced me I think and still fascinates me today.

Can you tell us more about your everyday drawing activity and how it serves as a foundation for your alternative forms of expression such as walldrawing, embroidered photos, and knitting installations?

Every day since 2016, parallel to my daily work, I have made one drawing in small secret notebooks which also contain written notes and which I carry around with me all the time.

There are 2 aspects to this activity : firstly the actual ‘doing it’, the dedicated activity of drawing every day, whatever happens. This evokes the Latin phrase “Nulla dies sine linea” (meaning “no day without a line”), first used by Pliny the Elder about the Greek painter Apelles, who did not go a day without drawing at least one line. For me this is a defining activity of artistic life and a part of my artistic persona I suppose : it is what I do and who I am. >>

[...“WHAT I LOVE ABOUT DRAWING IS THAT IT ACCOMPANIES ME EVERYWHERE AND ALL THE TIME, ALL I NEED IS SOME PAPER AND A PEN OR PENCIL”...]

Secondly, these little drawings constitute a ‘reservoir’ of ideas, of source materials for further drawings. Because the notebooks are private, secret spaces (they include bribes of intimate texts much like a diary and I never show them to anyone), they allow for freedom and experimentation. The drawings made here form the basis for all my other drawing practices - I draw from them, rework them through processes of expansion, translation and repetition, often returning to older sketches to rework ideas. The delay between the diary drawing and its reworking often allows for growth into something else, where one drawing informs the next.

Drawing is described as “intimate, fragile, nomadic, subversive when enigmatic, experimental, immediate, secret, and underground” in your biography. Could you elaborate on what these qualities mean to you in the context of your art?

For me these qualities make of drawing the medium of freedom and resistance - essential elements of my work and

more generally of what I believe it is to be an artist.

What I love about drawing is that it accompanies me everywhere and all the time, all I need is some paper and a pen or pencil. This makes it a very cheap way of working, an important element for me. I would compare drawing to making bread - with some very simple ingredients you can make something quite lovely.

There is an inherent fragility and ‘delicacy’ to these small works on paper - they allure and entice, they make you draw close and attract you into an intimate space. This idea of intimacy is very important to me : everything today is ‘on show’, in a kind of race to the most spectacular - counter to this I prefer to make small, intimate pieces, hidden work done deeply and slowly. Following Annie Le Brun’s thinking about “an uglification of the world... which insidiously modifies our interior landscapes” and “the power of beauty as an escape route”, I aim to tap into a beauty which comes from down below, or inside, or underground.

In this way my drawing practice is about creative resistance : a slowly but surely way of defying the everyday through a creative act (much like Penelope did and undid her weaving to avoid her fate and give her time to think). For me this takes the form of “(with)drawing” : drawing to the point of withdrawing, retreating as an oblique form of subversion and striving to make, live and think otherwise.

You’ve exhibited your work both in the UK and internationally since 2004. How have these experiences shaped your artistic journey and perspective?

If I’m honest, I would happily just stay in my studio and draw all day every day and never have to show my work in exhibitions! However, I do also feel that an artist has responsibilities and one of these is to share/ show their work. I feel constantly drawn between this need to show and a desire to hide, and I think I try to unravel this tension by producing enigmatic images and narratives, often mingled with a dark humour. >>

Collaborating with writer and theatre-maker Annie George for ‘Twa’ sounds fascinating. How did the animated drawings and live drawing during performances enhance the storytelling process?

Annie and I met during an artist residency (Rough Mix by Magnetic North), and during those 2 weeks we worked together but also lived together, and a real artistic friendship was forged. I still lived in France then so we began exchanging by email, a back-andforth of thoughts around art and identity,

myth and using the creative act as a form of resistance, but also a more personal conversation.

From this we developed the idea of ‘Twa’ which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018. It’s a theatre piece which incorporates projected animated drawings and live drawing on stage during each performance. The process of collaboration involved me responding to Annie’s text while she gained inspiration from my drawings, and so the drawings are not an illustration of the text,

but rather the result of this process of backand-forth between us : ‘Twa’ means ‘two’ in Scots. It’s a double story-telling, each in our own medium and with our own perspectives but coming together around common ideas and feelings.

Your residencies and bursaries have allowed you to explore new techniques such as etching and screen- printing. How have these experiences expanded your artistic repertoire and influenced your recent work?

In 2019/20 I was lucky enough to receive a Royal Scottish Academy Residency Award and an Edinburgh Council Emerging Artist Award.

With the RSA award I spent a year at Edinburgh Printmakers learning to etch, and exploring connections between this technique and my drawing practice, and notably through the use of repeated very fine, wiry lines, or ‘écheveaux’. I’m always striving for an ever-finer line and with etching I enjoyed the physical gesture of scratching, scraping the lines as a way of marking the surface, of “etching a little bit of life out of the blackness” (Louise Bourgeois). Bringing together drawing and etching also allowed me to make ‘unique prints’, by reworking each print with hand additions. I was also interested in the inherent reversal involved in printing as a metaphor for opposites and dualities, themes I explore in my work (particularly in relation to my double/split identity, between Scottish and French origins and languages).

With the EC award I learned to screenprint and this helped in bringing together my drawing and writing practices, notably through the idea of the printed multiple as a form of self-publication.

Your project funded by Creative Scotland focused on exploring connections between drawing and writing, resulting in the production of small printed multiples. What inspired this exploration, and what did you hope to achieve with it?

Reading and writing have always been an important part of my practice, but I wasn’t sure how to integrate these into my drawing practice. As part of this project I did an experimental writing course at Edinburgh University (run by the brilliant Nicki Melville) and I suppose this gave me ‘permission’ to use my writing in combination with my drawing. >>

[

...“I FEEL CONSTANTLY DRAWN BETWEEN THIS NEED TO SHOW AND A DESIRE TO HIDE, AND I THINK I TRY TO UNRAVEL THIS TENSION BY PRODUCING ENIGMATIC IMAGES AND NARRATIVES”... ]

Notably I developed a project to create a series of printed multiples which each combined one strange drawing with one obscure short found-text in the form of a ‘slogorne’, a kind of anti-slogan. I wanted to subvert the normal use of slogan (as the repetitive expression of a political idea or marketing tool) towards something much more enigmatic, using ambiguous, evocative text. They could be described as ‘slogans gone wrong’ for instead of reinforcing an idea they are snippets out of which meaning needs to be found/ thought.

These printed multiples aimed to be obliquely subversive, to arouse curiosity and open the imagination. In a DIY spirit, I home-printed, self-published and distributed these for free in everyday alternative spaces in my local area with the aim of reaching wider audiences.

For me this is a way of having a greater connection between art and everyday life and connects to the concept of creative resistance. I would like these prints to be at once intimate and political, personal and collective (‘micro-political’) - a marginal, alternative form of art.

Currently, you’re part of the Drawing Correspondence program ‘Shadowlands’, delving into ideas of obscurity and the underground in relation to prehistoric cave drawings. Can you share more about your research and how it’s shaping your artistic practice?

Faced with the prospect of my own death (after a diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer last year) I feel the need to see, explore, confront what must be considered the birth of art and of the ‘human’, maybe in a desire to put things into some kind of perspective. Recently I visited the caves in Chauvet and I was struck by the delicacy and the feeling of closeness of these drawings despite

their extreme temporal remoteness. It is mind-boggling to think that 30,000 years separate these marks from the marks I make every day in my studio.

At least some of these cave paintings were made not to be seen (since they are found in the deepest of recesses, where it is difficult to reach), and so what was their purpose? Was the making more important than the result (like the art of many ‘outsiders’ and something which resonates with my own practice)? Was there also just a desire to mark the wall (like the urge we sometimes feel to mark, scratch, scribble)? Were they part of some secret ritual which had to be hidden in a dark place?

There is a bareness to these prehistoric markings that seems to let us glimpse into what is ‘essentially’ human, and we somehow recognise ourselves in these the most remote of images. They allow us to see inside the human for the first time ever and the feeling is one of uncanniness - deeply, strangely familiar.

From this research, my new project consists of the creation of a large-scale drawing along one horizontal line, which represents the limit between the realm of the underground (dark, unseen, unconscious) and what is above (growth towards the sun, vision) : drawing is situated in/on this

in-between, as is the cave. This monumental drawing would be based, once again, on my small secret drawings made in my notebooks, and would form an ‘inscape’, that is an inner landscape of the mind.

(here is a link to the ‘Shadowlands’ catalogue including an image of the first part of this long drawing : https://issuu.com/ drawing_correspondence_program/docs/ shadowlands)

How do you navigate the balance between traditional drawing techniques and the more experimental aspects of your practice, such as live drawing in theatre or creating interactive installations?

I think my daily drawing practice on paper is the core of my practice, and actually it’s there that the most experimentation takes place. Sometimes I branch out but really it’s always an exploration of drawing, be it in its expanded field. Often these other aspects, such as drawing live on stage, push me out of my comfort zone, challenge me and my practice, and are experiences in collaboration, but I always return to drawing. Just like Sisyphus’s rock is his thing, drawing is my thing.

What advice would you give to emerging artists looking to carve out their own unique path in the art world, especially those interested in exploring interdisciplinary approaches like yours?

Be brave. Make the work you want to make, paying no attention to fashion or what anyone tells you you should make. This quote from Ali Smith, « a picture... at the seeing of and liking so much of which she literally stopped being sad » describes exactly why I draw - I’m just trying to make that picture. And how lucky I am that every morning I get up with the same urge to work. [ V ]

Nestled in the heart of Pieta the Villa Frere and its gardens are a nature’s paradise where one can see nature at its best in a historic context. Villa Frere and its beautiful gardens came into being when the Rt. Hon. John Hookham Frere, a renowned English scholar, politician, poet and diplomat, retired in Malta accompanied by his ailing wife, Lady Elizabeth dowager countess of Errol and his sister Susanna in 1820. They first resided in Valletta but a year later Frere took out a 99 year lease from the nuns of St. Catherine of a property on the Pieta waterfront commissioning the best architects to build a grand estate which later became Villa Frere. We are also proud to say that as a nation we know where our Maltese written language was born. Thanks to John Hookham Frere and some of his close friends Mikiel Anton Vassalli the father of the Maltese written Language was brought back from exile in France. He became a close friend to John Hookham Frere and they used to spend time discussing Maltese literature together. With the support of John Hookham Frere, Mikiel Anton Vassalli started teaching Maltese at the University of Malta and also wrote his first books in Maltese at Villa Frere.

As you enter the enchanting gardens of Villa Frere you immediately sense the peace and harmony as you are greeted with the

beautiful cool refreshing colours of the cineraria which are in full bloom in the upper gardens. They are an eye catcher and give visitors a warm welcome. As you start to stroll around the many pathways one could not help notice the different flowers in all shapes and sizes in bloom coming together to form a beautiful tapestry. Each and every corner of this enchanted heaven has its own magic. The different terraces and levels of the gardens give the visitors different view-

points and secret corners where one could appreciate and take in the show of beauty the gardens of Villa Frere offer. From shaded corners full of Calla Lilies in full bloom to bright sunny belvederes with sweet scented carnations and freesia each and every part having their own charm. The high walls of Villa Frere gardens give shelter to the collection of exotic plants and trees also helping to reflect heat, their colours and sunlight that then shines through the tree

branches giving the leaves a sparkle. This microclimate is an ideal place for different varieties of plants and trees to flourish.

Sadly The Rt. Hon. John Hookham Frere passed away in 1846 enjoying his finished masterpiece for only 10 years. The house was shut up and abandoned for a number of years until Count Rosario Messina in 1876 took the remaining 55 year lease and gave it as a dowry present to his newly wedded Daughter Josephine to Commander Edward price. The couple raised a family and lived in Villa Frere for 47 years until their death. During their time living in Villa Frere Commander Price who was a keen gardener added a succulent garden, gnome garden, rose garden and a Japanese garden. Commander Edward Price being President of the Malta Royal horticultural society, Villa Frere was the headquarters of the Malta Royal horticulture society and was awarded the prestigious title of Botanic gardens. Villa Frere was visited by royalty and distinguished guests due to its beautiful gardens and variety of exotic trees and plants. Queen Mary of England visited in 1912 and Queen Marie of Romania in 1924. The gardens were also featured in the prestigious garden magazine country life in 1930.

Following the end of the 99 year lease the government embarked on plans to construct the new St. Luke’s general hospital. Works were postponed for the duration of the Second World War, during which time the gardens received some bombing damage. In 1952 Villa Frere was leased to the Spiteri family but the extensive gardens were now radically downsized due to the hospital complex as well as a new primary school built onto the Japanese garden and Wilderness. Thirty years later it was reduced even further when a helipad was laid out instead of the upper part of the gardens. In June 2013 a dedicated group of volunteers got together to form the Friends of Villa Frere charity, with the sole intention of saving and restoring what is left of this grand estate and its context. Unfortunately only 30% of the original footprint remains, our mission is rendered even more critical. However, thanks to increasing media exposure, such as the President of Malta’s official visit in 2018, and a joint management agreement with Heritage Malta. 2020 saw the scheduling of Villa Frere and its gardens as Grand 1 national monument by Planning Authority and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage thus continuing to raise awareness about the beauty and historical and cultural importance of Villa Frere preserving what remains of its context for present and future generations. [ V ]

[RADIANT BEAUTY]

1. Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Bi-Phase Serum

Experience the ultimate hydration with this bi-phase serum, boasting a unique hydric and lipidic texture. Powered by the [HYALURONIC POWER COMPLEX +], it delivers continuous, multi-level hydration, leaving your skin plump and radiant. Enriched with saffron flower polyphenols and organic strawberry tree extract, it refines texture, tightens pores, and balances the microbiota. With its silky, nongreasy formula, it’s a must-have for all skin types seeking intense hydration and luminosity.

2. Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Mask

Indulge your skin in intense hydration with this expert creammask featuring the [HYALURONIC POWER COMPLEX +]. Formulated with organic leaf of life extract and hyaluronic acid, it deeply nourishes and plumps the skin. Ceramides reinforce the skin barrier, combating dehydration. Its velvety texture glides effortlessly, leaving skin nourished, moisturized, and strengthened. Perfect for all skin types, it’s the ultimate hydration boost your skin needs.

3. Lip Comfort Oil Power of Colours Limited Edition Collection

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, now in three vibrant limited edition shades, delivers 8 hours of protection and

6 hours of hydration. The nourishing, non-sticky formula comes in shades inspired by colour therapy, boosting mood and energy. With hues of yellow, orange, and pink, this collection lets you (re)connect with your emotions while keeping your lips nourished and vibrant all day long.

4. Multi Active Range

Urban living’s toll on the skin is real. Clarins introduces the Multi Active Day and Night Duo, targeting stress-induced ageing with a supercharged routine. Stress-Ageing, a phenomenon studied by Clarins, results from hectic lifestyles. The Multi Active Day Cream, with niacinamide and Sea Holly extract, combats early signs of ageing, keeping skin radiant all day. Pair it with the Multi Active Night Cream, rejuvenating skin while you sleep, for a transformative skincare regimen.

BEAUTY BREAKTHROUGHS BY CLARINS

Brace yourselves for the Spring/ Summer 2024 makeup revolution. After years of embracing the clean girl aesthetic and last year’s trend of ultra-glossy skin, the fashion runways and industry trailblazers have decided to shake things up a bit. This year, we are greeted with a refreshing wave of innovation. Get ready to bid adieu to yesteryears’ minimalistic looks and embrace a new era of bold experimentation and artistic expression.

From captivating Neo-Parisian elegance to the dark allure of Gothic

ELEGANCE REFINED

NEO PARISIAN

This look, as seen on the Saint Laurent runways, had the classic sultry smoky eyes and sculpted cheeks, not forgetting the classic true red lip. Proving this look is always in style. Another take on this look was from the Charlotte Tilbury team, who mixed a couple of this season’s trends and used a dark blue eye colour instead to add a twist to this look. What made it more modern was the absence of bold fluffy brows, the absence of mascara on bottom lashes, and not forgetting the wing eyeliner, which is back in a big way, with some designers even going to extremes with 3D graphic looks. The retro wing and feline flicks are set to be huge this year.

glamour and from the rebellious vibes of Grunge revival to the serene beauty of Nature Core and whimsical enchantment of Fairy Core, the runways were ablaze with creativity and innovation.

Let’s not overlook the allure of modern minimalism and the luminous glow of satin-finished radiance, poised to redefine sophistication. So, buckle up, beauty enthusiasts, because the Spring / Summer 2024 makeup scene is about to take us on a thrilling ride unlike any other. Let’s dive in and discover the transformative power of makeup.

MODERN MINIMALISM

This look, as seen on runways such as Tory Burch, Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney, gave us a new twist on the clean girl aesthetic and modernised it. The 2024 version says goodbye to the ultra big fluffy skyscraper brows that have plagued us for the last four years and takes on a more quiet luxury routine, with good skincare, clean, minimal and groomed brows, soft satin-finished skin, and soft highlights on the face with shiny lips.

BOLD AND DRAMATIC

GOTHIC GLAMOUR

This look, as seen at Victoria Beckham, Dior, and Givenchy, had us turning our heads in disbelief as models were spotted with a goth witchy look. Dior showcases black pencil lips placed just on the inside. But don’t despair if this look is not one any of us will be sporting any time soon; there are plenty of ways to incorporate elements of gothic glam into everyday wear. Focus on bold features like Smokey eyes and vampy or pale lips for a dramatic finish.

GRUNGE REVIVAL

We are bringing back the rebellious spirit of the 90s with a modern twist. Embrace edgy, undone vibes with smudged eyeliner, matte textures and earthy tones. Think smudged dark eyeshadows that can be modernised with sliver and grey hues: pale satin lips and a natural complexion.

NATURE’S EMBRACE

NATURAL CORE

As seen on the runways with designers like Simone Roche, Susan Fang and The Blonds. The models were spotted with painted flowers or butterfly wings around the eyes or face. To embrace this vibe without going to extremes, you can think of soft, neutral hues reminiscent of natural landscapes paired with dewy, fresh skin. Achieve a subtle glow with creamy blush and highlighters, mimicking the radiance of sunlight on the skin. They are finished with a touch of mascara and tinted lip balm for an effortlessly natural and understated look.

FAIRLY CORE

This look is all about embracing whimsical enchantment with ethereal beauty. Think soft pastel hues, iridescent highlights, and a touch of sparkle. Create a dreamy look with shimmery and metallic eyeshadows, dewy skin and pale, rosy cheeks reminiscent of a fairy’s glow. Complete the magical transformation with fluttery lashes and a hint of nude glossy lips.

EXPLORING TOP MAKEUP TRENDS REVEALS A CAPTIVATING ARRAY OF STYLES. FROM THE TIMELESS ALLURE OF WINGED EYELINER TO THE EDGY CHARM OF SMUDGED EYESHADOW, EACH TREND OFFERS A UNIQUE EXPRESSION OF INDIVIDUALITY. EMBRACE THE SOPHISTICATION OF GREY AND SILVER HUES, OR OPT FOR A DARING POP OF RED AND ORANGE TO REPLACE TRADITIONAL BROWNS. PREPARE TO MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT WITH THE RESURGENCE OF BLUE EYESHADOW, WHILE THINNER BROWS AND PASTEL EYESHADOW ADD A TOUCH OF WHIMSY. ELEVATE YOUR LOOK WITH COLOURFUL MASCARA FOR A VIBRANT FINISH AS WE EMBARK ON A SEASON OF LIMITLESS CREATIVITY AND SELF-EXPRESSION.

Insta: @makeupbynicolapowell

FROM CONCEPTION TO MICHELIN STARDOM

MEET CHEF BORG AND CHEF AMORE, THE MASTERMINDS BEHIND ROSAMI RESTAURANT, – THE LATEST RECIPIENT OF A COVETED MICHELIN STAR.

With a shared vision and the unwavering support of the Xara Collection owners, Chef Cliff Borg and Sous Chef Andrea Amore embarked on a journey to establish Rosami as one of the premier dining destinations on the island. Their dedication and passion have culminated in this prestigious accolade, marking a career milestone. Join us as we delve into their influences, styles of cooking, and the ethos that drives Rosami to continuously exceed expectations, promising unforgettable dining experiences with each visit.

Chef Borg, your culinary experience is heavily influenced by your travels. Can you share some memorable experiences or flavours from your adventures that have inspired your cooking style?

One of the things that stuck with me was when I opened a pop-up in Malaysia, and the kitchen staff went out for a local dinner. Of all the fantastic food they served us, this fish head curry dish was mind-blowing. It shows that from the simplest, usually discarded or overlooked items, a great chef can create amazing things.

Experimentation with flavours is a crucial aspect of your culinary approach. How do you develop new flavour combinations, and what motivates you to push the boundaries constantly?  We approach new combinations by going

through what is in season and listing what we need for the dish, being sweet, sour, salty, and fatty; most of the time, mother nature is a great help as the best things usually grow together. Our esteemed guests are our foremost motivation, as they keep us pushing and show us that they visit us at Rosami for that different, out-of-thebox culinary experience.

Sustainability is a core value at Rosami, and the collaboration with the Xara Gardens is integral to this. How do you work with the Xara Gardens to ensure sustainable practices are implemented in sourcing ingredients and managing kitchen waste, and how does this partnership influence your culinary creations?

It has helped us immensely, most importantly, to better understand what is in season and what will be in a month or two so that we can better prepare ourselves. The key factors are communication with our gardeners and creating a system to minimise our food waste. What is left is sent back to be used as compost.

What challenges have you faced as a young chef in your career, and how have they shaped your growth and development in the kitchen?

One of the biggest challenges in our location is the suppliers, as they create inconsistencies. This pushes us to

constantly change dishes on short notice so that we have a menu where we get only what is best and freshest available for our guests.

The Xara Gardens provide an abundant source of fresh ingredients. How do you use these resources to create innovative, seasonally-driven dishes for your guests at Rosami?

We highlight the vegetables in the dish as much as possible, regardless of whether it’s the main dish. We give the centre stage to the vegetable to showcase how great something ordinary can be. Currently, we are serving a three part dish beetroot course from our gardens to showcase the flavour profile at its best.

Rosami was recently awarded a Michelin Star! Congratulations, could you tell us a little more about that?

I was over the moon upon hearing the news of Rosami being awarded a Michelin Star. From day one of creating the Rosami concept, with my Sous Chef Andrea Amore and the backing of the Xara Collection owners, our goal was to be amongst the top restaurants on the island. We have reached our dream through hard work and dedication, and I am very proud of our Rosami team. We will continue to push to provide experiential dining to our guests, trying to wow them every time they visit.”

Chef Amore, Your passion for culinary books is evident. How do you integrate the knowledge and inspiration you gain from these books into your cooking at Rosami?

I use cooking books to get inspired by anything, from a recipe to a picture to even a dish combination. I also use travel and eating out at Michelin-starred restaurants for inspiration.

Experimenting with flavours is a shared interest between you and Chef Cliff. Can you describe a recent flavour combination that you discovered through experimentation and how diners received it?

One of our strange but delicious combinations was veal sweetbreads with saffron and raw almonds. It was strange yet together they were great. Our guests loved it especially since they weren’t expecting it to be so good.

Sustainability is a priority at Rosami, with the Xara Gardens serving as a vital resource. Can you elaborate on how you work with the Xara Gardens to procure sustainable ingredients, and how this partnership inspires your approach to crafting dishes that align with Rosami’s commitment to sustainability?

Every week, we contact our Xara gardener to let him know what is ready to be harvested and what will be in a week’s time. We then discuss internally how best to use the vegetables with our menu.

Working in a historic palazzo must provide a unique setting for your culinary endeavours. How does the rich history and ambience of the venue influence your approach to creating memorable dining experiences?

We turn the diner into a roller coaster. When our guests enter the building, it looks grandeur and traditional, yet our food is very quirky and playful.

Rosami aims to offer unique dining experiences, can you share some examples of the innovative dishes or dining concepts you’ve developed to excite guests’ taste buds and leave a lasting impression?

We have been serving the same palate cleanser since the opening. It is a frozen ginger marshmallow with macerated raspberries and local shaved basil ice. Plated, it looks straightforward, yet we finish it entirely in front of the customer, and although everything is frozen, the smell, flavour and colours delight all senses. >>

A space to experience exquisite flavours, fragrance and a feast for all the senses.

BEETROOT COURSE COMPRISING OF 3 SEPARATE DISHES

Beetroot salad

- 100g Roasted Candied Beetroots

- 10g Caper & 15g apple condiment

- 20g Pickled White beetroots

- 10g each Belgian endive, red and yellow

- 15g Smoked Pike Roe

- 20ml Cultured Cream

Roast the beetroot in the oven at 160 degrees for 45 minutes or until cooked. Leave to cool, peel and thinly slice. Chop capers finely and small diced green apple, mix with olive oil and roasted beetroot.

Slice white beetroot thinly and marinade with good quality white wine vinegar for 15 minutes. Wash Belgian endive in ice water bath.

Mix cream, crème fraiche and gherkin juice to taste and leave to ferment for 24 hours at room temperature, taste, season and chill.

Beetroot Soup, Horseradish crème fraiche

- Onion 2pcs

- Fennel 0.5pcs

- Red Beetroot 4pcs

- Olive oil 30ml

- Tonka Bean 1pcs

- White wine 30ml

- Vegetable stock 300ml

- Sherry vinegar 20ml

- Cream 50ml

- Crème Fraiche 50ml

- Fresh Horseradish to taste

- Gherkin Juice 10ml

For the soup slice onion, fennel and red beetroot and sweat down with olive oil. Add 1 tonka bean and deglaze with white wine and cover with vegetable stock. Simmer for 40 minutes and blend until smooth with olive oil, sherry vinegar and season to taste with salt. For the horseradish, whip cream and fold equal quantities of crème fraiche. Add grated fresh horseradish to taste and season with salt.

Wine Pairing: Beetroot Salad – Autòcton Celler – Gran Autòcton Blanc

While typically, we tend to pair beetroot with red wines, this hearty salad craves for a big white, able to match and balance the acidity of pickles, smoky character, and creamy texture. This organic wine from Catalonia is the perfect pairing. Smoky and fresh, thanks to the Xarel-lo grape variety, yet creamy and textured, from ageing in both French oak and amphoras.

Wine Pairing: Beetroot Soup – Domaine Maire & Fils - Arbois Trousseau Vigne Aux Ânes - Grandes Parcelles

A rare find, Trousseau is a benchmark red grape variety from Jura, France. Similar to Pinot Noir, offers intense, peppery, spicy and earthy flavours along with juicy red fruits. Elegant tannins and balanced acidity, woody and earthy, is a perfect combination for this beetroot soup. All available at www.farsonsdirect.com

3) Beetroot Meringue

- Red Beetroot juice 50g

- Egg white 50ml

Juice the red beetroot and soft whip egg whites and juice and whip until soft peaks. Dry in the oven at 80 degrees for 12 hours.

[THE SPIRIT O

F A CLASSIC]

The allure of the open road, the promise of unforgettable adventures, and the thrill of new destinations. These are the experiences that Muscats Motors promised - and delivered - at the recent Defender Experience event.

There’s something inherently exciting about the idea of exploring the great outdoors in a vehicle that’s built to handle just about anything you can throw at it. And the Defender, a classic staple in the world of off-road vehicles, certainly fits that bill. But the Defender Experience event was about more than just showing off the vehicle’s capabilities. It was about creating a unique, immersive experience that combined the best of travel, gourmet food, and fine wine.

The event, held at the beautiful Ta’ Betta Wine Estates, was an idyllic setting for a day of exploration and discovery. The stunning vineyards and surrounding countryside provided the perfect backdrop for the Defender’s capabilities. Participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand the power and versatility of the Defender as they navigated the picturesque landscape.

But the adventure didn’t stop there. The indoor winery tour was a fascinating journey through the world of winemaking. Participants learned about the intricate process, from the careful selection of grapes to the aging process that gives each wine its unique flavor profile. The highlight was undoubtedly the wine tasting session,

where guests sampled a variety of exquisite wines, each with its own story to tell.

One of the standout features of the day was the talk by a boutique travel agent Hans travel & Lifestyle about the Defender’s capabilities and the unique locations one could explore with such a vehicle. It served not only as an informative session but also sparked wanderlust in all attendees, providing them with ample travel inspiration.

No event would be complete without a feast, and the Defender Experience did not disappoint. The live cooking session on the open fire by a gourmet chef.

The Defender Experience event was more than just a showcase of a vehicle. It was a day of experiences, a celebration of the spirit of adventure that the Defender embodies. It was a testament to Muscats Motors’ commitment to creating events that go beyond the ordinary, events that create memories that last a lifetime.

As we move forward, events like the Defender Experience will continue to shape our understanding of what it means to travel and explore. It’s not just about the destination, but also the journey and the experiences along the way. It’s about embracing the spirit of adventure and opening ourselves up to new experiences. And above all, it’s about making memories that we’ll cherish forever.

OPEN UP SICILY WITH AVERNA

When you open up a bottle of Averna, you open up a modern and vibrant world of Sicily, a multi-dimensional land built by its openness to a rich mix of people and cultures. Being Sicilian is not just Averna’s heritage; it’s in its contemporary expression and everyday ‘Carattere Siciliano’.

For millennia, a wide variety of cultures have existed and thrived in Sicily, made possible by the openness of the island to the passage of people visiting and falling in love with its charm. The result has created a dynamic and multi-sensorial world, a vibrant and warm place, with the welcoming hospitality of Sicilian character at its heart.

Sicily is Averna’s homeland. Its legacy starts in 1868 with the story of a secret recipe created by Capuchin monks in Caltanissetta, Sicily, using a skilful mix of aromatic herbs, natural spices and roots, and essential oils of Sicilian bitter orange and lemons, and pomegranate peel. Over a century later, Averna’s story marries its deep-rooted heritage with colourful modernity as a representation of the vibrancy of Sicily today. A Sicily that has no frontiers, that has welcomed influence and evolution, an island that offers a multicultural discovery at every turn; a Sicily that is open.

When you open a bottle of Averna, you open an unexpected and vibrant world of Sicily. The vibrancy of Sicily is captured inside each bottle of Averna, where the distinctive aroma and unmistakable zest of Sicilian ingredients shine. Averna’s authentic taste is achieved by the unique infusion of essential oil from Sicilian bitter oranges and lemons and pomegranate peel. The well-rounded blend reflects the dynamism of its homeland, each sip unveiling a new multi-sensorial dimension. As a Sicilian amaro full of authentic ‘Carattere Siciliano’, Averna is the ideal amaro to prolong and uplift moments of after-meal hospitality with added vibrancy when friends stay together around the ‘de-constructed table’ to create lasting moments of meaningful conviviality.

From its ingredients to expert craft and role in moments of meaningful conviviality, each dimension of Averna truly embodies Sicilian vibrancy and the warmth and openness of Sicily that exists today. Averna is your invitation to create lasting moments of meaningful conviviality with friends around

the table and journey beyond the surface to unveil the unexpected and vibrant world of the authentic Sicilian amaro.

The first multi-sensorial sip of the deep brown and red-golden liquid offers notes of Sicilian citrus, transporting you to the island. This is followed by the vibrant scents which can remind you of Mediterranean herbs such as myrtle, juniper, rosemary and sage to deliver a softly bitter yet velvety smooth taste. With a skilful blend of Sicilian ingredients that has remained a closely guarded secret since its creation, each sip of Averna opens up a new multi-sensorial experience and portrays the true vibrancy of its homelands.

KEY FLAVOURS

Nose: Opening citrus notes mixed with scents of Mediterranean herbs such as myrtle, juniper, rosemary, sage and aromatic resins.

Taste: Orange hints balanced with liquorice and Mediterranean herbs with a velvety and rounded texture.

Finish: Softly bitter and smooth.

Once the secret combination of Sicilian ingredients has been carefully selected, they undergo an innovative infusion and filtration period to form a rich, intensely aromatic liquid.

The infusion of Averna still takes place in Xiboli (Caltanissetta), where the founding father, Don Salvatore Averna, lived.

Protecting this craftsmanship and heritage, Averna harmoniously joins tradition with modernity by expressing it through the vibrancy of Sicily today – authentic, refined and multi-sensorial.

Averna’s Sicilian authenticity makes it the ideal amaro to prolong moments of aftermeal hospitality with added vibrancy when friends stay together around the table to create lasting moments of conviviality. In its warming hospitality, Averna represents the contemporary world of Sicily to be discovered – dynamic with an authenticity that is rooted in its ‘Carattere Siciliano’ – thanks to its openness to a rich mix of cultures, people and experiences. Being Sicilian is not just Averna’s heritage; it’s an unexpected and vibrant way of life.

Averna is marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Co Ltd.

Trade Enquiry 2381 4400

EMBARK ON A DELECTABLE JOURNEY AT GRACY’S ARTS AND SUPPER CLUB AS WE WELCOME ALAN TABONE AS OUR NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF, WITH A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AND A PASSION FOR MALTA’S VIBRANT FOOD SCENE, SET TO ELEVATE YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE TO UNPRECEDENTED HEIGHTS. JOIN US AS WE SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS OF INNOVATION, SEASONALITY, AND LOCAL SOURCING UNDER ALAN’S EXPERT GUIDANCE. DISCOVER A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON DINING AT GRACY’S ARTS AND SUPPER CLUB.

HASSLE FREE HOME LOANS ] >

When it comes to buying a property, sorting out a home loan often ranks as one of the most stressful aspects of the process. For many, the time it takes to have a loan approved is particularly frustrating. But it does not have to be like that. We sat down with Larissa Ciantar, Senior Manager –Mortgage Lending at MeDirect to find out how Malta’s first digital bank is helping customers to make the purchase of their dream home a more pleasant experience.

In what ways does the MeDirect home loan experience differ from other banks in Malta?

MeDirect’s home loan offering is not too dissimilar to that of other banks in Malta. We offer mortgages for primary and secondary properties, home equity loans for those who want to unlock some of the value of their existing property, green home loans to encourage energy efficient homes and property investment loans for those looking to build a property portfolio. We also offer an interest only option for people who need a little extra cash flow at the start of their mortgage. The real difference between MeDirect and other banks comes in our focus on being customer centric and making the most of technology to make the process of getting a home loan faster and easier. We have no doubt that when it comes to response times on home loans, MeDirect is currently the fastest, locally.

How do you use technology to speed up the home loans process?

Like all digital transformation processes, we started off with some relatively simple steps. This included moving most of our interactions with clients online. The fact that all documentation can be sent electronically not only saves time by reducing the number commutes but also gave us and our clients much greater flexibility. This flexibility extends to booking appointments which can also be done online through our website. Customers, therefore, no longer have to take leave from work to come and speak to us and we also have more flexibility on when to work on applications. Beyond that, MeDirect’s tech teams have been working hard to automate and optimise as much of the processes as possible. This has had a positive effect on our ability to process and respond to home loan applications. Rarely,

if ever, does it take us more that four weeks, to process and approve a home loan application.

What other advantages are there to getting a home loan from MeDirect?

In addition to being fast, MeDirect does not charge any processing and legal fees. Reducing costs is always welcome. But, in all honesty, I think the biggest advantage for clients who get a home loan from MeDirect is the availability and adaptability of our team. My colleagues and I are genuinely focussed on being customer centric and pride ourselves on making the experience

as easy as possible. That means tailoring the service to meet our customers needs and adapting accordingly. [ V ]

For more information on MeDirect’s Home Loans visit https://www.medirect.com.mt/ borrow/

MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc. MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc, company registration number C34125, is licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority as a Credit Institution under the Banking Act 1994. Applications are subject to the Bank’s lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.