Style

STYLE ON SUNDAY

ISSUE 24 OCTOBER 2014

Rising from the Ruins Stunning fashion at Villa Frere

Labours of Love Celebrating Malta’s craftsmen

two of a kind

Insight into the world of identical twins

New Season Style

Design inspiration for your home

STYLE 8 credits

STYLE ISSUE 24 OCTOBER 2014

ON SUNDAY

RISING FROM THE RUINS STUNNING FASHION AT VILLA FRERE

LABOURS OF LOVE CELEBRATING MALTA’S CRAFTSMEN

TWO OF A KIND

INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF IDENTICAL TWINS

NEW SEASON STYLE

DESIGN INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME

COVER Caroline wears: Miluna white gold chain with diamonds, €870; Miluna white gold bracelet with 0.51 carats of diamonds, €5,350. All available from Classic Jewellers, Valletta or Sliema. Photography: Tonio Lombardi, Styling: Sarah Micallef, Make-up: Chris Attard, using Guerlain for Franks, Hair: Christian Pisani, Toni&Guy Artistic Team, Clothes: Caroline Hili, Jewellery: Classic Jewellers; Shot on location at Trabuxu Boutique Living, Valletta.

Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel QRM3000 T: 21 320713 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt

Editor Jo Caruana - editor@styleonsunday.com

Head of Advertising Sales Matthew Spiteri

LAYOUT DESIGN Antoinette Micallef - ant@box-design.net

Publication Sales Manager Petra Urso

Photography Alan Carville, Tonio Lombardi, Kris Micallef, Kurt Paris Contributors Chris Attard, Svetlana De Bono, Iggy Fenech, Sarah Micallef, Karin Mifsud, Caroline Paris, Christian Pisani, Martina Said Advertising Content House Ltd

Advertising SALES coordinator Lindsey Ciantar Distribution Style on Sunday is distributed for free with The Sunday Times.

Printing Progress Press Ltd next edition 14 December

Style on Sunday is a quarterly high-end magazine which epitomises quality lifestyle and refined living. The themes and personalities featured are observed from the ‘Style’ perspective: elegant, inspiring, exquisite. Style on Sunday is meant to stir the desires of men and women, catering for their pleasures and needs.

www.styleonsunday.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means: mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Content House Group. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the publication, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain.

STYLE 10 CONTENTS

Style Interview 15 Designs on Life Jo Caruana meets Caroline Hili, the eclectic fashion designer whose life has taken her from the narrow streets of Victoria, Gozo, to the majestic boulevards of Paris.

21 Two of a Kind

53 Born to Shine Metallic make-up that enhances your natural features.

Style Living 41 Labours of Love Meet three artisans who are keeping traditional Maltese craftsmanship alive.

49 BMW Unveils the 4 Series Gran Coupé And we take it for a spin.

56 The Style Checklist

15

Style Beauty

Style on Sunday interviews four sets of twins to find out what it’s really like to know someone from conception.

Style Home

49 75 Earthy Autumn Pleasure Wholesome food that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

The news you simply must know!

81 Papped! in Style

59 In the Library With…

Style Fashion

Three people with a passion for books invite us into their homes.

31 Rising from the Ruins

Style sees and is seen!

Style showcases this season’s hottest trends.

65 New Season Style Three renowned interior designers give us their take on the latest trends for your home.

65

STYLE ON SUNDAY

EDITOR’S LETTER

Follow Jo on Twitter at twitter.com/jocaruana and Style on Facebook by searching for Style on Sunday Magazine.

Photo by Kurt Paris; Hair by Laura Schembri at Fuss; Make-up by Elena Cassar

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.”

- A l b e r t E i n s t e i n

We’ve come over all creative this issue and the above quote is true – it has been infectious, and great fun!

To start with, we interviewed the lovely Caroline Hili, who has been injecting a sense of creativity into everything she’s done since she was a little girl. From her upbringing in Gozo to her years working in a top fashion house in Paris, Caroline has exuded an artistic strength – and that is even more evident in the clothes that she designs under her own label. You can read her story on page 15.

Creativity continues throughout this edition and we present all sorts of inspiration for the coming season. Our fashion shoot, on page 31, was motivated by the ruins of the Villa Frere gardens – once one of the most lavish gardens anywhere on the island. Today an incredible team of people is eagerly trying to rebuild this garden one stone at a time, but it is still sad to see what has become of it.

Nevertheless, we found endless beauty here and I really hope to see this scenic space transformed to its former glory soon.

Meanwhile, three homeowners invite us into the creative spaces they have dedicated as libraries on page 59, and we also asked three top local designers for their insight into what trends the coming season will bring for our homes (pg 65).

Of course, Style is packed with all your other favourites this issue, including our Born to Shine beauty look on page 53, our looks-too-goodto-eat cuisine section on page 75 and our see-and-be-seen Papped! pages.

Now that the cooler weather is here I am looking forward to cosy evenings in with lots of creative planning for the coming months – and I hope the following pages will provide you with plenty of fodder for that too. Happy reading!

We’re looking forward to hearing about what you think of Style on Sunday. Please send your Letters to the Editor, comments and queries to editor@styleonsunday.com

Competition

Win with Style! Paco Rabanne’s fragrance Lady Million Eau My Gold worth €59 This issue, you could win this dazzling women’s fragrance by Paco Rabanne. To enter, all you have to do is answer the following question: Which aspect of Style did you enjoy most this issue, and why?

Send your answer, as well as your telephone number, to win@styleonsunday.com or in writing to: Style on Sunday, Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel QRM 3000.

Competition closes 1 December 2014. One entry per person. Terms & Conditions apply.

Last issue, Ray Zarb won Valentino’s fragrance Uomo.

INTERVIEW 15 STYLE

Designs on Life

From the quaint streets of Victoria in Gozo to the opulent boulevards of Paris in France, Caroline Hili’s fashion has already taken her on an international journey. Now back in Malta to develop her own brand, she chats to Style on Sunday about her artistic passion, unique style ethos and ambitious plans for the future.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: T O N I O L O M B A R D I ST YLING: SARAH MICALLEF M A K E - U P : C H R I S AT TA R D , U S I N G GUERL AIN FOR FR ANKS HAIR: CHRISTIAN PISANI, TONI&GUY ARTISTIC TE AM CLOTHES: CAROLINE HILI J E W E L L E R Y: C L A S S I C J E W E L L E R S , v alletta or sliema S H O T O N L O C AT I O N AT T R A B U X U B O U T I Q U E L I V I N G , V A L L E T TA Caroline wears: Longines 18k solid rose gold timepiece, €5,825.

Born in Toronto, Canada, and raised in Gozo, designer Caroline Hili has a very international aura to her personality. Her years in Toronto gave her subtle Canadian drawl, while, although still in her 20s, she has already lived and worked in Italy, Paris and beyond, with designers including Valentino and Giambattista Valli.

Now back in Malta and concentrating on her own couture collection, Caroline has already generated a loyal following for her stunning designs.

This, in her words, is her story.

“Design has always been my everything.

As a little girl I recall how much I loved to paint and draw… even when I was three years old, if I drew something, I wanted it to be perfect! I knew art would be a part of my life from the first time I grabbed a crayon. I think it provides a beautiful way of expressing yourself.

“One of my earliest recollections of art is of taking lessons at the convent in Victoria, Gozo. Though the nuns only usually accepted teenage students they believed I showed promise and took me on when I was seven. I have very fond

memories of the hours I spent there.

“Similarly I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember. I recollect regular Sunday morning arguments with my mum when she would try to dress me in frilly outfits but I was having none of it! I was only four at the time but already I saw fashion as a way of expressing what I wanted to say about myself. In the end, mum gave up and we would shop for my clothes together – even when I was so little. I guess I’ve always had a strong personality and desire not to let anything stand in my way.

“It was during my early teens that I started

STYLE 16 INTERVIEW

“Working with Valentino was an incredible start to my career.”

Caroline wears: 18k rose gold chain with amethyst stone, €1,850; 18k earrings with amethyst stone, €560; 18k yellow gold bracelet with white sapphires, €1,025.

to design my own clothes. I was frustrated at not being able to find the pieces I wanted in the shops, so I started watching Fashion TV and designing my own. Mum would sew them for me until I learnt to do that myself in my late teens. By then I could really express myself and nothing held me back; I wanted every item to be perfect and always have. Perfection plays such an important part in the fashion industry.

“I moved to Milan when I was 18 to study at the Istituto Marangoni, a private Italian school for fashion and design.

My friends were all starting university back then but I knew that wasn’t for me; I was so grateful to my parents for

supporting my decision to go into the fashion industry.

“That said, it wasn’t an easy ride! Fashion school is very tough and you’re trained to accept the stress of the industry from day one. You’re pushed to your limits and it isn’t for everyone, but I was so excited to be there that I never lost sight of my goals. I was grateful to have been given the opportunity and didn’t want to waste one moment of it. Thankfully that paid off. I graduated from the course with full marks, and was asked to open our final year catwalk.

It was an incredible highlight to complete my education.

“Immediately afterwards I was offered a position with

Valentino. In hindsight it was a lot less stressful than my years at school, and a very nice experience. Working with such an important fashion house was an incredible start to my career. There were many proud moments, including knowing that several of my designs made it into Valentino stores.

It was all down to teamwork – someone designs the piece, someone chooses the fabric and someone chooses the buttons.

Eventually it all comes together and the collection is complete.

“It was around then that I first chose to create a collection for Malta Fashion Week, back in 2009. At the time it was a one-off and something I saw as a great opportunity instead

of the start of something longterm. But I did love the idea of having my own brand and the concept developed from there.

“In the meantime, though, I moved to Paris to start a new adventure working with Italian designer Giambattista Valli. It was a much smaller company and proved to be an incredible experience as I quickly worked my way up to become Giambattista’s right hand. I was responsible for everything from designing shoes and choosing fabrics with him, to travelling to showcase his collections. He understood that I constantly wanted more opportunities and he gave them to me.

“Of course, dressing celebrities was a highlight of every season.

STYLE 18 INTERVIEW

“We even did Jessica Biel’s dress for her wedding to Justin Timberlake.”

We dressed some big names for some huge events, including Reese Witherspoon, Emma Hemming Willis (Bruce Willis’ wife), Emma Stone and Queen Rania of Jordan. We even did Jessica Biel’s gown for her wedding to Justin Timberlake. It was a huge honour to meet with each of them and to style them, and it was great fun too of course.

“In the end it was love that brought me back to Malta from Paris. I met my partner, Josef, while here on holiday and the rest is history!

“Once I was back full-time, my own brand – Caroline Hili – became my natural focus.

My show at Malta Fashion Week earlier this year was an

exciting moment and it felt good to be launching myself back onto the local scene.

I’d describe my collections as eccentric but elegant. My client is a strong woman who knows what she wants.

“As for what’s next… well, I hope to continue my dream to take over the world! My plan for the next few years is to develop the brand and keep my main base in Malta while expanding into Europe. Longer term I would like to have Caroline Hili shops across the world.

Yes, I dream big, but, in my experience, dreaming big is the only way to get there. Plus, if I only make it halfway, it will still be pretty good!” ¥

CarolineS

STYLE

Notebook I don’t have a favourite designer, but I really like Phoebe Philo’s work.

I just love her simplicity and her fashion-forward way of thinking is genius. Plus, she’s a woman and that helps! I also like Coco Chanel, but she’s everyone’s favourite.

My favourite shopping destination is Paris. I love the vintage stores there and I always end up buying too many things from them.

I think my style is quite effortless, but I always assume that people don’t think it is. I also love to stand out, so whenever I’m going out I think: right, what will people be wearing at this do?

Caroline wears: 90cm 18k white gold chain with a blue sapphire pendant with diamonds, €4,565; bracelet with 136 diamonds and 17 natural blue sapphires, €3,125; blue sapphire and diamond earrings, €2,225.

My social life depends on whether I am in Milan, Paris, Malta or Gozo. Gozo tends to involve more

family time, but Malta is slowly becoming more work-oriented.

I still need to find a crowd here though, as I’m living in both Paris and Malta at the same time.

My favourite travel destination is any place I haven’t been to. I really think the world is too big, and I’m always a bit weary of believing adverts and brochures that claim they know where you should go or what you should see. Take Paris, for example, the best place to visit is not the Eiffel Tower but the streets!

That’s where you truly experience the Parisian day-to-day life.

I would describe my character as that of a Leo and, while I never believed in the horoscope when I was younger, I can now recognise myself in it 99 per cent of the time.

Two

of a Kind

INTERVIEW 21 STYLE

These successful individuals all have one thing in common: the unbreakable bond they share with their respective twin. Here, STYLE ON SUNDAY investigates what it’s really like to know someone from conception.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY K URT PARI S ; INTER V IEW S BY IGGY FENE C H ; S HOT ON LO C ATION AT K O S Y BAR a n d TAGINE RE S TAURANT AT THE d b S AN ANTONIO HOTEL + S PA

STYLE 22 INTERVIEW

Lawyers JOSEPH & ANTONIO GHIO tell us that, although their characters are intrinsically different, their lives have led them to both become partners at Fenech & Fenech Advocates.

“It’s really not that strange that we are both partners at the same law firm.

Looking back, we’ve always done the same thing in the same place and at the same time. Since we were born, throughout school and university, and surely not as a result of a deliberate joint decision, we’ve always been together. Nevertheless, practising in different fields helps distinguish us from one another, and although we work in the same building, we don’t get to see each other too often – which is not necessarily a bad thing.

“Being a twin can make people see you as part of a unit rather than as an individual, but we can’t say we blame them. Once, when we had our picture taken for the school yearbook, the headmaster had to stop a class to ask us who was who in the photos – and even we couldn’t tell ourselves apart.

Even today, when our mother rings us, she sometimes has to ask which one of us is on the other end!

“Growing up, we were both late talkers, largely because we had developed our own special ‘language’ that the rest of the world simply didn’t understand.

It was all a product of spending so much time together, and, in fact, we were expelled from nursery for not interacting enough with the class.

“The first time our lives took somewhat different directions was when one of us got married and left home, three years before the other.

Since then, our experiences have been rather autonomous, and we generally meet at family gatherings.

“The funny thing is that even though our lives and characters are very different – one of us is very meticulous while the other is more spontaneous – we still have a good number of friends and interests in common, and we doubt that that will ever change.”

‘BEING A TWIN CAN MAKE PEOPLE SEE YOU AS PART OF A UNIT RATHER THAN AS AN INDIVIDUAL.’ Joseph

‘PRACTISING IN DIFFERENT FIELDS HELPS DISTINGUISH US FROM ONE ANOTHER.’ Antonio

STYLE 24 INTERVIEW

‘When one of us is lost for words, the other automatically takes over.’ Sarah

‘We always ask for each other’s opinions.’ Naomi

NAOMI & SARAH MIFSUD share both a modelling career and their study notes for the financial services diploma they’re currently reading at MCAST. Here they tell us why twins do actually have more fun.

“When we were little, just before we started talking, we developed our own ‘language’ and no one could understand us. Our parents were quite worried apparently, and went as far as taking us to the doctor’s to find out what was going on! It was then on the doctor’s advice that we were separated at school to ensure we made our own friends and didn’t grow too dependent on each other.

“Being a twin definitely has its advantages. For instance, when we were scouted by model agent Marisa Grima, she was very excited about the fact that we’re twins. In fact, during the 2013 Fashion Week, we became the first-ever set of twins to walk the catwalk together, and everyone was really surprised. We enjoyed it so much that we changed our hairstyles to look even more similar at this year’s Fashion Week.

“It’s been quite fun to experiment with this likeness over the years and, back when we were at school, we used to dress up as each other – down to our earrings – and attend each other’s classes. Our friends knew about it of course, but the teachers never had a clue!

“Now we’re both in relationships and, while we go out separately with our boyfriends and our boyfriends’ friends, the fact that we live together, model together and are in the same class at MCAST means that we still see a lot of each other.

“Being a twin means that you always have someone to count on and, in fact, we always ask for each other’s opinions. We really believe that it’s quite a special bond and when one of us is lost for words, the other automatically takes over!”

STYLE 26 INTERVIEW

Payment specialists MARK & DAVID GLADWISH tell us how being two of a kind has taken them on a lifelong adventure together.

“When people ask us what it’s like to be a twin, we always ask them what it’s like not to be a twin. It’s hard to describe something you’ve known your whole life! We’re just really close, and we could sit next to each other for an entire day and never have one awkward silence. We know each other so well, in fact, that even when one of us grunts or mumbles, the other understands it instantaneously, which is why we can’t see ourselves being happy if we were away from each other for too long!

“Growing up we had the same hobbies, which started off with football and then became martial arts. Nowadays, when we can both take leave at the same time, we go mountaineering and on expeditions. We also used to play basketball together, but people used to hate playing with us because we’d know what the other’s next move was going to be.

“We’re so similar, in fact, that when we were kids we would individually go into the same room at different times, pick up the same toys and play with them in exactly the same way. More than a mystical force, we would say that our thought process is very alike.

That is why it’s great working together, and we’d love to have more shifts together as we get a lot of work done very quickly!

“One of the craziest things we’ve done as twins was swapping our passports at the airport. We handed our passports to the immigration officers one after the other, so no one noticed. And thank goodness they didn’t, as neither of us is a very good liar!”

‘We don’t know what it’s like to not be twins.

We just can’t imagine it.’ Mark

‘We can’t see ourselves being happy if we were away from each other for too long.’ David

STYLE 28 INTERVIEW

STYLE 28 Interview

Although their lives have taken them in different directions, graduate architect DAPHNE BUGEJA and computer engineer NADINE BUGEJA explain how their bond as twins is stronger than any other.

“We have an older sister and our relationship with her is amazing, but being a twin is completely different. The best way we can describe what it’s like to be a twin is that it’s like being married, in fact, it’s probably one of the best ways to prepare oneself for marriage! We’re each other’s go-to person and we always tell each other things before we speak to anyone else.

“Nevertheless, we’re also very different people: one of us is hyper and noisy, the other is calm; one is more sociable than the other, and the list goes on. This is probably why we ended up working in very different environments, and why one of us practises long distance and the other short distance running.

“We always make time for each other, however, and it definitely helps that we share the same group of friends. It’s really unusual for us to be apart for a long time and, when Daphne was abroad on an Erasmus exchange, we used to Skype every day. Having said that, we both think it was a good break, as we both need our alone time to think and make our own decisions.

“We were also never adventurous with our status as twins; we never sat for an exam pretending to be the other person or anything of the sort. We did consider it when we were going to do our driving licence test as one of us had passed and the other hadn’t, but we decided against it in the end!

“Unlike some other twins, we never had our own ‘language’, but we do understand each other without the need for words. We guess that that’s something we’ve developed from knowing each other our whole life – and that, in itself, is definitely special!" ¥

‘Being a twin is like being married.’

Nadine

‘We understand each other without the need for words.’

Daphne

fashion 31 STYLE

Rising from the

ruins Inspired by the beauty and romance of Villa Frere, which was once one of Malta’s most iconic landscaped gardens, Style on Sunday highlights timeless sophistication against a backdrop of heartbreaking dilapidation.

PHOTOGRAPHY : K RI S M I C ALLEF S TYLING : C AROLINE PARI S @ C AROLINE ’ S FA S HION S TYLING HAIR : S V ETLANA , TONI & GUY ARTI S TI C TEA M M A K E - UP : K ARIN M IF S UD , U S ING GUERLAIN FOR FRAN K S M ODEL : RO M ANA @ M ODEL S . C O M . M T S h o t o n l o c at i o n at v i l l a f r e r e

A classic never goes out of style, and, with autumn ushering in winter’s social calendar, what could be more tasteful than a classic black dress paired with heels and a structured handbag?

Dress – MaxMara Jewellery – Swarovski Bag – Coccinelle Shoes – Paris Hilton at Stivaletti

STYLE 32 fashion

By definition, a statement piece is a garment that stands out and begs for attention, and nothing does that better than one of this season’s ultimate must-haves: the statement coat. We paired ours with a pussy bow shirt – another key piece for autumn 2014.

Coat – Monsoon Pussy bow shirt – Mexx Trousers – Guess Jewellery – Vascas

fashion 33 STYLE

The easiest way to take an outfit from ‘classic’ to ‘rock-glam’ is by teeming it with a timeless, black leather jacket. This will prove to be a real investment piece.

Dress – Mimi Boutique Jacket – Diesel Jewellery – Vascas Bag – Furla

STYLE 34 fashion

A catsuit is as much about power as it is about glamour. We’ve adorned ours with pops of colour in a hue that embraces the decadence of the coming season.

Catsuit – Warehouse @ Debenhams Anorak – BHS Scarf, bag – Coccinelle Necklace – Vascas

fashion 35 STYLE

Comfort meets style with this combo of faux fur, floral accents and biker chic statements.

Skirt – M&Co Jacket – Armani Jeans Top – Warehouse @ Debenhams Shoes – Nino Giardini at Stivaletti Clutch bag – Furla Belt – Stylist's own Jewellery – Vascas

STYLE 36 fashion

With camouflage being one of the most on-trend patterns of this season, autumn 2014 fashion dares women to be more adventurous and bold. As this look shows, mixing pattern with strong colours can prove both eyecatching and elegant.

Shirt, top – Diesel Trousers – Mexx Waistcoat – Guess Jewellery – Vascas

STYLE 38 fashion

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Pattern Mismatch 1

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Apanage

FURLA

FURLA

Roberto Naldi

FRED PERRY

FRED PERRY

COCCINELLE

The shades of blue and grey of this APANAGE dress make it a show-stopper, both by day and by night. €160

The iconic Furla candy bag gets a fierce make over with the added zebra details at the top and bottom. €315

This Furla piper bag is made of leather and decorated with a zebra print that is wildly sophisticated. €405

Fun and edgy, this Roberto Naldi red zebra print jacket will make a great addition to your autumn wardrobe. €255

For a spot of 60s fun, this black and white polka dot midi bowling bag is the perfect accessory. €73

Take geek chic to the next level with this floral shirtdress from Fred Perry. €123

Add a touch of vintage to your outfit with this crocodile print, cross body Firenze handbag. €210

lifestyle 41 STYLE

Labours of Love

From handmade tiles and gilded clocks to crafted flutes and other instruments, the local crafting scene is thriving with experienced and talented artisans. Martina Said speaks to three innovative creatives who are keen on keeping Malta’s rich heritage alive.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAN C AR V ILLE

Francesco Sultana recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Studies. His latest endeavour of crafting Maltese instruments successfully marries his love for music with an interest in Malta’s musical heritage. From a single mouthpiece to the more elaborate and complex zaqq, his journey into this world of traditional instruments has only just begun.

“I’ve always been into music, although no one in my family really is. I started out playing the clarinet with my local band club and later joined various bands experimenting with different styles of music, until I began my journey into the world of ethnic instruments while collaborating on a project with other musicians. During my studies at university, I enrolled in an optional course on traditional Maltese instruments. The lectures were delivered

by Ruben Zahra, who I believe is the main exponent of these instruments internationally nowadays. Through him I met his mentor, who is now my mentor too – Guzi Gatt.

“Through Guzi, I learned how to make a bedbud, which is the mouthpiece of a variety of woodwind instruments. I kept experimenting

FRANCESCO

SULTANA with a number of these mouthpieces until one finally sounded right and in-tune. The bedbud is made using a single solid piece of reed. I knew I would eventually want to make a traditional Maltese zaqq, which is the most complex traditional instrument to make.

Not many people make them anymore, so I started taking the hobby more seriously, with the hope of being able to produce new music with such instruments with my band, Plato’s Dream Machine. There hasn’t been much advancement with these instruments in the last 15 years or so and we keep hearing them used for the same songs in Maltese time and again; I hope to change that in the future.

“After succeeding with a bedbud, I moved on to make a zummara, a reed pipe made "One piece I am particularly with a single cane and reed, and later a proud of is the chanter flejguta, which is our traditional Maltese of the zaqq, known as flute. It was typically used as a hunting is-saqqafa, made using a instrument for bird-call whistles and large piece of cane, two later evolved into a rural instrument. mouthpieces and a bull’s “One piece I am particularly proud of is the chanter of the zaqq, known as is-saqqafa, made horn fitted to one end." using a large piece of cane, two mouthpieces that the next stage would involve making my and a bull’s horn fitted to one end. Once the own bag, which is essentially an air container, instrument sounded just about right, I knew made of goat’s skin. As the chanter and bag are joined to form the zaqq, the resulting sound resembles a primitive form of bag pipe.

“As a restorer specialised in organics, namely stone, metals, ceramics and glass, my work requires me to be hands-on with delicate items and immensely patient, so perhaps this has lent a helping hand to my hobby, which also requires a lot of patience. But I am never satisfied, and will keep fine-tuning my craft until the instruments I make play perfectly and in-tune.”

STYLE 42 lifestyle

Jason Pace has long nurtured a love for the art of gilding and, after training with an experienced gilder for seven years, he took the plunge and opened his own business in 2008 on St Christopher Street, Valletta. His workshop is cosy and neat and, while he admits that the traditional tempra process he uses is laborious and time-consuming, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The art of gilding does not run in my family, so, starting out alone wasn’t easy, but I’ve always had a keen interest in this craft and that made me rise to the challenge. The process of water gilding is long and costly, but it is the traditional way and I believe it gives noticeably better results.

“The Maltese clock is believed to date back to the 18th century and, at the time, only those who could afford one would actually buy it. Today, it is still in demand, but less so than before. The base of the clock is a wooden case made by a carpenter, and it features two ornate pieces: one on top called an ornat and another on the bottom called a mensula. One gilded clock can cost up to €2,000 and it takes around five weeks to make from start to finish.

“Once I obtain the wooden case from a carpenter, I take over and begin by applying bone-glue to the wood, covering it in a layer of sacking fabric (xoqqa), then coating it in around 16 thin layers of plaster. I then leave it to dry for a few days. Once dry, I sand it down with thick and thin sandpaper to obtain a smooth finish

JASON PACE

"One gilded clock can cost up to €2,000 and it takes around five weeks to make from start to finish." which resembles a piece of marble, before transferring the design of the clock frame onto the wood.

“The next stage involves coating the frame in a few layers of red bole, which is a paste-like type of clay that is moistened with water, and then the gold leaf is transferred onto it using a dry brush. The gold leaf is then burnished with a specialised tool consisting of a wooden handle and a highly-polished agate stone, whereby the stone brings out the shine in the gold leaf, and it is then sprayed with layers of lacquer.

For a matte effect, I apply the gold leaf directly onto glue rather than onto the red bole. The gold leaf I use is between 22 to 24 karats. After applying lacquer, I fill in the rest of the case with oil-based paint according to the client’s wishes. The centre of the clock is also hand-painted, and clients generally tend to opt for nostalgic Maltese landscapes, such as those of the Grand Harbour, Mdina and Valletta.”

STYLE 44 lifestyle

Chris Colombo has been making traditional Maltese tiles all his life. He began by lending a helping hand in his father’s workshop in San Gwann as a young boy, and later took over the now-70-year-old business, which he runs singlehandedly. His passion for this craft is instantly obvious, and as he hunches over the hard-worked machine to lay the foundations of yet another tile, he says that his job is one of the few things that keeps him calm and content.

“I’ll be honest with you – I’m not a very patient man. But for some reason, when it comes to my work, I constantly challenge and dare myself to work calmly and diligently, which is essential in this line of work as you cannot hurry things along.

That is possibly why many young people are no longer interested in this craft. I’ve often spent 12 hours in this workshop at a stretch – since I work alone, I have to work

CHRIS COLOMBO

long hours in order to be productive.

“Every tile is made by hand – most of the designs you see here are the same as those in old houses, some over 100 years old.

The process is the same for every design: I start by cleaning the base plate (called a plakka) thoroughly, and rubbing oil onto its surface. I then mount the frame (known as il-kwadru) on the plate, and place the stencil with the desired design within the frame. The stencil is filled with mastikk which makes up the pattern of the tile. Each coloured mastikk is poured accordingly, and consists of cement, powdered marble (trab ta’ l-irham) and colour pigment.

As I pour the colour, it begins to settle, and after removing the stencil, I dust a layer of putraxx, which is made of cement and mixed sand. The outermost layer (which is the bottommost part of the tile) is what we call milanc. I then close the contents within with a lid, called a tampur, to prepare the tile for pressing. Once pressed, I remove the tile from its frame and flip it face up – it will need around two weeks to settle before it can be laid.

“I’ve got around 180 different patterns to choose from, and also created some patterns of my own which I’m proud of. Typically, each pattern has its own nickname derived from a visual element of the design, such as il-maktur, is-sieq tat-tigiega, ghajn il-

"Every tile is made by hand – most of the designs you see here are the same as those in old houses, some over 100 years old" baqra, and ir-rukkell. The most requested colours are yellow, red, white and green.

“The demand for Maltese tiles is still strong; they are particularly sought by foreigners who buy old Maltese homes, as well as by new homeowners after a rustic look. But, unfortunately, not many people make them anymore. My father’s business has been around for 70 years and, to my knowledge, only two other people work in a similar way today. But I’m always coming up with new designs to keep up with the times – I never stop, and like to keep myself busy.” ¥

STYLE 46 property

Jumping Aboard the Letting Ladder There’s never a dull moment for dynamic Frank Salt Real Estate letting manager Philippa Tabone. Here she tells Style all about her non-stop role, as well as why there’s more demand than ever for new rental properties in Malta.

From helping a tenant locked out on his terrace in his underwear, to liaising with top embassy staff on important security considerations, the busy world of property letting is as diverse as they come. And one woman who knows that more than most is Frank Salt Real Estate’s vibrant letting manager Philippa Tabone.

With years of experience behind her, Philippa is quick to explain that no two days are ever the same – which is exactly what she loves so much about her role. “Besides the managerial side of it, I also have my own clients and monthly targets to reach,” she explains. “Thankfully I am hyper organised, which helps me to stay on top of things.”

And that is no mean feat. Philippa currently manages a busy team of 22 people spread across three offices, as well as the short-let website, www.maltaholidaylets.com.

“My week revolves around planning appointments, showing properties, managing our database, following up with clients and liaising with my consultants, as well as so much more,” she says. “It’s a non-stop industry and it is exciting to always be so busy.”

As Philippa explains, the letting world differs substantially to property sales, not least because it is so fast-paced. “A week is a long time in this industry,” she says, adding that she has worked in the sector non-stop for six years. “You have to think on your feet as the market is constantly evolving, and I love how it keeps us on our toes.

“You also get to meet people from all walks of life – students, families, CEOs and celebrities, so it’s constantly exhilarating.

You’re part of the whole process from start to finish and you develop quite a rapport with your clients; it’s always wonderful to meet people months or years later and have them thank you for finding them the ‘perfect’ home. After all, we’re often

someone’s first contact when they arrive in Malta, and knowing we’ve helped them to settle in is a great feeling.”

Philippa has seen the Frank Salt Real Estate letting department grow substantially.

There were just five people on the team when she first joined, but that number has blossomed to 22 in a very short period.

“Like with every job it was a fantastic learning curve for me and I was so privileged to be surrounded by such a strong team,” she continues. “I owe so much to my first manager, George Vassallo, who showed me the ropes and was so patient with me. It’s a cliché of course, but you really do learn something new everyday in this job; and the more you learn the better you become.”

Becoming Frank Salt Real Estate’s letting manager was definitely a career highlight for Philippa so far. Meanwhile, she also relishes the chance to be out there meeting with clients, discovering new properties and signing deals.

“Overall, in both sales and letting, I really do believe that Frank Salt Real Estate offers customer service that is second-to-none. You

do find a lot of ‘sharks’ in this industry and many agencies come and go because they don’t realise that reputation is everything.

Frank Salt Real Estate has survived as long as it has, and continues to be a market leader, because of the professional and reliable service we offer our clients,” she says.

The letting team is also dedicated to giving a comprehensive and superior service to its clients. “We’re there to help them with everything from setting up their internet connection or bank account to assisting with their children’s school registration,” she says.

“We also have a dual role in helping landlords to market their property while also getting them the best-possible return on their investment. Thus, we offer after-sales and home interiors services to enable home-owners to upgrade or maintain their rental property in the most feasible manner possible.”

Philippa also explains that the letting market continues to go from strength to strength, and that Frank Salt Real Estate is constantly looking to register properties on its books.

“We’re not even coping with the demand from would-be renters, so we’re on the hunt for new properties on a regular basis,” she says. “I am also looking to expand my team as we are inundated with enquiries. We are keen to recruit determined, organised and energetic people, especially as the company has a strategic plan in place to expand substantially over the next five years and to open a number of additional branches in strategic locations across the Maltese islands.

“There’s no doubt that this is a very exciting time to be part of the rental industry in Malta – whether as a consultant or a landlord – as we encourage interested people to get in touch to find out more,” Philippa adds. ¥

MOTORING 49 STYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAN C ARVILLE

BMW unveils the 4 series Gran Coupé

Finally, a 5-door that drives like a proper coupé!

Style on Sunday test-drives the all-new BMW 4 series Gran Coupé.

If BMW were a football club playing in the Champions League, it would undoubtedly be an elite one – the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or, closer to home, giants Bayern Munich.

Just like these top clubs, when BMW decides to extend its line-up and target a completely new niche market – everyone – including its competitors – stops to listen. With the 4 series Gran Coupé, BMW has done it again.

It has targeted a new niche. And to build on the football analogy, it has reached its objective with a shot on target. Essentially the BMW 4 series Gran Coupé is a first in the brand’s line-up. The 4 series in itself was indeed a first for BMW – traditionally the

coupé version of its landmark 3 series saloon is designated as a 3-door coupé. But BMW has taken the strategic decision to launch the 4 series coupé and the 4 series cabriolet.

This bold statement means that the 4 series will take on a more independent life and can afford to have stronger characteristics that are essential to develop a proper coupé and cabrio. The third model in the new 4 series

range is the 4 series Gran Coupé.

A legitimate question that I asked myself before test-driving the Gran Coupé is the fundamental raison d’être of this model. In other words, considering that BMW’s range features the 3 series 4-door saloon and also the 3 series Gran Turismo, what led the brand to invest so much in the 4 series Gran Coupé (especially when the line-up also includes the impressive

5 series)? Experiencing the 4 series Gran Coupé provided a great deal of insight and some very clear answers.

The 4 Series Gran Coupé is a very distinct animal compared to the other models in the BMW range (not to mention competition) because it does target a very specific buyer – or should I say a growing segment of buyers who are essentially confused as to what their next

STYLE 50 MOTORING

Style Verdict

BMW has done it again. It has targeted a completely new niche and the result is spectacular. A car aimed at those after a coupé that is spacious, luxurious and practical.

At a starting price of €39,950 for a well specced model, the 4 series Gran Coupé fits the bill perfectly.

car should be. I am referring to a good market segment of car drivers who have a passion for cars – they can afford to buy a coupé but they cannot do so because they have a family and therefore need to invest in a spacious, practical car. The BMW 4 series Gran Coupé exists because of this growing segment of the population.

Driving the Gran Coupé helps to understand the philosophy of this car. Driving it is essentially as good as being at the wheel of its 3-door brother (or sister), but instead this is a 5-door version… a stylish and spacious 5-door coupé that can be trimmed either as a luxurious executive car with a sportier twist or as a

sporty coupé which is as spacious as an executive car. You want the cake and you want to eat it at the same time – and BMW can now offer that. That’s what the Gran Coupé is about.

We test-drove the 420d automatic which was equipped with all the extras imaginable – rear view camera, electric seats with memory, satellite navigation, telephony with extended smartphone connection and many others.

Driving the Gran Coupé gives the sensation everyone is after from a coupé – the car is agile and has enough power to convince you that you are driving a sports coupé – superlative road handling, a

well-balanced steering wheel that allows you to take full control of the car and ultimately a fast – yet economical – car that delivers 184 bhp. The car is very spacious internally – both front and rear – and the boot provides ample space.

The starting price of the Gran Coupé 420i (petrol and manual) is just €39,950 (the 420d automatic we drove cost €65,500) and the starting price model comes with a genuinely impressive line-up of standard equipment including a boot that opens and closes automatically, climate control, rain sensors, automatic lights, Bluetooth with Usb and Aux interface, runflat tyres and much more. ¥

You may view the BMW 4 series Gran Coupé at Muscats Motors Ltd, Rue D’Argens, Gzira.

For more information call the BMW Showroom on 2326 4581/2. E-mail: info@mml.mizzi.com.mt

beauty 53 STYLE

�

STEP

Give your skin a dewy glow by picking a foundation that matches your skin tone and lifts it.

We love Guerlain’s Tenue de Perfection thanks to its velvety-soft finish.

It blends into the skin for ultimate correction, comfort and flawlessly sleek wear, and is the ideal base for the rest of your make-up.

�

STEP

Next, perfect your skin further and highlight your face. Just like a magic wand, the Guerlain Illuminator Pen instantly erases dark areas and signs of ageing – giving your skin a youthful glow. It helps to diminish signs of fatigue, so it’s ideal if you’re heading straight from the office to an evening out, as you’ll feel refreshed and awakened.

STEP

To complete the illumination of your skin, top with a dusting of powder that reflects the light. We recommend Guerlain’s Lingerie de Peau Compact. It is a powder compact so tender that it perfectly fuses with the skin. It protects the natural hydration of the skin and offers a velvety and matte finish.

STEP

Get the Look!

born to shine Make-up with a metallic tinge is all the rage for autumn. Bring your look up-to-date with shiny, smoky eyes and lips with an elegant shimmer.

M a k e - u p : K a r i n at F r a n ks , u s i n g G u e r l a i n H a i r : S v e t l a n a at t h e T o n i & Guy Artistic Team M o d e l : K ay @ M o d e l s . c o m . m t P h oto g r a p h y: K r i s M i c a l l e f

Style Tip:

Next, move on to your eyes.

This season, there are all sorts of beautiful, shimmering eye shadows to choose from in a full range of colours. Choose the hue that works best with your outfit and build the shine little by little, blending towards your outer eye. Complete your eye make-up with a plumping mascara that ensures your lashes look longer and thicker. For this, we used Guerlain’s Maxi Lash Mascara. The result is intense and long-lasting, and it shimmers with unrivalled colour.

For added shine add shimmer! Shimmers can be applied to the brow bone, cheeks, forehead, temples, nose, chin and outer eyes to add that certain ‘glow’.

It’s the ideal way to make the most of your tan, even though it’s autumn!

5

Finally, complete this look with a swoosh of shiny lipstick. We recommend Guerlain’s new lipstick, KissKiss, in the colour of your choice. This product helps lips to regain their fullness and softness thanks to a formula enriched with plumping hyaluronic acid spheres – and it’s beautifully shiny too!

STEP

3

�

beauty 55 STYLE

1 2 3

4

5

EDITOR’S

PICK 7 6

9

7. CLARINS

8

Give your skin the luminosity it deserves with Clarins True Radiance Foundation.

Its lightweight, moisturising formula – which comes in various shades – offers 24-hour hydration and glides onto skin evenly and perfectly to give you a flawless finish. Exclusively distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd. T: 2123 2141.

1. PACO RABANNE

3. VICHY

5. BOSS RELOADED

8. CHANEL

Envelop yourself in this fruity variation of Paco Rabanne’s iconic Lady Million – Lady Million Eau My Gold. Cradled in a multi-faceted diamond-shaped bottle, this fragrance is luxurious and show-stopping.

Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. T: 2133 1553.

New LIFTACTIV Advanced Filler – a product that reduces deep vertical wrinkles in just 30 days, with Pure Retinol and LR2412. It is recommended for all skin types, can be used as a day or night care cream, makes an excellent make-up base, and is hypoallergenic and parabenfree. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

E: vichy@prohealth.com.mt, F: Vichy.

A fragrance that personifies strength, chivalry, charm and complexity needs a face to match, and the new face of BOSS BOTTLED is Gerard Butler.

Receive a free BOSS weekend bag when purchasing any male BOSS EDT 100ml fragrance. Trading enquiries: VJ Salomone. T: 8007 2387, W: www.vjsm.com.mt

Inspired by the poetic tenderness of the different shades of pink, Chanel’s Collection États Poétiques Autumn 2014 is a fragile-yet-intense colour palette that puts your eyes in the spotlight and that is as changing as your emotions. Exclusively distributed

by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd.

4. ESSENCE OF BOND

6. BOSS MA VIE

With a unique fusion of traditional and unmistakably British ingredients, James Bond 007 is a classic with a modern twist – much like the legend himself. Ask in store for the latest offer, which gives you a James Bond 007 EDT 125ml for the price of an EDT 75ml (until stocks last). Trading enquiries: VJ Salomone.

T: 8007 2387, W: www.vjsm.com.mt

Inspired by the independent spirit of the modern woman, BOSS MA VIE is a sophisticated fragrance that was created to be enjoyed. Receive a free BOSS tote bag when purchasing an EDP 75ml or a BOSS make-up roll pouch when purchasing an EDP 50ml.

Trading enquiries: VJ Salomone.

T: 8007 2387, W: www.vjsm.com.mt

2. ANTONIO BANDERAS Antonio Banderas – one of the world’s foremost names for celebrity perfumes – returns with a new fragrance that is sure to become a classic. Antonio Banderas’s King of Seduction is an elegant and harmonious combination of citric freshness that perfectly captures the image of the modern man. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. T: 2133 1553.

9. BLEU DE CHANEL With its stunning woody aroma and top notes of citrus fruits, Bleu de Chanel conjures up a feeling of intense masculinity that feels completely liberated. The creation of Jacques Poldge, Chanel’s Perfume Creator, this Eau de Parfum is a new and exciting fragrance from the iconic House of Chanel. Exclusively distributed

by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd.

STYLE 56 news

HEBE Designed to the latest fashion trends and made from timeless, precious metals, the jewellery collections from HEBE represent the versatility of today’s woman. HEBE – Valletta, St Julian’s and Paola. T: 2203 5401.

Laguna Walk: the latest events venue Earlier this summer, SmartCity Malta inaugurated Laguna Walk, a new events hub that is promising to be the latest vibrant destination in Malta. Following numerous successful events, including the recent Oktoberfest and Food & Drink Fest, this spectacular destination has various other exciting events planned. Stay tuned by liking the ‘SmartCity News’ Facebook page and visiting www.lagunawalk.com.mt

THE STYLE

CHECKLIST MOULIN ROUGE FOR NYE

HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE GOODNESS Containing less than 0.1 per cent lactose, Stuffer’s new range of yoghurts, cheese spreads and desserts can be enjoyed even by those who suffer from lactose intolerance. Trade enquiries: Tutto Marketing Ltd, Mdina Road, Zebbug. T: 2146 3758/9.

This New Year’s Eve, the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Attard is embracing the passionate spirit of Paris for a racy Moulin Rougeinspired extravaganza! Raise flowing glasses of champagne, dine on an exquisite six-course menu and enjoy the high-kicks and fabulous frivolity of the era’s famous showgirls. Book now. T: 2544 2101.

AUTUMN’14 COLLECTION LANDS AT THE POINT The Point Shopping Mall has revamped its shop windows in anticipation for the new season. Explore this autumn’s must-have style at the island’s biggest names in fashion, ranging from trendy schoolwear and elegant winter outfits to footwear, cosy nightwear, bed linen and jogging gear. The Point Shopping Mall at Tigné Point, Sliema, is open between 9.30am and 7.30pm from Monday to Saturday. For the latest updates and offers, check out their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ThePointShoppingMall

Quality time at Valletta Waterfront

CAMPARI One of the world’s most famous drinks gets a makeover with three different interpretations of the works by one of the most representative artists of the Futurist movement: Fortunato Depero. Trade enquiries: Farsons Ltd. T: 2381 4400.

From a variety of dining and shopping experiences to convenient parking, the historic Valletta Waterfront – with its iconic coloured doors – is an ideal destination for all the family. Children’s entertainment is available on weekends and public holidays. More on: www. vallettawaterfront.com

LIFESTYLE 59 STYLE

In the Library With…

From avid booklovers to fervent bibliophiles, these three homeowners have all chosen to dedicate a particular space to their passion: books. Here, Style on Sunday is invited into three very different home libraries.

Intervie ws by Jo Caruana and Iggy Fenech P h oto g r pa h y b y A l a n C a r v i l l e

Architect and partner at internationally renowned firm Architecture Project (AP), Konrad Buhagiar, welcomes us into the library he designed to house the books he’s been collecting all his life.

The Victorian love of staircases that generated an air of grandeur has had its heyday. It seemed natural to use this suggestive area of the residence to house my library. The stone stairs have been reproduced in timber and extended so that the sculptural qualities of the space are extended to the walls. The

ease with which one can climb up to gain access to the out-of-reach upper shelves, adds to the dynamic nature of this part of the house.

The combination of staircase and the bookcase has a particular fascination. The space under the stairs is quiet and kept simple. The stairs themselves, however, are a treasure-chest of knowledge, a container of the accumulated ideas, thoughts and feelings contained in the books.

My library is divided into sections which are, however, rather fluid. Themes that have over the years structured the way I think have found their way to my bookshelves. Dos Passos’s novel that describes life on a construction site rubs shoulders with other theoretical works on the body and on building.

My love of books was fuelled when I was small by my Polish aunt Marysia who had met my uncle in Oxford when they were both

studying there. She ran an Oxfam shop in Hampstead and would send my brothers and I dozens of books at a go. Some were within our reach but others too difficult for us to read. I remember the pleasure I used to derive from succeeding to get through a hitherto unreadable book. It was like opening a door onto a mysterious and unchartered world.

I am especially fond of several books I found in a bookshop in Arles where I used to teach. There I picked up Le Livre de Ronchamp which contains a dedication

by Le Corbusier to the wife of the blacksmith who built the doors of the church, and a book containing drawings

by Tony Garnier where I found his note to a student expressing appreciation of the student’s work and suggesting a meeting.

I have a number of collections in my library,

Photo by AP - Luis Rod

ríguez

including a selection of Melitensia and first editions of modern novels from the 50s onwards. I always try to buy the first edition of a novel I love. One of the latest additions to this section was a first edition of the English version of L’Isola di Arturo by Elsa Morante, an exceptionally poetic work that describes the loss of innocence in a boy growing up on a fictional Mediterranean island.

I never leave a book behind. It is marked and annotated by me as I read it, passages I found important or beautiful. From time to time I pick out the book again and re-read the piece. It’s definitely a working library.

STYLE 60 LIFESTYLE

Well-known lawyer and book lover Ramona Frendo has dreamt of having her own library since childhood. The result is this specially designed dark wood mezzanine, which houses her and her family’s ever growing collection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s and travel books.

I was a quiet child and spent hours at a time locked in a book.

Reading was my pick-me-up whenever I was feeling low, and I still love losing myself in a book today. Thus, having a library of my own has been a dream for a long time.

In our last house I did have one wall of shelves dedicated

to books but it was quickly over-flowing, which I hated.

This space has the potential to fit loads and loads of books, and I am excited about filling it up over time.

When we moved in, this room was very dark and dingy but I instantly saw the potential for the library. My husband Peter and I trawled the internet looking for inspiration but it wasn’t until our designer, Martin Camilleri, found a picture of the beautiful library in the film My Fair Lady that I knew what I wanted. It was then up to our skilled carpenter – Joey talQueens – to complete the dream.

He did an excellent job and the result is just what we wanted.

Peter and I have slightly different ideas about how the library should look! He thinks the shelves should all be filled to the brim, whereas I love the fact there are still-empty slots. To me, each book on those shelves is linked to a memory, and the vacant spaces will eventually be filled with more books that tell the stories of our lives.

This library isn’t hidden away at all – it’s part of the many thoroughfares of our house and we go past it countless times a day. It’s very much a living and family space, and we constantly add to it and dip into it. We’re

not bibliophiles but book lovers, and Peter and I both share a passion for reading.

I’d have lots more books on these shelves if I hadn’t got into reading on my tablet. While I will always prefer reading a hard copy, it is so much more convenient for reading in bed.

Peter and I both suffer bouts of insomnia, so being able to read on a screen instead of switching on the light means we don’t disturb one another.

I love reading aloud to children, and this copy of Horrid Henry (pictured among several of my favourites) reminds me of that. I find it fun to do the voices, so I always have a particular tone for the old woman, the princess or the villain. When our son Daniel, now 11, started reading he picked up on that – he immediately read all the direct speech in different voices. It was brilliant!

LIFESTYLE 63 STYLE

A self-confessed bibliophile, Peter Apap Bologna has amassed a collection of over 2,000 books in the home he shares with his wife Alaine.

Peter has also written several books over the years, and has recently completed the first volume of his memoirs, which will be released early next year.

My first memory of being in a library was in my father’s study at our home in Lija. There were two mahogany bookcases (the traditional ones with glazed doors), a large desk and an armchair with a lamp on a little table next to it.

I loved that room, and would curl up and read from a very young age.

At St Aloysius, where I was a boarder from age nine, I discovered a wonderful boys’ library and, by the time I left aged 16, I believe I had read all the books. They were mostly Victorian adventure stories; my favourite was by G A Henty, whose historical novels for boys instilled in me a great love of history as well as literature. Frankly I think I was born a bibliophile, and grew up to be a bibliomane!

Over the years I had built up an important collection of modern first editions, which I eventually sold at a Christies’ auction in 1999. After my banking career in London

and New York, we went to live in Ireland in 1984, from where I ran a rare book business issuing catalogues and selling by mail order. I enjoyed doing that but, in 1988, I returned to Malta and started the Melitensia Art Gallery. This library is now at our flat in Sliema and I would say my favourite books are literary and political biographies, particularly diaries, such as Harold Nicolson’s and Chips Channon’s among others.

I enjoyed Guido De Marco’s book The Politics of Persuasion. It is so reasonable and conciliatory, rather than aggressive or antagonistic. It’s a book I constantly dip in and out of, and I use it to refer to events within Malta’s political history.

I often use this library as a reference library for my writings and there are around 2,000 books here. In my novel Lost Generations I must have referred to more than 200 books. I have just finished the first volume of my memoirs, Memories, covering the years 1941-1973 – from when I was born to when I emigrated to the UK. This book is now at advance proof stage, and this is its dust jacket.

When it comes to books I am surrounded by them, and cannot imagine life without

them. It saddens me to visit the most beautiful homes in Malta, with not a book in sight.

People don’t know what they are missing. Churchill said a book was like a faithful spaniel, it was always waiting for you when you went back to it.

I keep a collection of Churchilliana – books by and about Winston Churchill. This includes a collector’s edition of his speeches, and his history of the Second World War. This is a particular area of interest for me because of Churchill’s huge importance as both a historical and literary figure; I have admired him since childhood. ¥

homes 65 STYLE

New Season Style As we usher in autumn, we’re excited by the prospect of bringing our homes up-to-date with the latest international design trends. We asked three top designers to choose their key trends for autumn 2014 – and we provide plenty of inspiration to help you achieve them.

Words by Jo Caruana

Carlo bri Schem

ÛÚGolden Era (www.delightfull.eu) A vintage lamp can actually go a long way towards giving your room a ‘back in time’ feel. And it wasn’t called the Golden Era for nothing – vintage lamps often have gold or bronze features added in. These two lamps – quirkily nicknamed Amy and Ike by European lighting brand Delightfull – have embraced this trend head-on and made a huge success of it.

Eclectic Vintage Having recently toured the September 2014 edition of Maison & Objet in Paris, celebrated designer Carlo Schembri, who is well-known for his work on projects including the regeneration of Pjazza San Gorg, chose ‘eclectic vintage’ as his must-have trend for the coming season. “This trend combines steel, iron, aluminium and copper in many forms and finishes, alone or paired with wood, plastics, cork or fabric upholstery,” he says. “The result is woody, masculine and stylish.” ÜReclaimed Sophistication (www.barak7.com/www.lassco.co.uk) Think these chairs would look more at home in your grandparents’ 1970s home? Super.

That’s exactly what this look is all about – and we recommend that you rifle through old furniture or visit local flea markets to find buys that you can reclaim yourself.

ÛA Little Crazy is OK… You know, it may not be to everyone’s taste – and that’s a good thing. Take this vintage sport-inspired room, for instance – complete with black and white pictures of old teams and up-cycled furniture. It is proof that the ‘eclectic vintage’ look is all about embracing those little quirks that will make your home extra special to you.

ÜBack In Time (www.barak7.co.uk) Industrial-style furniture has witnessed a huge rise in popularity lately, and that look actually lends itself brilliantly to the style of old Maltese homes. Take this setting by BARAK7 – a company inspired by the flea markets in industrial areas of Paris and Brussels – for instance. Their style combines characterful metals with reclaimed woods and vintage materials for a robust-but-elegant finish.

ÜTick Tock (www.lassco.co.uk) Sometimes it just takes one item to make a statement. For this look, we’ve chosen this genuine, vintage clock – which was salvaged from a scrap yard and given a new lease of life. Whatever the style of your home, a piece such as this one will become an instant talking point. We also like this other example of a vintage (or vintage-style) clock.

STYLE 66 homes

ÚTouch and Feel (www.made.com) One of the key delights of this look is that it instantly adds comfort.

Take this long-pile rug for instance; its plush texture doesn’t just look great, but feels great too. It’s the sort of piece that completes a comfy room – the kind of space where you want to gather to relax.

ÜJust a Hint (RUDE ltd/ singaporetradingpost.com) Well, if we haven’t persuaded you to embrace the texture/pattern trend in full, then perhaps we’ll encourage you to sample it – with a product or two to highlight an otherwise-neutral setting.

We love this colour-popping coffee set by up-and-coming lifestyle brand RUDE, as well as this high-impact geographic-print cushion from the Singapore Trading Post.

rory apap brown

ÛTextured Textiles (www.welshblankets.co.uk) Whether draped over the back of your sofa or placed among your cushions, a chunky, textured throw will instantly add warmth and give a whole new feeling to a room.

Choose several of the same designs in different colours for a classic feel, or mix and match for something more eclectic.

Co mbining Texture and Patterns

re firm AP’s dedicated Rory Apap Brown leads architectu a founding member of also is and interior design team in Malta, ). Rory highlighted (MIDA n ciatio Asso n Desig the Malta Interior autumn 2014, for ‘textures and patterns’ as his key trend e opportunities ampl s offer “it ept, explaining that, as a conc e look.” uniqu a ve achie and est inter l visua to add

ÙDon’t Hold Back (www.kahrs.com) So often we’re worried that something ‘won’t go’; this trend is all about going beyond that. As this room showcases, a good mix of textures and patterns can really bring out the best in a space – such as here, where the patterned floor juxtaposes against the brick wall covering, and the shaggy rug complements the clean lines of the furniture.

ÜMix It Up (RUDE ltd) As this image demonstrates: there are no rules when it comes to getting this look right or wrong. In fact, it’s all about confidence. The key here is the plain background, which allows for strong, strategic pieces such as this rug, chair and artwork.

homes 69 STYLE

ÙFun With Fabric (www.bykoket.com) Whatever the piece, don’t be put off by what it looks like at the moment. Even the most odd or unusual of chairs can be made more modern with contemporary fabric – such as this stunning design by Koket, which effortlessly combines an air of yesteryear with a very modern hue.

luisa no diaco

ÛWhite is Right White is one of the cornerstones of the shabby chic look. One way to achieve this is by purchasing an old piece of furniture, such as this one, sanding it down and painting it white. Any accessories will look great when your focus is white – although white on white also looks very striking.

ÜMix and Match Crockery is a huge trend within ‘shabby chic’ and fans love nothing more than creating collections of mismatched bone china – usually in pink and flowery designs. This sort of individuality certainly adds a sense of fun to entertaining!

ÜEndearing Nostalgia There’s a very strong sense of nostalgia to the shabby chic look –in fact accessories will often celebrate post-war Britain and France. It’s a style that will certainly add talking-points to your collection and it brings with it an element of old-world charm. Plus, for the ultimate when it comes to shabby chic – do it yourself!

Shabby Chic “I love interiors that have character and personality, and the handpainted style of shabby chic furniture is full of that,” says interior designer and partner at Nine Yards, Luisa Diacono, who selected this ‘old meets new’ look for her autumn 2014 style. “Every piece comes with a story and a personal touch that makes it unique.

The imperfections, the wallpaper, the cladding of the mirror and that distressed shabby chic atmosphere all add to the aesthetic richness. That said – fun colours abound with this style, and it’s all about mixing hues, styles and patterns for a contemporary finish.”

ÜWho Knows What You’ll Find? (www.lassco.co.uk) The fun of rummaging to find furniture is that you’ll never know what you could come across. These genuine vintage leather sofas, for instance, were found on a scrap heap and then lovingly restored.

And even if mustard leather isn’t your thing, the world is your oyster when it comes to fabrics and textures to complete your pieces.

ÜTimeless Elegance The shabby chic look harks back to an era of timeless elegance and it’s far from forced. So long as you keep your palette neutral, anything goes – and this is a style that requires plenty of plush comfort, including throws and scatter cushions. Just be careful you don’t go overboard, as, when not done right, shabby chic can appear twee and outdated.

homes 71 STYLE

HOMETRENDS Check out this globe bar and many more unique products to enhance your living space at HomeTrends Home, Garden, Baby & Kids, Ta’ Zwejt Street, Industrial Estate, San Gwann and Mdina Road, Haz-Zebbug.

T: 2144 5654, E: shop@hometrends.com.mt, W: www.hometrends.com.mt F: HomeTrendsComplex.

VCT This ceiling lamp is as sleek as it is eye-catching (€253.40). Part of the Serie Chantal by Fabasluce, it is available in stock exclusively at VCT Ltd, Anglu Gatt Street, Mosta. T: 2143 2571/2143 6186, E: info@vct.com.mt, W: www.vct.com.mt

CAMILLERIPARISMODE With a caricature of a name, the ‘fatone’ armchair oozes charm, confidence and comfort; and, true to its name, the chair is a plump and a well rounded version of the wing armchair. It is unofficially a small sofa, with a seating capacity for two people, making it an intelligent concept with room for two and space of one. camilleriparismode, 54/56, St Catherine Street, Rabat, Tal-Virtu area. T: 2010 2030, E: you@camilleriparismode.com, W: www.camilleriparismode.com

VCT This modern-yet-timeless table lamp adds a pop to any room (€200.59)! Part of the Serie Chantal by Fabasluce, it is available in stock exclusively at VCT Ltd, Anglu Gatt Street, Mosta. T: 2143 2571/2143 6186, E: info@vct.com.mt, W: www.vct.com.mt

KRUPS From bean to cup, this is not just any coffee machine. The Krups Espresseria Full Automatic boasts an impressive CV. Its ergonomic design includes a 15 bar pump and Thermoblock System with an integrated percolation chamber, an LCD graphic display and a coffee bean grinder.

The Espresseria also has many features, including hot coffee from the very first cup, and espresso and cappuccino making facilities… all at the push of a button!

A&A Mizzi Ltd. T: 2148 8168, W: www.aamizzi.com

R LIVING

AUTUMN LIVING

R Living will be holding this year’s edition of their October Open Weekend from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 October. Over these five days, the showroom will be open all day till 8pm, and R Living will be offering discounts and special offers, with guaranteed delivery before Christmas 2014 on most of the furniture ordered during this week. R Living, Mriehel By Pass, Qormi. T: 2149 9699.

CAMILLERIPARISMODE

HOMETRENDS FARRUGIA LIGHTING Designed by José Ignacio Ballester for Mantra, the new COOL collection at Farrugia Lighting takes classic designs and turns them into modern statement pieces. The beauty of this collection’s metallic elements and white epoxy finish is that they are made to be used both indoors and outdoors.

Farrugia Lighting, Dun Karm Xerri Street, Iklin.

T: 2141 9111, W: www.farrugia.com.mt

A wide selection of gas, electric and ethanol fireplaces in a variety of models, sizes, colours, styles and prices is now in stock at HomeTrends Home, Garden, Baby & Kids, Ta’ Zwejt Street, Industrial Estate, San Gwann and Mdina Road, Haz-Zebbug.

T: 2144 5654, E: shop@hometrends. com.mt, W: www.hometrends.com.mt F: HomeTrendsComplex.

Promising unrivalled quality, excellent durability and a true feeling of luxury, Lano carpets offer timeless designs inspired by tradition but that embrace modernity. Using only highend, 100 per cent-pure, New Zealand wool, they are also hypoallergenic and mothproof. Available as fitted carpets or loose rugs from camilleriparismode, 54/56, St Catherine Street, Rabat, Tal-Virtu area. T: 2010 2030, E: you@camilleriparismode.com, W: www.camilleriparismode.com

STYLE 72 homeS

F ZAMMIT GARDEN CENTRE Whatever the occasion – be it a birthday, a new baby, an anniversary, or someone’s passing – a plant is a beautiful and natural way to show how you feel. Check out the full range at F Zammit Garden Centre Co Ltd, 22, Valletta Road, Qormi.

T: 2148 5485, W: www.fzammitgardencentre.com

CAMILLERIPARISMODE Camilleriparismode presents a wide range of highly prestigious tableware brands – some designed for special occasions and others for everyday use.

Visit their Rabat workshop and Sliema outlet to find table accessories that will add that special touch to your dining table. camilleriparismode, 54/56, St Catherine Street, Rabat, Tal-Virtu area & camilleriparismode, Annunciation Square, Sliema.

T: 2010 2030 & 2134 4838, E: you@camilleriparismode. com, W: www.camilleriparismode.com

F ZAMMIT GARDEN CENTRE There is nothing like a plant in your office to make your working day brighter! It also aids in reducing stress, cleaning the air, reducing noise levels and, obviously, making the area prettier. Get yours from F Zammit Garden Centre Co Ltd, 22, Valletta Road, Qormi.

T: 2148 5485, W: www.fzammitgardencentre.com

LUX-IT

chic

View the selection of European-made wallpaper starting from €1.50 per metre and enquire about their special offers on the vast selection of lighting in stock. For the latest range of lighting and wallpaper visit Lux-It Lighting, 105, Luqa Road, Paola. T: 2166 5544, E: sales@lux-it.com

sophistication

SPACES

CAMILLERIPARISMODE Each interior space requires that unique touch. Camilleriparismode has brought together a collection of the finest furnishing fabrics, wallpapers and paints, lighting solutions, carpeting, occasional furniture, sewing services, bespoke sofas and a complete range of home accessories to complement the chosen décor of any interior – whether classical, modern or contemporary. camilleriparismode, 54/56, St Catherine Street, Rabat, Tal-Virtu area.

T: 2010 2030, E: you@camilleriparismode.com, W: www.camilleriparismode.com

Elena from Seven Sedie is a classic style bergère armchair with a simple beech wood structure and comfortable seat cushion. It is upholstered in an elegant floral fabric on the inside and matching velvet on the outside. Exclusively available at Spaces, G.B. Buildings, Watar Street, Ta’ Xbiex (ex Opel Showroom). T: 2123 0982/ 2133 0978, E: info@spaces.com.mt, W: www.spaces.com.mt

DINE at thE laguNa walK at SmartCity malta a destination for everyone!

biStro ten-o-one ChoCafÉ laguna reStaurant wejla by tartarun www.lagunawalk.com.mt SmartCity News I +356 2164 6666

cuisine 75 STYLE

Earthy Autumn Pleasure Re-ignite your love for cooking hearty, meaty fare as the cooler weather rolls in. These scrumptious dishes are sure to add excitement and innovation to the long-awaited dinner party season.

F O O D F R O M T H E N E W M E N U AT T H E V I L L A C O R I N T H I A , B Y E X E C U T I V E C H E F S T E F A N H O G A N , AT T H E C O R I N T H I A P A L A C E H O T E L & S P A , AT TA R D P R O P S B Y C A M I L L E R I PA R I S M O D E ST YLING AND PHOTOGR APHY BY TONIO LOMBARDI

Pork & Duck Mosaic With Cumberland Sauce – serves 4

Ingredients: Poached ham hock, flaked; whole duck, cooked confit; carrots, cooked in duck fat; shallots, cooked in duck fat; savoy cabbage; ham stock with gelatine leaves; salt and pepper.

For the Cumberland Sauce: 2 shallots, finely chopped; 100g red currant jelly; 1 orange, juiced; ½ lemon, juiced; 60ml port wine; ¼ tsp mustard powder; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tsp red wine vinegar.

Method: In a terrine mould, start with the blanched cabbage leaves and build with alternate layers of ham hock, duck, carrots and shallots.

After each layer, moisten with the gelatine-infused stock and season with salt and pepper. Finish with a layer of cabbage. Cover and compress in a refrigerator overnight.

In a pot, place the shallots,

orange and lemon juice, ginger and mustard powder; bring to the boil and reduce by half.

Add the vinegar, port and redcurrant jelly, and simmer until it reaches a syrupy consistency.

Strain and serve chilled.

Slice the terrine and plate.

Garnish with toasted brioche, semi-dried cherry tomatoes, pickled cucumber and baby leaves and herbs.

STYLE 76 cuisine

Roast Squab Pigeon With Glazed Vegetables and Thyme-Roasted New Potatoes – serves 4

Ingredients For the roast squab pigeons: 4 squab pigeons, cleaned; 1 orange cut into 4 wedges; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 4 bay leaves; 1 garlic clove, halved; 60g unsalted butter; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; salt; freshly ground black pepper.

For the glazed vegetables: 12 asparagus spears, peeled and blanched; 4 shallots, peeled and halved, oven roasted; 4 white asparagus, peeled and blanched; 2 Belgian endives, halved, roasted with sugar, lemon and chicken stock; 4 oyster mushrooms.

For the roast potatoes: 10 new potatoes, cleaned, peeled and chopped; 2 sprigs thyme; 2 cloves garlic; Duck fat.

To season: Olive oil; butter; salt; pepper; sugar.

Method: Roast the new potatoes in a hot oven with the garlic, thyme and duck fat.

Rub pigeons and brush with oil; liberally season with salt and pepper, and insert a sprig of thyme, the bay leaves, the garlic clove and a wedge of orange into the cavity. Heat a pan with the remaining oil and seal the pigeons until evenly coloured, reduce the flame and add the butter.

Foam the butter and baste the pigeons with a spoon until evenly coated. Transfer the pigeons to a small roasting dish and place them in a hot oven at 195°C for eight minutes.

Remove them from the oven and baste with the pan juices; turn them breast-side down and continue roasting for a further four minutes for medium, or an additional eight for well done. Remove from the oven and leave to rest.

In a pan, toss all the vegetables in butter and cook until tender, but crisp (around eight minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Place the pigeon, roast potatoes and vegetables on an appropriate plate. Serve the roast pan juices in a sauce boat.

presents

A Rendezvous of Decadent Dining & Dance!

n i l u Mo ge u o R

Dress Code: frivolous, feathers & a touch of frou frou

This New Year’s Eve the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa is embracing the passionate spirit of Paris for a racy Moulin Rouge-inspired extravaganza!

Bring your sharp suits, your feather boas and your sparkling sequins as we see in 2015 with a flight of French fancy long into the night! Raise flowing glasses of champagne, dine on an exquisite six-course menu and enjoy the high-kicks and fabulous frivolity of the era’s famous show-girls.

This New Year’s Eve…Voulez vous?

For reservations call our events team at the Corinthia Palace on 2544 2101.

For more information visit: corinthia.com/palace

€195 per person Each ticket includes complimentary reserved parking just across from the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa; pre-dinner Moulin Rouge cocktails and canapés; a lavish six-course banquet; free flowing wine, champagne, beers, minerals and soft drinks, with an open bar by the glass; a five-piece band with all-night entertainment. To round off the evening in style, book a room for just €50 per night, including breakfast!

cuisine 79 STYLE

Warm Apple TartE Tatin – serves 4

Ingredients: 500g thinly sliced apples; 125g sugar; 50g butter; 200g puff pastry.

Optional decorations: Raspberry ripple cake (shop bought, if you like); Carrot gelée (made from carrot juice and sweet gelatine); Candied lemon peel; Chocolate motifs; Berries; Whipped cream; Edible flowers and herbs Method: Lay the sliced apples into ramekins and put to one side. In a clean pan, place the sugar and cook over a low flame until golden, then remove from the heat and add the butter. Allow to cool and then divide over the sliced apples. Allow both to cool completely.

Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into discs that will fit over the ramekins. Place over the ramekins and bake in a pre-heated oven at 170°C until the pastry has risen. Allow to cool slightly before turning out onto a plate. Serve warm.

For plating, you could cut out cubes of sweet carrot gelée, a thin strip of raspberry ripple cake, selected berries, whipped cream, chocolate motifs, candied lemon peel or some edible flowers and herbs.

living 81 STYLE

PAPPED! IN STYLE Barracuda Restaurant Celebrates its 36th Anniversary

Launch of Brooks Brothers's Shop in Valletta

Left to right: Restaurant Manager – Dragan Ostojic, Walter Cassar, Denise Cachia, Patricia Cassar; Georgios Rouvelas, Erika Cassar Rouvelas, Walter Cassar, Patricia Cassar, Denise Cachia, Terence Cachia

Launch of Norbert's second single, Find A Way

Top Left to right: Elisa Bezzina, Francesca Mangion, Norbert Bondin, Carla Florian, Tracy Kourtney; Jean Karl Bondin, Nathalie Bondin, Norbert Bondin, Joseph Bondin Bottom Left to right: Shasha Fabri, Mick Laus, Norbert Bondin, Angie Laus, Duane Laus, Thomas Fenech; Toni Bileci, Noel Vella, Vicky Vella, Lorraine Bileci

Top Left to right: Angela Arrigo, James Arrigo, Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, Gerard Winstanley; Saverio De Carne, Luca Gastaldi, Azzura Pasta Middle Left to right: Justine Borg, Marie Vella, Alethea Galea, Heather Ciangura, Fiona Vella Bottom: Guests at Brooks Brothers launch party

Models M Party

Opening of Costa Coffee in the Malta International Airport Departure Area

Top Left to right: Andrei Scerri, Ishmael Grech, Cristina Azzopardi Schellmann, Nikki Belenska; Bottom Left to right: Elsa Allen, Christina Bartoli, Cristina Azzopardi Schellmann, Kristina Abela, Kelsey May Connor, Nikki Belenska, Ausra Aurora, Kayley Riolo; Above Right Left to right: Christina Bartoli, Kayley Riolo, Kelsey May Connor

Left to right: Michela Scerri, Alan Borg, Robert Buttigieg, Winston J Zahra, Markus Klaushofer, Emma Cauchi

STYLE 82 living

Mdina GP Press Launch at the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa

Top left Left to right: Chef Jonathan Zammit, Executive Chef Stefan Hogan, Chef Mark McBride; Top right Left to right: Kami Scerri, Marisa Xuereb, Lorraine Dunnett, Karen Abela, Pat Vella, Johanna Ward, Alexandra Bajada; Bottom Left to right: Josef Abela, Ivan Bartolo, David Woodward, Joe Said, Charles A Zahra, Barry Owen, Adriano Runza, Karl Borg

The Royal Garden Party at the British High Commission

Top Left to right: Cynthia Caruana Turner, Anthony Turner; Ingrid Eomois, Daniel Scicluna, Jo Caruana, Nadine Noko, Gabi Calleja, Paul Musu; Bottom Left to right: Phyllis Muscat, Marisa Grech; Above Left to right: Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Michelle Muscat, HRH Prince William