Vamp March 2015

THE BRAZIL ISSUE MARCH ‘15

VAMPMAGAZINE

#17

#DIESELHIGH

ST ANNE SQUARE, SLIEMA T.22584434 - MERCHANT STREET, VALLETTA T.22584447

SmoothShapes The number one anti-cellulite treatment by Persona!

SmoothShapes treats the underlying causes of cellulite through a revolutionary technology called Photomology while also providing inch loss.

Results you can see, feel and show off •

restores smoothness of your skin

•

tightens your skin

•

reduces the size of your thighs

•

stimulates healthy cells & circulation

•

remodels yours skin’s collagen

•

allows you to enjoy this relaxing, painless treatment

Persona, 42, Marina Court, Sir Ugo Mifsud Street, Ta’ Xbiex 2134 0366

Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre

More offers at persona.com.mt

BRAZIL ISSUE_IS

CONTENTS Famous for its sun, sea and samba, it is no wonder that Brazil is such a popular holiday destination. It also has the world’s largest river system and rain forest – home to the original Indian tribes. It is truly exotic, and no doubt a source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. So it’s really no surprise to learn that Rio is Joanna Delia’s “favourite place on earth” – after Valletta of course – and Simon Grech has just returned from a trip there where he was moved by the ‘dancing’ architecture: read on to find out why.

Keith Diplock walks us through a super designer home, and then we refuel with two Brazilian-inspired suppers.

I have found this little note quite hard to get down to for one reason – it will be my last. I would like to thank all those who have supported me: writers, contributors, readers, family and friends who have been listening to me go on and on about each issue as it happens – since the first issue in 2011 – and also the magazine owners, my friends for life, Sam and Chris. Without their courage in starting something new, Vamp wouldn’t exist and without their confidence in me as an editor, I would have never been a part of it.

I wish you all a good read overleaf, and I’ll meet you all again soon.

016. HAIR TRENDS

4 easy and edgy DIY hairstyles by Lara Steer

018. SEXONOMICS:

The history of the sex industry by Julian Cardona

027. S/S TRENDS

Bringing you inspiration this spring summer

032. THE NEW BLOOM

Fresh and colourful fashion to put a spring in your step

051. THE EINSTEIN INSIDE US

How can we cultivate the creative genius inside of us?

054. HAPPINESS?

What is it that truly makes you smile?

060. A PENCIL & A DREAM

A conversation with Brazilian artist creating extraordinary things with pencils

064. A NEW FLAVOUR

Brazilian inspired meals for you to try at home

069. DESIGN DUO

Editor Lily Agius Design Chris Psaila Photographer Kris Micallef Stylist Luke Engerer Sales / Director Sam Psaila – 7788 0300

This magazine is published by [ VAMP ] PUBLICATIONS

Printers Print It

SLIEMA

ST. JULIANS

Contributors Chrys Mangion Dalton Ghetti Giselle Scicluna Joanna Delia Johnn Tailerr Julian Cardona Justine Micallef Karen Mifsud Karl Brincau Keith Diplock Kris Micallef Lara Steer Marcos Bertoldi Nicky Scicluna Nicole Cuschieri Pavli Medvedova Simon Grech Sloan Howard Tamara Burr Vera Sant Fournier

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices are believed to be correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor the publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that the organisations and firms mentioned are reputable.

The editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfill their obligations under all circumstances.© Copyright 2015

facebook.com/ vampmagazine malta

IQ team up with interior designers at Loft to design their new fashion store

073. LUST LIST

All the latest delectable gadgets for 2015

074. GREEN SPACE

We walk inside a glassy, concrete, rectangular paradise of a home in Brazil

083. DANCING ARCHITECTURE

Where architecture reflects the characteristics of its people

087. ISTO E BRAZIL

We check out the land of parrots and drum beats

091. THIS SEASON’S BEAUTY PALATTE

Tamara Burr lets us in on this season’s beauty must-haves

Cover: Monsoon dress €155, Dior sunglasses €365 from Solaris Photo: Kris Micallef Styling: Luke Engerer Hair: Lara Steer Sponsored by FRANKS using Guerlain

STYLE FILE

WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE? THE WAREHOUSE COLLECTION OFFERS IT ALL, FROM MODERN CASUAL CLASSICS AND STAPLE BASICS TO CHIC OFFICE WEAR AND HEAD-TURNING PIECES - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A STYLISH, VERSATILE WARDROBE. AND ON TOP OF THAT, WAREHOUSE ITEMS ARE RICH IN DETAIL, HIGH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE.

LONDON 1976. That’s when it all started for WAREHOUSE and they’ve been creating fashion for the modern woman’s urban lifestyle ever since. Why? Because they know you, there is work to be done, fun to be had and heads to turn. And they know that the best fashion fits around your life. In Style. In Work. In Play. In Life.

The inspiration for the WAREHOUSE Spring Summer ‘15 season started with the question: Who do we want to be today?

Modern life forces us to play the part of many roles, and the clothes we wear are a way of choosing how we want to portray ourselves.

The WAREHOUSE Spring / Summer ‘15 collection allows you to be many different women – but all of them inherently you.

Something for the weekend expresses your relaxed side, with its clean lines, 70’s shapes and botanical prints.

The WAREHOUSE collection is available at Debenhams, Tigné.

Like the WAREHOUSE Malta Page (www.facebook.com/WAREHOUSEMalta) for all the latest WAREHOUSE news, items, events and exclusives.

The international you, is a modern take with texture and trims inspired by all corners of the globe from Peruvian-style knits to Wild West fringing fit for any urban cowgirl.

Safari girl takes traditional safari staples and feminises them with delicate organic prints, lightweight, breezy shirt-dressing and a muted colour palette.

Denim picks up on the pared-back aesthetic that dominates fashion from the street to the runway. Sunbleached denim and fresh white ooze nonchalance and style.

The ‘new’ work-wear is, quite possibly, the future of every woman’s working wardrobe.

Forget suiting – today’s tailoring is fluid, and has an emphasis on utility. Suede’s uncomplicated and chic qualities, makes it work any day, for a understated yet elegant look.

UPDATE> DAILY CARE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

The leading French brand for personal hygiene has now arrived in Malta.

Rogé Cavaillès delicate products are especially developed for sensitive skin and recommended by dermatologists.

The wide range from this brand includes bar and liquid soaps, bath foams and shower gels, exfoliants, moisturisers, facial cleansers, a range of feminine hygiene products and a complete range of deodorants.

Available from leading pharmacies. Intimate Cleansing Care - €7.98 Surgras Bath & Shower Gel - €9.50 Deo Care - €9.98

THE MOISTURISER FOR MEN

IT’S ALL ABOUT SHOES

It’s all about style and comfort when it comes to Albano Shoes. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a fun night out be sure to find a style that suits you perfectly. Say goodbye to aching feet once you have purchased Albano. Come view the new collection at Gauda ,Bisazza street & Manwel Dimech street, Sliema. Follow us on FB www. facebook.com/GAUDASLIEMA

Polaar Hydraforce Gel for Men is the quick answer for tired and dehydrated skin: the epidermis is strengthened, the complexion unified and the skin deeply moisturised. It also stimulates cell regeneration and reinforces the epidermis against environmental attacks and shaving burn. The gel contains Arctic blue micro-algae, which can be traced to the origins of life, more than 3.8 billion years ago. Like all Polaar products, the Hydraforce Gel is alcohol, paraben and mineral oil free. Hydra Force € 37.00 Available at all leading pharmacies. Exclusivley distributed by Ta’Xbiex Perfumery Ltd - 21331553

FOR THE GOOD CAUSE

On the 16th of January 2015 at the Westin Dragonara Resort in St. Julian’s, Her Excellency Mrs Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta, inaugurated the 2015 charity campaign for the internationally renowned advanced professional skincare line SkinCeuticals in aid of Hospice Malta at an evening hosted by Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre. A total of 20 per cent of all proceeds from the night went to Hospice Malta: 10 per cent from products sold and an additional 10 per cent matched by Persona. The charity campaign will continue throughout the year with Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre donating 5 per cent of all its SkinCeuticals sales this year to Hospice Malta. This includes proceeds from the SkinCeuticals online shop that has just been launched at www.persona.com.mt. Persona has also made a donation to Prof. Joseph L. Pace, President of the Malta Association of Dermatology & Venereology (MADV), to be used in the MADV’s campaigns in promoting skin cancer prevention in Malta.

NOW AVAILABLE AT D SALON The new Brazilian Blowout Award winning treatment - for frizz free, sexy, smooth hair that lasts up to 4 months!

DSALON-Qantar Road, Ibragg – for more information call Tel: 2137 1245 www.dsalonmalta.com

014

BRAZIL ISSUE

SLIEMA 46-48 Tower Road Tel. 21 341 961

LA STANZA DELLO SCIROCCO

Designed in 1938 and presented in silver at the 1940 Triennale, the Caccia series of cutlery - an excellent example of “Lombard classicism” in design - won praise from Gio Ponti for the balance it struck between an image of craftsmanship and the industrial future of household objects. Since 1990, thanks to an agreement with the Castiglioni brothers and with Luigi Caccia Dominioni and after extensive philological research to complete the series with the missing pieces, “Caccia” has been reissued by Alessi in 18/10 stainless steel and in 925/00 silver for the Officina Alessi brand.

Available from Petrolea, Valley road, Msida

CACCIA

NEW STYLISH OUTDOOR FURNITURE BY BOCONCPT

New stylish outdoor furniture by BoConcept BoConcept is taking the indoor outside with a new, elegant outdoor collection. The Adelaide collection takes its inspiration from one of the bestselling indoor ranges from BoConcept and brings a new, classy look and comfort to outside living. The collection consists of the iconic Adelaide chair, a dining table and two café tables. Like the indoor version, the outdoor version of the Adelaide chair is customisable. Available from BoConcept, Triq tal-Balal, San Gwann

ONE DOOR LEADS TO MANY HEARTS

“La Stanza dello Scirocco” is a range of items suitable for different rooms, such as the kitchen and the living room born out of the abstract and motionless atmosphere of a magic place. The upshot is a collection of geometrically irregular items made up of small splinters of various sizes, interlaced in an unstable balance.

Available from Petrolea, Valley road, Msida

On 13 January The Hilton Malta, in collaboration with RA1SE and through the generosity of the Hilton Malta patrons, organised a shopping spree and dinner for children living in various institutions in Malta. Over 80 children of all ages – currently living at Angela House in Gwardamangia, St Rita Home in Tarxien, Piccola Casa San Guzepp in Valletta, Fatima House and the Ursuline Crèche in Sliema – were treated to an afternoon of shopping at George clothing store in Hamrun, who offered a generous discount. The clothing was purchased with funds donated by the hotel management as well as money collected from the ‘One Door Leads to Many Hearts’ campaign. The campaign, headed by Creative Director Kevin Naudi, also involved the setting-up of a life-sized Santa house in the Hilton lobby during the Christmas period. Anyone who visited the hotel could drop by Santa’s impressive house, have their photo taken with Mr Claus and post a small donation through his shiny green door. After shopping to their hearts’ content, the children and their carers, together with RA1SE volunteers, were treated to a scrumptious dinner at Oceana Restaurant.

016

BRAZIL ISSUE

ST ANNE SQUARE, SLIEMA T.22584434 - MERCHANT STREET, VALLETTA T.22584447

UPDATE>

WOMEN S/S

HAIR TRENDS Here are four original cool and easy styles to inspire you and help get your hair sorted (fashion-shoot-style) in the morning!

THE ULTRA MODERN PARTED PONY As seen at Fendi Autumn/Winter 2014 this uber cool wrap-over pony can be created quite easily. Start by taking a deep frontal top quiff section, spray and back comb a little, then clip aside.

Then, take the sides back sleek and tie into a small pony tail at the centre back. Now release the top quiffed section and comb back and over, creating a very low pony at the nape. Cover the rubber band with a hair section and bobby pin. This look is all about sectioning and creating an ultra modern take on the pony tail with an interesting, fashionably cool twist.

HAIR STYLIST LARA STEER, FROM DSALON IN IBRAGG, SHOWS US HOW TO RECREATE FOUR EASY AND EDGY DIY HAIRSTYLES TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE LOOKING COOL EVERY DAY. Your alarm goes off and before you know it you’re running late and fretting over what to do with your hair. Well, for starters you need to have a good hair routine: we need to look after our hair just as much as we look after our skin.

A good quality deep cleansing shampoo and an appropriate conditioner are at the base of every good hair day. Treating your hair to a weekly hair mask and scalp massage, as well as to regular trims, is the key to having healthy. beautiful hair . To make things even easier, getting a Brazilian Treatment will banish frizz and help you control your locks even on the most humid of days.

018

BRAZIL ISSUE

THE TWISTED LOW BUN WITH BRAIDED HEADBAND This chic model look is so easy to create. Wear hair with a middle parting to give more of a model look and a braided head band to jazz up the look. Twist the sides of the hair backwards and gather together into a low ponytail at the nape. Then twist ponytail tightly into a sculpted chic, low bun and bobby pin to secure. Pull bangs out to soften the look and you’re ready to go!

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

THE BOHO STYLE CUFFED PONY This super easy look is all about the texture in the hair and the cuff. Ponytail cuffs are really trendy at the moment. Start by blast drying some sea salt spray through the hair lengths to create a tousled texture. Then simply tie your hair into a low pony tail, gently ruffle up the front with your fingers a little to create softness and put a cuff on it to jazz it up!

THE TOUSLED BUNCHED LOW PONY Sprinkle volumising dust onto lengths of hair to achieve a workable texture as well as to swell up the hair and make it feel fuller. Now, this can be really easy if you use transparent, ultra fine rubber bands because then you won’t have to bother covering the bands with hair. Start by tying the hair into a casual low ponytail and tie in three rubber bands equidistantly to the end of the tail. Then swell up the spaces in between the the hair ties by gently pulling out hair with your fingers. Soften the look by pulling down bangs to achieve a casual cool finish and you’re all set!

W

hen it comes to nature, sex is war. Animals go to every extreme to pass on their genes and ensure survival.Just look at violent couplings in sharks, the incredibly complex mating rituals of insects or the head-to-head (quite literally) battles between those humourless moose heart-throbs and you will understand the deep innate desire to mate. Quite simply – in the animal kingdom, sex drives evolution and evolution drives sex.

The Economics of sex: how sex evolved as an industry

by Julian Cardona

When it comes to the human domain, however, we are a little bit more complicated than that. Endowed with our ever-creative minds, we have turned sex into a multi-billion dollar industry which can boast such trinkets as porn movies, porn magazines, erotic dancing, sex toys, prostitution, telephone sex, burlesque,

SEXONOMICS

V

role-playing, peep shows and on and on, straying a little bit away from the original principal of reproduction. And to think that there should also be some silly notion of love buried beneath it all.

A popular myth is that prostitution is the oldest profession in the world. And whilst this is not provable (that prize would probably go to hunters: food before sex?), wherever there is a trace of human culture, there is also a trace of some form of sex trade. In ancient Rome, it seems you could hand over a token at a brothel in return for a specific sexual favour. According to Professor Thomas McGinn, an authority on the economics of prostitution in the Roman world, sex in the infamous brothels of Pompeii was a cash-rich business that could generate a lot of income for both sex workers and exploiters. >>

$EXON OMIC$ 020

BRAZIL ISSUE

BRAZIL ISSUE

021

SEXONOMICS

”POPE JULIUS II WAS SAID TO HAVE BEEN SO IMPRESSED BY THIS BROTHEL THAT HE FOUNDED A SIMILAR ONE IN ROME” As a result, in ancient Rome the sex business was also an expression of power. Some of the prostitutes (mostly female) were sent to brothels as a form of punishment, but many of them were free women. The reason why a free woman would choose to sell her body was due to the fact that in those times of social class, prostitution was one of the very few highpaying jobs available to the lower classes.

Prostitutes (depending on their age, beauty and skill) would earn, on average, three times as much than an unskilled male labourer, so it may be that prostitution gave women one of the few means of becoming independent of men.

However, the common image of prostitutes as a special group of outcasts walking the streets may not have arisen until the Victorian era, when health officials blamed them for the spread of venereal diseases.

With the rise of Catholic Europe, all forms of sexual activity outside marriage were regarded as sinful. Attitudes such as this and others (most controversial, perhaps, is the position of the Catholic Church on contraception) contributed to the often strained relationship between the church and the rest of society. Oh, and it used to be worse, actually – much worse. In the middle ages the Church would actually limit the days on which people could indulge. Weekends? Forget it. Forty days before Christmas and before Easter: time for fasting. And if you thought you could do the job yourself, well then you should also

022

BRAZIL ISSUE

know that masturbation was also illegal.

In fact, the prescribed remedy issued by the church for men was to dip their testicles in a bowl of icy water so as to, well, discourage “it”. True!

The funny thing is that at one time there was a successful church brothel in Avignon, France, where the girls devoted part of their time to religious duties and part of it attending to the needs of Christian customers. Pope Julius II was said to have been so impressed by this brothel that he founded a similar one in Rome. Prostitution was regarded as a lesser evil than sodomy, so brothels were sometimes founded in order to encourage heterosexual sex.

Following a series of clerical reports in 1415, an Office of Decorum was established in Florence to reduce endemic homosexual activity and one of its tasks was to set up a municipal brothel. There is also little doubt that the Church leased property to brothel keepers.

No single century in the history of the world, however, provided an explosive mixture of controversy and revolution as did the 20th century. America held the flag, and everyone marched behind it. From the infamous Dumas Brothel, with clandestine underground tunnels that allowed clients and working girls to escape the area in the event of a police raid, to Las Vegas – aptly known as ‘Sin City’, America has been a leader in the sex industry revolution. In the major cities in particular, women started leaving their kitchens and entering the work industry where they mingled with all kinds of men in factories, shops, offices and banks.

These acts of liberation, as well as the evolution of the media, blew away all inhibitions and brought sex and romance into the open. With the influence of the church in decline, the sex industry expanded into a full catalogue of services, with prostitution being relegated to a less “honourable” endeavour. And with the advancement of the internet, today many people feed their guilty pleasures in the comfort of their homes and are able to anonymously order stuff online – which goes a long way towards resolving the embarrassment element, had they gone to a shop for their purchases. This impressive expansion has prompted many western governments to reconsider their stance on the illegality of sex as a business. The tax revenue temptation is too strong for anyone to shrug away.

Of course this sex revolution has brought with it its fair share of problems.

The human excesses led to an exponential increase in sexually transmitted diseases, human trafficking and drug use. It is also no secret that the women who work in these industries are often ill-treated and abused. The difficult question to answer is whether legalisation of certain areas of the industry would actually help these victims or compound their misery. The argument in favour is simple: if you can’t subdue the demand, then you have to clean up the playing field: properly drafted laws would be aimed at doing exactly this.

In the end it all boils down to nature.

In love, as well as in war (the army had whorehouses and Victory Girls to relief themselves from the stress of war, with coupons to return if they weren’t successful) sex is up there alongside hunger in the glorious pyramid of life. The problem with sex is that, unlike food, there are important connotations of morality. Is it our uncontrollable urges that make us human or is it our control of them which does? Religion argues that it’s the latter; practice would lean towards the former.

Thus it would be interesting to ask why we, as modern people, go to such lengths to hide our urges.

An interesting story is the demolition of the iconic cabaret club, Madame JoJo, in Soho. This famous landmark had its licence revoked in 2013 and is going to be sacrificed to continue the development of the Soho area into a retail centre. One must ask this simple question: is it simply a matter of money, or is such a move also intended to cleanse the area, giving it a more legitimate feel? If it is the latter, then we as human beings must face the fact that somehow, somewhere along the evolutionary journey, we have developed a rather interesting philosophy: it’s okay to feed our consumption urges, or any other urges for that matter, just as long as they are not of the sexual kind... V

MERCHANT STREET, VALLETTA T-22584441 - ST ANNE SQUARE, SLIEMA T-22584432

V

S/S TRENDS 2015

V

TRENDS>S/S Think Betty from Grease meets Yoko Ono, with a khaki nod to military style. Spring Summer 2015 brings bright and light through vintage, floral prints and a mix and match approach. Contrast takes centre stage this season.

Vamp brings you the season’s highlights for men and women. >>

Bisazza Street, Sliema Tel. 2131 7951

BRAZIL ISSUE

027

STYLE FILE

Photos: Johnn Tailerr Styling: Pavli Medvedova Makeup: Justine Micallef from Pure Hair: Karl Brincau Models: Eleonora & David from Supernovamodel.com

BACK TO MONO

ELEONORA Michael Kors ring €99 Michael Kors watch €299 Michael Kors earrings €99 Fossil heart bracelet €49 Fossil ring €39 Fossil loop pendant €39 Fossil heart pendant €49 Black cropped jacket €246 Trousers €137.50, Los Angeles t shirt €52.50 Flowewd bag €122

If you like to keep things simple, this season’s monochrome trend is the perfect style solution.

The colour combination of black and white is as timeless as it is f lattering.

DAVID Fossil watch €129 Gucci shades €185 from Sunlab Sector ring €43 Sector necklace €55 Denim shirt €95 Checked shirt €95 Denim jacket €179 White t shirt €37.50

Black & white dress €147.50, Lace skirt €85 from Guess Studded black dress €158 from Diesel James Bond 007 for women edp100ml €60 - VJ Salamone Marketing ltd Black leather top handle bag €390 & Multimaterial leather top handle bag €330 from Coccinelle Dolce e Gabbana Kate striped pumps €400 from Sarto Tom Ford sunglasses €249 from Solaris Aura precious stone necklace €19.90 from Accessorize

LOCATION: VALENTINA HOTEL ST JULIANS

All jewellery available from Sunlab & VIP Clothing available from all Guess outlets

028

BRAZIL ISSUE

BRAZIL ISSUE

029

STYLE FILE

SWEETEN UP Powder pink outerwear will be a hot commodity this season but no need to wait for temperatures to go up - wear this ultra-feminine shade now!

Michael Kors watch €249, Michael Kors ring €99, Fossil ring €59, Fossil bracelet €79, Fossil necklace €89, Leather bag €255 from Guess, Pink leather bag €240 from Coccinelle, Just Cavalli sunglasses €144 from Sunlab, Repetto perfume exclusivley distributed by Chemimart

SLIEMA 030

BRAZIL ISSUE

ST. JULIANS

{ SAY IT WITH PATTERNS }

“THERE’S ALWAYS A NEW INCARNATION OF PATTERNS AND THIS SEASON, IT’S BIG AND IT’S BOLD! SO GET MOVING IN THE TEXTURE-RICH AND PATTERN-WILD LOOKS OF THE MOMENT.”

Nike Airmax €102, Grey Nike Airmax €144 from Urban Culture, Ocean blue top handle leather bag €260, Top handle leather bag €250 from Coccinelle, Daisy Dream

by Marc Jacobs starting from €55.60 distributed by X-treme company ltd, Jimmy Choo sunglasses €315 from Solaris, Floral kimono €135 from Monsoon, Skirt €149 & Pink jacket €249 from Maxmara, Red cowhide leather handbag €259 from Liebeskind, Floral jacket €179 from Guess

032

BRAZIL ISSUE

THE NEW BLOOM

S

THE NEW BLOOM pring brings a lasting impact of romance with a mixture of fabrics that play on pastels. Find these muted shades in a surge of modernist mix & matching with pieces in a substantially wide variety of materials. The blending and contrasting of fabrics seems somewhat surprising, but designers show their flair for the eclectic for Spring/Summer 2015, bringing together vintage fabrics, and unexpected combinations of prints and textures.

The fashion classic khaki has returned this season, with nuances of it appearing in varying styles. This, juxtaposed with the tender pastels, brings us an ‘Out of Africa’ style romantic glamour.

Floral is undeniably strong this year, let alone this spring season. The exciting part of it is that they have finally managed to break new ground with notable pieces that bring us fresh, fresh, fresh (in a non-insipid, contemporary way).

Whether the floral patterns appear in individual petals, scrambled or in scribbling blooms, the effect is a sweet, serene one. >>

Sponsored by FRANKS using Guerlain 034

BRAZIL ISSUE

Photos: Kris Micallef Stylist: Luke Engerer Hair: Lara Steer Make-up: Karin Mifsud from Franks using Guerlain Models: Egle & Edorado M Corradi at MODELS M

Guess jacket €137.50 Guess top €42.50 Guess chinos €105

V

Warehouse coat from Debenhams €106 Fred Perry polo €57 Levi’s jeans €88 Coccinelle bag €295 Gauda shoes €149

Opposite: Max Mara shirt €89 Max Mara skirt €229 Max Mara trench €329 Coccinelle bag €260 Red Herring shoes from Debenhams €36 Hebe ring €200 Hebe necklace €180 Hebe earrings €240

7 Camice shirt €59.90 Brooks Brothers sweater €98 Brooks Brothers chinos €115 Ben Sherman jacket €110

Brooks Brothers shirt €98 Maison Scotch top from IQ €99.95 Liu Jo skirt €149 Leibeskind bag €199.90 Red Herring shoes from Debenhams €50 Missis ring from Hebe €210 Missis ring from Hebe €200 Missis necklace from Hebe €300 Missis earrings from Hebe €230

Ben Sherman jacket €185 Ben Sherman shirt €74 Levi’s jeans €92 Gauda shoes €99

Ben Sherman shirt €84 Brooks Brothers jumper €98 Ben Sherman jacket €110 Ben Sherman chinos €94 Ben Sherman bag €185

11, Tower Road, Sliema, T: 21 313097, F: Coccinelle Malta

Scotch & Soda shirt from Junction €69.95 Scotch & Soda jacket from Junction €99.95 Scotch & Soda jeans from Junction €99.95

STYLE FILE

TROPICAL TRIP Whether you’re hunting for a new pair of classic jeans, or want to inject a little colour into your casual wardrobe for spring, here is a guide to all key pieces.

Gucci Sunglasses €245 from Solaris, Washed black flower print t.shirt €86 & Jeans €250 from Diesel, Flowered Sweater €99.95 , Paradise t.shirt €45.95, Beaches t.shirt €39.95 & patterned boxers pack of 2 €29.95 from Scotch and Soda, Junction, Swatch black energy €135, Nike Zoom €92 from Urban Culture, 212 VIP club perfume edt 100ml EUR70 exclusively distributed by Ta’Xbiex perfumery Ltd

046

BRAZIL ISSUE

Available from ‘Junction’ - The Plaza Shopping Centre Sliema and The Savoy, Republic Street Valletta.

STYLE FILE

COLOUR THEORY It’s an undeniable fact that there’s a strong undercurrent of searing bright shades throughout menswear for spring. What are you waiting for? “Inject” your wardrobe with a “pop of colour”.

Polo Shirts €78, Shirt €85 from Brooks Brothers, Oakley sunglasses €119 from Sunlab, Dolce e Gabbana leather trimmed canvas packpack €480 from Sarto, Swatch Endless Enegy €135, Nike Zoom €92

THE ORIGINAL AMERICAN BRAND

REPUBLIC STREET, VALLETTA NEW YORK 048

BRAZIL ISSUE

LONDON

MILAN

MADRID

ISTANBUL

TOKYO

HONG KONG

SHANGHAI

GOOD STUFF

V

GOOD STUFF> Turn the page for some ingenious creations, and food for thought: designer homes and enviable interiors, intricate pencil art, inspiration for a trip to brazil, make-up marvels, and delicious food and more >>

FLOORING BY BOCONCEPT

All come in many different plank formats, surface textures and joint patterns.

The ideal basis for a design-oriented furnishing style. A wide range of Parador laminate flooring is currently on special offer, exclusively from Brands International, Triq tal-Balal, San Gwann.

BRAZIL ISSUE

051

THE EINSTEIN INSIDE US

V

T H E EINSTEIN I N S I D E U S Can we all cultivate creative genius?

By Julian Cardona Could it quite possibly be that we are all geniuses? What lies beyond the stereotypes of scruffy hair and white lab coats? Do IQ scores really tell the whole story? >>

SLIEMA

64, Tower Road.

VALLETTA

Tel: 2132 337

25, Treasury Street.

www.facebook.com/7camiciemalta

Tel: 2124 7770 BRAZIL ISSUE

053

Irresistible has a new meaning...

A

t just three years old, Karl Friedrich Gauss, a German mathematician, corrected an error in his father payroll calculations, and by the age of five he was looking regularly at his father’s accounts. It is reported that, at the age of seven, he amazed his teachers by summing adding the numbers from one to 100 almost instantly (having quickly spotted that the sum was actually 50 pairs of numbers, with each pair adding up to 101: total 5,050). By the age of 12, he was already criticising Euclid’s geometry.

Listening to these stories, it is easy to let a shroud of intimidation envelop you. At such tender ages most of us are busy sucking our thumbs and watching Disney. But the question we must ask here is this: is it true that we, the average John and Jane, are really so far away from attaining these profound thinking levels?

Can we actually be geniuses without knowing?

Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores have traditionally been the standard way of measuring genius. An average score is generally considered to be one that falls within one standard deviation above or below the mean (or 100 +/- 16 or 84-116 on the StanfordBinet scale and 85-115 on the Wechsler intelligence scales). A person with an IQ between 115 and 159 would be considered very gifted, and higher than that he or she would be considered profoundly gifted. But the relationship between IQ and genius is not as straightforward as we have been led to believe and most psychology scholars tend to agree that a high IQ is not necessary to be considered a genius. Prime examples would be Richard Feynman, a brilliant Physics Nobel Laureate who only scored 122 on an IQ test, or Francis Crick, who discovered the structure of DNA but reportedly had an IQ of only 115.

OFFERS IN STORE NOW ON ...discover quality bespoke Italian kitchens Brands International Ltd. Triq tal-Balal, San Gwann SGN9016, Malta Tel: 2144 4110 | 2744 4110 e-mail: info@brands.com.mt www.brands.com.mt facebook.com/brandsinternationalltd

available exclusively from

Educational psychologist Arthur Jensen, PhD, wrote: “That is not to say that there are not real differences between the intellectual capabilities represented by IQs of 115 and 150 or even between IQs of 150 and 180. But IQ differences in this upper part of the scale have far less personal implications than the thresholds just described and are generally of lesser importance for success in the popular sense than are certain traits of personality and character.”

Harvard University psychologist Howard Gardner, PhD, has identified 10 different types of intelligence. Only two or three types (logical-mathematical, linguistic and spatial intelligence) are commonly represented in contemporary IQ tests. The other seven

THE EINSTEIN INSIDE US

(musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, spiritual and existential intelligence) are generally excluded. Yet individuals who are gifted in these other areas can have an impact on society which is no less important than the highest achievements in the areas of ability that are measured by most IQ tests. Think of people who are all geniuses in their respective fields such as Lionel Messi, Coco Chanel, J.K. Rowling, Freddy Mercury and others who have shaped our world considerably.

Nowadays, therefore, the common view among scholars is that genius is not about scoring straight As, mastering 14 languages at the age of seven, having an extraordinarily high IQ or even about being smart. After considerable debate initiated by J.P. Guilford, a leading psychologist who called for a scientific focus on creativity in the 1960s, psychologists reached the conclusion that creativity is not the same as intelligence. An individual can be far more creative than he or she is intelligent, or far more intelligent than creative. One way to look at it is this: typically, we think reproductively, that is on the basis of similar problems encountered in the past. When confronted with problems, we fixate on something in our past that has worked before. We ask: “What have I been taught in life, education or work about how to solve the problem?” In contrast, geniuses think productively, not reproductively. When confronted with a problem, they ask “How many different ways can I look at it?”, “How can I rethink the way I see it?” or “How many different ways can I solve it?” instead of “What have I been taught by someone else on how to solve this?” They tend to come up with many different responses, some of which are unconventional and possibly unique.

So the obvious question is: can we all train ourselves to become geniuses? Can we perform some mental exercise which can make us smarter – a sort of gymnasium for the brain? As it turns out, you don’t have to be remarkably intelligent to be creative, you just have to know how to use the intellect you’ve got to produce ideas. Maria Konnikova, a world-renowned Harvard psychologist and writer, explores what it takes to have a mind capable of matching the fictional detective/genius Sherlock Holmes.

Specifically, she introduces three ways to see this process through: 1. Having more experiences Think about when you’re working on something and you have that sudden “Aha!” moment. That’s your brain finding creative connections between different ideas. The connection could be buried in the deepest recesses of your memory. The idea put forward

V

...”IN CONTRAST, GENIUSES THINK PRODUCTIVELY, NOT REPRODUCTIVELY. WHEN CONFRONTED WITH A PROBLEM, THEY ASK “HOW MANY DIFFERENT WAYS CAN I LOOK AT IT?...”

by Konnikova is that the more experiences you make yourself go through, the more likely it is that your brain will make these connections.

2. Think about your experiences more often Once you have those experiences, you need to think about them – keep them alive. Some of the best ways to think about experiences are through meditation, yoga, keeping a journal, having a good conversation with friends (or strangers) or simply day-dreaming. When you think about your experiences you’re essentially doing multiple things that will yield positive results for your creative abilities. As Konnikova explains: “When we observe, we are forced to pay attention. We have to move from passive absorption to active awareness. We have to engage.” Passive thinkers who merely let experiences happen to them are missing a prime opportunity to learn more, and therefore have more resources to call on when they need to most.

3. Pursue more than one solution Finally, you need to learn how to look at a problem from multiple perspectives.

In the Sherlock series we often see his accompanying partner Watson both figuratively and literally jump to conclusions, while Sherlock typically stands by idly evaluating possibilities. The creative mind is one that commonly sees time as a wise companion in its quest for a solution. In conclusion, we need to understand that perhaps the term ‘genius’ has been stereotyped over the years in such a way as to imply the typical geeky scientist in a white lab coat who crunches numbers and complex formulas all day. Yes of course there are gifted people who are beyond belief; those who, at a young age, display skills that most of us cannot master by adulthood. But if being a genius also means having profound, world changing creativity, then we need to believe that all of us have this seed inside us that we need to develop with hard work and determination. Who knows? Perhaps making it a habit to observe and think hard might produce in you the next Marie Curie or Coco Chanel. All we need to do is believe. V

BRAZIL ISSUE

055

V

HAPPINESS

HAPPINESS

V

THE MYTH.

By: Giselle Scicluna

HAPPINESS: Is happiness something we can actually achieve or something entirely concocted by the world around us...?

W

hat is happiness? If there is one million dollar question that remains a mystery to mankind, this is undoubtedly it. Ask a random group of people at any one time what they want most out of life and in all probability the answer would be “to be happy”. But for something that is seemingly so straightforward to most people, the pursuit of happiness is quite an elusive, abstract state of mind.

Of course, happiness is subjective, dependent upon a myriad of factors that are intrinsic to each and every individual, but in its widest sense, happiness means serenity or, at the very least, overcoming and doing without a feeling of unhappiness. If each of us had to analyse our feelings at this precise moment, there are very few who could honestly say that they are ecstatically happy with their lot; somewhere in the middle of the emotional spectrum would more likely sum it up perfectly. But is our obsession with happiness all it’s cut out to be? Why do people who – to all intents and purposes – seem as if they have it all, still find

056

BRAZIL ISSUE

happiness such a baffling concept?

Is happiness something we can actually achieve or something entirely concocted by the world around us, endlessly reinforced by our insatiable quest for ‘the next best thing’?

Judging by the millions of column inches in self-help books, the at times condescending tutorials and/or seminars by renowned life coaches and the thousands of agony aunts all lecturing us on how to be jollier, it is natural to come to the conclusion that this planet is inhabited by one hell of a miserable lot. Reinforced by aggressive advertising depicting gloriously happy scenarios, it is little wonder that the feeling of being ‘left out’ is forever impressed upon our brains, further augmenting the myth that we really and truly must be doing something wrong.

It seems as if, in the modern world, all the forces outlined above conspire to make us believe that happiness – or the lack thereof – is equal to our capability to have certain personality traits: achievement, earning power or material wealth. But, time and time again, these have proved

to be not such determining factors when it comes to the happiness stakes. History books uncompromisingly outline that we are richer than ever before: much, much wealthier than our forefathers and with a better quality of life. However, the happiness factor is probably still at the same level it was a century ago, when life was much harsher and the standard of living much lower.

Looking at the derivation of the word ‘happy’ itself provides a useful insight into our confusion with this abstract feeling. The first recorded meaning of the word in most European languages, from Ancient Greek to Irish, is ‘to be lucky’, which – frankly – explains quite a lot. The ancient association between happiness and good fortune has trickled down and confused entire generations, evolving into the mistaken belief that happiness is an enduring, achievable state of being when in fact – or at least for most of us – it is a fleeting sensation that we experience with the most seemingly insignificant event: the smile of a baby, a long-forgotten scent from childhood, a walk in the first rains, an unexpected hug... >>

Realising that happiness is neither equated nor related to anything we can purchase, gain or achieve is perhaps the first hurdle to overcome in our pursuit of true happiness.

Not the exaggerated myth the world is constantly trying to sell, but at least the sense of true contentment from having lived a good and fulfilling life. It might sound like a well-used cliché, but analysing our self-worth and real value to our nearest and dearest is the first step towards achieving a sense that all is well with the world. A hefty pinch of salt is essential in assimilating the drivel we

are force fed every day that urges us to do or be something or other which, quite frankly, reinforces the sense of inadequacy most of us feel on any given day. A happy life is not a direct result of what we do or our particular circumstances, whatever these may be, but rather our ability to ‘think ourselves happy’ with realistic expectations, and our coping mechanisms when these expectations are not fulfilled due to events well beyond our control.

Nurturing relationships are the foundation of a joyful existence and have been proven time and time again to be the essence of all that makes life worthwhile. This, of

course, is at times much easier said than done, but having a solid support network equates not only to a happier state of mind but, if scientific research is to be believed, also to a longer and healthier life. But the greatest gift we can give ourselves on our quest for long-lasting happiness is undoubtedly acceptance: acceptance of the fact that we are human, with a wide range of emotions that shift constantly between exhilaration all the way through to inexplicable sadness; acceptance that happiness is not a state of being but an emotion and that, like every other emotion, it is a feeling that will pass – in this case to be enjoyed while it lasts! V

BRAZIL ISSUE

057

V

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED

V

“Eventually everything connects – people, ideas, objects... the quality of the connections is the key to quality per se”.

– Charles Eames As I look through my Vitra history book I notice that its canvas-feel fabric covering is embellished with words that are connected through sketched lines: Design is linked to Originality, which leads to History then connects to Quality, Classics, Lounge Chair, Verner Panton, Hang it all, Soul, and so on and so forth.

I head for Ideacasa to meet Patrizia Bartolini, the Vitra regional sales manager for Italy, Romania and Malta, and instead of having the usual question and answer-related meeting, we sat down together with Christine Gingell Littlejohn, Ideacasa’s marketing manager, and had an intense and most enjoyable tête-à-tête which lasted a good two hours.

It was the Greek philosopher Parmenides who first came up with the idea that nothing comes from nothing, or everything comes from something. In his only surviving work, a poem entitled On Nature, this great pre-Socrates thinker divides the world into two parts: truth (which is certain) and opinion (which is uncertain as it relates to human perception, appearance, the way things seem to be). Now how is this cosmological idea – that everything we see is a transformation of something else and nothing ever gets lost – connected with the subject?: everything is connected, with the Vitra Home Collection.

Patrizia tells me that she has been evolving with the developments of Vitra for 24 years. Starting from a clerical position, she worked her way up and has since seen all that makes Vitra what it is - a personal evolution of furniture to suit every individual: the young, the mature, the old – perhaps better expressed as “the vintage”. There is something in the entire collection that will appeal to everyone who appreciates and knows what good design actually is: exceptional quality and timeless style. Thankfully, brands such as Vitra educate the public on what is good design and what is a quality item: with some of its products having a 30-year guarantee, it comes to no surprise that an item can actually outlive its owner.

VERA SANT FOURNIER MEETS THE VITRA REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR ITALY, MALTA AND ROMANIA, PATRIZIA BARTOLINI, DURING HER BRIEF VISIT TO MALTA, AND FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT THIS COLOURFUL AND INSPIRATIONAL SWISS DESIGN COMPANY. Words: Vera Sant Fournier

058

BRAZIL ISSUE

For over 50 years, Vitra has produced furniture for the office, home and public spaces. Rather than restricting the functional intention of a product to one of these three specific areas, Vitra’s approach is based on the concept of versatility. “Our aim is to provide versatile products that are intelligently designed, aesthetically pleasing and functionally reliable and durable. To achieve this, Vitra has always worked with some of the world’s best designers, whose products reflect their personal experience and world view: Charles & Ray Eames, George Nelson, Verner Panton, Mario Bellini, Antonio Citterio, Alberto Meda, Maarten Van Severen, Jasper Morrison, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Hella Jongerius and others” says Patrizia.

Yet Vitra’s interests extend far beyond the realms of furniture production: it is actively involved in the subjects of design and architectural culture and their influence on our lives and for this reason The Vitra Design Museum was established in 1989. >>

BRAZIL ISSUE

059

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED

V

Today, the activities of the museum, which has contributed significantly to scholarly research and public understanding of design and architecture, extend around the globe. As a cultural foundation that operates independently from the Vitra Corporation, the museum conceives and mounts frequent exhibitions, organises workshops and publishes books on topics related to design and architecture.



Many of the museum’s exhibitions travel to venues around the world, including a three-week road show and a travelling exhibition, shown to international audiences.

Vitra’s commitment to design and architectural culture is also manifested at the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein. The buildings on the production site near Basel, Switzerland, were designed by Nicholas Grimshaw, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando and Alvaro Siza. Structures by Richard Buckminster Fuller and Jean Prouvé are also located on the premises and the year 2009 saw the completion of two new buildings by SANAA and Herzog & de Meuron.

Christine tells me that the Ideacasa team has been sent to Switzerland for intensive training on the Vitra Home line, at the company’s Test Centre: “Vitra products are subjected to various static load tests. Every chair, for example, must conform to the requirements of the German DIN standards and Bifma standard.

Before it is launched on the market, each product is tested and improved until it reaches the Vitra standard”.

“GOOD DESIGN IS NOT JUST WHAT LOOKS GOOD. IT ALSO NEEDS TO PERFORM, CONVERT, ASTONISH AND FULFIL ITS PURPOSE” I ask Patrizia which is her favourite Vitra piece and although she obviously finds it hard to name one particular item, she eventually says that “although the range is so vast, my favourite piece, which I do own, would have to be the Coconut Chair by George Nelsen.” And I would have to agree; this truly is a fantastic piece to own – again, for those who know what good design is. I seem to keep emphasising this. Good design is not just what looks good. It also needs to perform, convert, astonish, and fulfil its purpose. It can be innovative or it might just get the job done.

Dieter Rams – the German industrial designer closely associated with the consumer products company Braun and the Functionalist school of industrial design – explains it well: “It has to satisfy certain criteria, not only functional, but also psychological and aesthetic. Good design emphasises the usefulness of a product whilst disregarding anything that could possibly detract from it. An honest design communicates solely the functions, practicality and values it offers. It does not attempt to manipulate buyers and users with promises it cannot keep.”

Tip Ton Developed by Vitra in Switzerland, Design: Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby

www.vitra.com/tipton

New at the following Vitra Home dealer: ideacasa Member of Vivendo Group ∙ Msida Valley Road ∙ BKara ∙ T. 2278 6000 ∙ info@ideacasa.com.mt

Quality itself is a result of all the thought, experience and knowledge we gain when we connect deeply to people, ideas, objects, but also to nature, art, music, philosophy, literature and more... It goes without saying that Vitra gives us this: timeless pieces that stand the test of time through quality. An enjoyable chat with Patricia and Christine made me that much more of a Vitra fan, finally now available locally at Ideacasa. V

BRAZIL ISSUE

061

V

A PENCIL AND A DREAM

Conversation with Dalton Ghetti

By Julian Cardona Photos: Sloan Howard Unique. Yes, if there ever was a group of privileged people who deserved this rare accolade, he would sit most comfortably amongst them. Special would be another adjective, one that I use in the nicest, most admiring ways. Consider this. When I look at an old, beaten pencil I see another potential add-on to my vast collection of clutter and my instinct would probably induce me to throw it away.

But not him. He would probably grab my hand and stop me from murder; take away the retired but still dignified pencil, and in it he would see a church, a chain, a handsaw with graphite teeth, a hammer with a graphite head, a sewing needle, letters of the alphabet, a heart, a tower, a pumpkin or even, well, a giraffe.

Ladies and gentleman I present you the great pencil artist, Mr Dalton Ghetti.

Born and raised in Brazil, he moved to Bridgeport Connecticut USA in 1985 at the inspirational age of 24.

He got a degree in Architecture and started working as a Carpenter and house remodeler. When he is not working on houses, he puts on his artistic hat and with a pencil and assorted tools his magic starts to unravel.

A PENCIL AND A DREAM

I was eager to start with a nostalgia question. I figured, one does not simply wake up one morning and decides to sculpt pencils-such inspiration would probably start very early. “As far as I can remember,” he started nostalgically, “I’ve always had my own tools, even at school. I’ve always been a hands-on kind of guy. I created my own tools, my own toys and my own go-carts. I also tried a lot of different materials like stone, wood, wax and soap. This was probably somewhere around the age of 9.” How many children can boast of creating their own toys in this day and age? Of course when your toys are Smartphones and Ipads, it becomes a little bit hard to create them with a chisel and a hammer. The anticapitalist in me would probably argue that modern technology is depriving the world of talents like Dalton. But Mr Ghetti did not share my negativity. “I do see what’s happening around me. But today it is so easy to exchange info and connect to each other that this definitely helps to shape ideas and it inspires people to create. “ For such a hands-on artist like Dalton I did not expect such admiration for technology. “I‘ve always appreciated the small things in life like insects, plants, moss, but it was actually the event of nanotechnology that intrigued me enough to start working on the very small. It was somewhere in the late 70’s and one must remember that we had no technology back then. >>

V

...”I WAS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN CHAINS, I FIND THEM FASCINATING. IT LOOKS DECEPTIVELY SIMPLE, BUT AS IT TURNED OUT, IT PROVED ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING PROJECTS OF MY LIFE”...

So I decided to challenge myself: How small a thing can I create with just my bare hands and naked eyes? ” It was a tall order indeed. I was particularly intrigued by the approach. How does one go from looking at an old pencil to creating a miniature sculpture? “It starts with an idea in my head and then a drawing. I get ideas from all around me, from all of life.”

For example, one of the most interesting sculptures is the one with two enchained pencils, called simply “Chain”. The story behind it is perhaps even more interesting than the result itself. “I went to a lot of shipyards and saw a lot of chains and this inspired the chain project. I was always interested in chains, I find them fascinating. It looks deceptively simple, but as it turned out, it proved one of the most challenging projects of my life. I started with a pencil and carved out the wood until I hit the graphite. Then I had a straight rod of graphite in the middle. The idea was to carve each link of the chain individually and the first one was an absolute nightmare.”

As it turned it out it was not only an artistic feat, but even a greater logistical problem. “See, I needed one hand to hold the pencil, the other to hold the loose part and another hand to carve it. Problem is, I have only got two hands! I had to stop and was unable to continue. ” The solution proved to be a very intricate one. “I had to hold the pencil on the palm of my hand and carve with the other free hand. I had

to control my breathing and the rhythm of my heartbeat as every little movement was destabilizing. This agonizing process, from the idea to completion, took me two years.

It was the hardest project ever.”

The chain project may have been Dalton’s most labour intensive creation, but on an emotional level, there was an even bigger project on its way and this would last 10 years. On September 11, 2001 Dalton was in a park not too far from the towers.

“I could see smoke coming out of the buildings. I cried so much, I had tears flowing down my cheeks. This gave me an idea. I went home, took out my journal and drew a tear drop and inside this tear drop I drew many other tiny tear drops. I decided that every day, I would make a tiny tear drop made out of graphite from recycled pencils. It was my way of honouring them.”

Ghetti carved a graphite tear drop, each the size of a grain of rice, every day for 10 years and the result was 3000 graphite tear drops for every victim of the September 11 tragedy. One of Dalton’s proudest

moments came on the September 11, 2011 at the unveiling of his art at the New Britain Museum of American Art. “It was an emotional day. I had people hugging me in tears and thanking me. It was an emotional day.”

In spite of the obvious talent and enormous passion that drives him, Dalton still chooses not to create art for a living.

“My art comes from my heart. I don’t want money to dictate what I do. Very early on I decided that I will do only the things that I like for myself. There are some who get mad at me because they want to buy my stuff, but I tell them it’s not for sale. The lack of money removes the time pressure. I’ve seen the way that money changes people; changes the way they do things. ” He then went on to make a harsh confession. “You see, there are days that I cannot even look at a pencil!” One cannot be surprised at this, given the enormous intensity that goes into each piece of work.

The hours of logistical considerations, and the meditative state he descends into would be incompatible with a 9 to 5 timetable that money often drags us into.

There is also the issue of timelessness.

“What if someone buys my art and breaks it? My pieces are all very fragile and by keeping them I make sure that they are preserved. I like to donate my art to museums but I will not exchange them for money. My art will be a perpetual gift to humanity.”>>

As he picked up the phone from his house in Bridgeport he greeted me with a soothing voice which conveyed a humbleness that does not seem to belong to talent. After a quick introduction (and a pinning down of Malta on the world map)

062

BRAZIL ISSUE

BRAZIL ISSUE

063

V

A PENCIL AND A DREAM

A PENCIL AND A DREAM

V

“MY ART COMES FROM MY HEART. I DON’T WANT MONEY TO DICTATE WHAT I DO. THE LACK OF MONEY REMOVES THE TIME PRESSURE. I’VE SEEN THE WAY THAT MONEY CHANGES PEOPLE” So what about those who want to make art for a living? He answers simply: “They should create what’s in their hearts. They should create as much as they can! It’s so easy to share information these days; the whole world can see what you’re doing. Long time ago one could only see art in a gallery, but that has changed.” We concluded with a few thoughts on Maltese artists who create art in a country which can never offer monetary rewards. I asked him if he had any advice for these often frustrated souls. “Size doesn’t matter anymore. You just put your art out there and if it’s done from the heart there are going to be people out there who relate to it.”

There is no doubt that Mr Ghetti is an authority when speaking about “creating from the heart”; his whole portfolio is a testament to this. As we said our goodbyes I found myself thinking how glad I was that in this mad world, it was still possible to find genuine artists like Mr Ghetti that radiate inspiration. Maybe he’ll come to Malta one day: he assures me that he’d be more than happy if the right arrangements can be made. And I sure hope they can: I would be the first in line, I assure you, listening to that tone whose humbleness does not seem to belong to talent, or, on the contrary, a humbleness that really should always belong to talent. V

A NEW FLAVOUR

A NEW FLA VOUR.

MOQUECA PRAWN STEW

V

DISCOVER

Brazilian-inspired meals for you to try at home

By Chrys Mangion from Mummies Yummies Photos: Johnn Tailerr

066

BRAZIL ISSUE

BRAZIL ISSUE

067

V

A NEW FLAVOUR

A NEW FLAVOUR

MOQUECA PRAWN STEW A hot seafood casserole with coconut sauce.

CHICKEN WITH LIME A juicy chicken dish.

Ingredients: [ Serves 4 ]

Ingredients: [ Serves 4 ]

450g large prawns, peeled 75ml lime juice 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 tbsp coconut oil 4 spring onions, chopped 1 onion, sliced into half moons 1 red pepper, thinly sliced 1 tsp chilli flakes 2 tsp paprika 3 plum tomatoes, de-seeded and chopped 400ml coconut milk 2 tbsp coriander, chopped 1 tsp salt Steamed rice, to serve

Method: Place prawns in a bowl with 2 tbsp of the lime juice, 1 tsp of salt and 1 tbsp of the chopped garlic, and chill in the fridge for an hour.

4 chicken legs or 8 thighs, with skin, boned 3 cloves garlic, finely crushed 1/2 tsp oregano 4 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground 4 lime wedges, to serve (optional)

Directions: If using whole legs, cut into 2 pieces separating the drumstick from the thighs and place on a plastic cutting board, then score the skin and flesh (or get your butcher to do it).

When the prawns are almost ready from the fridge, you can get started with the sauce and cook the rice. For the sauce, heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan, add the spring onion and onion and fry for 5 minutes, then add the red pepper, chilli flakes, paprika and remaining garlic.

Remove chicken from refrigerator half-an-hour before you start cooking to allow it to reach room temperature. Heat up the griddle pan or, if you can barbecue, get it alight and allow the flames to die down. Cook the chicken until cooked through – it should feel firm when lightly pressed.

Pour in the tomatoes, coconut milk and a little salt. Bring to a simmer and allow to reduce for 10 minutes. Add the prawns, all the marinade and remaining lime juice.

Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and lime wedges on the side. It is perfect served with freshly chopped avocado and tomatoes. V

V

Place in a shallow dish and add garlic, oregano, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss and coat the chicken, working the marinade into the flesh. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours.

“YOU WALK OFF THE PLANE IN RIO, AND YOUR BLOOD TEMPERATURE GOES UP. THE FEEL OF THE WIND ON YOUR FACE, THE WATER ON YOUR SKIN, THE TASTE OF THE FOOD, THE MUSIC, THE SEXUALITY…” – AMY IRVING 068

BRAZIL ISSUE

Photos: Johnn Tailerr: Web: Johnntailerr.de FB: johnntailerrphotos

Gently simmer for about 3 minutes until the prawns turn white. Serve with rice and garnish with coriander.

BRAZIL ISSUE

069

DESIGN DUO

V

DESIGN DUO>

I

n December 2014, a dark and deserted corner of Bay Street’s artisan market was transformed into a stylish hub of inspiration that immediately injected life back into Bay Street’s ground floor. This transformation came by the name of IQ, a multi-brand clothing outlet boasting names like Scotch & Soda and Nudie among others, each with its own edgy twist. The first of its kind in Malta, IQ projects a contemporary, alternative style both through its collection as well as the outlet itself, fully designed and implemented by the team at LOFT Malta together with local suppliers.

There was no doubt that IQ and LOFT joining forces would be nothing but a success story. LOFT is made up of a team of full-time designers who strive to achieve a forward-looking,

contemporary vision in every project they work on. They are experts in creating space with style, and given their far-reaching alternative philosophy, tying in so well with that of the projected IQ brand, they were the obvious choice for designing the outlet.

Moreover, the team at IQ knew that they were leaving their tight deadline in very capable hands.

IQ houses five international brands, each with a unique perspective on life and style, quite unlike anything that has been seen before on our shores. One of these brands is Ben Sherman, boasting the iconic Ben Sherman shirt, while another two are Scotch & Soda and Maison Scotch, both influenced by a wealth of inspiration from across the globe, creating products that are rich in detail, high quality and affordable. >>

BRAZIL ISSUE

071

loft.com.mt

DESIGN DUO

LOFT has a forward-looking approach to interiors. Combining form and function, style and comfort, old colour, fabric and textile, we bring a fresh perspective to your home.

Nudie can be called the experts in denim, holding the belief that jeans age with the individual, and Alternative boasts classy apparel grounded in social awareness and responsibility, respecting our planet each garment at a time. Every brand listed here is testament to its own set of values and attitudes, projected with style in every individual piece. Though they can all stand alone, the five collections tie in beautifully across the IQ store.

Love Of Fine Things

Walking into the store, one is immediately struck by the contrast between the various garments and the rough, industrial style of the outlet’s design, which shifts between geometrical woodwork and rough steel racking housing the collections. Interestingly, after their initial design process, LOFT sourced all of the woodwork and metal from Malta. In fact, the vast majority of the materials and furniture making up the store was sourced locally, aside from the balloon glass globe lamps from Flamant, a luxury Belgian interiors brand represented by LOFT here in Malta. Adding to the modern-mechanical feel of the store is reinforcing steel mesh (normally used in building to reinforce concrete) on the ceiling and across one wall that doubles up as a clothes display.

and new, our pieces are rooted in classic design with a contemporary flair. Striving to innovate with shape,

Tel: 20 9999 66.

Triq San Pawl, Naxxar.

Monday to Friday. 10am – 7pm Saturday. 10am-2pm

V

The outlet is further amplified by select unique features that blend in simply by standing out from its rough industrial approach. One of these is a central natural sisal fibre carpet in a Cardamom colour bordered by striking traditional Maltese tiles on top of which, appropriately, stands a large glass display of some smaller accessories. Another noteworthy piece is a huge wooden wall unit that was assembled on-site, weighing over 500 kilos. Towards the back of the store, one is delighted to find a set of vintage-looking up-cycled armchairs, sourced locally and upholstered by LOFT using fabric resembling vintage leather. It is these uncommon features which truly make the store stand out.

LOFT’s contemporary design, like the IQ brand itself, forms the basis of an alternative vision of fashion. The display is altogether stylish and functional, and truly demonstrates the collections in their best light. All the way to the outside display, IQ is a uniquely attractive, eye-catching outlet, drawing in anyone who chances to walk past, continuing to charm and surprise them once they walk through its doors. V

BRAZIL ISSUE

073

LUST LIST

V

LUST-LIST SMARTPHONE POWER SOLUTION EVERYDAY OBJECTS If you were lucky enough to visit St James Cavalier 3 years ago and see the witty work by French illustrator and graphic designer, Gilbert Legrand, they would forever be engraved in your memory. He manages to give life to everyday objects.

For more eye-candy look him up: www.gilbert-legrand.com

In a world where smartphones don’t last as long as we’d like them to, designer Tsung Chih-Hsien is here with a suggestion - biodegradable charging packs. The idea here is that users can charge their phones using the mini external chargers and then chuck them away with minimal damage to the environment. These recyclable charging capsules are just a concept for now, but they have won the Red Dot Design Concept award.

DOLCE GABBANA PHONE CASES Bold prints and understated plain classics are seen throughout the Dolce & Gabbana cases range, where popping block colours, deep textured leathers, floral patterns and animal prints abound. Get your own bold mobile phone case by Dolce & Gabbana from Sarto, St Julian’s.

THE APPLE WATCH OUT SOON THE SMARTSCOOTER The Smartscooter uses the same headlights as the Audi R8 or Mercedes Benz CLS – all the lights are LEDs, in fact this is the first scooter in the world with 100 per cent LED lights.

They turn on automatically when it gets dark and it has been designed to make least possible impact on the battery… The quality of the ride has by no means been compromised - it is a luxurious and smart scooter, with the best features in the world: max power output of 6400watts at 400rpm, max horsepower of 8,58hp at 4000rpm, the ability to accelerate to 31MPH in 4 seconds and a motor made up of aluminium with a max speed of 60MPH.

According to many sources, the much-anticipated Apple Watch will hit the shelves sometime in March, 2015. The case is crafted from a refined 316L stainless steel that’s been cold forged, making it up to 80 percent harder. It’s less susceptible to nicks and corrosion and has a beautiful mirror finish. This is Apple’s most personal device yet!

BRAZIL ISSUE

75

V

GREEN SPACE

Some of the big ideas in architecture just don’t go away. Somehow they are in the air, and every time a talented architect plucks at them, they bloom anew.

One of the greatest ideas of the 20th century landed on the planet in the form of Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye. The house, a slim rectangle on concrete pilotis, sits on a suburban plot in the Parisian suburb of Poissy and was completed in 1931, but architects all over the world have reinterpreted it in different ways.

And this beautiful new house in Curitiba, 400 kilometres south-west of São Paulo and one of the provincial capitals of Brazil, is a wonderful example of the phenomenon. It shares with its inspiration that slender boxy form, raised high above the ground, but everything else is drawn from the locality and the special requirements of its owners. >>

GREEN SPACE

V

LM Residence, Curitiba.

By Marcos Bertoldi Architects Words Keith Diplock

...“THERE’S A TRADITION IN BRAZILIAN DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE OF HOUSES DESIGNED AS PURE FORMS SUCH AS GLASSY RECTANGLES POISED ABOVE LANDSCAPES...”

076

BRAZIL ISSUE

BRAZIL ISSUE

077

V

GREEN SPACE

GREEN SPACE

T

he architect of the LM Residence is Marcos Bertoldi, who started his own practice only two years after graduating from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in 1982, and is a teacher as well as an architect. Since then he has gone on to be named by Architectural Digest as one of their 100 most influential architects of 2010.

Bertoldi specialises in the design of

078

BRAZIL ISSUE

elegant, geometrical houses which experiment with simple forms and one of his central ideas in designing this house seven years ago was to re-investigate the local architectural traditions from the 1970s that somehow became forgotten: the use of exposed reinforced concrete for modern housing. But there’s also a tradition in Brazilian domestic architecture of houses designed as pure forms such as glassy rectangles poised above the landscape: at Marcos’ Casa Pedreira, a cool glass box is set over a

V

change in level so that as one approaches the house it seems to hover slightly, yet from the side it merges subtly with a lower floor into the topography of the garden.

The LM Residence is a triumphant reinterpretation of ideas like these.

The main part of the house sits above a garden platform and entrance is through a ground-floor glass enclosure set ceremoniously between slender columns. >>

BRAZIL ISSUE

079

V

GREEN SPACE

GREEN SPACE

V

One rises straight up a concrete staircase to the main storey of the house; cleverly, a hidden second flight of stairs runs in precisely the opposite direction toward the bedroom corridor.

When you’ve arrived upstairs you discover that the centre of the house is an open planted courtyard, dominated by feathery leaves, that lights the whole of the floor.

Everywhere, light pours in from the walls of windows, especially straight ahead and to your right, where the large open space on the southern side of the building is the main living area. Elegant, light furniture and modernist and contemporary Brazilian artwork emphasise the ethereal nature of this home among the tree tops.

And then the main rooms are spread around the courtyard along the north and south-western sides of the house, their windows protected from the sun’s glare – for this house lies south of the equator – by deep louvres. They are also sheltered by large trees that flank the house and, in fact, the central atrium filters the northern light as it reaches the sitting room. The main bathroom is simply spectacular: much of the house’s western side is taken up by it. A large central tub sits below a skylight, the wall beyond it made from concrete textured by boldly grained timber. Either side of the bath there is a shower for each of the couple, beyond which each has their own basin and vanity unit.

Waking up and passing through this room every morning is something of a grand ritual. >>

...“Elegant, light furniture and modernist / Contemporary brazilian artwork emphasise the ethereal nature of this home...”

080

BRAZIL ISSUE

BRAZIL ISSUE

081

V

GREEN SPACE

GREEN SPACE

V

It’s from up here that you can grasp the sophistication of the planning. If you think of the main part of the house as a kind of open platform, you can imagine the wings below it as a cascade of surfaces each with a purpose and an outlook of its own. There are two low levels, reached by walking beyond that glass enclosure around the entry staircase. These house a large sauna and relaxation room on one floor, and an atelier and sitting room (and a generous laundry) on the other. These slip into the landscape of the garden, all the levels connecting with one another with broad staircases.

The special character of the house is its generosity of space, the way in which everything flows; even the geometrical edges of the terraces and walkways merge with the lush planting. In fact the contrasts between surfaces are clever and apposite; there’s a lusciousness to that narrow sliver of a deep aquamarine lap pool over the roof of the upper basement as it sparkles and flickers against the warm and solid textures that surround it – or, as night falls, it reflects the starry night sky to the delectation of those lucky enough to be sitting in the grand living room just above it.

One of the many clever features, and a sign of Marcos’ sensitivity to detail, is the use of perforated metal grid flooring for the walkways at the lower entrance level; it breaks up the surface of what in the hands of a less talented architect would have been a heavy paved area, and this way the flora and fauna of the site have a breathing space under the house. Necessary features such as electrical sockets are strategically sunk into the glossy, polished timber floor to create a clutter-free interior. All in all, there’s no doubt that Marcos has pulled off the balanced design he sought, but he’s also managed to achieve that total control of the interior and exterior that characterises those classic buildings of the past to which he refers.

...”There’s no doubt that marcos has pulled off The balanced design he sought...”

082

BRAZIL ISSUE

Marcos believes that architecture has a public role to play – he’s on record as talking about the “collective dimension” of buildings. By that he means their potential to reach out beyond the needs of that one inspired family that commissions his work to speak about Brazilian culture as a whole. And he’s certainly pulled it off this time. V

BRAZIL ISSUE

083

DANCING

RLAUTIER®

ARCHITECT URE >

V

“Brazilian dancers are confident and not so concerned with their proportions, size or age.

They are vain and also seem to accept the unnatural as being a part of life”

DANCING ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE THAT EMBODIES THE HEART AND SOUL OF SAMBA

By Simon Grech GRECH&VINCIARCHITECTURE&DESIGN

The Natural Stone Workshop - Ta Xbiex Residence

T: +356 79051560

E: info@rlautier.com

W: www.rlautier.com

Photo: Brian Grech

Above: Paulo Mendes da Rocha

BRAZIL ISSUE

085

DANCING ARCHITECTURE

DANCING ARCHITECTURE

Tadao Ando

I

t was two in the morning, hot and sweaty, and we were watching tanned, strong, curvaceous dancers contrasting with their pink outfits in the Mangueira Samba School’s practice hall, twisting and turning, committed to their carnival sequence. We were in some part of Rio known to be a little bit dangerous (perigoso as a local – otherwise known as a Carioca – would put it) close to the Maracanã stadium when it came to me that there is a possible direct correlation between the way people dance and the way people build. If one had to say that dance is a mode of communication and therefore a language it would be fair to conclude that the dance of choice for most important Brazilian architects of the 20th and 21st century would be Modernism or Brutalism.

There is a strong tradition of modernism that has been passed from one generation to another and is practised with a certain pride by the young and budding Brazilian architectural practices and architects that feature in popular glossy architectural magazines and websites. Young architects today like Triptyque Architects, Guillaume Torres, and Marcio Kogan – who followed in his father’s footsteps – are bringing it back after death with a certain ownership and flair.

One of my favourite buildings is Paraty House, designed by architect Marcio Kogan of MK27 Studio – who I bumped into, by the way, and who has a most pleasant character. The building is a good example of MK27 that showcases their strong modernist approach, with its long and horizontal elevations stretching over

086

BRAZIL ISSUE

Oscar Niemyer

the Brazilian landscape of Paraty.

Comparing two different schools of modernism from two different continents would help to further understand the Brazilian ‘style’. For the best comparison, I choose to do this with the Japanese architect Tadao Ando with Oscar Niemyer and Paulo Mendes da Rocha’ .

Brazilian dancers are confident and not so concerned with their proportions, size or age. They are vain and also seem to accept the unnatural as being a part of life – almost on a par with the natural – many having undergone cosmetic interventions to enhance their anatomy; they celebrate imperfection and individual taste.

Tadao Ando’s architecture can be described as being clean, controlled, quiet, calm, precise, perfected, serious, austere and monk-like; Oscar Niemeyer’s as loud, daring, fast, sexy, curvy, humorous and confident and Paulo Mendes Da Rocha’s as raw, rough, brutal, strong and flowing. Similarly, there is a stark contrast between the two traditional dances of these two cultures: Odori for the Japanese and Samba for the Brazilians.

Odori is somewhat similar to Ando’s Architecture whilst the architecture of Niemeyer and Mendes embodies the soul of Samba.

The Museu Brasileiro da Escultura (MUBE) in Sao Paulo, designed by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, is confident and stands proud with its rough concrete finish, exposed, celebrating imperfection. The building creates the ground and floats above it, with a structure that contains services and lighting to illuminate the crafted concrete garden beneath, a magical place for sculpture to be exhibited and enjoyed both externally and internally.

In 2006, Ana Paula Evangelista was named Queen of Carnival and in the same year, Paulo Mendes da Rocha received the Prizker Prize for his contribution of excellence to the architectural world to join Brazil’s architectural champion who won it in 1988.

“My work is not about ‘form follows function’, but ‘form follows beauty’ or – even better – ‘form follows the feminine’,” says Oscar Niemeyer. Niemeyer’s Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC) in Niterói dances at the foot of a cliff using the sea and sunset as a backdrop. There is something whimsical and confident about the concrete building – it is a bit like Ana, feminine and curvaceous with a strong foothold on the earth on which she stands.

It comes as no surprise that expats such as Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi have been drawn to practicing architecture in Brazil, and have flourished. I get the impression that in Brazil she found the comfort and freedom to experiment with her style – with beautiful, honest buildings that dance with the people and community, forming spots of refuge from both the city of Sao Paulo and the rain.

Two examples of her buildings that do exactly the latter are the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) and Serviço Social do Comércio, Social Service of Commerce (SESC). The MASP is located on the busy Avenue Paulista in Sao Paulo which is lined with high-rise buildings where, at one point, a shaded piazza is created, breaking the monotony of the streetscape. The MASP has four red legs that elevate it from the pavement. Here, while one can enjoy exhibits of Picasso, >>

TRADITION OF MODERNISM D FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER TH A CERTAIN PRIDE BY THE YOUNG AN”...

V

Rubens and Modigliani in the concrete space above, people congregate in the piazza below, dancing and playing music.

The SESC Pompeia is also a marvellous building composed of two naked, rough concrete blocks that seem to interact with each other like a dancing couple. Its construction, with its rough workmanship, suggests that it has been built by the community.

The many bridges – that still have the texture of the timber imprinted upon them and are used for the shuttering between the two orthogonal volumes – animate the building, creating a scene of interaction and movement.

It can easily be described as unfinished, ugly, strange, different, etc., but it certainly stands out confidently above the buildings surrounding it, with its raw concrete attire and red polka-dot windows. It is a celebration of individuality, self-confidence and the man-made, offering a safe haven for leisure and culture to flourish in the busy city of Sao Paulo. “I never disregard the surrealism of the Brazilian people, their inventions, their pleasure in gathering together, dancing, singing... Therefore I dedicated my work at Pompeia to youngsters, to the children and to the third age: all together,” says Lina Bo Bardi Capoeira, also practised at the SESC Pompeia, is the one and only original Brazilian martial art – invented and practised by slaves in the past and disguised in the form of a dance. A rhythm is played on a berimbau (a single-string percussion instrument, a musical bow) to which the practitioners, facing each other, repeat a series of steps, exchanging acrobatic kicks intentionally missed and dodged and creating a spectacular choreography to the beat of a drum.

Lina Bo Bardi

Marcio Kogan

...”THERE IS A STRONG THAT HAS BEEN PASSE THAT IS PRACTICED WI AND BUDDING BRAZILI

Lina Bo Bardi

V

Oscar Niemyer

As an architect, a lesson learnt from Brazil is that good buildings are just like capoeira. They are a means of shelter that also manage to dance – let’s SAMBA! V

BRAZIL ISSUE

087

TRAVEL

V

ISTO É BRAZIL

Samba dancer from the Vila Isabel Samba school. (Reuters)

The land of parrots and drum beats. by Joanna Delia

EXCELLENCE IS STANDARD. Operating from its new 6,000 sqm state-of-the-art facility and with over 18 years experience, S.A.W.Ltd strives to be an imaginative, competitive and timely blue chip supplier of contract furniture to both foreign and local customers.

It has achieved this through creativity, a passion for quality, as well as ability to exceed clients expectations.

Picture this! Lush, green-covered sugar loaf hills meeting long stretches of golden sands and turquoise oceans dotted with islands.

A menagerie of colonial, minimalist and brutalist architecture on broad boulevards lined with tall trees around which blooming orchids are entwined. Beautiful smiling caramel-skinned people and samba rhythms everywhere. Passionate contemporary culture obviously portrayed in public sculpture and installations, street theatre performances and rampant conversion of urban spaces into indoor and outdoor pop-galleries... This is Rio, the city of the Kariokas, the urban heaven where rain forest meets the Atlantic. >>

www.saw.eu BRAZIL ISSUE

089

TRAVEL

V

“THE PURSUIT OF BEAUTY SEEMS INTRINSIC TO THE CITY. IT’S AS IF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY ARE COMPETING WITH THE LAND.” If you are fortunate enough to land at the local airport, you get the impression of landing on the beach. What more of an entrance can a city make than to immediately expose its visitor to its bikini-clad inhabitants playing beach volleyball or any other game of choice?

When the colonisers approached Rio, they must have been dumbstruck. Visually it is stunning. You can only imagine how the Portuguese sailors coming from the overcrowded, recently industrialised, post-mediaeval Lisbon must have felt at the sight of this marvellous land of parrots and drum beats.

I have found the topic of colonial destruction in South America a common one but Brazilians, however, appear to be a beautiful blend of indigenous, Portuguese and African, brought to The Americas during the era of the slave trade, and their contemporary culture is a wonderful tapestry woven by this interesting mix of nationalities. Local cuisine is famous for its steak and fish barbecues complimented by one of the largest selection of fruit varieties on the planet. The nightlife in Rio is legendary. Kariokas are not warm people… they are hot! And they have the looks to go with the passion burning inside.

According to www.thebrazilbusiness.com, the number of plastic surgery operations in Brazil increased by 120 per cent between 2009 and 2012. More than 1.5 million such interventions were carried out in the country last year, putting Brazil in first position in the international rankings of the proportion of such surgery performed per inhabitant. Throughout the various social strata of the Brazilian population, this vanity streak is extremely evident. The pursuit of beauty seems intrinsic to the city. It’s as if the people of the country are competing with the land – or feel obliged to complement its natural beauty.

All the above, coupled with the impressive climb made by the economy over the last 10 years and the huge (often controversially portrayed) clean up that occurred prior to the World Cup, have turned Brazil into a unique destination which should be at the top of everyone’s wish list! Seriously... what are you waiting for?! V

BRAZIL ISSUE

091

MIX IT UP

V

TINGILABBRA LIPSTICK BY DIEGO DALLA PALMA

NEW! DIEGO DALLA PALMA

At last a lacquer for the lips ! In a single shade of intense and vibrant fuchsia. The special and innovative formula combines lightness, colour and freshness for a covering and luminous effect. It offers the lips a sensation of freshness on application and hydrates them without drying, thanks to an active ingredient with great emollient properties.

Exclusively distributed by Chemimart T: 2149 2212

[ 1 ] MAKE-UP STUDIO WATER RESISTANT EYE LINER: a long lasting technical eyeliner with a special stiff tip for simple, smooth, fast and very high precision application. It is long lasting and releases an intense black colour. For a natural effect fill in the space between the lashes with the tip of the eyeliner; for a more intense and spectacular look, draw along the line of the eyelids applying greater pressure. [ 2 ] WATER RESISTANT EYE-BROW LIFTER: a pale pink pencil to exalt the luminosity of the brow arch thanks to highly reflecting pigments, making the brows look higher.

Apply the quantity necessary on the part that you want to highlight, blend in with the fingertips or a brush to give a natural effect. It can be used on its own or with an eye shadow. [ 3 ] SUNFLOWERS NAILS: from the most unusual and fun colour like lime green to a more extrovert and exuberant colour such as shocking pink! Ideal to match with lipstick and eye shadow. [ 4 ] BON BON BLUSH: two pink-tinged shades from bright to the more natural and delicate for a healthy glow effect - it gives radiance as well as colour. The packaging includes a practical puff for direct and dosed application, avoiding a blotched look.

All exclusively distributed by Chemimart T: 2149 2212

Almost 100 years after Mr Max Factor first began selling eye-shadow, Max Factor continues to innovate with the launch of new gel-based Excess Shimmer Eye Shadows. These brilliant eye shadows glide over and melt into the skin through an easy application with a blendable formula that ensures that just a little goes a very long way. Rrp €8.90

CONCEAL AND CORRECT BY MAX FACTOR The latest offering from Max Factor is the colour corrector concealer which neutralises blemishes, blotchiness and broken veins. Apply after Max Factor Primer and just before Max Factor Foundation for a flawless finish. All you need to do is identify your skin tone and choose from six different tones to find the solution. Rrp €9.50 For local trade enquiries, call Freephone T: 8007 2387

Tamara Burr Beauty Parlour-Sliema 7982 9472

SHIMMER AND SHINE WITH MAX FACTOR EYE MAKE-UP

THIS SEASON’S BEAUTY PALATTE Your skin does not respond well to a oneseason-fitsall regimen.

As the weather warms up, treat your skin right and change your winter skin and makeup routine to lighter based products.

With minor adjustments as needed, you can always have beautiful skin that’s ready for whatever Mother Nature sends your way!

THE ULTIMATE FINISHING TOUCH BY DIOR The impressively lightweight Diorskin Nude Air compact powder maintains the illusion of a fresh and radiant face. Airy and non-occlusive, it lets the skin breathe freely and form a genuine “pollution-fighting” shield that limits the absorption of harmful particles. The skin preserves its natural beauty with each new application. €50. Available from FRANKS T: 2388 2300

ALL DAY COLOUR BY SHISEIDO Veiled Rouge lipstick from Shiseido gives a long lasting soft and delicate shine, wrapping lips in a delicate veil of colour. It is ideal for those who prefer a soft lip effect and a subtle shine of colour all day long and those with dry lips. It is available in 8 shades- €25. Shiseido is exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Call 21424079 or find ShiseidoMalta on Facebook for more information and updates.

[2]

[1]

[4]

GARDEN ESCAPE 6-COLOUR EYE PALETTE BY CLARINS A compact gem for any woman’s handbag, offering a spring-inspired harmony of long-lasting and smoothing satin and pearly eye shadows: various shades of pink, pearly white, two spring greens and an intense taupe. You can create varied make-up effects, mix and match shades, layer and combine and apply them either wet or dry for a natural or more sophisticated look. €46.90

INSTANT COMFORT LIP OIL BY CLARINS Here’s a lip care oil treatment from Clarins infused with all the power of plant oils to nourish and enhance your lips’ natural beauty. A unique fusion formula, rich in plant-based active ingredients and directly inspired by Clarins’ expert face and body oils, leaves a shiny, non-sticky finish on the lips with a subtle sweet taste. €18.80 Available from all leading pharmacies and perfumeries in Malta & Gozo

BRAZIL ISSUE

93

i

m

p

l

y

i r r e s i s t i b l e

EVERLASTING FOUNDATION BY CLARINS Available from all leading pharmacies and perfumeries in Malta & Gozo

s

MIX IT UP

Everlasting foundation xl SPF 15 from Clarins is a fluid foundation for a perfectly even, flawless complexion with 18 hours of coverage, for normal, dry, combination and oily skins. It gives impeccable coverage from morning to night without caking, thanks to a new generation formula, and has anti-pollution, anti-radical and anti-UV protection.

This ultra-light foundation corrects spots and imperfections whilst providing absolute comfort for your skin.€37.15

SUPER RESTORATIVE EYE CONCENTRATE CREAM

BY CLARINS For normal, dry, combination, or oily skin – lifts, repairs and reduces puffiness around your eyes from temple to temple. It is an ideal anti-wrinkle formula for women going through natural hormonal changes. It minimises dark circles, wrinkles, crow’s feet and frown lines. Apply in the morning and/or evening by gentle pressing motions on the eye contour and eyelids and with light sweeping motions between the eyebrows and on the temples. €65.80

ICY MAGIC BY POLAAR The skin under the eye is delicate making circulation problems visible. With age or fatigue, the lymphatic circulation in the eye contour becomes less efficient. The bottom lid of the eye darkens and dark circles appear. As time goes on, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, changing the appearance of the dark circles as they become longer and darker. The Polaar Icymagic’s massaging bead and refreshing effect reinforces the draining action contained in the formulation to avoid the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. The new formulation also stimulates the growth of longer eye lashes, while instantly soothing puffiness while battling pouches and dark circles through repeated use.Icy Magic €28.00 Exclusivley distributed by Ta/ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. T 2133 1553

HYDRATION FOR YOUR SKIN BY DIEGO DALLA PALMA 24-Hour Active Cream (50ml) by Diego Dalla Palma is moisturising and nourishing with hydra-gene complex characteristics giving you that soft silky finish. It is ideal for skin that needs intense hydration and nourishment. Its special formula is based on 67 active ingredients, making it the ideal treatment to reduce dehydration by combating at the same time the signs of aging.

Anti-Ageing Medicine | Botox® | cheMicAl Peels | derMAl Fillers | lAser hAir reMovAl liP AugMentAtion | MesotherAPy | Micro-needle rollers | seMi-PerMAnent MAke-uP skincAre Advice | sMArt dieting & Weight loss MAnAgeMent | vein treAtMents suBlAtive skin resurFAcing | suBliMe skin tightening tcA MediuM dePth Peels | threAd liFting

www.thesmartskinclinic.com Tigné Street, Sliema / Bronja Street, Żurrieq | info@thesmartskinclinic.com | +356 2010 6066

EYE CONTOURING CREAM

BY DIEGO DALLA PALMA Eye Contour Cream 15ml from Skin Lab is a smoothing and anti-stress formula to smooth the wrinkles around the eyes, giving an immediate sensation of elasticity and firmness. It improves microcirculation and peri-ocular oxygenation, protecting the integrity of capillaries, reducing bags and dark circles around the eyes, making them bright and vibrant. Exclusively distributed by Chemimart T: 2149 2212

V

COMPACT LIGHT REVEALING POWDER

BY GUERLAIN MÉTÉORITES As a perfect example of its beauty expertise, Guerlain has transformed its legendary Météorites pearls into a stunning compact. The pearls are finely pressed to form a beautiful mosaic of light-enhancing and corrective shades. Together, they create a subtle and natural effect by giving every skin tone just the right amount of light and correction. The Météorites signature palette of corrective matte shades - refreshing pink and light-catching mauve - gently balance the complexion, while the dazzling pearls temper the shades’ intensity and blend harmoniously for perfectly tailored luminosity.

The complexion glows with purest light. The skin looks soft, smooth, delicate and beautifully natural. Guerlain products are exclusively distributed by X-Treme Co Ltd. For information call 23882300. €54.65

NUDE AIR BY DIOR Dior innovates and broadens its makeup expertise with Diorskin Nude Air Fluid Foundation: a weightless, ultra-fluid serum as light and beneficial as a breath of fresh air, for an enhanced complexion with sheer correction. Like after a day in the great outdoors, the complexion has all the fresh, radiant beauty of a natural healthy glow. Made with oils that evaporate instantly, the formula deposits an undetectable film of makeup on the skin that feels weightless and incredibly fine. €50.95 Available from FRANKS T: 2388 2300

SUPER AQUA BB CREAM BY GUERLAIN The first BB Cream infused with Super Aqua-Serum. This subtlytinted, feather-light texture beauty balm protects the skin from both UV rays and dehydration – hydrating for up to 12 hours.

It perfects the complexion for a natural, radiant glow, while smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. It comes in two shades: light, for pale to medium complexions, and medium: for medium to dark complexions. €64.00 Guerlain products are exclusively distributed by X-Treme Co Ltd. For information call 23882300. €54.65

A SOOTHING MASK BY DIEGO DALLA PALMA Astringent Soothing Balm (200ml) by Skin Lab, with a vitamin B plus complex, has refreshing texture that soothes irritations and reduces reddening. It is ideal for use after deep cleansing treatments (acid-based exfoliation, blackhead-squeezing treatments) or aggressive treatments (microdermabrasion, pulsed light, hair removal) and on skin that is particularly stressed by daily exposure to external agents (sun, wind, cold).

The result is fresh, soothed skin, a reduction in reddening and discomfort.

EXTRA NOURISHING ANTI-AGING CREAM

BY DIEGO DALLA PALMA Nourishing and firming cream with its formula rich in ceramides and natural oils, provides nourishment to the skin and restores comfort to dry and mature skin. It is the ideal treatment to combat wrinkles, especially in cold weather or in the case of dehydrated and dried skin. All exclusively distributed by Chemimart T: 2149 2212 BRAZIL ISSUE

095

V

MIX IT UP

NIGHTIME REPAIR

BY SKIN CEUTICALS

IMMEDIATE HYDRATION BY ENVIRON

This nightime antioxidant neutralises ageaccelerating internal free radicals, promotes skin’s natural repair to diminish the visible signs of accumulated damage and strengthens functionality to resist new damage.

The new Intensive Super Moisturiser Plus is a powerful moisturiser which gives immediate and prolonged hydration to dry skin. It is especially good for those who feel extra dry in winter, and to combat the drying effects of everyday air conditioning exposure. €33.73.

Resveratrol B E is available exclusively at Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre, Ta Xbiex.

T:21340366 info@persona.com.mt persona.com.mt

THE ANSWER TO CLEAR SKIN BY ENVIRON Environ’s B Active Range is formulated to help problem skin clear blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, pimples and congestion. The range is available from fully qualified and trained Environ stockists who will guide you with the most effective regime for your skin problem. There is nothing quite like the feeling of happiness when you finally have clear skin again!

Call 21313208 for your nearest Environ stockist.

Prices start at €13.63.

“ USING THE RIGHT SKIN CARE REGIME FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE IS KEY TO MAINTAIN BALANCED HEALTHY YOUTHFUL SKIN. ALWAYS CONSIDER THE MAIN INGREDIENTS TO BE OF UPMOST IMPORTANCE TO WHY YOU BUY ANY PARTICULAR BRAND. THIS IS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU HAVE MADE A GOOD INVESTMENT IN YOUR SKIN. “

NEOVADIOL MAGISTRAL ELIXIR AND MAGISTRAL ELIXIR OIL CONCENTRATE BY VICHY Neovadiol Magistral balm and Neovadiol Magistral Elixir oil concentrate are new anti-ageing solutions created by Vichy Laboratories for women beyond menopause. Neovadiol Magistral Elixir is a precious facial oil concentrate that restores and replenishes the skin with essential lipids lost with age.

It leaves skin feeling intensely smooth, supple and radiant. It can be used alone, as a serum, combined with your skincare or as a mask. Neovadiol Magistral balm is a densifying, nutritional balm that combines vital reconstructive oils, Omega 3-6-9 with Pro-Xylane™ and Proteic Gf for replumped skin, supple features and intense comfort. Exclusively in pharmacies.

For further information contact us on vichy@prohealth.com.mt SMS: 79806836 FB: Vichy

DERCOS NEOGENIC BY VICHY LABORATORIES FACE LIFT IN A JAR BY ENVIRON Nicknamed ‘Face-lift in a Jar‘, it’s the mask that just keeps on giving. You’ll have brighter, smoother skin instantly-and the more you use it, the better the results. Call 21313208 for your nearest Environ stockist. €71.35.

A hair rebirth treatment for both men and women containing Stemoxydine (5%) which promotes the functioning of the follicle stem cells and results in thicker, fuller hair for users over a three-month period. With 93 per cent satisfied users and a 1,700 new hair increase in an average of three months*, Dercos Neogenic has confirmed its efficacy among users with low hair density. Tested under dermatological supervision in a hospital environment, it is non-greasy, has a neutral fragrance, is hypoallergenic and paraben free and is suitable for those with sensitive scalps. Dercos Neogenic can can be applied to wet, dry or treated hair, and no rinsing is required. Exclusively in pharmacies. For further information contact us on vichy@prohealth.com.mt SMS: 79806836 FB: Vichy

THE ROYAL HAMMAM AT THE MYOKA FIVE SENSES SPA, HILTON Experience a rediscovered Hammam tradition at the Hilton Malta St.Julians. Immerse yourself in a sensuous Morrocan experience at the Myoka Five Senses Hammam – a sanctuary of peace and tranquility.

Book and receive your Personalised Panpuri body cleanser. Only €120 for 85 min.

Call: 2137 0194 for reservations

096

BRAZIL ISSUE

V

MEDITATION = HAPPINESS

meditation happiness.

By Michelle Bartolo

T

hat big H word is all the hype these days. I’ve read copious amounts of articles with various titles: ‘How To Achieve Happiness’, ‘What Happy People Do Everyday’, ‘The Art of Happiness’, ‘Do These 10 Things And You Will Be Happy’...

Is it that easy? Can happiness come with an instruction book?

The word ‘meditation’ is floating around as well, yet this one I can vouch for. It’s effective. It deals with what’s real, what’s realistically happening right now. It strengthens the team effort between your mind and body - the best ‘business’ partners you will ever encounter. When we live in the past it brings on depression, while thinking of the future brings on feelings of anxiety and stress. Now the present equates peace. I think it’s a no-brainer as to where we all want to be.

Happiness is a work in progress; a lifelong journey that is sometimes present and at other times not.

Meditation teaches us to sit with that. Meditation allows us to process whatever we are feeling, and to feel every layer of that emotion with open arms. You sit and listen as if you were with your best friend. Ears wide open.

This is a mindful meditation technique that is more practical, and is very useful in our everyday lives. I’m big on using visualisation techniques; when I ‘sit’, I like to pretend I’m an astronaut discovering my ‘inner space’!

So how can meditation make you feel happier?

I’ve been meditating regularly for eight years now and do 30 minutes per day on average. Sure, everyone’s experiences are different, but this is what makes us who we are. This is what makes us feel happy. It’s about being true to yourself and not striving for perfection, but rather honouring honesty. It’s important to connect with who we are, how we feel, and what we believe in.

098

BRAZIL ISSUE

We follow all of these things to be sure that we are living a life that sets our soul on fire and feeds our passion.

Meditation heightens instincts and helps you find more security within yourself and what you want for yourself. It makes you feel calm because you’re giving the mind and body some time to listen to what they’re saying and how they’re feeling. No distractions.

Through meditation we discover ourselves by developing this intimate relationship between our mind and body. The breath is all about that connection. If there’s no breath, there’s no relationship.

I was astonished when researching the effects that the mind has on our whole lives and discovered that western science has only just begun studying the notion some 50 years ago. Ayurveda (based on the idea Hindu tradition of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing) began their studies of the mind thousands of years ago. These ancient traditions stand strong and wise.

The majority of us have become so busy - and with the use of social media, so unconnected and focused on where we’re going, as opposed to where we are. The mindful meditation practice allows us to observe where we are and to learn to flow through life’s waves, finding a balance between the action and the stillness. In my experience, the irony of teaching meditation is that people find it the hardest thing to do, when all it is that they have to do is nothing.

You can do five minutes per day and it can be done virtually anywhere - even while waiting in a queue. Make your time work for you. It’s part of the self-care we need in this day and age. This technique can’t be sold; you have to find the courage to stick through the unravelling of the mind and come out on the other end with more space and freedom. It has to be tried and tested.

“There’s so much noise in the world today that we’ve forgotten to hear the beautiful sound of silence.” Silence will calm your soul and a calm soul is a happy one. V

GROUND FLOOR, BAYSTREET SHOPPING COMPLEX, ST JULIAN’S