FIRST March 2017

IS MALTA

SAFE?

Where areyour TABLEMANNERS?

MARCH 2017

FAUX

FUR

Photograph by Alan Carville

the twilight hour I recently met a middle-aged couple who told me that they spend most of the night awake and sleep during the day. I have to admit that I thought they were a bit odd, albeit in a quirky way, but since spending some hours awake in the middle of the night (while starting to sleeptrain my toddler again) I’ve begun to think that maybe it’s not such a daft idea. It’s the only time when everything almost completely stops: there are no calls to make or receive and no one to answer to. It’s a real time for clarity and a purity of the mind.

It is, in fact, 3am as I write this: the baby has started snoring without the need for a bottle – finally – so there’s the comforting hum of silence, brought on by the contrast of screams that preceded it, cradling me and my thoughts – and it’s blissful! I’m tempted to give the night thing a try – I’d happily exchange the chaos of the day for this in a jiffy if there were not baby duties in a few hours and the ‘real’ world to tend to. So, I will enjoy the final moments of this secret hour before I reluctantly sleep it away and say hello to another day...

Six hours and two cups of tea later, and there’s the clanking of toys and the bleeps of incoming emails and messages in the background: “Hello, day! There’s no time for dilly-dallying, you know!” The daytime persona, and the race, is on.

You really need to have the option available (and the want) for a nocturnal life – no boss to answer to or bills to pay, no career ambitions or a baby in tow - it’s definitely not an option for me, yet!

But there needs to be a way of finding an alternative, an escape from the mundane and the pressures of the day. Meditation may work for one person while a walk or whatnot for another, but a hobby can also do the trick. I’ve lost my way a bit with those but I’m keen to recapture a flitter of ‘nocturnal’ silence during the day, when time stands still and the world seems infinite.

EDITOR LILY AGIUS LAGIUS@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ADVERTISING & ADVERT PLACEMENTS CLAIRE BONDIN GAFA CGAFA@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTWORK COORDINATOR CHRISTINE SPITERI CMIFSUD@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT CONTRIBUTORS ADRIAN BUCKLE, ARABELLA HOGG, CARINA CAMILLERI, CLAIRE BUGELLI, DINI MARTINEZ, DORIAN FLORES, DORIANNE MAMO, GLORIA CAMILLERI, JAMES VELLA CLARK, JONATHAN BORG, NICOLE CUSHCHIERI, LINE YOUNG PETERI, MARLENE VASSALLO, MATTHEW B SPITERI, RANIA ZOUARI, VICTOR CAMILLERI. PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL: 00356-2134-5888 PRINTER PRINT IT E-MAIL FIRST@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ONLINE WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE COVER DETAILS A MODEL PREPARES BEFORE THE DESIGUAL FASHION SHOW DURING NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, PHOTO BY ROBIN MARCHANT FIRST IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.

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42

Insidethisissue Gloria Camilleri happily exchanged a life in fashion for organic farming

14 IT CAN ONLY BE HERMÈS

Line Young Peteri shares her love and knowledge of the fashion label

16 FASHION IS MY LIFE

We catch up with fashion stylist Caroline Paris, back from Milan Design Week

19 ARE YOU FUR REAL?

45 FIGHTING ACNE WITH FOOD

Hormones are mostly to blame, but we can help to control this upsetting problem by eating the right foods. Dusha Lia also gives us a Super Food Salad to knock up for this good cause

48 WE ARE FAMILY

Frank Salt Real Estate has grown over the years. HR Manager Rania Zouari explains the strong core, ethical values and exciting benefits that make it such a great place to work

Arabella Hogg’s most worn fashion item this winter was her fur gilet, whether you like it or not

52 AND NOW FOR LOOKING GOOD

23 I LOVE FASHION

54 LAST WORD

24 IN FULL BOOM

This issue’s fashion shoot in Malta’s blossoming and bright countryside – as bright as this season’s cat-walk trends

34 OUR LITTLE TREASURES

Clothing for our toddlers and some advice on how to choose their first pair of shoes

42 BUZZING MUNICH

Dini Martinez takes us to one of Europe’s major centres of music and art, innovation and technology, museums and culture, education, antiquities and palaces

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We take a look at some of the available perfumes and make-up out there Artist James Vella Clark relives his memories and expresses his emotions on canvas, painting abstracted Maltese landscapes with Mediterranean colours. He talks to us during his current exhibition being held in Gozo

Girls shoe, ¤59, from NICO PASSINI

Sue Rossi celebrates 30 years of immersing herself in the fashion world – and it hasn’t been an easy ride

Mini dress, ¤118, necklace, ¤89, from UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON. Stamerra orange bangle with gold, ¤127.50, from PORTO.

10 FIRST WORD

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34

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37 WHERE ARE YOUR TABLE MANNERS?

If you have walked out on a date because of his/her bad table manners, we applaud you. However, there is more to it than we thought. Nicole Cushchieri is making sure that she and we get it right once and for all...!

45 LET’S TALK ABOUT...

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This is the first of a series of features presenting public opinion on various topics. In this issue, let’s talk about: How safe is Malta?

first word

When Gloria Camilleri (49) ran a chain of Hot Couture fashion outlets in Malta she would manage to incorporate animal prints in almost every collection. Her love of animals and nature finally took hold and Gloria decided to make a life change and move to the countryside. She now happily runs an organic farm in Bidnija, where she lives with her son and dogs.

Photo by Jonathan Borg

The book I am reading is... Astrology for the Soul. It’s an extremely interesting read by Jan Spiller, the author of Cosmic Love.

The website I will often browse is... Pinterest. It’s just an amazing app.

My most recent find... is Brasserie Julian in Paris. It has the most amazing art nouveau interior.

Brasserie Julien in Paris

The most spectacular city in the world is... Hong Kong. It’s You will never find me... having

so exciting, diverse and multi-cultural.

a siesta or using a

microwave.

The most beautiful building in the world is... The Taj

The best invention is... the mobile phone!

One thing that makes me happy is... spending quality time with my 13 year old son, Jake.

My favourite space in my house is... my garden.

I’m an outdoor person, so it is definitely my favourite place to be when, as well as cooking in my kitchen.

The most inspirational person in my life... was my father. He was a self-made business man with great vision. He was very conscientious.

The best gift I have received recently...was a Gucci purse for Christmas.

The last song I listened to was...

Clean Bandit by Sean Paul and Anne Marie.

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Oranges and aubergines from her organic farm

I would like to learn how to...

play musical instruments and to act, and so many other things I find interesting.

The object I would never part with...

are my

feathered high heeled slippers.

An indulgence I would never give up is... shopping. I was a professional buyer for a while and so I’ve done copious amounts of shopping. I’m never tired of it!

The last thing I added to my wardrobe is... something from Victoria Secrets. I manage to add something every week!

The thing you will always find in my fridge is... a bottle of Chablis, oh and also some lovely Camembert, my lactose free milk and organic veggies!

Mahal in India. I simply love the beautifully inlaid white marble mausoleum. The simplicity of the style and architecture all based on symmetry together with the eccentric contrast the marble offers simply amazes me.

The most unforgettable place I visited... are tea plantations in Sri Lanka. It felt like it could be heaven.

The last place I visited was... Sicily for a short break. I love it for many reasons, including the food and its accessibility from here by car.

My most luxurious habit is... travelling.

If I could get away for the day it would have to be to... Riviera Bay – my favourite beach.

One thing I never get round to doing and wish to is... to create art.

If I had no choice but to change my line of work I would love to... do voluntary work with under privileged children in third world countries.

BAGS

BY:

BRACCIALINI. TOSCA BLU. RIPANI. FRANCESCO BIASIA. LUPO. MAESTOSO. CARL LAICH. CHIARA P. JEWELLERY BY: DANSK. COEUR DE LION. NOUR. SQUADRA BLU. GABY’S. STAMERRA. LOLA ROSE & TUTTI & CO.

NEW PORTO BOUTIQUE NOW ALSO OPEN AT THE HILTON PORTOMASO SHOPPING COMPLEX, ST. JULIAN’S. TEL: 2137 2079 WWW.PORT OMALTA.COM

HER FASHION STORY

A

Princess Diana caught the attention – and won the hearts – of millions. She humanised the image of the Royal Family, and she knew how to dress. Diana was a fashion icon.

n exhibition in London of her clothes pays homage to this magnificent woman, who died 20 years ago this year. Running until the end of October Diana: Her Fashion Story will trace the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances to the glamour, elegance and confidence as she matured. From her earliest royal engagements, everything Diana wore was closely scrutinised, and the exhibition will explore how she navigated her unique position in the public eye: learning to use her image to engage and inspire people, and to champion the causes about which she cared.

Discover exquisite and celebrated outfits from throughout the Princess’s public life. The exhibition will bring together an extraordinary collection of garments, ranging from the glamorous evening gowns worn on engagements in the 1980s, to the chic Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s ‘working wardrobe’ in the 1990s. The Princess’s relationship with her favourite designers will be explored through a display of some of their original fashion sketches, created for her during the design process.

Exhibition highlights will include the pale pink Emanuel blouse worn for Diana’s engagement portrait by Lord Snowdon in 1981 and Victor Edelstein’s iconic ink-blue velvet gown, famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta. A blue tartan Emanuel suit, worn for an official visit to Venice in the 1980s, will go on display in public for the first time.

The suit, a rare survival of the Princess’s daywear, was only recently rediscovered and acquired by Historic Royal Palaces – the charity responsible for Kensington Palace – at auction.

The exhibition, at Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, runs until the end of October. Tickets cost £19 for an adult (£17.10 on-line) and Concessionary Tickets £15 (£13.60 on line). Also, if you happen to be in London on 8 April and would find a fashion workshop of interest, there is a Designing for Diana Study Day where you can discover the skills and techniques of key designers featured in the exhibition: Catherine Walker, Bruce Oldfield, David Sassoon and the Emanuels. Tickets £70/£63.

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SPECS APPEAL ADMITTING TO BAD EYE-SIGHT CAN BE A SORE POINT IN ONE’S LIFE. SO CHOOSING A PAIR OF SPECTACLES THAT YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN IS ESSENTIAL. WHETHER CLEAR PLASTIC, SHADE OF TORTOISE-SHELL, OR WITH A CAT-EYE FRAME, HERE IS HOW SOME CELEBRITIES ARE DOING IT, WITH STYLE >>>

It can only be

HERMÈS

By Line Young Peteri

f

ans of the TV series Sex and the City will remember when Samantha lied to get a red Hermès bag, pretending it was for Lucy Liu. ‘The Birkin’ still has one of the longest waiting lists – up to six years, depending on the quality of the leather and the hardware. And it is impossible to waltz into a Hermès shop and buy it off the shelf.

Hermès has always been the white whale to me.

There are all the other brands, and then there is Hermès. The quality is impeccable. It is sophisticated and yet very robust and sturdy. And it has an understated character, making it much less ‘branded’ compared to other brands. In my bag collection there is also room for a black Birkin bag, which will one day be a gift to myself.

Celebrity related facts • Over the years, the Birkin bag has become a status symbol – with prices ranging from €10,000 to €150,000. However, Heart Evangelista’s 30-centimetre Himalayan Birkin, which was dubbed by Vogue.com as the ‘rarest and most desirable handbag in the world', was sold for over $300,168 (€283,000) to a private Asian collector.

• Victoria Beckham has more than a hundred Birkin bags.

• Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are huge fans of Hermès, and Kanye gave Kim a specially created Birkin with a painting by George Gondo – which has been described as one of the ugliest bags ever made. He later gave Kim a Hermès bag that was painted by their one-year-old daughter, North.

Line Young Peteri is the co-owner of Roccamore.com, Investment advisor at Kickass.capital, Marketing Director at Emma.dk and Spokeswoman for Dove Malta. Keep up with Line on Instagram and lineyoung.com.

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A LITTLE HISTORY

The founder of Hermès, Thierry Hermès (1801-1878), was born in Krefeld, Germany, to a French father and a German mother and in 1828 the family moved to France.

Ten years later, Thierry Hermès had firmly established Hermès as a saddler and fine equestrian leather goods workshop in Les Grands Boulevards

quarter of Paris, dedicated to serving European noblemen.

In 1918, Hermès had the patent for the zip fastener in France, thanks to Thierry’s grandson, Emile-Maurice, who was born in Paris in 1871.

The first small Hermès bag was created in 1920, and in 1935 the Sac à Dépêches was introduced. This bag was

later renamed “the Kelly” in 1956 after Grace Kelly, who was spotted using one to conceal her pregnancy.

In 1937, the house introduced the first silk scarf (carre) measuring 90cm x 90cm. This eventually became one of Hermès most iconic items and it is said that, today, an Hermès silk scarf is allegedly sold every 20 seconds.

Pama - Sliema - Gozo

We catch up with fashion stylist Caroline Paris, fresh from attending Milan Fashion Week

i

s it easy for you to get up and out in the morning?

I would say that I’m a get-up-and-go type of person. I’m normally either running late or on my way to the gym before work so there’s not really time to sit down and enjoy the early hours of the day. Sometimes, I’m pretty fast at getting dressed and out of the house in the morning. If I have a very early start it’s better, otherwise I wake up blurry-eyed and stare at my wardrobe for a good 10 minutes before anything happens.

How do you get your fashion fix?

I try to go to international fashion weeks at least twice a year – it’s an overdose, in fact. Otherwise, I love to travel and visit fashion exhibitions. I also read a lot and sometimes I do online courses at fashion universities.

Can you remember your own worst fashion blunder? And how did you dress as a teenager?

Hmm – probably forgetting to open the seam at the back of my coat, and to peel off the stickers at the bottom of new shoes and common ones. Or walking out with the back zip of my dress still down. As a teenager, I hated colour and all I wanted to wear was black – now times have changed. I don’t think I had any fashion icons growing up – perhaps the lack of easy-access internet could be to blame there. It was Top of the Pops and MTV with The Spice Girls in my day!

How would you describe fashion on the street today in general and what’s happening on the cat walks?

A few years ago it would take at least six months before catwalk trends were adopted by the public. Nowadays, it’s almost instant and street style has become a catwalk of its own, with designers drawing on street style looks for inspiration.

Was there anything that caught your eye on the Milan fashion week runway?

There’s a lot of colour happening and a lot of maximalist fashion – even the beauty trends have gone back to ‘let’s have fun’, with hair and make-up looks! After too many seasons of the ‘no make-up’ look, all about ‘wearing black’ and looking as if I made no effort, I’m really excited to go back to full-on glamour. Of course, it will need to get adopted by the general public too, including Malta. We sometimes tend to shy away from new ideas here, but I for one am planning on having lots of fun next winter!

Caroline Paris is an ambassador of O'Hea Opticians.

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Caroline wearing Fendi sunglasses from O’hea Opticians at Milan Design Week. Photo by Kurt Paris.

FASH ION IS MY THI NG

NEW COLLECTION

NEW OPENING HOURS Monday - Saturday: 10am - 7pm Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julians T: 21375781

www.1-2-3.fr

ith the changing of seasons comes the changing of wardrobes and this transition is making me think about my greatest winter purchase this year. Personally, this winter has been about oversized knits and slim-line turtle-necks, but primarily about fur. My most prized possession for these cold months has been a luxuriously soft, two-tone rabbit fur gilet that my partner gave me during a skiing holiday over the New Year. It is such a versatile yet striking piece that I throw over long-sleeved tops and jeans, simple black dresses and even on top of leather jackets in the evenings to add another layer of warmth and style.

It’s not just me who’s raving about fur this season. Whilst women’s bodies are expected to be fur-free from the eyebrows down, our wardrobes are not. Fashion Week this year has been a fur-frenzy, both on and off the catwalk, with some designers – such as Jeremy Scott and Christopher Kane – using fur as the centre of their collections. There are two bright (and furry) stars this winter – worn by bloggers, celebrities and fashionistas alike – from Gucci’s candy-pink fox fur jacket and Saint Laurent’s crimson red faux fur heart cape, both causing cases of serious Instagram drooling. Fendi started off as a brand that only did fur, gradually moving towards ready-to-wear but always keeping its own fur atelier using the slogan ‘Fendi is fur’.

The brand creates intricate pieces of beautifully crafted brightly colored fur garments.

It would be insensitive of me to write this without mentioning the ethical and moral questions surrounding the fur industry. I have to say myself that I selfishly close an eye to the source of the fur itself in the blind hope that brands do source ethically farmed material. As creative director of Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld was recently confronted

by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) which he defended, claiming “[the industry] has improved a lot.”

I would say that fur is the Marmite equivalent of clothing choices: people either love it or hate it. There is always the option of fur’s morally acceptable cousin faux-fur, and antifur activists question why there is a need for the real deal when there are alternatives. Another school of thought is that fur is only acceptable if it is vintage – because the deed has been done, right? A friend of mine recently mentioned that she found a furrier in Italy who refashions your mother’s heavy mink coat into something – or a few somethings – you would actually want to wear and this seems a great option if you want to stay in semi-neutral territory.

Whatever your position on real versus faux fur, it cannot be denied that fur or faux fur is not going away any time soon, being a major trend in all the main fashion houses and trickling down to high street shops. Statement pieces of bright pop and pastel colours mean that your fur can be worn right through winter and into spring by just reducing your layers as the weather gradually gets warmer.

ERICA PELOSINI at Milan Fashion Week

ARE YOU FUR REAL W

As the days get a bit brighter and I put away the last sachet of Lemsip after a winter of continuous colds, my eyes brighten at the prospect of spring around the corner. And I contemplate my most frequently worn accessory this winter… Arabella Hogg

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DURING THE 1200S, LAWS WERE PASSED IN EUROPE FORBIDDING ANYONE BUT THE UPPER CLASSES TO WEAR FUR IN ORDER TO RETAIN ITS STATUS SYMBOL

*

ANIMAL PELTS HAVE BEEN USED THROUGHOUT HISTORY TO TRANSFER THE POWERS AND SPIRIT OF A PARTICULAR ANIMAL. FOR EXAMPLE, A SOLDIER WOULD WEAR A LION’S FUR OVER HIS SHOULDER BEFORE GOING INTO BATTLE IN ORDER TO GAIN THE LION’S STRENGTH.

*

IT IS ONLY SINCE THE 1980S THAT ETHICAL QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN RAISED OVER THE USE OF FURS AND LEATHERS, PARTICULARLY CONCERNING THE CRUELTY TO WHICH THE ANIMALS MAY HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED AND THE EFFECT OF FARMING THE ANIMALS ON THE ENVIRONMENT. 19

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Desigual Known for its confidence with colour, patterns and patchwork, this collection

Missoni You can't not love this elegant and beautiful fashion house and not want everything it has ever made! doesn’t let them down – its trendy knitwear has it all.

Dior The galaxy-themed collection is simply sublime: we want them all!

John Galliano Black will always be chic, and women in trousers is always a dominating look. Galliano is definitely one for elegance.

The creative director Alessandro Michele is apparently fascinated by England and the idea of the aristocratic English-eccentric – it shows.

Gucci Goodness. This is a runway of theatrics for both men and women.

Valentino Who doesn’t love a humming-bird or two fluttering on a floating, transparent dress – a win, win for everyone, to wear and look at – but please ditch the socks!

SOME LOOKS THAT WELOVE AND SOME WE DON’T

Nicki Minaj happily sits with one full breast out – covered only by an Agent Provocateur

nipple pasty at the front row of the Haider Ackermann Womenswear Fall/Winter 2017/2018 show in Paris. No further comment. though maybe you have a reason to get away with this look. Just carry this photo with you for proof that it is an established fashion statement.

Balenciaga We’re not feeling this. If you have a missing button on your coat

Moschino Pull that duct tape off your mouth now and try not to scream. Kendall Jenner does look pretty though. Does it come with bubble-wrap? That would really set it off.

Vivienne Westwood There cannot be a proper analysis of what’s hot, or perhaps should that be ‘what’s not’, without seeing what this lady has created. And what a creation this is! Is it human?

Whatever it is, it embraces Viennese modern art with homage to Klimt – definitely a work of art, if nothing else!

having to sit alongside a zebra-lined rustled collar and polka-dotted pleats, finished off with clumpy brown leather sandals – there’s no bow-wow. Keep a tight leash on this one!

Stella McCartney Whilst loving all animals, and prints of them, we’re not so keen on them

Celebrating the

30 Anniversary th

In the fashion industry Hair by

using

Photo by Bernard Polidano — MUA — Natasha Polidano Clothes by Luxury outlet.

Modelle International – Su Rossi | T: 21316304 | M: 99494817 | E: sue@modelleinternational.com | W: www.modelleinternational.com

I shion fa – Fashion has never let her down. It hasn’t been easy, but Sue Rossi has stayed true to her love of fashion for 30 years, both as a model and with her model agency. FIRST catches up with her before the big celebration bash to mark the occasion.

H

ow did it all start for you?

As a little girl, I would put on my mother’s heels and make-up. As a teenager, sewing lessons gave me the excuse I was after to make do with the clothes that were available and I would imagine myself on the catwalk. After school I took a part-time job in a fashion shop in Valletta selling occasional wear, and I revived my interest in modelling and fashion.

One of my clients was none other than late fashion designer Ray Ashley.

He was actually the one who encouraged me to start modelling, so I made contact with the tutor of the time, Anna Borg, and I took private lessons before going to Nottingham on a scholarship with Model Noveau. I did well and on my return I took up modelling and opened my agency organising modelling courses, which I still do today.

My first modelling show was Miss Maltese Beauty, which proved to be very popular, as did the ones for children and teenagers. Soon after – in 1996 – I obtained the licence for Miss & Mr World. This required that I raise the bar.

It couldn’t have been easy Budgets, and being a small island, are an ongoing problem but we try very hard to maintain high standards, especially with the Miss World. There is an annual payment for the licence and the importance of standards cannot be underestimated. Funds are always in short supply for ensuring a winner representing Malta at the Miss World finals. I am tremendously grateful to all the sponsors who make it possible.

What is the motto of the agency?

I have many mottos, but my main one is to never leave things for tomorrow – in other words to be proactive and cut to the chase whenever possible.

What are your main principles?

Integrity, honesty and goodwill are my guiding principles. My work is value-added because it deals with

people, and I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to do what they dream of doing. Treating clients fairly should be the norm. A snobbish or arrogant attitude will get you nowhere. I am very responsible – especially when I hire models for clients to do promotions and productlaunches. Punctuality and staying true to yourself are the keys to success.

How would you describe the fashion scene in Malta now compared to when you started?

Moods, styles of the time and ‘the fashion scene’ were very different 30 years ago.

There is more diversity and creativity today but in the past I think there was an outward sense of adventure, a determination to get things done and discipline. Of course there are more opportunities for models now and standards have been getting higher year after year.

What have been your high and low moments?

Life can be harsh sometimes. However, my strong personality keeps me going – facing up to challenges that at first seem too much to handle. They have made me stronger and I’m the better for it, whilst looking ahead more positively. Avoiding past mistakes and making good use of experience is an added bonus. There have been conflicting moments, especially as a mother doing my best to reach a balance between private matters and business but, thank God, I have managed well.

Both my children, Valentina and Dean, are realising their priorities

with satisfaction. My father has always been my rock at difficult times and his help in raising the children is something I will appreciate all my life.

What makes you particularly proud in your work?

My greatest satisfaction is when I take models abroad. We work together to try to keep up with international standards and demands and I must say that we have improved a lot. It is crucial for models to impress through a sound and robust performance. This takes time, hard work and practice. And representing one’s country is rewarding and an honour in itself.

Who is your biggest inspiration in life and in fashion?

I love fashion design and the names associated with this make it on to my favourites list. At the start of the season I keep an eye on the new collections and my favourites of them all is Charles & Ron. Their designs, outfits and accessories are exquisite. In addition, they are both long-time friends and I have always admired their work. Their collections have a refreshing air that never fails to impress me.

How will you be celebrating the 30-years landmark?

Anniversaries are occasions for reflection, recollection and innovation.

Family, friends and colleagues remain by my side and provide both support and inspiration..

We will hit the road again and party to celebrate the milestone.

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InFull

Boom STYLING: Dorianne Mamo (www.askdorianne.com) PHOTOGRAPHY: Matthew B. Spiteri HAIR: Dorian (Stranje’Hairdressing, Attard) MAKE-UP: Marlene Vassallo (Marlene Hair and Make-up) MODEL: Nicole Belenska (Models M)

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Mini dress, 造118, buttoned denim jacket, 造89, necklace, 造89, from UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON. Stamerra orange bangle with gold, 造127.50, from PORTO. 25

Star navy shirt, ¤79, off white denims, ¤89, navy blazer, ¤165, all from 1-2-3 PARIS. Ripani bag, ¤172, Striessnig scarf , ¤67, from PORTO.

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White tee with flower detail, ¤35, embroidered flower scarf, ¤25, both from PUNT ROMA. Etnia Barcelona red spectacles, ¤150, from O’HEA OPTICIANS. 27

Patterned sweater, ¤49.95, navy blue overalls, ¤89.95, both from UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON. Stamerra Orange bangle with gold, ¤127.50, from PORTO. Etnia Barcelona sunglasses, ¤179, from O’HEA OPTICIANS. 28

Oversized knitted cardigan, ¤59.95, denim culottes, ¤49.95, both from UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON. Tosca Blu patterned bag, ¤228, Chunky ring, ¤14, Stamerra shiny python bracelet, ¤142, all from PORTO. Denim heels, ¤85, from ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES. 29

Off-white strap top, ¤22, denim jacket, ¤60, jacquard mini-skirt, ¤50, all from RIVER ISLAND. Fendi sunglasses, ¤480, from O’HEA OPTICIANS. 30

Knitted snow white jumper, ¤69, jeans, ¤89, yellow poncho, ¤89, all from 1-2-3 PARIS. Ripani bag, ¤239, Stamerra shiny python bracelet, ¤142, both from PORTO. 31

OUTLETS FEATURED 1-2-3 PARIS Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian's, Tel: 21375781; O’HEA OPTICIANS 191, The Strand, Gzira, Tel: 21315590; UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON, The Plaza Shopping Mall, Sliema, and Pama Shopping Mall, Mosta, Tel: 21437290; RIVER ISLAND, The Point Shopping Mall, Tel: 2060708; PUNT ROMA, The Embassy, Valletta, and The Point Shopping Mall, Sliema, Tel: 99429496, The Embassy, Valletta, Tel: 99388524; ALDO SHOES & ACCESSORIES, The Point Shopping Mall, Tigne, Tel: 99751057, Valletta, Tel: 99892331, Pama Shopping Mall, Tel: 99854540, Paola, Tel: 99892332, Gozo, Tel: 99000106; PORTO, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian’s, Tel: 21372079.

Sleeveless navy dress, ¤75, from PUNT ROMA. Stamerra Bracelet, ¤85, from PORTO.

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Patterned skirt / 1-2-3 PARIS

It’s time to let yourself loose on the colourful accessories and expressive prints

Print shirt dress / M&S (¤59.95)

BRIGHT & PEARLY Silhouette’s limited edition sunglasses by Arthu

r Arbesser / O’HEA OPTICIANS (¤299)

9) IES (¤8

D

oes / AL

h Vallaro s

ESSOR S & ACC O SHOE

Ripan

i hand

bags /

PORT O (¤7

Finish off the look with soft but shimmery pink nail varnish – Le Vernis Hyperrose Glass by CHANEL.

Lip Balm Oil / 3INA

2)

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3 HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR 2 TODDLER’S FIRST PAIR OF SHOES

1

4

little sures tre5a

Your baby’s first steps are a massive milestone in his or her development – and your parenting. Once mastered, gone are the days of bare baby feet in summer or soft-soled shoes – the feet of your soon-to-betoddler will need protection from all the surfaces he/she will want to stand, walk and run on with speed – lucky you! Here are some tips on how to make the right choice of shoes for your little explorer and what to look out for

The right size

Your fitter will measure the length and width of your toddler’s feet. Properly fitting shoes should be about 12-16mm longer than the tip of the big toe and wide enough for all the toes to lie flat, but not too loose.

Your baby’s heel should be held securely in place – if his foot slips out when he is walking or standing on tiptoe, the shoe doesn’t fit properly.

Growth

Once your baby has her new shoes, check them every six to eight weeks to make sure that she hasn’t outgrown them. Her feet will grow by at least two sizes a year until she is about four, and then around one size a year after that. Gently press on the front of the shoe, and if you can feel your baby’s toe against your fingers it’s time for a new pair.

Spotting problems

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1. My Little Pony dress, ¤16, F&F. 2. Patterned dress, ¤29.95, UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON. 3. Girls sandal, ¤39 – ¤49, NICO PASSINI. 4. Blue boys jacket, ¤24, F&F. 5. Spotted dungaree dress, ¤19.95, UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON. 6. Blue and red striped jumper, ¤29.95, UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON.

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The vast majority of babies are born with no problems and by the time they are three, their feet and legs will have straightened out by themselves. Occasionally, however, feet and/or legs don’t develop normally – so here’s what to look out for: • If the front of the foot is very curved, doesn’t straighten up when you pull it gently and has a deep crease in the sole where it begins to curve, then mention it at the baby clinic.

• Most toddlers are pigeon-toed (toes face inwards) from 18 months up to around three years old when this corrects itself. If it seems to be a problem, and your toddler is tripping, check it with your doctor.

• By the age of three, your toddler will probably have an arch in the sole of the foot and those flat feet will have disappeared. If they are still flat, it’s worth checking out.

shop online www.NIAZZO.com

NICO

Shoes by PASSINI, Cathedral Street, Sliema, Malta.

T: 27014323

#ItAllStarts

WHERE AREYOUR TABLE MANNERS? They say manners maketh the man (or woman). At least, that’s what was ingrained into me as I was growing up. I can still hear my mother’s stern voice echoing across the dinner table: “Sit up straight! Elbows off the table! Don’t talk with your mouth full!” By Nicole Cuschieri.

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ining rituals have evolved radically over the centuries, yet they have always existed. Going back thousands of years to the early Homo sapiens, eating etiquette involved chewing voraciously on meaty bones (often human) and drinking water out of a human skull. By the Middle Ages, these rituals had progressed to a slightly more civilised level in Europe. Well, at least the meat consumed was now of animal origin. However, manners amongst mankind only extended to wiping the grease off their faces after tearing into a tasty piece of suckling pig.

It was not until the Renaissance period that refined table manners came into existence, given the beauty and fragility of dinnerware and wine glasses presented at decadent Venetian balls.

In 1740, French artist Jean-BaptisteSiméon Chardin painted a scene of a maid teaching two young children how to eat correctly. Cutlery and sitting up straight in your chair were 18th-century inventions. British tea rituals dating back from the 1700s consisted of formalised rituals for pouring tea and holding the delicate porcelain cup in the correct fashion. The 150th anniversary of Mrs Beeton’s book Household Management truly encapsulates the weird and wonderful

world of English manners. For example, at a dinner party, “the lady begins to help serve the soup, commencing with the gentleman on her right and on her left, and continuing in the same order till all are served. It is generally established as a rule, not to ask for soup or fish twice, as in so doing, part of the company may be kept waiting for the second course.” In certain highbrow circles, these complex rules still exist, but in even the most elite of establishments, this rigid order is rarely practiced nowadays.

Human beings do have the incessant habit of enforcing unnecessarily complicated rules. In the grand scheme of things, how essential are table manners? My mother was definitely right about some things. You shouldn’t talk with your mouth full. I guiltily confess that I do sometimes put my elbows on the table if I’m dining with a friend over a meal with wine and good conversation. And if I’m dining alone, I would almost certainly lick my plate clean.

In my world, there are only three things that I deem totally unacceptable at the dinner table: • Tucking into your meal before your host/hostess has sat down • Noisy, slurpy eaters • Any dinner conversation that involves football, illness, bodily functions or your boring job.

In today’s world, it might seem as

though we have returned to the barbaric ways of the mediaeval feast, with the invention of barbecued ribs, sandwiches, nachos and cheesy crust pizza, often eaten in front of the TV. Eating is, after all, an essential means of survival. A meal, however, is an important and symbolic social ritual.

Virtually every culture in the world has rituals around food – from the fasting and feasting in Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions to the highly ritualised tea ceremony in Japan.

The rituals of family dinners are an iconic part of growing up. Some of my fondest childhood memories are sitting around our old pine dining table as a

family unit. My father would tell the same stories every week and my sister and I would roll our eyes as we devoured my mother’s speciality dish: oven baked pork with crackling and roast potatoes.

One of Mrs Beeton’s most famous quotes states that all creatures eat, but “man only dines”, which is why these rituals are so essential to our lives. We still see a table-cloth and neatly placed cutlery as integral to a proper meal.

And it is these rituals that define the meal and, ultimately, define who we are.

This is why table manners shape our lives as firmly as they did for those children in the painting by Chardin.

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WORLD TABLE ETIQUETTE IN EATING 10 COUNTRIES THE RULES> ACROSS GLOBE

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e teach our children not to talk with their mouths full, to use cutlery in the correct fashion and to finish everything on their plate. However, in some countries, burping and slurping may be perfectly acceptable and clearing your plate considered an insult. It may be wise, therefore, if you are visiting another culture to learn their dining customs beforehand, as you may end up insulting them without even realising it.

Ethiopia The Ethiopian people have a wonderful tradition called ‘gursha’ where they hand-feed each other as a gesture of trust and hospitality between those sharing the food.

Italy Never order a milky beverage after a meal as Italians believe that milk hinders digestion. Instead, opt for straight espresso or coffee. No one’s going to look at you disdainfully for ordering a cappuccino, but you might be branded a silly tourist.

Thailand Don’t put a fork in your mouth. You’re supposed to use your fork to shovel food onto your spoon and then eat it off that.

France If you are fine dining in swish French style, never cut your lettuce. You must instead fold it with your knife and fork into little, mouth-sized bundles. Once safely back in your kitchen, you can eat your salad any way you damn well please.

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China Finishing everything on your plate is considered rude.

Leaving a small amount symbolises that you have had sufficient and acknowledges your host’s generosity.

Also, whatever you do, never, ever flip a fish after eating one side. It is considered bad luck as it is, obviously, associated with the capsizing of a fishing boat. Instead, remove the bones completely if you want to get to the other side, or just stare at that delicious fish taunting you from your plate.

Japan Never stick your chopsticks into the rice bowl. In Japanese culture, this behaviour is only acceptable at funerals, which is just going to make dinner awkward.

Burping, on the other hand, is perfectly acceptable. In fact, go mad. Burping noisily shows appreciation for the meal.

Nigeria When visiting friends in Nigeria’s Kagoro tribe, don’t even think of asking for a spoon if you’re a woman.

Women aren’t allowed spoons. Everyone knows spoons lead to anarchy.

Korea Take cues from your elders. Wait until the eldest person has begun to eat before you dive into your plate and, painstaking though it may be, keep pace with them. This isn’t a race: there’s plenty of kimchi to go round.

The Middle East It might feel awkward, but eat with your right hand only. The left hand is used for hygiene and – well – ‘bodily functions’ and the right hand is used to eat and socialise with. If you are left-handed, you’ll just have to starve to death.

Britain At teatime, do all the right things with your teaspoon or risk disgrace and dishonour.

1. When stirring, never touch the sides of your cup with the spoon.

2. Don’t leave your spoon in the teacup.

3. Place your spoon on your saucer, facing the same direction as the cup handle.

4. Sip tea in complete terror and try your best to avoid any faux pas.

Also, be classy when it comes to soup. Tilt the bowl away from you, and scoop away from you with your bowl-shaped soup-spoon, as if to say, “I hate this soup, I couldn’t possible eat it,” before giving in and daintily sipping from the side of your spoon.

Are you doing it right?

Seating etiquette Your hostess may have seating arrangements in mind, so you should allow her to direct you to your seat. As the host, it is you who suggests the seating arrangements.

Napkin etiquette At informal meals, place the napkin in your lap immediately upon seating.

During formal occasions, before unfolding the napkin, wait for the hostess to remove her napkin from the table and unfold it in her lap.

Food service etiquette During the serving of a formal dinner, the food is brought to each diner at the table, the server presenting the platter or bowl from the diner’s left. At a more casual meal, either the hostess serves the food onto guests’ plates for them to pass around the table or the diners help themselves to the food and pass it to others as necessary.

The table setting Deciding which knife, fork, or spoon to use is made easier by the outside-in table manners rule – using cutlery from the outside first and working your way inwards.

When to start eating At a small table of only two to four people, wait until everyone else has been served before starting to eat. At a formal or business meal, you should either wait until everyone is served to start or begin when your hostess asks you to.

Handling cutlery The continental style of table-manners prevails at all meals, formal and informal, because it is a natural, nondisruptive way to eat.

1. Hold your fork in your left hand, tines pointing downward.

2. Hold your knife in your right hand, an inch or two above the plate.

3. Extend your index finger along the top of the blade.

4. Use your fork to spear and lift food to your mouth.

5. If your knife is not needed, it remains on the table.

Passing the food Pass to the right. One diner either holds the dish as the next diner takes some food, or he hands it to the person, who then serves herself. Any heavy or awkward dishes are put on the table with each pass. Special rules apply to passing salt and pepper and passing bread and butter.

Resting cutlery When you pause to take a sip of your beverage or to speak with someone, rest your utensils by placing your knife and fork on your plate near the centre, slightly angled in an inverted V and with the tips of the knife and fork pointing toward each other.

At the end of the meal At a formal affair, plates are removed by a professional staff. But as most informal meals are served without help, the hostess clears the plates, often with the help of a guest or two. At a family meal, members clear their own plates.

Leaving the dining room To signal dinner is concluded, the hostess catches the eye of the host, lays her napkin on the table, and suggests that everyone go into another room for coffee and after-dinner drinks. The hostess rises from her chair.

When it’s time to leave, rather than detain one’s host with a lengthy goodbye, make the departure brief but cordial.

Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes These mini cakes look impressive, and are very easy to make. Decorating them with fresh strawberries and white chocolate will add to the fun. Depending on where you are in the world remember your table manners when reaching for that last crumb! Recipe by Dusha Lia from Baltazar Bistro INGREDIENTS 225g baking liquid or softened margarine 225g caster sugar 4 eggs, medium 225g self-raising flour, sifted 1 teaspoon baking powder FOR THE FILLING 2 tablespoons jam 150ml whipping cream, whipped 1 tablespoon of icing sugar 40

METHOD Place all cake ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat together until smooth. Place heaped tablespoons of the mix in 12 muffins cases. Bake in the centre of the preheated oven at 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4 for 20-25 minutes. Turn out, remove paper and cool on wire tray.

When cold remove the cakes from the cases and cut in half horizontally. Fill with the jam and whipped cream.

Decorate with fresh strawberries and melted white chocolate. Melt 100g of white chocolate and a tablespoon of water in a glass bowl over gently simmering pot of water. Pour into piping bag and drizzle over strawberries.

MUNICH’S BUZZING DIVERSITY Munich is one of Europe’s major centres of music and art, innovation and technology, museums and culture, education, antiquities and palaces. The city centre alone is home to over three-times the population of Malta and Munich is regularly included in the list of cities with the highest standard of living worldwide. Dini Martinez explores.

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Music Metropolis The Wittelsbach family ruled Bavaria for seven centuries and, even when the throne remained unoccupied after Ludwig II, left behind a cultural feast. This includes the largest city palace in Germany, the Munchner Residenz, with an awe-inspiring 10 courtyards and 130 glittering rooms. Its exquisite rococo-style Old Residence Theatre, dating from 1753, was the scene of Mozart’s first opera and it is still used for regular concerts today. The palace is open to the public.

The National Theatre, the larger of Munich’s two other former royal opera houses, is another dazzling palace of marble, gold and crystal. It is the principal venue of the summer opera festival and regularly hosts international stars. The Gärtnerplatz Theatre, which is smaller and cosier but equally gilded, is host to an amazing variety of performances – from traditional operas to modern musicals. In total, Munich is home to well over 60 theatres, four major orchestras and a prestigious state ballet.

Centre of Arts The city also plays in the premier league in the graphic-art arena. The three Pinacotheca galleries are so well-stocked they merit several days for visiting.

Among the Rubens, Titians, Breugels and da Vincis, one of the Old Gallery’s highlights is a rare Rembrandt selfportrait. The New Pinacotheca, based on

The Deutsches Museum brings technology to life. It is as big and multifarious as an independent city. You can climb from coal mines in the cellar via U-boats, ships and Zeppelins to the space age in the loft. Generally, only the promise of an ice-cream in the adjacent park on the Museum’s own Isar Island succeeds in luring anyone outside.

A short tram-ride back to the centre takes you to the Munich Municipal Museum – which lays out the city’s history, including a warts-and-all section devoted to its two decades of Nazism. Meanwhile there are 80 other museums waiting to be discovered. To name but a few: the Jewish Museum, the Toy Museum, the BMW Museum or the Nymphenburg Palace which makes Elsa’s frozen castle fade miles into the background.

Acknowledging that in Munich beer is culture too, few visitors miss the emblematic Hofbräuhaus.

This cavernous, state-owned beer hall was built in 1589 and is a true historical monument, with an Oktoberfest feel all year round. The members of staff wear traditional Bavarian style costumes, the menu includes schnitzels, sausages, pork knuckles and, of course, beer steins and the band plays unflaggingly.

Where to eat Hofbraeuhaus, Platzl 9, 80331 Mânchen – for the most authentic culinary and cultural Bavarian experience.

What to see The Royal Palace, Marienplatz, Old and New Pinacothecas, the Deutsches Museum, The English Garden and the Nymphenburg Palace.

Where to stay Luxury: Bayrischer Hof (the venue of a recent security conference). Family friendly: Mandarin Oriental.

Budget/good hotel: Motel One; Aloft.

Apartments: The Spot.

When to go At any time of the year! Spring and autumn have intermediate temperatures that are ideal for exploring. Summer's average temperature at the foot of the Alps hovers around 20oC. December boasts Christmas markets and warm mulled wine at most street corners.

January is the coldest month, when temperatures go below zero and snow is common.

Foody Green Escapes

How to get there

One of my best memories of Munich must still be those late Sunday mornings when I met a bunch of friends in one of the many beer gardens for some weisswuerstl (white sausages) with sweet mustard sauce and a

Direct flights from Malta to Munich airport with Air Malta and Lufthansa for around €300 return, then train (or taxi or Uber) from the airport straight into the city.

lence and ancient history juxtaposed with modern day Dublin and how the brave act of friendship, and the phrase inspired two worlds to connect.

Through Steve’s illustration of a simple but brave gesture from Ireland’s past, he shows that while Dublin will always evolve, its spirit of openness will never change.

The 2017 Jameson St. Patrick’s Day Limited Edition bottle is available in our market and is marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverages Imports Company Limited. ‘chance your arm’ story to life via two outstretched hands, exchanging a handshake which is framed by the St. Patrick’s Cathedral door of Reconciliation. The bottle depicts historic Dublin landmarks such as the Ha’penny bridge across the River Liffey, the surrounding Irish mountains and the Smithfield tower. The bottle symbolizes the medieval vio-

Museum Hub

Every year Jameson celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by commissioning an artist to create a piece of original art for its limited edition bottle. This year, Jameson is proud to be working with Steve McCarthy, a Dublin based designer and illustrator.

Steve’s design has brought the

King Ludwig’s private collection, boasts an all-star team, including Goya, Manet, Monet, Cézanne, Pissarro, Renoir, Gauguin and van Gogh.

But there is more to Munich than big names and pretty buildings. Once you have ticked off the most famous artefacts, discover Munich’s growing vibrant urban art scene. About 20 minutes away from Marienplatz, the city’s main square since 1158, Tumblingerstrasse is the place to see some of the city’s finest street art. The whole area is developing into a cultural hub for artists and developing into one of Munich’s upcoming hot spots.

pint of beer to cure the hang-over. In the warmer months, we would later cycle down to one of the popular Isar beaches to cool down and clean off in a refreshing river swim, with or without clothes – it’s not an issue here. There is even a place where you can do river surfing – in fact, it is the birthplace of this unusual sport.

The English Garden, the world’s biggest urban green space complete with river, lakes and islands, gracefully breathes fresh air into any city escape and is popular with both visitors and locals. In fact, the whole naturalisation of the Isar’s river bed has been so successful that many cities around the world, including Los Angeles, are trying to mimic the idea and apply it to their own.

JAMESON 2017 ST. PATRICK’S DAY Limited Edition bottle

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pending parts of my childhood an hour to the west of Munich, I remember it having a reputation for being posh, arrogant and over-priced.

Surprisingly, 20 years down the line, many of my old school-friends have moved there. It is not only the investment bankers, hard-core party folk and BMW engineers who love it. Even the ones who swear by it choose social careers and generally hang out in the latest semi-converted industrial halls, smoking some illegal substances to the sound of improvised reggae, rather than in the Pacha, sipping cocktails at the price of half an African nation’s debt.

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FIGHTINGFatty10Fish foodsBrown Rice YOUR ACNE Artichoke Avocado WITH FOOD Nuts Broccoli THAT HELP PREVENT BREAKOUTS

Fish is a great source of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. These help reduce inflammation in our bodies that can trigger cells to clog pores and potentially cause acne. Eat more salmon, mackerel and sardines to fight blemishes.

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ealing with acne as an adult can be soul-destroying. If it’s a severe case, your confidence can be affected and the eternal search for a cure – whilst smothering yourself in clogging foundation – can be counter-productive. A cure can, however, be helped from within, as certain foods and lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.

The fact is that a hormonal imbalance can reveal itself in the form of acne, and the best way to fight it is by learning how to relax and look after yourself.

Your skin is your largest organ, so look after it by eating whole and healthy food all year round, staying hydrated, sleeping as snug as a bug and having a good cleansing routine. A positive change in eating habits can help a great deal. Introduce these 10 foods into your life if you have not done so already, perhaps coming up with some exciting new recipes to try at home.

Brown rice is a rich source of vitamin B, protein, magnesium and several antioxidants. For acne, vitamin B acts as our skin’s stressfighter, which will help regulate hormone levels and prevent the likelihood of break-outs.

Artichoke is a good source of antioxidants and full of Vitamin C. This fibrous green vegetable helps to remove toxins from the body, making it a great addition to a healthy skin diet.

This tasty green fruit, rich in vitamin E, can also increase your skin’s vitality. Avocado is also a good source of vitamin C, which can reduce skin inflammation and naturally moisturise the skin.

Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc and selenium have been linked to acne in some sufferers. Most nuts contain selenium, vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron, which are all essential for healthy skin.

Broccoli is the perfect skin-clearing food. It contains health-building properties such as Vitamins A, B complex, C, E and K. These antioxidants fight radical damage which will help the luminosity of your skin.

Fennel

Garlic

If you're looking for the perfect natural skin cleanser, eat fennel.

This liquorice-tasting root vegetable can improve digestion, reduce swelling and help to flush out excess fluids and toxins in your skin.

Garlic is another superfood that helps fight inflammation. It is full of a naturally occurring chemical called allicin, which kills off many of the harmful bacteria and viruses your body might be fighting.

Red Grapes

Alfalfa sprouts

The fruit and its seeds contain powerful natural chemicals and antioxidants that have been shown to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. On top of this, grapes can also help control the side-effects of allergic reactions on the skin.

These sprouts are packed with valuable, skin-clearing nutrients and contain live enzymes that help fight inflammation.

DID YOU KNOW

Spring is on the doorstep and so it’s time to start thinking seriously about cleaning up our act. This salad is bursting with the healthiest of ingredients and there is no compromise with taste. Simply add a slice of stone-baked French baguette and a glass of wine and you can host the most fabulous lunch!

Recipe by Dusha Lia from Baltazar Bistro

Super food salad

Two type of stress — psychological stress and physical stress — can cause changes in the skin with the release of cortisol, a stress hormone in our bodies.

Our diet also affects all our skin. Foods that spike your blood sugar levels can also push your body into making extra insulin, which increases the production of cortisol — which basically acts as our body’s immediate source of energy.

Smoked Mackerel, Lentils and Brown Rice SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS

200g smoked mackerel, flaked.

200g cooked and drained lentils.

100g cooked brown rice. 1 small shallot, finely chopped. 1 avocado pear – sliced and added at last minute to prevent browning. 8 cherry tomatoes, halved. 4 small radishes, thinly sliced. ½ cucumber, thinly sliced.

Fresh dill, chopped. Fresh parsley, chopped. Sprinkling of cayenne pepper.

FOR THE DRESSING

50g capers, rinsed and drained. 4 anchovy fillets. Juice of a lemon. Juice of a lime.

150ml extra virgin olive oil. 1 tsp clear honey. 1 garlic clove. Pinch of black pepper.

METHOD Mix flaked mackerel, lentils, brown rice and finely chopped shallot and set aside. Place dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. To serve, place mackerel, lentils and brown rice in a shallow serving dish. Arrange cucumber, tomatoes and radishes on top and, just before serving, add sliced avocado pear, pour over the dressing, followed by the chopped dill and parsley, and sprinkle with cayenne pepper.

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she S toopsto Conquer Director Malcolm Galea explains his take on this classic play to be performed in Malta next weekend

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Although this play is a classic and somewhat of a theatre staple, I prefer contemporary comedies to period pieces so had never made it a priority to read it. A couple of years ago, however, it was produced by London’s National Theatre and I enjoyed it so much that I bought the script so I could experience it again at leisure. What impressed me was how this comedy from the 1770s was still capable of bringing the house down over 240 years later.

WHAT IMPRESSED ME WAS HOW THIS COMEDY FROM THE 1770S WAS STILL CAPABLE OF BRINGING THE HOUSE DOWN OVER 240 YEARS LATER. The plot is complex and simple at the same time and sees the winningly witty Kate Hardcastle expecting a visit from the cripplingly shy Charles Marlow. Their fathers are good friends and are hoping that they will like each other enough to form a marriage between the two families. The hitch, however, is that whenever Charles is in the presence of a lady, he tenses up and becomes a bumbling idiot. Things get complicated when he loses his way and arrives at the Hardcastle Manor thinking that he’s about to spend the night at a roadside inn – and behaves accordingly. While her old-fashioned father looks on in scandalised astonishment, Kate comes up with a plan to win over the bashful Charles without him knowing who she is.

Essentially, the play is about being yourself and its characters only prevail after accepting this. As a scriptwriter, I can really appreciate the intricacy of the work so my chief aim in directing it is to do the piece justice. While the script is still undeniably funny, I suspect that the timing and tonality of the dialogue would have changed considerably over time, so my focus is on making sure that the delivery is on par with modern comedy standards.

She Stoops to Conquer, produced by MADC and directed by Malcolm Galea, will be performed at The Salesian Theatre in Sliema on 17, 18 and 19 March and at the Manoel Theatre on 23, 24, 25 and 26 March and the actors include Andre Agius, Gianni Selvaggi, Giulia Gatt, Joe Depasquale, Marylu Coppini, Michael Mangion, Stephen Oliver and Tina Rizzo.

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ANOTHER HILARIOUS CHARACTER TOTHESTAGE Il-Mitt Fehma Tal-Kavallier John Giordimaina O.S.C.I.

by Unifaun and Trevor Zahra

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hat’s this? Another collaboration between Trevor Zahra and Unifaun? Yes, so it would seem. Following the success of previous productions – Is-Surmast, Minn Wara Ż-Żipp, Ritratti Sepja and Il-Ħajja Sigrieta Tan-Nanna Ġenoveffa – Unifaun and Trevor Zahra are teaming up again to bring another hilarious character to the stage.

This time, they will be basing their work on Mr Zahra’s book Bizzilla, to stage the play Il-Mitt Fehma Tal-Kavallier John Giordimaina O.S.C.I. Kavallier John Giordimaina, who will be played by Mikhail Basmadjian. The Kavallier is a larger than life character who has an opinion about everything. He is surrounded by simple characters, some of whom think the world of him and others who just think he is a bumbling know-it-all who, in fact, knows nothing.

Throughout the play, Kavallier John Giordimaina will pontificate and try to convince the audience on several subjects, such as celibacy, vegetarianism, censorship and even the Eurovision Song Contest.

Producer Adrian Buckle says: “Rehearsals are now in full swing and we are delighted to bring this character to life. Trevor is a unique playwright, whose command of Maltese and tongue-in-cheek humour guarantee a great night out.

The way Trevor writes about Maltese people is second to none.”

Kavallier John Giordimaina will be supported by a variety of characters played by some of the most established actors on the Maltese stage and also some very promising newcomers. Veteran actors Mary Rose Mallia, Simon Curmi and Anthony Ellul will be joined by upcoming actors Christine Francalanza, Andre Mangion and Graziella Galea. Also appearing in a cameo role as himself will be Trevor Zahra – who will have to listen to the Kavallier’s diatribe about the evils of pornographic writing.

The play will be directed by veteran Maltese director Josette Ciappara and will be designed by Unifaun mainstay set designer Romualdo Moretti.

Performances will be held in the Sir Temi Zammit Hall at the University of Malta on 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 March at 8pm. Tickets are available from www.ticketline.com.mt or from Embassy Cinemas in Valletta. For more information call 7905 6558.

Is Malta Safe?

LET’S TALK ABOUT....

We asked some of the contributors to this issue the following question > After hearing the news of recent bomb attacks, robberies and murders in Malta, do you feel safe? Here are their answers >>>

am a very pragmatic person and try my best not to get carried away with sensational events that create a disproportionate view of reality.

The truth is that excessive cholesterol leading to heart disease is still the number one cause of premature death. Road/vehicle accidents and death caused by negligent work practices are far more prevalent than violent crimes. We need to take a fair, realistic view and aim to curb the dangers we can control. If individuals make bad choices and get involved in shady business, I don’t believe it should affect the country’s reputation as a safe haven!

I always believed things were happening around us, perhaps not to this extent, but they were. When I was younger I never seemed to ‘notice’ or be bothered by tragic events because I would only get to know about them on TV. I am sure there were times when things happened and I never got to hear about them! Nowadays, news travels way too fast and everything is so accessible. I still feel safe in Malta – for now. I just hope that people will stop resolving their issues by taking the law into their own hands and, more importantly, that the police and everyone concerned with these criminal issues do their job well. Laws must change and criminals need to be punished harshly. Applying fines and bailing people out is a no-no in my books!

Joanna Delia, 34, Valletta, aesthetic doctor

Carina Camilleri, 53, Ta’ Xbiex, fashion stylist and owner of Models M

Robberies and murders have been happening forever and, unfortunately, they are bound to keep on happening. No amount of enforcement will ever lead us to a society where such things will never happen. As such, safety is relative. What worries me most is the laissezfaire attitude and sense of entitlement that many people seem to have developed over the past few years. Many people have learnt to justify the unjustifiable and nowadays, we have been reduced to a situation where ‘might is right’ and if you dare to stand up to anyone who is in the wrong, you stand a higher chance of retribution. What is happening in politics is also affecting this situation, because if those ‘up there’, who represent us and who should be setting an example, are ‘getting away with murder’, then how can we expect others to act correctly? More education and more discipline in schools might be the answer, although I doubt that it’ll ever happen.

I still feel that I can go out and walk at any time of the day, but this doesn’t mean that we should not see action and a change in attitude. The authorities and the police seem more intent on spin, emphasising that these heinous crimes often target known criminals. The main worry is that we seem to be going back to a time when our blind trust in the police is shaken. The police force has been too politicised, sadly, and the maths is scary. There have been five police commissioners in four years. How many organisations can change their top man so often and not face problems in delivering? Depoliticising the police should be top of our agenda. It would ensure that they always take the appropriate action, whether there are links to the criminal underworld or not.

Victor Calleja, 60, Sliema, author

Since we moved to Malta eight years ago, we have seen an increase in crime and violence. Overall, I’m not afraid or worried, but I have changed some of my habits. For one, I have stopped running in the evening. I don´t think anyone should live in fear but, yes, the world has changed as a whole. Some of the most violent crimes in Malta seem to be organised crimes and the thought that such things can happen here is scary, in a place we thought was a safe haven from the rest of Europe.

I lived in London for eight years in my twenties and I would return to Malta every summer to the safe, idyllic island that I called home – that sleepy place where nothing ever changed and a gruesome murder happened once in a blue moon and would be the talking point of the year. Maltese crimes in the past were crimes of passion, disputes over inheritance or an escalated argument over a parking space. With the sudden surge over the past five years of stabbings, burglaries, muggings, cat serial killers and now the latest trend in car bombings, people find themselves being pulled out of their comfort zone into uncomfortable new territory. However, looking at crime statistics, Malta is still one of the safest countries in the world to live in. There is a sense of community in most villages and up to now, I have never felt threatened or in danger in any part of the island. So I won’t be on emigrating any time soon!

Line Young Peteri, 39, Sliema, Business Advisor

Nicole Cushchieri, 38, Qawra, film and theatre

James Vella Clark, Valletta, media and artist

If you would also like to comment on this issue’s topic of ‘Is Malta Safe’, or have anything else that you would like to discuss, send an email to lagius@independent.com.mt or send a letter to First Opinion, The Malta Independent, Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s.

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48

WE ARE FAMILY

Frank Salt Real Estate has grown from a small family business into one with over 175 team members – but it has never lost that important sense of family that keeps it so close knit. HR Manager Rania Zouari explains the strong core, ethical values and exciting benefits that make this such a great place to work.

F

rank Salt Real Estate is an exciting place to be. At any given moment, across any of its numerous branches, sales are being made, contracts are being signed and deals are being done. It is fastpaced and dynamic but, at the same time, also focused and well-grounded; there is a sense of history and commitment that goes hand-in-hand with the Frank Salt Real Estate recipe for success.

Overseeing many aspects of the way this 175-strong team works together, is HR Manager Rania Zouari whose role is to ensure that the company’s core values of team spirit, recognition, stability, lifestyle and rewards are central to everything that goes on.

“As a department, our goal is to promote corporate values and enable business success through recruitment, performance management and employment cycle changes,” Rania explains, adding that this needs to be achieved while supporting business needs and ensuring the proper implementation of company strategy and objectives. “My academic background and work experience relate well to the job requirements here at Frank Salt Real Estate. This is because the role requires a person with tact and diplomacy, as well as someone who is able to liaise effectively with others. I feel that my personality and qualities fit in well, especially since I have an easy, enthusiastic, outgoing nature and can work well in a team.”

Part of Rania’s role is to recruit the people needed by Frank Salt Real Estate to ensure the company can keep growing in the right direction. “This really is a great place to work, so it’s exciting to be able to reach out to people and show them just how many benefits there are to working in real estate and, specifically, to working with Frank Salt.”

Of course it does take a particular type of person to succeed in this fast-paced field. Great agents need to be pleasant, friendly and organised, with an outgoing personality and positive attitude. They also need to have strong communication skills, should love challenges and must have lots of confidence when meeting new people.

“A person with those skills can look forward to a really great career with us,” says Rania. “After all, this is a job with excellent working conditions and which enables you to earn as much as you want. In fact, on average, consultants working with us sell and earn up to 60 per cent more than consultants working with our competitors. It’s also very satisfying, especially when you close a sale or a letting agreement.”

Beyond all of that, Frank Salt Real Estate is also well known for supporting its employees, both at the start of their relationship with the company and as they progress through the ranks. As a result, team members never feel as if they have to ‘go it alone’, but know they are supported every step of the way, thanks to the company’s specialised support and ongoing training.

“From the moment someone joins the company they are given all the help they need to succeed,” says Rania. “Training starts immediately, with two months of compulsory courses for new recruits, and this is then followed by consistent mentoring schemes and training programmes. It’s all very hands-on, which makes it fun, while the advice comes from people in-the-know who have actually experienced the industry first-hand and whose input is extremely valuable.

We are tremendously proud of this aspect of our approach and believe it truly sets us apart from other real estate companies on the island.”

INTEREST AND INVESTMENT IN MALTA IS MORE PROLIFIC THAN EVER, SO WE CONTINUE TO NEED GOOD, DEDICATED PEOPLE TO HELP US REACH OUT TO THE EVER-GROWING NUMBER OF POTENTIAL BUYERS, RENTERS AND INVESTORS And ‘team spirit’ is also a cornerstone of life at Frank Salt Real Estate. “With the serious business comes lots of fun,” Rania beams. “We take a ‘work hard, play hard’ approach and constantly organise activities that bring the whole company together, from motivational talks to team-building events. As people progress through the company there are also huge rewards to look forward to – including an all-expenses-paid 10-day trip abroad for the top performers. Destinations have included Las Vegas, Dubai, Malaysia and South Africa (this month), and all who went found the trips to be absolutely amazing!”

Finally, Rania also stresses that this is a great time to join the industry as a whole, and Frank Salt Real Estate specifically.

“The real estate market really is booming and demand in the sector easily outweighs supply. Interest and investment in Malta is more prolific than ever, so we continue to need good, dedicated people to help us reach out to the ever-growing number of potential buyers, renters and investors”.

“Frank Salt Real Estate is expanding too – we are opening more offices around Malta in the near future and are looking to recruit new team members. There are lots of exciting opportunities available to them and we look forward to making them a reality,” she adds with a smile.

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DEALING WITH A DILEMMA

Dear Claire

I feel gutted and lonely. A year ago I ended a 20year relationship with my partner after his affair with a younger girl. I now look around and realise that all my friends have gone on to achieve something in life, whether setting up a loving family or gaining success in the workplace.

At 41, I am single, childless and stuck in a rut at work. I often end up alone and incapable of having a good time, even when in company. To be honest, I forgot the last time I can say that I had fun.

I

t would seem that, somewhere along the way, you lost the knack of having fun. Your responsibilities and commitments usurped all your time, leaving none for your enjoyment. Yet, fun should not be a luxury but an integral component of our existence.

Fun is very subjective, so what may be fun for other people may not be fun for you and vice versa. So take the time to identify what you find entertaining and what gives you joy; find those activities that absorb you to the point where, for an instant, you are able to forget all your worries and give you a sense of total well-being. Identifying how you have fun when you are alone may be relatively simple, since the only person to take into consideration is yourself.

While being able to have fun even when on your own is important: we are social beings and need company.

You must therefore find good ways of having fun with others that is also enjoyable for you. This may take some exploring. You can begin by joining groups of people who share common interests, and thereby make new friends. Don’t be scared of trying new experiences. Shed any prejudice and be open to new opportunities.

Embrace change and reclaim your creativity in all areas of your life.

One way of having more fun is to rediscover the power of play. When we were young we were able to transform even the most tedious task into some kind of game and, in the process, make even the most boring chore bearable, if not actually enjoyable. Do try to revive this ability and use it at work as well as in your relationships.

Life is short and is there to be enjoyed. We all have so many beautiful things going on in our lives, and we must not let a few negatives obscure the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that everything else gives us. At 41, you still have many years ahead of you. Learn from your past to identify what gives you true joy, and do not settle for anything less.

Your life can be anything you want it to be: you choose. Fun and positivity will give you a fresh mindset and expand your potential, enabling you to regain confidence and independence, which will certainly help you to attract other positive people into your life.

Fun should neither be only reserved for weekends or special occasions, nor should it be based on being around specific people or associated only with particular places. It need not be expensive or dependent upon owning material possessions. It certainly need not be induced through binge-drinking or substance-abuse.

Fun should be a natural consequence in our life. It should be the result of us being mindful and living every moment, no matter how tough it may be. Our life should be like a roller-coaster – sometimes up, sometimes down, but the final outcome should always be a positive experience and a good sincere laugh.

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g n i o G A

y oP tt

re you the last person friends should ask to ‘plant sit’ for them while they are away for a week? We feel for you: a little light and some water every now and again should do the trick, we hear you say, but when every plant you’ve ever had has gone off to flower heaven too soon, of course there has to be another reason – not your lack of green fingers. So please don’t bring in the fakes just yet – some low-maintenance pot plants may be the answer. Here are some of our favourites.

Aloe

Aloe isn’t only a structured looking plant, it has medicinal properties that may come in handy. It can grow up to three feet high, but the popular smaller kind, Aloe Vera, is a perfect addition to every home in a sunny indoor space. Since it does have thorns, keep it out of reach of toddlers – and your floating silk nightgown! It prefers dry soil, so the best bit of information is to avoid frequent watering!

English Ivy

Known as a nuisance on brick buildings in England, since they hug themselves lovingly to them, ivies actually look lovely in a pot.

Their arms reach down in graceful strokes and if you choose one well, the white border outlining the leaves are very beautiful indeed.

It is also easy to start a new plant for yourself or a friend by taking a cutting from one. How delightful!

Ficus

The good old reliable ficus – a robust plant that simply thrives without much effort on your part. Find a lovely pot, put your new green friend in a sunny spot in your home and watch it thrive. Most varieties only need

a little watering every few days and an occasional dusting. There are over 800 varieties, so have fun choosing your favourite kind.

Areca Palm

Reminiscent of vintage wallpapers and contemporary fabrics, this tree is a tropical-looking gem. It can grow up to seven feet high, but a smaller pot will restrict its growth to what you prefer. The Areca Palm will thrive in indirect light and is another one that prefers dry soil – so only needs watering every couple of weeks, or so. Wonderful!

Cacti

There are many varieties of cacti to choose from, but most of them do well with the slightest amount of care. They are fun-looking and you can either keep them in the original plastic pot they came in, placed inside a cage or on a funky tray, or grouped together in a new arrangement all of your own. Just be careful not to prick yourself – or that delicate silk dressing gown!

Pothos

Last but not least – in fact this is a good one to start practicing your green thumb on – is this enduring beauty of a plant. It can be placed in a hanging basket or on a shelf to allow the continuing growth of its leaved stems, like Rapunzel letting her strong beautiful hair hang down from the tower to allow the prince to climb up.

We have only given you a snippet of what’s available out there – the variety of colours, shades, shapes and sizes are infinite. So hopefully we have inspired you enough to start embracing plants at home again, and plan to wander around your nearest gardening centre for more inspiration and advice. Look for that plant you want to take home as though it was a puppy – but remember to feed it only occasionally!

SOME

YOU TIME

LOOK AND FEEL FABULOUS Here are some beauty item picks of the month

MAKE-UP ALERT The eyebrow marker from 3INA(€9.95) offers eyebrows a new lease of life by giving them definition and presence. Fuller eyebrows are still all the rage, and quite right too – they accentuate eyes and can look naturally beautiful.

Save them from too much plucking and try your hand at this. Available in four shades – blond, redhead, light brown and dark brown – with a wide-angled pencil made from Caranuba wax and butter, and a brush at the other end, it is easy and also a pleasure to use. We suggest that you also use The Eyebrow Mascara (€8.95) on top to give them hold. The mascara can also be used alone, as it comes in a colour tone too, which can just enhance a natural look.

Rouge Noir lipstick by Chanel can now adorn the lips in spring, white and beige are re-imagined for nails and red becomes younger, bolder and more audacious than ever. Chanel’s global creative make-up and colour designer, Lucia Pica, has found a way of re-infusing the classic shades of Chanel with her own elegant irreverence, breathing new life and challenging conventional modes of beauty, “to reverse beauty expectations and have women challenge themselves.” (Distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd)

Maintaining healthy looking skin An effective skin-care regime must contain three fundamental elements: prevention, protection and correction and the SkinCeuticals product philosophy is built around these principles.

Designed to help protect against future damage through their sun care range, to protect healthy skin and help correct existing damage, SkinCeuticals is committed to advanced skincare products that are backed by science.

Experience the benefits of a 360 degree skin-care regime for yourself. These products are efficient alone, but more effective together! (Distributed by Prohealth).

OFFER Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre is giving an up to 15 per cent discount on SkinCeuticals products this month. Call Persona in Ta’ Xbiex on 2134 0366 for more information.

Hyperfresh Powder Blush by Chanel gives instant life to your cheeks. It comes with a sweet little blusher brush inside the box, as well as a handy little mirror. As you open it you can smell the gentle scent of roses – a must for every woman’s handbag!

COMPETITIONS PRIZE 1 - THE MILK & TONER, THE REVITALIZING PRIMER WITH SPF30, AND THE DAY CREAM FROM 3INA (€29.85) PRIZE 2 - A 50ML BOTTLE OF OLYMPEA INTENSE PERFUME. Blue serum by Chanel (€96) ) initiates a daily beauty regime. Its formula is a combination of the natural power-green coffee of Costa Rica, the olives of Sardinia and the lentisk of Greece and avant-garde technology that improves cutaneous longevity and activates the skin’s youthfulness. It is not about combating aging, rather about initiating wellbeing and a new approach to skin youthfulness. (Distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd) 52

If you think you know the answer to the following question: in which country is it polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate? – like FIRST Magazine on Facebook and send your answer the good old-fashioned way, by post, to: FIRST COMPETITION, The Malta Independent on Sunday, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s by 27 March, stating which of the two prizes you would prefer.

WINNER from the FEBRUARY ISSUE Rita Bongailas from Dingli won a bottle of Nina Ricci Luna perfume.

MAKING SCENTS for the women

BATHROOM TALK

Three necessities from 3INA for the men

Éclat d’Arpège So Cute is a new limited edition celebrating la coquette, the playful cutie whose face now adorns the bottle for the third time. Its floral and fruity composition opens with head notes of delicately feminine lilac combined with the citrussy tang of lemon leaves, followed by a spring-like scent of peach blossom. Gradually, these light notes find an echo in the sultry depths of a velvety sillage, smoothed by sensual musk and cedar of Lebanon. Sensational.

(Distributed by Chemimart)

Quatre Intense cologne for men by Boucheron was introduced in 2016.

The scent can be described as an aromatic woody fragrance, with top notes of citrus bergamia, violet and pepper, middle notes of leather, geranium and sage and base notes of tonkin beans, vanilla, patchouli and vetiver.

Irresistible. It is housed in the familiar-shaped bottle of the series now resembling a white and gold molten column contrasted by the shadow of a matte black to add to its masculine look, while the Double Gordons pattern presented in the base connects to the history of this famous design as inspiration for Boucheron jewellery, making it a true work of art. (Distributed

by Chemimart)

Valentino Uomo Intense is for a man with a charismatic allure and an assertive dominant masculinity. It is an eau de perfume with a long-lasting trail to enhance a man’s everyday charisma or for a special occasion, with a suave leathery fragrance and a deep, unforgettable olfactory signature: black leather and suave vanilla accords. (Distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery)

The Milk & Toner from 3INA (€6.95) is a deep facial cleaner and refreshing toner in one bottle. It is a non-drying, alcohol and Paraben-free formula that gently removes impurities and makeup from the skin. Thanks to its potent blend of active ingredients, it helps restore and repair the skin’s natural barrier. The vitamin E protects against oxidative damage and free radicals, giving your skin a healthy and natural glow.

The Revitalizing Primer from 3INA (€9.95) works to prepare the skin by cultivating a smooth surface for make-up, helping to reduce imperfections and enhancing the skin’s appearance. It gives your face a fresh, revitalised look and soothes skin tone for a perfectly unified and matte complexion. It is also Paraben-free and includes SPF30.

The Day Cream from 3INA (€12.95) repairs and cares for the skin of all skin types, reducing lines and protecting it against premature aging. It is also Paraben free.

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LAST WORD

Five years since his last solo show, artist James Vella Clark continues to relive his memories and express his emotions on canvas, painting abstracted Maltese landscapes with Mediterranean colours

“

I have always loved art – I’ve been drawing since I was a child.

Renaissance and baroque art had a big influence on me, not only because of its raw beauty but because I saw what utter beauty a human being could create. More than the art itself, I was intrigued by the fact that ‘I can create’.

The weather inspires me a lot; the way that certain days light up a view which would otherwise seem unassuming and plain. I am sometimes inspired by views that would not normally inspire other painters. It is almost a blessing to see beauty where others might not see it. In fact, it is not the Maltese landscape per se that inspires me: what inspires me is how the thought of certain places makes me feel. I associate places with specific memories and when I let myself be inspired by those views, it is an opportunity for me to relive those memories.

I also paint various versions of certain views because I want to be able to revisit the time that those earlier versions were painted.

Colour is statement. Beyond the ‘scientific’ aspect of how we perceive and see colours next to each other, the relationship between colours and how they make us feel is something that always intrigued me. Grey and orange, for example – the flatness of grey with the boldness, the hope and the promise I see in the colour ‘orange’ is a case in point. It’s very personal, of course, but over the years, colours have assumed a personal code for me. Some people think of black as the absence of colour and are afraid of it, whereas I see endless possibilities.

I travel because I want to get away from mundane routine, which I find very stifling.

Although I don’t travel to paint, I must admit that being away and seeing the light in other countries makes me appreciate the very special Mediterranean light we take so much for granted. It’s something I’ve never seen or felt anywhere else – and our sea has a particular blue that I haven’t seen anywhere else either.

Although I could paint every day, I never wanted to depend on my art for a living. There are times when I do paint every day – when all I can think of is painting. And then there are other times when I just want to do anything else

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as long as it’s not painting. It’s a subconscious way of making myself yearn to paint again. It’s beautiful when you don’t have to do something – it means that when you do it, it comes from the heart.

My art is becoming less structured and the relationship between colours and brushstrokes is becoming more diffused. Art is a way of life and life evolves. So does art. I have always looked at my art as a journey. You know what you are doing now and where you want to go but you never know what you will find along the way. I never knew I would get to where I am today and likewise, although I know what art I would like to be doing in the years to come, there is a big chance that things may pan out differently.

This collection of 17 paintings was chosen to represent the way my style has been changing and, as I explained, becoming less structured. The earliest work is from 2008 and the latest are from this year. I chose ‘Divergence’ as the theme of the exhibition because I feel I am making a conscious move from how I used to depict my landscapes to what I am creating now. It is also a conscious move towards a more ‘abstract’ dimension – although I’ve never agreed with the term ‘abstract’ – but that’s another argument altogether!

Now I will sit back and contemplate my current work, but not for long – I will paint the day after I am done with that.”

The exhibition of paintings by James Vella Clark will be exhibited at Lazuli Art Gallery in Victoria, Gozo, until 25 March. www.lazuliart.com

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