VAMP December 2015

DEC ‘2015

THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE

VAMPMAGAZINE

#20

IQ Multi Brand Store Bay Street Complex St Julian’s Retail Lounge Level 0

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JASON BIGGS + NY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

JENNY MOLLEN

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ISSUE_20

CONTENTS CHRISTMAS HAS SUCH A FUN AND QUIRKY AIR IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES LIKE FASHION AND DESIGN. IT’S THE TIME WHEN SPENDING, CONSUMING AND MAKING MERRY IS NOT ONLY FORGIVABLE, BUT ENCOURAGED. THE FASHION IN THIS ISSUE IS ABSOLUTELY TO DIE FOR, ALONG WITH THE SWEETEST CHILD SHOOT WE’VE PROBABLY EVER SEEN, WITH THE LITTLE SUPER STARS SPORTING DAPPER PARTY CLOTHES, THE LIKES OF WHICH US ADULTS CAN ONLY TRY TO COMPETE WITH. THIS ISSUE’S ARCHITECTURE AND TRAVEL GOES A LEVEL BEYOND WHAT WE’VE SHOWN IN THE PAST. THERE ARE ALSO SO MANY ARTICLES THIS ISSUE TO MAKE YOU PONDER ABOUT THINGS - PERFECT TO DO THAT WHILE KEEPING WARM AND COSY, ENJOYING THE QUIETER MOMENTS OF THE SEASON. A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE VAMP TEAM!

025. Rediscovering Forgotten Treasures

030. Weird Naked Apes

This season’s must haves: statement-making faux-fur stoles,

chic backpacks, puffer coats, elongating flares, knits and boho silhouettes.

061. Ethereal

077. Little Super Stars

Creative Director Chris Psaila Design Chris Psaila

This magazine is published by [ V] PUBLICATIONS

Photographers Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen Kris Micallef Kurt Paris Stylists Luke Engerer VAMP team

Sales Manager Samantha Psaila 7788 0300

Boys and girls dapper partywear for the festive season.

087. #Square #Sized #Fashion

Alina Anisimova explores how Instagram has become one of the most powerful and inspiring fashion platforms

093. Hey, Hey, I Wanna Be a Rockstar.

Lisa Borain explores the point when the first realisation hits that we are not going to be rich, famous, or desired by all.

091. Toyz

The coolest, prettiest, techiest gear this year.

Site-specific interventions and remarkable environments by Belgrade-born Artist Ivana Ivković.

108. Vintage Fashion

Alina Anisimova Amber Jones Christian Galea Cristina Zammit Cutajar Jackie Urpani Jonathan Zammit Krista Paris Lara Steer at D Salon Lisa Borain Luke Engerer Marie Claire Mizzi Mark Mc Bride Penny Apap Brown Terry -Franks

Autumn/Winter 2015 fashion, in stores now.

100. Site-Specific Interventions

COVER PHOTO: KURT PARIS MAKE-UP: KRISTA PARIS HAIR: CHRISTIAN GALEA STYLED: BY VAMP MODEL: SANDRINA SPITERI GONZI HAT FROM MONSOON

Contributors

Don’t worry, everyone else is crazy too. VAMP explores the ‘Imposter Syndrome’.

041. Checklist

Editorial VAMP Editorial Team

Jewellery craftswoman and natural psychic Sam Minkovski creates jewellery that’s in touch with her spiritual side.

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

Vintage fashion on Old Theatre Street.

118. Labyrinthine Architecture

The Fredensborg House, built upon five small plateaus on a sloping property north of Copenhagen.

128. Inside Out.

ICEHOTEL in northern Sweden is the epitome of ephemeral and temporal architecture.

134. A Festive Twist

Corinthia Palace Chefs Jonathan Zammit and Mark Mc Bride bring VAMP a very merry Christmas meal.

144. To Be or Not to Be

University student Marie Claire Mizzi explores losing young and intelligent minds into the abyss of entertainment and media.

150. Spell Bound

A look at the latest beauty products this season.

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UPDATE

WHAT’S NEW>

TRUSSARDI WATCHES Trussardi’s line of watches for men and women features sleek, simple lines.

Trussardi’s distinctive stylistic elements are expressed through a choice of shapes and materials that create the perfect combination of timeless elegance, sophistication, and exquisite details. All timepieces are Swiss made and feature a choice of polished stainless steel, gold and rose gold models.

Exclusively available from VIP stores (Sliema & Valletta) & Sunlab - The Point.

AN UPDATE ON ALL THINGS LOCAL.

RESTYLANE Restylane Lip Volume is the product of choice to increase volume both in the body of the lips as well as in the contours of the lip line.

From Persona Med Aesthetic Centre.

JAMES BOND 007 FOR WOMEN James Bond 007 for Women Eau de Parfum reveals the dangerously seductive nature of Bond women.

The composition of the fragrance is inspired by the mysterious, oriental scents that women wore in the previous century. Their composition is based on a blend of flowers and spices, warmed with a warm, oriental embrace. Distributed by VJ Salomone Marketing.

RESTYLANE LIP VOLUME IRRESISTIBLE SOFTNESS

GLOV VJ Salomone Marketing has just recently launched GLOV, the revolutionary makeup remover. GLOV makes the most of water capacities in order to remove all the makeup. The delicate fibres take away makeup and deeply cleanse the skin surface, while maintaining the natural hydro-lipid barrier. Skin is left looking pure and soft, as well as smooth with a matte effect. www.vjsalomone.com

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UPDATE

BOSS - THE SCENT HUGO BOSS believes in a different type of seduction. Slow, steady, tense with anticipation, the BOSS way of seduction is an art, which finds a perfect balance between confidence and nonchalance. BOSS THE SCENT boasts an exclusive ingredient from Africa: the aphrodisiac Maninka fruit, evocative of passion fruit and rum. With your purchase of BOSS THE SCENT Edt 100ml, you will receive an exclusive BOSS Sports Bag. Offer valid from authorised outlets until stocks last.

Ask in store for more details.

Distributed by VJ Salomone Marketing.

CHEAP MONDAY IQ at Baystreet welcomes a new addition to the multi-brand mix, Cheap Monday. The brand offers pieces that compete with high-end brands both in attitude and on a fashion-level, as well as in quality - at an extremely good price. Cheap Monday joins a great line up of brands at IQ, including Scotch & Soda, Maison Scotch, Ben Sherman and Nudie Jeans. IQ, Level 0, Baystreet Shopping Centre, St. Julians. www.facebook.com/ IQBaystreet

MADE FOR GENTLEMEN

CORTEFIEL The renowned Spanish brand Cortefiel is the latest addition to and now open at Baystreet Shopping Complex. Situated on the second floor, this new sophisticated and contemporary store offers a large selection of clothing and accessories for men and women. Cortefiel is known for its eye for detail, quality and value for money. Cortefiel, Level 2, Baystreet Shopping Centre, St. Julian’s. www.facebook.com/Cortefiel Malta

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Craftsmanship, generosity and a passion for travel are at the heart of the new collaboration between British luxury brands Chivas Regal and Globe-Trotter. The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Globe-Trotter Limited Edition gift tin houses a bottle of Chivas 12 blended Scotch whisky and showcases a vibrant tale of international travel. Inspired by the tradition of applying stickers onto one’s luggage to proudly showcase destinations visited, bespoke luggage stickers were hand-drawn by the British illustrator Andrew Davidson to celebrate iconic cities and adorn the contemporary tin design. Distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports, www.farsons.com

UPDATE

INNOVATIVE DINING CONCEPT Restaurant 2 Night (www.R2N.com.mt) is introducing a restaurant booking system that makes it possible to book last-minute restaurant table offers online. This new website offers customers the possibility to book tables and get up to a 30% reduction off the entire bill (on the day) or a lesser discount when booking unreserved tables in the future. Here’s how it works: Restaurants promote their last few unreserved tables on R2N. Offers can be immediately updated allowing customers to promptly book these offers/tables.

R2N is also available on Android and Apple. www.R2N.com.mt

SOFT 7 The ECCO SOFT 7 is a new interpretation of enduring ECCO classics, with the series capturing the essence of urban life. A combination of SOFT 7 leather sneakers and tracksuitinspired jackets endorses the cool, laid-back urban vibe. The sneaker trend has never been bigger, and ECCO SOFT 7 is available in multiple urban remixes of black and white, with thick white soles as the mainstay. As the name suggests, the shoes feature super-soft leathers and flexible soles – and pair strikingly well with just about all casual looks. www.ecco-shoes.com.mt

MAN IN RED

HILFIGER COLLECTION DEBUT Tommy Hilfiger just celebrated the launch of the Hilfiger Collection available in Malta for the first time exclusively at the Tommy Hilfiger store in Valetta. Hilfiger Collection is the brand’s premium women’s offering and features the brand’s most directional styles, including looks that premiere on the runway during New York Fashion Week in February and September. The collection is an American Love Story – fusing iconic styles of the late 60s and early 70s with a vibrant game day spirit. www.facebook.com/TommyHilfigerMalta

Ferrari’s latest fragrance, Man in Red, is a bold and intense scent that celebrates all that is thrilling about Ferrari. It captures the very essence of masculinity and embodies a new type of man, one who lives intensely. The new Ferrari man is a sensual, thrill-seeking and charismatic individual, who thrives on the rush of adrenaline. Man in Red is the perfect olfactory expression of this new man.

Exclusively distributed by Chemimart.

DOLCE&GABBANA THE ONE FOR MEN The One for Men is elegant yet seductive, rare to find and impossible to replace. The fragrance is classic and modern, vibrant and engaging - an Oriental spicy perfume which is developed from the harmony of tobacco notes and refined spices. The vibrant elegance of the top notes comes from the mouth-watering combination of grapefruit, coriander and basil. Spicy and warm notes of cardamom and ginger drive the strong sensual signature, which over time yields to the authentic masculinity of the deep dry down of tobacco and ambery notes along with cedarwood. Distributed by VJ Salomone Marketing.

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“OUR WEDDING DAY…” Christina Hendricks & Geoffrey Arend

Every day is an event. We dress you for the occasion. Share your Brooks Brothers story at brooksbrothers.com/stories #MyBrooksBrothers

PEOPLE

REDISCOVERING FORGOTTEN TREASURES> Jewellery craftswoman and natural psychic Sam Minkovski moved her career back into the world of jewellery after years of design gallivanting. She talks to VAMP about collecting symbolic crystals and charms to create jewellery that is truly in touch with her spiritual side. >>

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PEOPLE

‘Life is full of surprises – some good, some bad, but we must understand the lessons from each one in order to continue constructively on our pathway’. >>

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PEOPLE Sam Minkovski was living in India, working in an orphanage when she fell ill. The sickness caused her to immediately return to the UK, where she spent months recovering. Once she regained her strength, her eyes opened.

‘When I got better, I just felt like I wanted to embrace life. I had visited Malta several times. I felt a strong urge to return here and I followed that.’

Four years later, Sam is living in Gzira with her husband Darko and their newborn child. She gained employment with a prominent bank in Malta, working in a corporate marketing role post when she began making jewellery in her free time.

‘I have always loved jewellery. When I started creating my own designs it was just a hobby – in fact, I used to call it my “Zen hobby”. Then, I began to exhibit at local artisan markets. People’s response was so rewarding to me. It gave me confidence to discover that people connected to the concept of the brand as a whole.

It was at this time that I met the love of my life, Darko. He was the one who really encouraged me to follow my heart.

Eventually, I plucked up enough courage to leave the bank and turn the hobby into a business. It was extremely hard to let go of a job that gave me financial security, but I followed my heart and my passion. I don’t regret it now.’

Sam was a talented child, winning the National Arkwright Scholarship for Design at the age of 15 from her school in Hertfordshire. Since then, design has become her life. She later received an Honours Degree in Design Management, which encompasses all types of design, but also management skills.

‘Design is where my heart beats calmly.

I find such peace in it.’ The name of the company, BoboStar, derives from Sam’s nickname as a child – Bobo. The tagline – “Rediscovering Forgotten Treasure” – comes from the notion that choosing a crystal that is not only an aesthetic connection, but also a deeper one; a rediscovery of the earth’s crystals and how they affect humans. Sam creates personalised jewellery for the individual. As a natural psychic she has the ability to feel a person’s fragility in specific areas, and provide a stone that will make up for that deficiency.

‘I believe that you don’t choose the crystal, but rather it chooses you. The same crystal stone can look so different, but I have found that people tend to be drawn to the same crystal stone without even realising it. They remind people to have confidence where they lack it.’

The initial inspiration of ‘rediscovering things’ came during a university project, which required the students to choose an

object and then to write about how they initially felt about it. They then researched the object historically and finally wrote about how their perceptions and appreciation of the object had changed.

Sam chose a plain bowl that had been given to her parents, which was displayed in a showcase in their house. After more research, Sam discovered that the bowl had been salvaged from a 1752 shipwreck, which was carrying Chinese goods bound for the Netherlands. ‘It completely changed my perception of the bowl. The whole exercise awakened my view to how I value items in general. ’Life is full of surprises – some good, some bad, but we must understand the lessons from each one in order to continue constructively on our pathway’.

Creatively handmade, designed to be symbolic and nurturing to the individual, each charm or crystal stone has a hidden meaning that only the individual needs to understand. The BoboStar collection includes a large selection of different crystals stones, including balancing Agates, protective Titaniums, love-filled Rose Quartz and the crystal stone of wisdom and truth – Lapis Lazuli. These are just a selection of the creations available in the trove offered by BoboStar. V Find out more about Bobostar at www.bobostar.com

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PEOPLE

ith the festive season looming menacingly ahead, I find myself having to come to terms with the fact that very soon, the only thing we will read and hear about will be Christmas-related, and what an arduous task that will be, at least for me. I do, however, find solace in the hope that there are others who, like me, can’t wait to take the Christmas tree down, or actually don’t put it up at all.

One of the first signs that Christmas is approaching is obviously the decorations, or should I say ‘eye-sores’ that we are faced with as early as a month before. I am not referring to the basic, boring ‘Christmas’ adornments on roundabouts around the island that have as much Christmas in them as a Pina Colada. What I am alluding to is the tacky, threadbare Father Christmas hanging from balconies all over the island. Besides being shabby from years of hanging in fumes and rain year after year, there is absolutely nothing festive about them. On the contrary, I find them quite depressing and if I had to have witnessed them as a child, I think my childhood Christmases would have been marred by the thought that poor Santa is being left out in the cold (and that he might perish before delivering my gifts!). If any child is perturbed by this sight I suppose the best reasoning would be that Santa is fine and the only reason he is climbing into the balcony so many weeks before Christmas, is to get away from the dreadful carols blaring all day long. I mean who can blame the poor chap for wanting to escape the cacophony of carols emanating from speakers that must have been passed down from the eighties? I’m sure our grandparents’ gramophones would do a better job.

You can ignore the decorations and try to tune out the music but there’s one thing you definitely cannot dodge… the tiresome cheerfulness. Yes, I suppose “’tis the season to be jolly” and all that but no need to impose your unnerving joy on others who might not be feeling it this year (or ever for that matter). There are some people I like to refer to as the Christmas Clapper Clan who seem to think that their happiness needs to be passed on to others and that it is contagious and brings cheer to all but, on the contrary, I find this over-enthusiastic exhilaration intimidating and very annoying. Put that energy into greeting your husband when he comes home from work but please, enough with all the hugs, kisses and greetings of goodwill; it’s just way over the top.

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On the topic of ‘tops’, one of my worst pet hates has to be Christmas garb. Why anyone would be thrilled about wearing a knitted Christmas jumper in public is beyond me. I understand that in many cases they are gifts from the abominable in-laws and you’ve got to show your ‘appreciation’ by donning the garment. However, this is probably best done in the privacy of your own home where you can look silly with reindeer on your chest surrounded by those who won’t change their opinion of you. Hopefully we’ll have yet another warm Christmas which will deter the abominable Yeti from coming out in public view. In my opinion, they’re on a par with onesies, although I’m sure the latter are less itchy than Christmas pullovers (unless your relatives have forked out good money for quality wool which, let’s face it, is unlikely because if they liked you that much they’d have given you that PS4 game you’d been hinting for).

Truth be told… there is one thing I absolutely love about Christmas albeit in a Machiavellian way. There is nothing more hilarious than the Dutch ‘courage’ so many people yield to over the festive season. You see a different side to people in an attempt to let their hair down.

The most aloof, distant people, on becoming inebriated, suddenly show signs of frivolity and, at most times, foolishness, and that IT geek who usually avoids eye-contact with you in the staff-kitchen is the one trying to pinch your bum at your Christmas staff party and looking like a fool in doing so. His attempts to conduct himself well at the workplace during the year are all suddenly washed away with one night of goofiness and will be the talk of many coffee-breaks where he will go back into his shell, avoiding all eye-contact. But he will never be forgotten for his Christmas antics.

All in all, truth be told… I’m not a Grinch, it’s just that I have a love-hate relationship with this time of the year, although that’s probably just one of the many signs that I’m growing old. Bah, humbug! V

WEIRD NAKED APES

Weird Naked Apes

Don’t worry, everyone else is crazy too. VAMP explores the ‘Imposter Syndrome’, possibly leaving 70% of us feeling like we’re just going through the motions.

Words Robert Maxwell

T

he way that humans interact and operate with one another is governed by unwritten social rules.

Things like how close to stand to other people, what words to use or avoid, what to say to someone who has just celebrated a positive achievement, how to answer a phone - or simply how to queue up.

There are thousands of these unspoken rules, and many of them quite complicated.

When these rules are broken, it makes people nervous and uncomfortable. You

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can make everyone around you instantly uneasy by jumping the queue at the bank or by striking up a conversation with someone you don’t know.

The moment we’re born, we begin to absorb clues about what’s acceptable and what’s not by continually emulating as well as experiencing adults’ reactions. Children pick up which behaviour triggers negative looks, which initiates laughter, and which receives no reaction at all.

Due to being an easily frightened, highly social species, humans probably behave like they think they should as

an innate survival tactic. Author David Cain: “Stand where the other people are standing. When other people are quiet, be quiet. When they’re eating, eat.

When they’re being somber, be somber.

When they laugh, laugh (even if you don’t get the joke).”

The problem with this “normal behaviour” is that the things that are taking place on the inside of us are not discussed. We can’t compare ourselves to what we can’t see, and most of a person’s life is invisible to everybody else. >>

St. Anne Square Sliema T: 22584 431 Merchant Street Valletta T: 22584 441

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WEIRD NAKED APES

“The awful shameful secrets are always way bigger in their heads than they are in reality - most frequently I hear, ‘I don’t have any of my sh*t together’.

Whatever your shame is, hundreds of other ‘normal’ people have it too. Let it go. You’re just a weird naked ape like the rest of us.” >>

It’s the intangible qualities, such as thoughts and feelings that take place on the inside of us that are of utmost importance because they define us.

We can’t relate what we deem as unacceptable feelings (such as feelings of incompetence or intense guilt) to others because people don’t talk about them, since most of us were always taught to present our ‘best face’.

As a result, we have learned to keep our most insecure and ‘messed up’ thoughts to ourselves.

David Cain: “Somewhere along the line, human beings have convinced themselves that the normal way for a grown human being to feel is prepared, secure and competent. Serious feelings of anxiety, incompetence, guilt or insecurity must always mean something’s wrong with you — either there must be some past life event that justifies these feelings, or you’re just crazy.”

Reddit recently opened a forum inviting therapists and pyschologists to answer the question: What is something that most people think they are alone in feeling/experiencing?

A surprising amount of therapists unanimously answered that many of their patients showed signs of the “impostor syndrome”. The syndrome is “a term coined in the 1970s by psychologists and researchers to informally describe people who are unable to internalise their accomplishments. Despite external evidence of their competence, those exhibiting the syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve the success they have achieved. Proof of success is dismissed as luck, timing, or as a result of deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves to be”.

“Psychological research done in the early 1980s estimated that two out of five successful people consider themselves frauds and other studies have found that 70% of all people feel like impostors at one time or another.”

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Albert Einstein might have suffered from the syndrome near the end of his life: a month before his death, he reportedly confided in a friend, saying “the exaggerated esteem in which my lifework is held makes me very ill at ease. I feel compelled to think of myself as an involuntary swindler”.

A therapist from the Reddit thread wrote, “Anxiety, anger, sadness, guilt... these are normal feelings everyone experiences and it’s okay to feel these things and acknowledge them. Learning how to ‘sit’ with negative feelings is something I think I’ve tried hard to normalise with my clients”.

Another therapist: “The awful shameful secrets are always way bigger in their heads than they are in reality - most frequently I hear, ‘I don’t have any of my shit together’. Whatever your shame is, hundreds of other ‘normal’ people have it too. Let it go. You’re just a weird naked ape like the rest of us.”

Impostor syndrome is said to have affected approximately 70% of the population world wide, yet often goes unrecognised. If it’s not addressed, the initial anxiety and stress can build into low self-confidence, shame, and even depression. “People who are suffering from it tend to reflect and dwell upon extreme failure, mistakes and negative feedback from others. If not addressed, impostor syndrome can limit exploration and the courage to delve into new experiences, in fear of exposing failure.”

So if you’re feeling like you’re inadequate, ‘don’t have your shit together’ or feel like your success has been through sheer luck, you’re probably unaware that others are feeling just as inadequate. Once the situation is addressed, you’ll no longer feel alone in this negativity, and this is the key to overcoming this syndrome. Making a list of accomplishments, positive feedback and success stories will also aid to manage impostor syndrome. Also, therapy sessions, or developing a strong support system, who provides feedback on performance and has discussions about their feelings on a regular basis is important for those experiencing it. V

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PROMOTION

88 RUE DU RHONE VIP STORES HAVE JUST ADDED SWISS BRAND 88 RUE DU RHONE TO THEIR PRESTIGIOUS WATCH BRAND LINE-UP, WHICH IS A BRAND INDEPENDENT OF SWISS LUXURY WATCHES, LAUNCHED

BY PIERRE ET ELIE BERNHEIM. GRANDSONS OF THE NOTORIOUS SWISS WATCHMAKER, RAYMOND WEIL, THEY COMBINED THEIR TALENTS, EXPERTISE AND WATCHMAKING KNOW-HOW TO CREATE THEIR OWN BRAND. THESE TWO ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRITS HAVE SET OUT TO OFFER CONSUMERS AN ELEGANT SELECTION OF WATCHES BALANCING SWISS EXCELLENCE AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS, TRADITION AND INNOVATION.

sign for infinity, thanks to the endless flow of curves that feed into one another, forever. ...and a bit of whimsy.

Steeped in meaning, the number 8 is also a whimsical number that allows the brand and its creators to break away from conventional codes. Adapted in countless ways to decorate the face of the watches, worked into the second hand as a

Rue du Rhône is home to the city’s most prestigious shops, like the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Madison Avenue in New York. ...and a touch of mystery.

As if by an artistic flourish of magic, the accent above the o in the name of the river disappears in the name of the brand, 88 RUE DU RHONE. And the number 88 does not fall upon any door or luxury

Nothing seems to be able to stop the continuous flow of water, not even time. In perpetual motion, water constantly changes into steam, rain, ice and snow, traveling between the heavens and Earth. It purifies the soul and fertilizes the fields. A true symbol of life, it is precious and intangible, like time.

Accessibility…

A NUMBER The number 8 carries with it a rich and diverse array of connotations. Considered a lucky number in Asian cultures, the number eight symbolises good fortune, ambition and power. Doubled, soothsayers see it as a fourleaf clover, which is also a widespread symbol for good luck. In the 88 RUE DU RHONE logo, the double 8 represents the face of a watch with the hands indicating 10:10, a nod to the watchmaking tradition.

When positioned horizontally, the eight is the mathematical

...the intangible element.

A NEW CONCEPT FOR ACCESSIBLE SWISS MADE LUXURY WATCHES

Worthy heir to the Swiss tradition, the brand stands out and opens the doors of watchmaking to a new generation with a product in step with its times.

Some symbolism...

the Swiss Alps, at an altitude of approximately 7,050 feet.

It then flows 290 km before emptying into Lake Geneva and flowing back out at 88 RUE DU RHONE, in the heart of the city. Stretching along a total of 812 km, the river continues its inevitable course through France, all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea.

counterweight, stamped onto the crown or subtly incorporated at the top of the hour, the 8 cleverly yet elegantly affirms the brand’s unique identity, like a universally recognisable signature.

A STREET Considerable prestige...

The famous Rue du Rhône crosses through the very heart of Geneva, parallel to the river which shares its name. The emblem of absolute luxury, the

boutique window. Mysteriously, it’s the only number missing on this street. At the precise location where this number should be, you’ll find a precious treasure: a view of the Rhône River flowing out of Lake Geneva, the origins of the Swiss watchmaking industry, initiated five centuries ago: Where Time Begins.

Utmost excellence, exquisite designs, but also accessible prices. 88 RUE DU RHONE is indeed the first Swiss-Made luxury watch brand that remains accessible in terms of price. It is a major challenge that the co-founders have successfully overcome in order to meet the expectations of a new generation of watch enthusiasts.

88 RUE DU RHONE offers a new kind of luxury for a new generation and a new era...

Where Time Begins.

A RIVER Some water...

The Rhône River springs from a source located high up in

Exclusively available from VIP stores in Sliema (2134 2466) & Valletta (2124 9006).

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EMASLIEMA 46-48 46-48 TowerTower RoadRoad Tel. 21 961961 Tel.341 21 341

WINTER TRENDS 2015/6

FASHION+ PEOPLE PHOTO: KURT PARIS MAKE-UP: KRISTA PARIS MODEL: MARTINA WALLIN AT MODELS M HAIR: CHRISTIAN GALEA

> Exciting scents > statement-making faux fur > chic backpacks, puffer coats, knits, boho silhouettes > #square #sized #fashion, > little SUPER stars.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 039

UPDATE

MIU MIU Introducing the first fragrance by Miu Miu. A soft, sensual floral scent of real jasmine and rose absolute set against a deep earth-toned background of Akigalawood®. The surprising combination of flower and earth feels natural and timeless, but the effect created is contemporary and very Miu Miu. Available at FRANKS.

A radically fresh composition, dictated by a name that has the ring of a manifesto. That was the way François Demachy, Dior PerfumerCreator, wanted it: raw and noble all at once.

Natural ingredients, selected with extreme care, prevail in excessive doses. Radiant top notes burst with the juicy freshness of Reggio di Calabria Bergamot. Ambroxan, derived from precious ambergris, unleashes a powerfully woody trail. Distributed by X-Treme Co. Ltd

Like the woman that wears it, the strength and uniqueness of DOLCE&GABBANA The One fragrance comes from contrast. The rich Oriental floral perfume opens with a sparkling and modern interpretation of fresh top notes of zesty bergamot and mandarin, combined with juicy lychee and peach. The fragrance finally unfolds to reveal a deep and sensual base of rich vanilla and resinous ambery notes, combined with smooth musky notes to leave a lingering presence.

Distributed by VJ Salomone Marketing.

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metallic cardigan, €116.50. passion top, €59. bag, €82. black jeans, €147.50.

All from Guess. Fossil bracelets, €39. Michael Kors watch, €299.

Breil necklace, €99. Breil Ring, €66. Jewellery all available at Sunlab & VIP.

CHECK LIST

Photography: Kurt Paris Makeup: Krista Paris Hair: Christian Galea Styled by: VAMP Models: Dyan from Supernova Model Management Martina from Models M

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CHECK LIST

“whoever “whoever said said that that money money can’t buy happiness, happiness, simply simply didn’t know where to to go go shopping.” shopping.” >> >>

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1. Charm bracelet from Hebe, starting from €49. 2. Charm bracelet from Hebe, starting from €59. 3. Jennyfer jacket, €49.99.

4. Burberry black equestrian boots from Sarto, €295. 5. Kenneth Cole watch from Sunlab, €230.

6. Jennyfer sweater, €35.99 with 20% off. 7. Jennyfer black bag, €25.99.

044 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

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1. Liu Jo sunglasses from Sunlab, €201. 2. Max Mara handbag, €795. 3. Guess cardigan, €137.50. 4. M&Co jacquard coat, €114.50. 5. Guess gold sweater, €116.50. 6. Brown boot from Ecco, €194.90. 7. Esprit watch from Sunlab, €91.

8. M&Co jacquard ankle grazer trousers, €54.50.

046 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

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Kenneth Cole watch, €240.

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Michael Kors bracelet, €249.

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1. Burberry sunglasses from Tuaco Opticians, €169. 2. Ray-Ban polarised sunglasses from Sunlab, €229.

3. Guess stretch jacket, €190. 4. M&Co sparkle jacquard cowl black dress, €69.50. 5. Alessandra coat from Monsoon, €265.

6. Inca Poncho from Monsoon, €75. 7. Tenille embossed leather shopper bag, €155.

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1. Guess animal print coat, €274. 2. Guess leather crossbody bag, €207. 3. DKNY frames from Eyeland Pama, €96. 4. Michael Kors sunglasses from Sunlab, €241. 5. Guess pink court shoes, €165. 6. Max Mara shawl, €170. 7. Calvin Klein boots, €248.

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1. Max Mara earrings, €85. 2. Basic leather gloves from Monsoon, €25.90. 3. Aimee Slip from Boux Avenue, €60.

4. Lisa Babydoll from Boux Avenue, €65. 5. Guess panties (€35), bra (€59). 6. Max Mara fox pom poms, €119.

7. Guess luxe leather bag, €336.50.

052 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

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1. Diesel Leppard sweater, €155. 2. Calvin Klein t-shirt, €59.90. 3. Calvin Klein leather jacket, €449. 4. Diesel backpack, €206.

5. Diesel watch, €211. 6. Calvin Klein shoes, €138. 7. Diesel sunlglasses from Sunlab, €176.

054 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

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sweater, €128. jeans, €116.50. shoes, €135.

Kenneth Cole watch, €240.

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Clothing from Guess Jewellery from Sunlab & VIP C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 055

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1. Patent shoe from Ecco, €124.90. 2. Ray-Ban frames from Vision Opticians Hamrun, €123. 3. Brooks Brothers non-iron tartan sport shirt, €125. 4. Brooks Brothers tie, €80. 5. Guess men’s coat, €242.50. 6. Brooks Brothers block stripe scarf, €130.

7. Brooks Brothers Burgundy bow tie, €65.

056 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

CHECK LIST

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

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8. Prada sunglasses from Sunlab, €201. 9. Daniel Wellington watch from Sunlab, €129. 10. Sette Camicie shirt, €89.90.

11. Diesel belt, €40. 12. Fred Perry sneakers, €85. 13. Sette Camicie pink shirt, €79.90.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 057

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1. Stussy tsunami t-shirt from Urban Jungle, €39. 2. Swatch Eisblume from Urban Jungle, €45. 3. Stussy world tour t-shirt from Urban Jungle, €39. 4. Supra Skytops from Urban Jungle, €130. 5. Nike Air Max Thea Premium from Urban Jungle, €134.

058 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

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“If you can’t be better than your competition, just dress better.” >> 3

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1. Lacoste sunglasses from Sunlab, €152. 2. Dolce & Gabbana Crown & Bee print grey monochrome cardholder from Sarto, €200. 3. Dolce & Gabbana family portrait print t-shirt from Sarto, €305. 4. Kenneth Cole watch from Sunlab, €200. 5. Diesel sweater, €172. 6. Dolce & Gabbana Bbee denim shirt from Sarto, €515.

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M&Co hat, €22.50.

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078 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

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Party petal bag, €12.90.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 079

MONSOON KIDS

[FROM LEFT]: Swan top, €28. Hazel cardigan, €53. Luella skirt, €40. Sparkle gem shoes, €39. Moleskin trousers €32.00 Globe shirt €32.00 Adam blazer €70.00 Winnie top, €37. Gold bow band, €4.90. Gold shimmer tights, €12.50. Studded bow ballerina, €34.

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080 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

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082 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

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C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 083

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084 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

ALTERNATIVE, CULTURAL & UNIQUE CULTURAL CINEMATIC ALTERNATIVE, & UNIQUE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCES

PROMOTION

With blockbuster movies filling up cinemas worldwide,

With blockbuster movies filling up cinemas worldwide, many many cultural productions and alternative content is cultural and alternative content is pushed aside. out pushedproductions aside. However, EDEN CINEMAS has branched However, EDEN their CINEMAS has branched out to andemphasise expanded their and expanded entertainment slate the entertainment to emphasise the importance of culture and importance ofslate culture and ultimately transforming itself into so much more than cinema. ultimately transforming itselfjust intoaso much more than just a cinema.

E E

den Cinema has been long been den Cinema has long the hub the hub for entertainment for entertainment in Malta. Within this Malta.

With this in mind, they in mind, they have always worked haveinnovative always worked towards towards experiences and innovative experiences and improving their stance as an Events Cinema. improving their stance as an From Live Comedy Shows, to live broadcasts Events Cinema.

From Live Comedy Shows, from The Royal Opera House, Eden Cinemasto live broadcasts from The Royal Opera House, has created a unique and enjoyable cinematic Eden Cinemas has created a unique and experience for all. enjoyable cinematic experience for all.

talemost into the most enchanting, the enchanting, Christmas Christmas performance performance yet.

Dimmed lighting yet. Dimmed theatre lightingtheatre and amplified and amplified sound further enhances sound further enhances the experience ofthe experience this charming and gives this charmingofballet and gives ballet the audiences the audiences that real feel of The Royal that real feel of The Royal Opera House in Opera House in Paying CoventaGarden.

Covent Garden. fraction Paying of the a fraction of the overseas prices, all attendees overseas prices, all attendees are offered a are offered a complimentary glass of wine complimentary glass of wine which will surely which will surely create a marvellous create a marvellous evening. evening.

In September, Eden Cinemas launched their In September, Eden Cinemas launched their new cultural season, which includes live new cultural season, which includes live broadcasts from the Royal Opera House in broadcasts from the Royal Opera House in London. The London.

The season seasontakes takesthe theviewers viewersononan artistic cinematic journey to thetoUK an artistic cinematic journey theand UKinto and London’s impeccable Covent Garden.

Witness into London’s impeccable Covent Garden. breathtaking ballets and operas, transmitted Witness breathtaking ballets and operas, live by takinglive a seat in one aofseat the theatres transmitted by taking in one ofat Eden Cinemas. with audiences the theatres at Connect Eden Cinemas.

Connectfrom with every corner of the world, by forming part ofby audiences from every corner of the world, the growing network cinema that involves 60 forming partcinema of the growing network different countries with nearly 2,000 with cinemas. that involves 60 different countries nearly 2,000 cinemas.

The upcoming performance by The Royal The upcoming performance

by The Royal Ballet is Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker.

On Ballet is Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker.

On the 16th December at 8.15pm, Tchaikovsky’s the 16th December at 8.15pm, Tchaikovsky’s overtures will transform this magical tale into overtures will transform this magical

Supporting the importance of cultural Supporting the importance of cultural knowledge amongst the Maltese population, knowledge amongst the Maltese population, Eden Cinema has begun relaying Exhibitions Eden Cinema has begun relaying on Screen. Art galleriesfrom Exhibitions onexhibitions Screen. Artfrom exhibitions worldwide, intertwined with the artist galleries worldwide, intertwined with the biographies are a new unique way of artist biographies are and a new and unique educating oneself oneself on art. With unprecedented way of educating on art.

With behind-the-scenes footage, the films footage, are unprecedented behind-the-scenes informative and entertaining, the films are informative andproviding entertaining, audiences with the opportunity to see providing audiences with the opportunity to exhibitions they wouldn’t otherwise be able see exhibitions they wouldn’t otherwise be to see. start with exclusive able toThe see.exhibitions The exhibitions startanwith an exclusive into The National Gallery’s insight intoinsight The National Gallery’s Goya: Goya: Visions Flesh andFrom Blood.

From the Visions of Fleshofand Blood. the 1st of 1st of December, the story behind Spain’s December, the story behind Spain’s most most celebrated artist will be available celebrated artist will be available to watchto watch exclusively in the comfort Eden exclusively in the comfort of Eden of Cinemas.

Cinemas.

Eden Cinemas Cinemasalso alsoputs putsa alot lotofofeffort effortinto into organisinglive liveevents eventsand andperformances performances organising within their theirtheatres. theatres.This This expands the within expands the cinemas quality of entertainment, creating cinemas quality of entertainment, creating different and anddiverse diverseslate slateofofevents. events.One One of aa different their most popular live events is the stand of their most popular live events is the standup comedy shows held quarterly throughout the up comedy shows held quarterly throughout year.

This year, they had the privilege the year. This year, they had the privilege of hosting hosting award-winning award-winningOmid OmidDjalili Djaliliwho who of successful transformed Cinema 16 into successful transformed Cinema 16 into a a theatre filled with roars of laughter. theatre filled with roars of laughter.

On the 18th of December, Eden Cinemas On the 18th of December, Eden Cinemas will be hosting a Comedy Hypnosis Show will be hosting a Comedy Hypnosis Show featuring world famous hypnotist Alan featuring world famous hypnotist Alan Bates.

Bates. The fast moving show transcends The fast moving show transcends hypnotised hypnotised stars to experience a totally stars to experience a totally unique and out of unique and out of body experience. Alan body AlanHypnosis Bates hasshows performed Batesexperience. has performed for Hypnosis shows thirty years, and will thirty years, andfor will be creating a unique be creating a unique comedy twist where comedy audiencetwist will where discover audience will discoverthey sides of themselves sides of themselves never thought they never thought existed. existed.

With new and alternative alternativeentertainment entertainment available, available,Eden EdenCinemas Cinemasoffers offerssomething something for every every individuals individualstaste tasteiningenre. genre. unique for Be itit comedy, comedy, Hollywood blockbusters, blockbusters,Side Side Street films or Culture, as Malta’s leading Street films or Culture, as Malta’s leading EntertainmentCompany, Company,Eden EdenCinemas Cinemas Entertainment promises to work towards diversifying their promises to work towards diversifying their events as much as possible. events as much as possible.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 087

The brands of 0 -14 years-old

HAPPINESS

The Plaza, Level 0, Sliema - 21311820

SQUARE SIZED FASHION

#Square #Sized #Fashion Alina Anisimova explores how Instagram has become one of the most powerful and inspiring fashion platforms.

Fashion has not always been as fast as it is today, but there were always talented and inspiring people behind it.

We all remember the times when the designers were the only trendsetters. So when Yves Saint Laurent created the Le Smoking - the first tuxedo for women in 1966 - ladies everywhere immediately put on the iconic suits without having any doubts, no questions asked.

While Saint Laurent’s masterpieces are still the ones to die for, the industry needs people who will bring fashion into the masses.

It started long before Instagram and selfies. The very first fashion blogs appeared in 2002, but years passed before they were appreciated. In 2008 Marc Jacobs named a bag after Bryn Boy, a famous fashion blogger. A year later, another blogger, 13-year-old Tavi Gevinson got her front row seats at New York Fashion Week and made friends with Vogue Editor Anna Wintour.

The fashion industry is still taking benefits of social networking nowadays.

Last year, Cara Delavigne took a video selfie walking down the runway.

A couple of months later, Cara was looking for models for her DKNY collection using Instagram. Similarly, Marc by Marc Jacobs casted models using #CastMeMarc, while Calvin Klein launched a selfie inspired campaign.

There’s more. According to Netbase, a social media analytics company, “Instagram inspires decisions in at least one fashion category for 42% of women in the 18-29 age group.” >>

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 089

SLIEMA 64, Tower Road.

VALLETTA

Tel: 2132 3307

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Tel: 2124 7770

SQUARE SIZED FASHION

Instagram inspires decisions in at least one fashion category for 42% of women in the 1829 age group. >>

This is why fashion bloggers and It-Girls quickly gained the love of millions who began following their style sense on Instagram. These social media fashionistas are not just mimicking runway looks, but they are creating new combinations and ways to dress up even the craziest designer pieces in real life. The result? They are making fashion accessible to everyone and anyone.

Stylish looks are carefully put together to create a perfect, natural shot.

Maybe they are retaken a few times, but so what? They are instantly ready to be shared with the world through an elaborately chosen filter, prompting thousands of followers to surf the Internet in search of the exact same pair of those white sneaks.

What could be easier? It’s more than enough to renew your Instagram news feed and get a daily dose of fashion right there. I have just renewed mine.

Vintage-feel sunglasses worn with an extraordinary hat posted by a British stylist. My favourite fashion blogger with her own idea of how to wear casual clothes with elegant accessories. Who needs to buy fashion magazines if you can get style inspiration in just 20 seconds and for free?

Arguably, Instagram celebrities have even more power than the world’s most influential fashion magazines.

While 20-year-old model Kendall Jenner has 41 million Instagram followers, each of her pictures gets up to two million likes. This is twice as much as the number of people following British Vogue, which has only reached 1 million.

It seems that the Instagirls know exactly how to style up and wear the most incredible fashion from the runways, and we trust them. But, do they feel the responsibility of those who follow and sometimes even steal their looks?

“Instagram is a very powerful tool in fashion,” says Bianca Darmanin.

In the blogging world she is also known as ‘Black and Other Stories’.

In 2013 Bianca was nominated

for the Best Blogger at Malta’s Fashion Awards, so when it comes to connection between the fashion industry and social media, Bianca has a definitive grasp. With a sense of style and love for the colour black, she presents the latest trends in her own unique way.

The blogger, however, denies her fashion power over her thousand plus Instagram followers. She sees social media as a way to communicate and connect. “I like it, I Instagram it and if other people like it - that’s awesome,” she says. “I see my blog and Instagram as one big sharing outlet,” Bianca smiles and tells us about her obsession over other fashion Instagrammers, amongst them the minimalistic ‘Mija_Mija’ and ‘XMYDE’.

Today, when fashion is faster than ever before, social media gives it a chance of popularity to anyone with an individual style. With a huge audience and trust of followers, famous Instagrammers make a perfect marketing tool. In turn, it’s no secret that some promote clothes, accessories and more, for profit.

“I am open to this experience, but I have to be sure that I like it and can see myself wearing it,” says Bianca.

The famous blogger has already experienced working with massmarket brands, some of which she regrets. “I have done it for money,” she admits, “and after I felt horrible.

Now that I look back I don’t see myself ever doing it again. I will only stick to stuff that I like in order to feel true to myself because I feel that this is the only way it can work.”

When it comes to fashion, Instagram is more than a mere photo-sharing app.

It has become a part of the fashion industry - from daily trends, street styles and fashion tips. It inspires us for the new amazing looks to create and share with others. After all, it is part of who we are and the greatest fashion moments should be celebrated, not hidden. V

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ART+SOUL

ART+ SOUL > SITE-SPECIFIC INTERVENTIONS, > A VINTAGE STORY > THE COOLEST, PRETTIEST, TECHIEST GEAR THIS YEAR > HEY HEY I WANNA BE A ROCKSTAR

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I WANNA BE A ROCKSTAR

IN A WORLD WHERE WE’RE TOLD THAT UNREALISTIC DREAMS ARE UNATTAINABLE FROM A YOUNG AGE, WE STOP REACHING FOR THE STARS. VAMP EXPLORES “THE CRISIS”.

Words: Lisa Borain

Y

outh brought most of us the solid confidence that we would be rich, famous, and desired by all. We wanted to be rock stars, Formula 1 race-car driving champions, best-selling novelists, famous footballers and ballerinas, platinum album-selling singers, and super star actors.

Most parents discouraged the famous thing - and maybe not wrongly so.

It’s extremely difficult to work out the exact percentage of famous people on the planet, but an approximate ratio is somewhere between about 1 in 10,000 and 5 in 10,000. This ratio feels like it makes it safe to say that there aren’t that many notorious people in the world.

When we were kids, we weren’t good at differentiating between being “rich and famous” and following our dream. And perhaps neither were our parents.

Likely stemmed from their emotionally protective fear of our own possible disappointment, we were encouraged to aim lower. We were taught to be sensible.

As a result, the vast majority of us stopped thinking about reaching for the stars. The rich and famous dream lasted longer for some than others. Some of us pursued higher education in the field of our choice to get closer to the ultimate dream, but began to understand that the one degree of separation percentage to the handful of famous people in the world was (slowly un) surprisingly low. Our parents were right.

Novelist Paolo Coelho nails it: “We are told from childhood onward that everything we want to do is impossible. We grow up with this idea, and as the years accumulate, so too do the layers of prejudice, fear and guilt. There comes a time when our personal calling is so deeply buried in our soul as to be invisible. But know that it’s still there.”

There comes a point when the first realisation hits that we are not going to be rich, famous, or desired by all. Then the second realisation; we might not even actually be above average in our career, financial disposition, or relationship.

It’s probable that a lot of us ignore these sparks of reality along the way until it hits us all at once and suddenly.

In a philosophical paper written by the psychoanalyst Elliot Jaques in 1965, a hypothesis was made that a crisis occurs when a midlife adult begins to come to grips with mortality, realising that he or she won’t be able to fulfil all the dreams of youth. The notion was dubbed a “midlife crisis”. As the concept began to evolve, it became associated with a host of other problems that become more noticeable during midlife, such as relationship difficulties, trouble with children, and career despair. >>

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 095

I WANNA BE A ROCKSTAR Studies have now found that this “crisis” is shown to start much earlier, probably linked to younger people beginning their careers earlier - which means that it’s no longer apt to be called a midlife crisis.

into making a real difference, in a meaningful way, in the world.”

When experiencing this crisis, people begin to reassess their achievements in terms of their dreams. The result may be a desire to make significant changes in various areas of their lives, some positive, others negative. Studies have shown that a common reaction to the situation is for people to begin comparing themselves to their peers for orientation, the result of which can - for obvious reasons - be hugely unhealthy and unhelpful.

Research conducted by Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne showed that people who changed jobs before their midlife years had a greater sense of generativity when they reached mid-life. They also experienced a greater sense of motivation to deviate from stagnation and a desire to help the younger generation thrive.

The comparison of where we are in life largely depends on standards. If living in a country where rife poverty is a reality, it’s easier to put things into realistic perspective and feel better about not reaching the desired point in a career. If people are subject to disease and early death, it’s a lot harder to feel inferior for not being able to afford travel or acquire a new car. Malta happens to be tough crowd, with its extremely high world ranking (number 15) in the home ownership scale, with 80.3% of people owning their own homes.

Malta also has the lowest overcrowding rates for those at risk of poverty. Only after Cyprus and Ireland in the EU (both 4.9%), Malta has a 6.3% overcrowding rate. The unemployment rate is at a mere 6.4%. As a result, the general standard of comparison is relatively high.

As for the famous part of the rich and famous dream, according to Psychologist Donna Rockwell, “so many people in our culture clamour at some level for their own slice of fame, first noted in Andy Warhol’s prediction of 15 minutes for everyone… In fact, iconic filmmaker Jon Waters believes that being famous is everyone’s unspoken desire. ‘Most everybody secretly imagines themselves in show business,’ he says, ‘and every day on their way to work, they’re a little bit depressed because they’re not…

People are sad they’re not famous…’.

“The relevant question becomes how can a celebrity survive fame? How can someone take a God-given talent… rise to megastardom, and ride the merry-go-round of fame with health, grace, and perspective until it is time to finally get off? Clues to the answer lie in becoming part of something larger than oneself (countering fame’s natural tendency toward narcissism), and dedicating all one’s drives and ambitions

What if we finally differentiated between the dream and fame?

personal quality dubbed the “quiet ego”.

In psychological terms, a noisy ego is said to vie for attention, always on the look-out for fame and recognition. Generativity kills the desire for an enhancement of our own sense of self and a greater tendency for an ego to take a back seat to the needs of others.

“This is a tremendous step in development, allowing you to bask in the accomplishments of the young without feeling that your own self-worth is being threatened.”

Psychologist Erik Erikson used the term “generativity” to capture the need for all of us to leave something behind for future

Back to Erikson. His thought was that “with stagnation, middle-aged adults increasingly experience feelings of disgust

generations. The opposite of generativity is stagnation, in which we put our energy into focusing on ourselves rather than into helping others. It’s been said that generativity can help our personality flourish, even while we provide vital support to the next generation. Stagnation carries the risk that potential growth can turn inward, and possibly disappear altogether.

This is not the same as becoming a parent, as having children offers no guarantee of generativity. Turning our own experience into life lessons can help inspire others to be more conscientious. By helping others, whether our own children or other younger people, we’re also enhancing our own psychological health. Researchers interested in generative behaviours are producing studies that people high in this personality quality are more likely to engage in acts that do benefit their communities, both now and in the future.

and disappointment with the young, leading them to become alienated and eventually cut off from more and more people around them. As they do, they also become cut off from their own identities”.

Here’s where it gets really interesting.

University of Dayton psychologist Jack Bauer (not the 24 Jack Bauer; the surname derives from Germany, meaning “farmer”, so very common), proposes that people high in generativity have another alluring

Many of us will remember from our basic psychology classes that Erikson believed that each stage of life builds on the next.

By that rationale, if we are able to establish a firm sense of generativity, that belief in leaving a lasting legacy will cushion the changes of the coming years when we think about the larger meaning of our lives.

So maybe it’s not too late. Maybe we shouldn’t be giving up on the dream, but rather understand that it’s not riches and fame we’re truly dreaming about. How can we possibly be disillusioned with life if we know that we’re a part of the positive development of the world, pursuing our callings with the ultimate aim to share them, rather than simply be famous?

Now that sort of ever-evolving immortality seems more like living the dream ought to be. V

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 097

COOL GADGETS

The coolest, prettiest, techiest gear this YEAR >>

ADDON T10: The Addon T10 offers high-performing multi talent with impressive sound resources.

This compact powered stereo loudspeaker delivers a huge soundstage with powerful deep bass and clear treble. The ease of use reflects the speaker’s exterior. With dual audio inputs, USB for charging smartphones and a sub output to connect powered subwoofer, Addon T10 is ready for the demanding requirements filling the whole home with good quality sound.

KUBE So it’s a drinks cooler and a speaker. Sleek, stylish and water resistant, KUBE is ready for anything. It serves up the drinks in its 35-quart storage compartment while it also pushes out 125 decibels of high-definition audio. KUBE uses cordless portability and Bluetooth® connectivity to start the party any place, any time.

IPAD PRO The new iPad Pro is the biggest and fastest Apple tablet to date. The pressure-sensitive Pencil stylus offers superior sketching and drawing, and the Pro’s gorgeous giant screen and quad speakers are ideal for split-screen apps, multitasking and watching movies.

PACIF-I The world’s first smart pacifier that allows you to monitor temperature, record medication, and keep tabs on the location of your baby from your smartphone. Pacif-i uses the latest medical grade polymers to give it extra clarity and strength. It uses Bluetooth smart technology, its battery should last for over a year when left always on, and it has a range of up to 30 metres line of sight.

(MU-SO) Mu-so® by Naim is their first wireless music system, finely tuned by their specialist engineers in England to deliver the most exceptional quality in sound, commanding 450 watts of power through six customdesigned speakers to create an amazing music experience.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 099

COOL GADGETS

VOLTPOT TABLE PLANTER Part coffee table and part planter, this awesome VoltPot puts the environment to work indoors by harnessing the power of dirt to charge gadgets. The fresh green planter pot has a built-in Microbial Fuel Cell that’s capable of generating enough energy to charge small electronics, giving users an additional reason to bring the outdoors in. www.inhabitat.com

ANTI-LONELINESS RAMEN BOWL Devised

by Tokyo and Taipei-based design studio MisoSoupDesign, the Anti-Loneliness Ramen Bowl was unleashed unto the world of lonely diners last month. The simple design allows you to slot your iPhone into the top of the bowl, enabling you to use chopsticks or a knife and fork while checking the Internet, thereby fending off any encroaching feelings of isolation. The dock doubles as a sound amplifier, so you can also pump some tunes through your food bowl while you’re chowing down. www.misosoupdesign.com

ALESSI AT CHRISTMAS Made in decorated porcelain, Alessi’s “Happy Snowtime” Christmas serving plate is this year’s beautifully designed Alessi Christmas pattern www.petroleamalta.com

LET’S FACE IT. WE MUST HAVE IT.

MUFFIN TOPS Fill these jean-style cupcake pants with your favourite cake batter and watch them develop that little extra bulge around the middle as they bake. www.fredandfriends.com

SUMO EGGS TWIN EGG CUPS Breakfast just got fun with these little Sumo wrestlers.

Egg them on while they fight it out for the last toast soldier. www.peleg-design.com SOLAR SUNTREE Designed by XD Desing, the Solar Suntree solar charges your Smartphone, iPod and more. It charges one device via a cable and powers the charge from the rays of the sun, thanks to nine little solar panel leaves. With a mini USB input cable and full instructions included, all you need to do is pop it in bright sunlight and away you go. www.xd-design.com

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ART

Evolving between personal history and transitory memories, the artistic practice of Belgrade-born Ivana Ivković encompasses a wide range of media through which she creates site-specific interventions and distinctively remarkable environments in exhibition space.

Words: Based on text notes

by Ana Bogdanović

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ART

“LAST YEAR WAS EXOTIC. I SPENT A COUPLE OF MONTHS IN MOROCCO, DEEP IN THE SAHARA DESERT NEAR THE ALGERIAN BORDER…”

F

or the last eight years, Ivana Ivković has been living a very nomadic way of life.

Her artistic career took off in 2005, and now she travels the world, observing intimate everyday reactions, and sensations towards specific cultural and historical landscapes and places. This is the starting point of Ivana’s direct, sometimes even painfully honest artistic endeavour. As a result, expressive, tender, and thought-provoking drawings appear, often combining images and textual statements, which are furthermore being transformed through other media - such as light installations, photography, tapestry or sculpture.

Morocco, Sahara desert, 2014

“Last year was exotic. I spent a couple of months in Morocco, deep in the Sahara desert near the Algerian border. The Artist in Residence Program took place in the Berber village of Tisardmine, next to one of two of the largest dunes in Sahara - Erg Chebbi. This small village consists of 11 family houses, 10 of them Berber and one Arab. People there are mostly nomads who spend the hot desert summers in the Atlas Mountains.

The silence is absolute, surrounded only by the endless thought that you are all alone out there…”

After Morocco, Ivana travelled to India, at first visiting the north of the country, and then journeying through the Himalayas, from Kashmir to Ladakh, through the valleys and mountains. >>

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 103

Clockwise: ‘Auto Delo’. Object installation in ArtDeco Saloon, 2013. Photography: Ivana Ivkovic. ‘End Joy Everlasting…’. Collage on paper, 165x350m. From the exhibition ‘Neighbouring Landscapes’, Cultural Centre of Belgrade Gallery, Serbia, 2013. Photography: Antonije Vulovic.‘Since I Met You I Have No Peace’.

Drawings - markers on watercolour paper, 2012. Photography: Antonije Vulovic.

Next page, top right:‘Mythology of Everyday Life’, Digital archival print, 2013.

Photography: Antonije Vulovic.

ART

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ART

“TO BE ABLE TO MAKE ANY COMMENTS ON THE WORLD OUTSIDE THROUGH MY WORKS, I DECIDED I NEEDED TO GET TO KNOW THE WORLD BETTER.”>>

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ART

Clockwise: ‘Mythology of Everyday Life’. Digital archival print, 2013.

Photography: Antonije Vulovic. Havana, Cuba, 2009. Photography: Ivana Ivkovic.

‘End Joy Everlasting…’. Collage on paper, 165x350m. From the exhibition ‘Neighbouring Landscapes’, Cultural Centre of Belgrade Gallery, Serbia, 2013.

Photography: Antonije Vulovic.

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ART

“INDIA TEACHES YOU MANY THINGS, SLOWLY BUT DEEPLY. “

“The greatness of the Himalayas is something that changes your life. I even experienced a very painful and risky bite from a Himalayan insect, but instilled my trust in a local guide who sucked my blood to clean my system from poisoning… This was very much a lesson about trust and faith. India teaches you many things, slowly but deeply. My residency site was in a West Bengal village near the border of Bangladesh.

The studio was set in an amazing house with tropical gardens and with all sorts of exotic animals within it. I worked on a ready-made sculpture of collected objects from the area in which villagers mostly produce things from fibre glass.

I exhibited works in Calcutta - a series of drawings and objects called ‘Dead

By Nature’. I remember thinking that west Bengal looks like an impressionist painting during monsoon season. I think that India also taught me patience.”

This time last year meant winter in Toronto, Ohio and New York for Ivana, where she worked on a project of pop up exhibition events with her colleague from Brooklyn.

“After a couple of very hard working months, we set up the show in a private villa in the historical Fieldstone Road in beautiful Riverdale. ‘Better Life’ was the name of a project, and all that we ever want!

“I really see New York City as my second home, very often staying with a friend in Harlem. I feel as though her apartment is my own, and I can work there, which is very important to me. Above all, I am in love with Harlem. Huge inspiration for my work comes from there. After a four-month long art residency at the Residency Unlimited organisation, I created an exhibition entitled ’61 Days in Harlem’.”

These works portrayed textual messages in the form of light boxes and aluminium objects, which Ivana collected every day for two months from advertising ads in subway trains. “‘No Matter What, Tonight You Are Going Home’ was the main one, and tells a lot about nature of this city. Being in New York will guarantee you huge ups

and downs for sure, but this place can definitely teach you many important things about life and work.”

After a successful New York opening, Ivana went to Andalusia with three girlfriends to shoot video footage for her new project, ‘No Country for Young Woman’, dealing with the issues of women in their late thirties.

“We took a road trip with my car, from Belgrade to Marbella, which was an amazing experience of that part of Mediterranean Europe. Andalusia has unforgettable landscape and cities that make you cry.

“I used to spend at least one month of every summer in a village in Serbia from which my family has roots. This summer I created a work about it - about my ambivalent feelings of dislocation and the need for belonging. ‘Stray’ is an installation of carpets which I collected from villagers’ houses. >>

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ART

I continued my summer at the sea coast of Montenegro, which was somehow a continuation of the project ‘Stray’, and ended up on the island of Crete where I spent September and October.

The Crete experience was something special; living and working in the hills of Mountain Psiloritis, where actually Zeus was born. I had the opportunity to work in Byzantine churches and monasteries from the 12th-14th century and use them as my personal studio space.

Here, I created a series of installations with the name ‘FIRE’; one strong word to describe the intense feeling of life on this magical island, being at the same time, a very organic and mysterious thing.”

Some photos of the ‘FIRE’ project are currently on display in Gallery Fokianou 24/7 in Athens. After Crete, Ivana went to Beirut, where she is currently, and after many years of fantasising about

the city, her wish to work and live there is finally coming true.

“This multilayered city is ideal to keep me on track with the project FIRE/s.

I will try to give my impression and a comment on Beirut in the form of site-specific work - one very complex installation ‘Like There Is No Tomorrow’, which will be set on a rooftop of the local gas station.”

There is a strong and logical connection between Ivana’s journeys, her art, and her personal development.

“The huge need to travel around the globe was one of the most authentic feelings that I have ever recognised and followed… My whole artistic practice, as well as production of the works relaying to the nomadic structure of my life; to be able to make any comments on the world outside through my works, I decided I needed to get to

know the world better. Emotional and psychological subjects are in the base of my works, and by overcoming personal fears through changing surroundings, I become better in understanding the inner side of myself and other people as well.”

Captivatingly frank and yet often intensely private and self-reflexive, Ivana’s work is primarily based in the medium of drawing that she uses in a delicate and highly intuitive manner, overcoming the constrains of traditional objective representation in this discipline. Full of longing and very intimate in its exposure, the confrontational, playful, and occasionally ironic witty ambiences possess a subtle impact to displace the viewer into an ephemeral, yet powerful domain in which quiet recollections and familiar experiences are being provoked and intensified. V

Clockwise: ‘Eccentric exercise II’. Installation of 25 traditional carpets. Belgrade Cultural Centre Gallery, Serbia, 2015. Photography: Milan Kralj, Dusko Jelen.

‘Keep The Fears’. Light box, 2013. Photography: Ivana Ivkovic. Havana, Cuba, 2009. Photography: Ivana Ivkovic. Ivana Ivkovic portrait.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 109

FASHION

n a sunny afternoon in October 1948, Eleanora, having arrived by ship from Southampton, is in Old Theatre Street,Valletta waiting to meet a cousin she has never met.

However, cousin Frances, with whom she was to stay, has failed to turn up. Eleanora, unaccustomed to the Mediterranean climate, is growing hotter by the moment. She is displeased, bored and rapidly losing her patience with ‘all things foreign’.

At the next table François, who recently arrived from Paris, is waiting too. He is nervous and afraid to sit down.The musical agent who was to audition him is an hour late. François is worried that he is at the wrong café. ‘C’est terrible’ because he needs the work. It is ‘tres chaud’ and he would like to remove his hat, but with a lady present, it would be bad etiquette.

Conception & Styling: Penny Apap Brown Photography: Kurt Paris Makeup: Krista Paris Shoot Location: Debono Coffee Shop, Old Theatre Street, Valletta Model: Estelle from Supernova Model Management Clothes: Penny Apap Brown’s personal collection of vintage and current fashion.

Both Eleanora and François suspect they find themselves sharing a similar predicament.

However, without a third person to make a formal introduction, they cannot converse.

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FASHION

[ LEFT ] Eleanora wears 1940s plumed hat and pearls from market in New York, vintage American pearl and diamanté earrings, vintage gloves from market in Rome, vintage alligator handbag from market in Germany, inherited alligator suitcase, feather hemmed cocktail dress from SPCA Charity Shop, Astrakan coat with fur collar from Paws for a Cause Charity Shop. [ RIGHT ] Estelle aka “François” wears original naval cap, a white dress shirt and bow tie from Charity Shop, black men’s braces from Bortex, black silk braid and Swarovski necklace - original piece from Rue De La Croix - Via Della Croce Rome, houndstooth trousers from River Island, black velvet tassel loafers from Zara Men, leather luggage from New York.

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FASHION

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FASHION

[FAR LEFT] Estelle aka “François wears hat from shop in Merchant’s Street, vintage Ray-Bans, embossed leather and net top from Paris, man’s dinner jacket from a Gozo charity shop, checked trousers from Zara, black patent biker boots from Rome. [LEFT] Annabella wears silk head scarf, Isaac Mizrari sunglasses, pearl necklace, 1960s earrings, yellow leather gloves, black taffeta ball gown, black knee highs, gold laced-up shoes from Zara. [BELOW RIGHT] Lynda wears striped hat from Rome, vintage earrings from New York market, black and white dress, black gloves, vintage handbag from a market in Rome. [ABOVE] Victor the waiter wears striped apron from BTI Uniforms, Mosta.

[ABOVE RIGHT] Eleanora wears 1940s plumed hat and pearls from market in New York, vintage American pearl and diamanté earrings, vintage gloves from market in Rome, vintage alligator handbag from market in Germany, inherited alligator suitcase, feather hemmed cocktail dress from SPCA Charity Shop, Astrakan coat with fur collar from Paws for a Cause Charity Shop.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 113

FASHION

Annabella wears silk head scarf, Isaac Mizrari sunglasses, pearl necklace, 1960s earrings, yellow leather gloves, black taffeta ball gown, black knee highs, gold laced-up shoes from Zara.

114 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

w w w . o t t a v i a n i . c o m

AFFORDABLE JEWELLERY for EVERY WOMAN

La Bottega

200 Merchants Street Valletta

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ARCHITECTURE/TRAVEL

TRAVEL+ ARCHITECTURE > LABYRINTHINE ARCHITECTURE > HOME UPDATES > A SERIOUSLY ICY HOTEL > TO BE OR NOT TO BE > A FESTIVE TWIST.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 117

that little bit out of the ordinary

rabat / sliema / valletta t: 20 10 20 30

www.camilleriparismode.com

ARCHITECTURE

Architects: NORM Architects Words: NORM Architects Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

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ARCHITECTURE

T

he Fredensborg House’s aesthetic is derived from inspirations brought about by the labyrinthine mountain village architecture, those that you may find familiar in Southern Europe, the architecture of Chinese temples, and in the works of modernist Danish architecture Jørn Utzon.

An important issue when designing the house was to play with how the natural light would come into the house at different times of the day, and making it an integral part of shaping the architecture. So instead of just using regular formats for windows we played a lot with different formats to obtain certain effects when the light enters the house – giving each room its own character and certain feel.

One of the main goals for this house was to provide a feeling of serenity and calm. To achieve this goal, the use of different contrasting materials was minimised. To suit the elements of the building’s surroundings and staying true to its natural form, a lot of local materials were used. The exterior consists of yellow tiles, yellow brick and black painted wood. The interior is made up of raw grey walls, brushed natural oak floors and white ceilings. The consistent use of the same materials throughout the house is what gives this labyrinthine structure a cohesive look and feel as being one big continuous space. It’s the choice of local materials that provides the same harmony as you find in old villages where everything is constructed from what was accessible around the village. The use of natural materials that had some imperfection

gave the house an authentic aesthetic – like that of an aged and well treasured structure, which only becomes more beautiful as it decays. In that sense we were very much inspired by the Japanese’s thoughts on wabi-sabi when choosing materials.

The many yellow tile roofs of the Fredensborg House rhythmically overlap each other - resonating the movements of the slopes in design. The roof’s colour palette consists of four different yellow and brownish tones in a mix, to achieve a natural imperfection. It gives a seemingly harmonious and charming miniature scene like that of a traditional Southern European mountain village, when the roofs are viewed from the highest point of the property. >>

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ARCHITECTURE

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ARCHITECTURE

...�An important issue when designing the house was to play with how the natural light would come into the house at different times of the day, and making it an integral part of shaping the architecture�...

As you enter the central hall of the house a grand staircase welcomes you to the highest point of the property, consisting of three different plateaus connecting the master bedroom, the living area, kitchen and dining area that connects serenely in one continuous space.

A wide central staircase characterises the architectural interior of the house, highlighted by the ceiling’s varying heights and the vast glass facades looking through the ethereal garden.

The vertical narrow windows face east and west to optimise viewing points, as well as to serve as a canvas for natural light to successfully illuminate space within the house.

The property does not reveal its large size at first glance. Not until you walk along the east side of the house through a small path leading uphill towards the main entrance, will several new volumes be introduced. You will also find a breathtaking visual of an 18-metre stretch from the east to west axis of the house, through one of the vertical windows looking into the kitchen area.

As you enter the central hall of the house a grand staircase welcomes you to the highest point of the property, consisting of three different plateaus connecting the master bedroom, the living area, kitchen and dining area that connects serenely in one continuous space. The different areas of the house are divided by volumes of brick that contain the kitchen and fireplace which also serves as room dividers.

The spacious staircase is greatly inspired by the main pedestrian street in small villages and serve as a natural gathering place in the house and attracts activity in its space. >>

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 123

ARCHITECTURE

...”The use of natural materials that had some imperfection gave the house an authentic aesthetic – like that of an aged and well treasured structure, which only becomes more beautiful as it decays”... >>

124 S W E D E N I S S U E

[ ABOVE ] There is one wide central window corresponding the exact length of the huge custom made Corian dining table, flanked by double doors facing the garden on each side.

ARCHITECTURE

The lowest plateau of the house contains the dining area and a small washroom. It is divided from the kitchen area by a noticeably grey brick wall with broad steps on each side, dividing the room into three sections. You will find a long section of small windows just under the rooftop allowing more light to come in from the west part, bringing in a faint yellow coloured atmosphere in the afternoons whilst giving early evenings a warm ambiance. Another viewpoint of the house is the entire façade of the garden, which is made of glass. There is one wide central window corresponding the exact length of the huge custom made Corian dining table, flanked by double doors facing the garden on each side. The grass from the outside is at precise measure right by the border of each window frame, which brings in the feel of nature visually.

Towards west is a high slender window emphasising the height of the ceiling.

This window provides a clear view to the terrace located in the centre of the house, peeking all the way through the living area which is found on the other side of the terrace.

The house is structured around two axes; the central staircase going from north to south following the form of the sloping terrain, and the axes on the middle plateau from the kitchen to the east to the living room towards the west.

The kitchen is a part of the open “raumplan” – but is still partly hidden in two niches, allowing the occupants of the house to be able to work on preparing food without the clutter being exposed to their guests. This structure has also left room to build in an oven, ventilation, fridge and storage as an

integrated part of the architecture.

The centred kitchen is created to make the workflow a lot easier when preparing food and serving guests.

When walking from the kitchen area across the central staircase, you get a glimpse of the living area through the fireplace, which can be seen through the staircase, the kitchen, the dining area, and the living area. The living area is like a niche on the east-west axis, cut into the terrain, resulting in a dramatic ceiling height to one side where the sofa is located, and with large glass panels to the other side towards the wooden terrace, emphasising the illusion of space. The sense of transparency and the connection between interior and exterior is enhanced by the fact that the level of the terrace floor is the same as the floor of the interior. V S W E D E N I S S U E 125

HOME UPDATE

DUO FLOOR LAMP

The Duo floor lamp is right on trend with its brass finish, and looks stunning in a traditional as well as modern setting. Its two-directional lamps ensures the appropriate light, right where it’s needed. www.boconcept.com.mt

EXQUISITE INK

HARVARD RECLINER

The Harvard recliner is BoConcept’s latest armchair addition that’s functional but also distinctive. It looks right at home in a contemporary urban interior and at the same time invites relaxation and indulgence. Find it in an electric or battery-operated version which utilises an innovative space-saving mechanism that keeps the shape lean and sleek. www.boconcept.com.mt

Another new addition to camilleriparismode, these exquisite ink illustrations featuring anthropomorphic designs adorn a variety of homeware including plates, vases, mugs and more. www. camilleriparismode .com

LUGANO Lugano highboard featuring drop down doors and drawers in matte white and grey speaker fabric. The speaker fabric adds a nice contrast to the white, but is also functional as it allows the user to hide speakers within the highboard for a minimal clutter-free look.

BoConcept, www.boconcept.com.mt

MILANO It’s easy to achieve a functional Scandinavian look with the Milano extendable table that hides a supplementary top that can be effortlessly opened up to make more space. The table can be customised in different colours and with different leg bases. www.boconcept.com.mt

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 127

HOME UPDATE RORY DOBNER

The stunning artwork by Rory Dobner, a renowned British designer, will soon be available to purchase from LOFT. His edgy designs feature on a range of beautiful soft furnishings, gorgeous ink prints and a selection of home accessories and stationary. www.loft.com.mt

SELETTI

camilleriparismode is proud to introduce the ever so stylish SELETTI to their repertoire of home décor.

Renowned for their style innovation and quirky products, SELETTI offer quality and style all rolled into one. Find them at all three camilleriparismode shops. www.camilleriparismode.com

“There’s no place like home.”

CALLIGARIS CODE RUG

With their geometric patterns and graphic floral shapes, the new CALLIGARIS CODE rug collection offers a broad colour palette, from the pastel hues of Apotema and Gava, to the warm shades of Nadira, and the graceful green-pink found in Rose. Available exclusively at Calligaris Studio, Ideacasa, www.ideacasa.com.mt

LINIE RUGS

Designed by the leading Danish design company, Linie Design, these beautiful handmade Linie rugs from LOFT offer a striking alternative to the norm. With a modern Nordic look weaved into every design, these elegant rugs have become best sellers in over 60 countries. www.loft.com.mt

ALESSI AT CHRISTMAS

Made in decorated porcelain, Alessi’s “Happy Snowtime” Christmas serving plate is this year’s beautifully designed Alessi Christmas pattern heralding the beginning of a season of family and friends gathering around the dining table. www.petroleamalta.com

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 129

TRAVEL

200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, in the small village of Jukkasj채rvi in northern Sweden, ICEHOTEL is the epitome of ephemeral and temporal architecture. >>

130 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

TRAVEL

T

he world’s first and largest hotel built out of snow and ice is an inhabitable work of art that takes on a new form each year. The existence of ICEHOTEL is entirely reliant upon the climate and one of Europe’s last wild rivers - the Torne, from which the 4,000 tonnes of ice are harvested each year between March and April.

Each year artists are handpicked to design and build the Art Suites within the ICEHOTEL. The process involves approximately 100 people and is constructed between November and December.

ICEHOTEL began as a workshop and art exhibit by founder Yngve Bergqvist in 1989 when he invited artists to

participate in a workshop led by two Japanese ice sculptors. The first project unveiled was a 60m2 igloo called ARTic Hall. In the following years, ARTic Hall grew to 250m2. The technique and final product attracted glowing attention and was used for church services, films and a bar. The technique was patented and protected and soon guests began to stay overnight. >>

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TRAVEL

THE ROOM TEMPERATURE NEVER FALLS BELOW MINUS EIGHT DEGREES CELSIUS, WHICH PROVIDES JUST ENOUGH INSULATION TO PROTECT THE ICE FROM MELTING AND EXHILARATE GUESTS AWAKE. >>

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TRAVEL

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 133

TRAVEL

134 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

TRAVEL

IT CLOSES IN MID-APRIL AS THE ICE BEGINS TO MELT, RETURNING TO MOTHER NATURE, PROVIDING A CLEAN SLATE FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR AS THE WATER RUNS BACK INTO THE THORNE RIVER.

Now twenty years later, ICEHOTEL is prospering on the unrepeated experiences it offers and the artistry it exhibits. The amenities offered at the hotel include access to the wilderness of the Arctic Circle, views of the Northern Lights, warm accommodations and the ICEBAR, amongst others.

Guests sleep in sleeping bags, atop reindeer hides and mattresses that

cover large blocks of ice. ICEHOTEL promises that the room temperature never falls below minus eight degrees Celsius, which provides just enough insulation to protect the ice from melting and exhilarate guests awake. The hotel has 47 rooms which accommodate approximately 50 – 60,000 guests per year. It closes in mid-April as the ice begins to melt, returning to Mother Nature, providing a clean slate for the

following year as the water runs back into the Torne River.

ICEHOTEL continues its effort to be CO2 negative by incorporating renewable energy used such as wind, hydro, solar energy and biofuels. The effort is an example of what could be done even in the most severe climates - even where it is dark and cold for the most of the year. V

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 135

FOOD

A FES TIVE TWIST Corinthia Palace Chefs Jonathan Zammit and Mark Mc Bride bring VAMP a very merry Christmas meal.

Photography: Kris Micallef Shoot location: Corinthia Palace Hotel Gardens Christmas Decor: LOFT

136 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

FOOD ANGUS BEEF CARPACCIO WITH CURRIED CELERIAC PUREE Beef Carpaccio 420g cleaned beef tenderloin 1 sprig of thyme 1 sprig rosemary ½ garlic clove Olive oil Method Marinate the beef fillet overnight with the thyme, rosemary and garlic and some olive oil. The following day remove the herbs and garlic and heat a pan with a drizzle of olive oil, giving the fillet a quick sear all over (get a nice deep caramelisation on the outside), and season. Allow to cool slightly and when you can, handle wrap in cling film to get a round shape. Freeze overnight.

Curried Celeriac Puree ½ celeriac root, peeled and cut into cubes 3g curry powder 2g cumin 2g ground coriander 25ml milk 25ml cream Salt and pepper 15g butter Method In a pan, place the oil and spices, and warm through until aromatic. Add the celeriac and cook for 10 minutes until they start to soften. Add the milk and cream and bring to a simmer, cooking until the celeriac is cooked. Place in a blender and blend until a smooth puree is formed, check seasoning and correct if necessary. Keep warm.

Slice the beef carpaccio thinly and arrange in a neat circle.

Dress the plate and decorate with sherry vinegar and olive oil, marinated yellow and red beets, fried parsnips crisps, toasted hazelnuts and micro cress. >>

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 137

NEW YEAR’S EVE 1940s SWING AT THE

CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA

Pre-dinner 1940s cocktails & canapés, a lavish banquet with an international open bar & free-flowing champagne and a special guest singer with her jazz band

DRESS FOR THE DECADE

IN YOUR BEST FORTIES STYLE For further information please call us on 2144 0301

FOOD

SEARED VEAL FILLET & BUTTER POACHED LOBSTER WITH PISTACHIO CROQUETTE AND RED WINE JUS Veal Tenderloin 1 veal tenderloin, trimmed and cleaned (weight approximately 650g) 1tsp olive oil Sprig of thyme Sprig of rosemary 1 garlic clove, crushed 1tbsp butter Salt and pepper Method Warm a pan with the olive oil and sear the veal tenderloin. Add the garlic, thyme and rosemary, and continue to cook for five minutes turning frequently. Place the pan into the oven and cook until a core temperature of 43 degrees is achieved.

Return the pan to the stove and increase the heat. Add the cold butter and allow to foam.

Remove from heat and allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Lobster 2 Canadian fresh lobsters (blanched and refreshed, tail only cut in half lengthwise) 60g butter 300ml fish stock Salt & pepper 10ml white wine Method In a pan, reduce the fish stock and white wine. Place the lobster tails, add butter and cook over low heat for three minutes, but be careful not to overcook.

Red Wine Sauce 300g beef trimmings 1 shallot, diced ½ carrot diced 1 celery stick, diced 100g mushrooms 1.5l chicken stock 400ml red wine 20ml red wine vinegar butter

Salt & pepper 1tbsp vegetable oil Method In a pot, heat the oil and cook the shallots, carrots, celery, mushroom, and beef trimmings, stir constantly to get a nice deep brown caramelisation, add the red wine and reduce by half. Add the chicken stock and season lightly, reduce heat and allow to simmer. Reduce by half. Strain through a fine sieve and return to the stove to continue reduction, removing any impurities that rise to the surface with a clean spoon. Once you have a syrup-like consistency, remove from the heat and add a few knobs of cold butter and swirl around to thicken and check seasoning.

To dress the plate, use the butter glazed baby carrots, braised salsify, Brussel sprouts leaves, asparagus tips, roasted shallot, pistachio croquette and sautĂŠed wild mushrooms. Place the carved veal and the half lobster tail in the centre, and drizzle with the red wine jus. >>

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 139

FOOD CHOCOLATE DELICE WITH MALTED ICE CREAM & HONEYCOMB Chocolate Delice 140ml full fat milk 325ml double cream 2 free-range eggs 340g good quality dark chocolate, minimum 70% cocoa solids, roughly chopped Method Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan, gently until it just starts to boil. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, and melt the chocolate over a bain-marie. As the milk comes to the boil, pour it over the eggs, then whisk constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a tray lined with parchment paper and put in the fridge to set. It’s a good idea to line the bottom with a thin sponge base. Allow to set for at least five hours. Then remove from the tray, and using a hot knife or ring, mould portion the delice.

Malt Ice Cream 600ml whole milk 600ml double cream 60ml liquid glucose 1 vanilla pod 210g egg yolks 240g caster sugar 2 or 3tbsp malt extract [to taste] Method Put the milk, cream and glucose in a sauce pan, and scrape the inside of the vanilla pod into it.

Bring to the boil. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until white and thick in texture. Whisk the boiling liquid into the egg yolks and sugar, and transfer to a clean pan. Stir the mixture continuously over a low heat, until it coats the back of your spoon. Add the malt extract. Once cool, pass through a fine sieve and churn in the ice cream machine until frozen. Then store in the freezer.

Honeycomb 75g honey 140g glucose 400g sugar 5tbsp water 25g bicarbonate soda

Method Boil the water, sugar, glucose and honey until golden brown but not burnt (approximately 145 degrees). Add the bicarbonate soda and pour on to a tray to set. Once cool, break into small pieces.

Dress as in the photograph, with red velvet cake crumbs, praline ganache and micro cress. V

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 141

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PROMOTION

XMASGIFTIDEAS> WHO WOULDN’T LOVE A SCANDINAVIAN DESIGNINSPIRED GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS? Start shopping early at BoConcept and benefit from discounted prices across all accessories (excluding rugs) throughout December.

FOR THE QUIRKY COUSIN Cody, wood sculpture – €33 Owl vase - €23 Bulldog sculpture - €55

FOR THE STYLE-CONSCIOUS FRIEND Coasters, set of 6, assorted in black print and cork, in gift box – €12 Refine wall clock, black with copper detail, in giftbox - €33 Edel vase - €39

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 143

PROMOTION

FOR THOSE YOU WANT TO SPOIL Flower wall clock, metal, in giftbox - €84 Abstract oil painting, H180xW110cm - €350 Soft square mirror, maple wood/leather - €135

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BoConcept, Triq tal-Balal, San Gwann. 21378011/2 www.boconcept.com.mt

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 145

Words: Marie Claire Mizzi Photography: Kurt Paris.

Makeup: Krista Paris. Hair: Christian Galea.

PERSPECTIVE

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TO BE

or not

TO BE?

PERSPECTIVE

F

rom the beginning of time, Man has strived to venture and go beyond the boundaries set by the previous ancestors and to introduce new innovations to supersede other creations. As a result of this, the human IQ has increased considerably, and this is shown clearly in our species’ willingness to survive and achieve acts out of the ordinary.

Over the years, societies have shown how Man can be so powerful through their creations, such as the First Industrial Revolution, which gave birth to transportation, or the employment of coal to produce energy, which has opened so many doors. These significant steps were the foundation for today’s discoveries and creations, such as the very first step by Man on the moon, or the latest release of Apple: the iPhone 6s.

But sometimes I do truly wonder and speculate how much work of past cultures

is being thrown away by present ones.

Take our small island as an example: How many young and intelligent minds have we lost into the abyss of entertainment and media? All that youngsters think about nowadays are the amount of “likes” they get on Instagram and Facebook.

How many times have we gone to public spaces or community centres to only find faces crammed into smartphones whilst neglecting all the activity that is taking place around? Speaking from personal experience, I do sometimes resemble these people due to the fact that if I do not do the same, I would otherwise be staring into thin air with only the wall or the occasional fly to talk to.

What infuriates me is that we are letting this happen to us! Some people employ the excuse that technology is so integrated into our lives that we cannot just ignore it. But I have a question for them: How did past generations live without the excessive amount of technology that is found presently?

The people that mostly see the difference in our society are those that were born in the pre-technology era. Grandmother’s tales about her childhood and adolescence were void of any technology, and yet she still clearly states that she had the time of her life.

How many times have we (as teens) heard our parents remark that our behaviour has changed considerably, and that our dogma is simply our smartphone?

People are so absorbed in their social pages on various sites and apps that they are totally ignoring essential and vital things that lead to a happy, successful, and fulfilling life. As communication is diminishing, we are becoming distant from our friends and families without realising it.

Others will contradict this statement, as they point out that technology has increased the means of communication.

There is no point in contradicting them since it’s true to a certain extent; For instance, by pressing a few buttons and having a secure Wi-Fi connection, persons from two different sides of the world can communicate at any time of the day, whenever they want.

Yet I still personally feel that we are being distant. Last week, my friends and I decided to have a relaxed night and grab a bite. Exactly after we had sat down, one in the group took out her phone and began taking photos of the menu, so that she would “have something to Instagram about”. Then the food and drinks were settled, and immediately – as though there were a secret signal that only I could not hear – the others around the table took out their phones to embark on Facebook snooping.

Are we wasting all our ancestors’ work by letting our own inventions take control of us and our lives? If that is our future, then I’d rather not be a part of it, as this means that we are merely existing.

VAMP is now available at the Students’ House at the University. V

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 147

Dsalon -- Qantar Qantar Road, road,ibragg DSalon Ibragg Tel: 2137 1245 tel: 2137 1245

make DianDra make up up by by Diandra Mattei Photography Kurt Paris photography by kurt paris

www.dsalonmalta.com www.dsalonmalta.com

d salonmalta dssalonmalta

BEAUTY + WELL-BEING

BEAUTY+ WELL-BEING > WINTER WILD HAIR > SPELLBOUND BEAUTY > MOVING FOR A BETTER WORLD

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 149

[ HAIR TRENDS WINTER 2015/6 ]

[ WINTER WILD ] Hairstylist Lara Steer at DSalon in Ibrag shares the coolest AW15 hair spotted at Fashion Week.

TREND 1 > RED HAIR RULES From Rianne van Rompaey to Varya Shutova, Pre-Raphaelite beauties have been dominating the runways this week, but no further proof of the industry’s redhead mania was needed than when 90s supermodel Maggie Rizer appeared at Prabal Gurung with a deep red rinse that added a new knockout depth and dimension to her famous mane.

The Autumn/Winter 2015 catwalks saw an array of cool new hair trends. Some of our favourites include short choppy fringes, braids and plaits, the wet-look hair look, and obviously experimental bold colours, such as the pink hues at Gucci and the whiteblonde washes at Temperley London.

The new season also saw a return of poker straight hair and sultry centre partings, sculpted clean ponys, the comeback of hair accessories, and namely pretty pins - such as those at Dolce & Gabbana.

Stay ahead of the fashion pack with our full rundown of AW15’s top hair trends...

This fall, your statement accessories are going to become one with your hair: J.W.Anderson’s scraped-back twists created a cool backdrop for the designer’s oversize geometric earrings; Simone Rocha’s textured waves looked best wrapped around the throat and layered with pearl necklaces; and Burberry Prorsum’s fuzzy waves were tucked into an oversize collar or scarf.

TREND 2 > BOLD COLOURED HAIR We’re loving the stoned-washed hair colours that rocked the Fashion Week’s runways. Head-turning unusual bold hair colours made an impact and were sported by some of the coolest models around. Stone wash powdery silvery/petrol hues are a big trend

TREND 3 > ACCESSORISE Thanks to the irreverence of the top hair stylists, hair accessories are staging a big comeback. Among the most successful was Prada’s glittering hair slide, shiny blindfolds at Fendi and Chanel, and of course the floral option from Dolce & Gabbana. Be it little head bands or chunky ponytail cuffs, it’s very much okay to accessorise and bling it on a little, as long as it looks fashionably cool.

TREND 4 > HEALTHY HAIR Seen on nearly every runway, this is the hair trend that’s impossible to miss. Wavy, straight, untreated, or lightly crimped, when it comes to hair, perfect healthy hair is the new black. There’s no excuse to not having healthy locks in 2016, with the launch of revolutionary repairing treatments that truly rebuild the hair’s integrity once added to your hair colour mix. Only available at leading salons, this is the secret for 2016 to shine and repair in one.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 151

BEAUTY

Subdued and sexy neutrals; creams and serums for healthy, clear skin.

152 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

BEAUTY

[ FROM LEFT ] Shiseido full-lash volume mascara is a volume on-demand mascara that allows you to control the volume, to best suit you and your day, leaving lashes looking full and thick, but with a super soft touch.

From C+M Marketing.

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense is an oil-free serum treatment designed to simultaneously address both adult acne and the signs of ageing.

From Persona.

Guerlain Météorites Flocons Enchantés creates a unique harmony beige to even out the skin tone, champagne to illuminate and golden for a subtle sun-kissed effect.

From X-Treme Co. Ltd IDEALIA Life Serum

by VICHY restores skin complexion, tone and balance for women whose skin has been overexposed to behavioural ageing: pollution, UV light, smoking, stress, fatigue and an unbalanced diet.

From ProHealth.

Clarins Double Serum is a complete anti-ageing serum, and is the only intensive anti-ageing

treatment serum rich in 20 plant extracts that boosts the skin’s vital functions.

From leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

Clarins Everlasting Foundation+ provides a perfectly even, flawless complexion and 18 hours of coverage - for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin. From leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

Clarins Eye Brow Pencils allow you to redefine and correct the line of the brows. From leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 153

BEAUTY

“A natural, clear complexion with bold lips is the va va Boom this season. “

Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral no.13 Skintones is a collection of wet and dry formula eye shadow quartets, each containing four toning shades of satin and iridescent long lasting, super silky and blendable eye colour.

From leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

YSL Or Rouge Face Cream is a revitalising and luxurious skincare collection designed to combat ageing. From Chemimart.

Guerlain Ors et Merveilles palette combines two levels containing the essentials of sophisticated makeup for eyes and cheekbones. From X-Treme Co.Ltd. Man Cave natural grooming products are for the urban huntsman, designed and formulated to be simple, yet high quality, natural, and affordable. From Ta’Xbiex Perfumery.

L’Erbolario beauty products are all derived from nature’s infinite properties. Winner of Elle Beauty Awards 2015 in the Body Care category. From 190, Merchants Str, Valletta.

HOLIDAY BLOSSOM Rediscover a beautifully pampered and relaxed you with a hot stone back massage, a pressure points head massage, and use of Myoka Spa facilities.

Duration of 25 minutes for €40. Available from Myoka Spas, www.myoka.com

154 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

Does size and shape really matter?

The relationship between women and their bodies is a complex and intimate one. Many women perceive their breasts as the focus of their femininity and an important aspect of their self-image and self-confidence. Anything that has a visible impact on the breasts will deeply influence the quality of a woman’s outlook on life and her general well-being.

At Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre, all clients are offered a warm welcome and the highest level of support during this important decision in their life. Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre provides women with the widest variety of cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery procedures in Malta, including: Breast augmentation

Breast uplift

Enables women to feel more confident with their bodies

To raise and reshape sagging breasts, especially after

and achieve their ideal self-image by augmenting the

weight loss or pregnancy. This procedure enhances

breasts with implants which changes the size, shape

women’s sense of well-being and confidence, as well as

and feel of the breasts to that desired.

giving a boost to their sex life.

Nipple correction

Breast reconstruction

To correct asymmetry in the position of the nipples, as

This involves a surgical procedure or series of

well as inverted nipples.

procedures carried out to reconstruct a natural-looking

Breast reduction

following mastectomy.

breast with near-normal shape, appearance and size For the reduction in size to achieve the size that is in proportion with one’s body, as well as to relieve chronic back, neck and shoulder pain.

42 Marina Court, Sir Ugo Mifsud Street, Ta’ Xbiex 21 340 366 |

persona.com.mt

BEAUTY

Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.

That, or a kick-ass red lipstick. >>

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless Foundation primes the skin with a flexi-hold technology that creates a strong yet lightweight film which sits comfortably on the skin, delivering an all-day high coverage and matte finish.

From leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

Max Factor Velvet Volume Mascara has been formulated with an anti-brittle mousse for a velvety soft lash feel, creating soft, volumised eye lashes for a smoky eye look.

From leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick actively improves lip moisture to achieve smoother surface in just one week, resulting in smooth soft lips and instant fabulous colour.

From leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

Shiseido Veiled Rouge is a lipstick that offers a longlasting soft and delicate shine, as if lips are wrapped in a delicate veil of colour. From C+M Marketing.

Guerlain Long-lasting Colour & Shine Lacquer Long-lasting Colour & Shine is enriched with adhesive and acrylic resins, which allows the polish to be applied evenly and optimises impeccable colour retention.

From X-Treme Co. Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick actively improves lip moisture to achieve a smoother surface in just one week, resulting in smooth soft lips and instant fabulous colour.

From leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

156 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

BEAUTY

The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy. >>

[ FROM LEFT ] Guerlain Crème de Rouge Maxi Velvet Limited Edition makes your lips matte and intense with only one passage. From X-Treme Co. Rouge G de Guerlain is the exceptional complete lip colour Limited Edition, which offers a fresh and luminous rosy shade capable of flattering all skin tones, without exception. From X-Treme Co. Clarins Truly Waterproof Mascara thickens, lengthens and coats the lashes with a double volumising and lengthening effect, intense colour, and a 12-hour non-stop waterproof hold. SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex is an all-in-one eye care treatment that addresses all-too-common concerns such as eye puffiness, dark circles, under-eye bags, and crow’s feet. From Persona. SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter is an advanced anti-ageing cream specially designed for mature skin with a unique ability to fight the formation of advanced glycation end-products. From Persona.

Clarins.

From all leading pharmacies and perfumeries.

Shiseido.

Distributed by C+M Marketing.

Tel: 2142 4079.

Guerlain.

Distributed by X-Treme Co. Tel: 2388 2000.

Vichy.

Distributed by prohealth.

Tel: 2146 1851.

Man Cave.

Distributed by Ta’Xbiex Perfumery. Tel: 2133 1553.

YSL. Distributed by Chemimart.

Tel: 2149 2212.

Max Factor.

Distributed by VJ Salomone Marketing. Tel: 8007 2387.

ACCORDO ARANCIO 190 Merchants Street, Valletta.

SkinCeutical.

Available from Persona MedAesthetic Clinic. Tel: 2134 0366.

C H R I S T M A S I S S U E 159

PROMOTION

LETS MOVE FOR A BETTER

WORLD.

L

et’s Move for a Better World is a worldwide campaign promoted by Technogym, dedicated to fitness facilities encouraging people to become more active in order to make a difference in their community.

The campaign allows your movement to do something for yourself and for others. Everyone who trains with Technogym can participate in the initiative and donate their moves for a social cause.

All participating fitness facilities measure their members’ physical activity using the same unit of measurement, the MOVE. Fitness facilities that score the most MOVEs in their country win the opportunity to donate Technogym fitness equipment to a school of their choice.

The Technogym App is designed to motivate you to move more and become healthier. With the app, you can live a “Wellness on the Go” lifestyle, as users can access their wellness data anywhere, at any time, including the gym, at home, outdoor, at work, and when travelling.

Measure and analyse the intensity of your activities through the Movergy Index, an innovative index that allows you to know immediately how active you are in every moment of your daily life. Every single activity you do, such as outdoor running, bike riding with friends, evening stretching exercises or gym workouts, allow you to collect MOVEs. Use Movergy Index to reach your daily goal and to help you to keep a more healthy and active life.

The best way to keep yourself in shape is starting to move. In the Workout Section, every day the app suggests a workout tailored to the user. Or if the user wishes to change, they can simply click on “choose your workout”, and discover all workouts organised according to needs and levels.

In the “Outdoor” section users can track their outdoor running, a bike ride or a simple walking in the park. The “Results” section allows users to monitor all the activities they do in a gym with their equipment, or with their Mywellness account.

The Technnogym app connects and seamlessly integrates with Apple Health and other apps and devices, including Fitbit, Garmin, MapMyFitness, Runkeeper, Strava, Withings.

Make every MOVE from every gym count. Let’s move, whatever our reason: whether we want to feel good, age better, tone up, or lose weight. Let’s move for a better world, a world where children are healthy and active. www.technogym.com www.facebook.com/technogym http://www.technogym.com/int/wellness/ technogym-app

160 C H R I S T M A S I S S U E

MYRUN TECHNOGYM

速

improve your running

MYRUN TECHNOGYM速 is the revolutionary treadmill that helps you run more efficiently. Easy to use also with your tablet.

Discover more: technogym.com #improveyourrunning

www.technogym.com/mt

T: 2223 1320 / 9909 9201

E: info@technogym.vivendo.com.mt

We are pleased to announce that for the second year in a row Tattoo Artist Etienne Gracy is the first place winner of Show Colour and Best Overall Colour at the Malta Tattoo Expo 2015. Etienne is a master of his craft and strives to remain focused on colour and to continuously improve. His peaked interest lies in realistic styles with surreal colour. “The more complex, the better.”

Etienne Gracey – Tattoo Artist

The Point Shopping Mall, Level - 1, Tigne Point - Tel. 20601086 - Email: garbo@viviancorp.com