Atelier (Issue 03)

A TELIER The colours of Spring

Know that you’ve made a healthy investment

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Editorial Note

"W

hen spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.�

Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

Spring is one of the most outstanding seasons of the year. Tender and energetic, delicate and vivid, spring is the living picture of the beginning of life. The poetry of nature has the irresistible influence on the mood even of the extremely pessimistic or pragmatic personality. It is a time of colours which changes the tone of our face, of our clothes and of everything that surrounds us. The Atelier spring edition seeks to see the season through the eyes of various local and foreign personalities. It takes a snapshot of their life, their vision and their habits and observes how spring fits into their moods, their minds and their day to day work.

I wish you all a pleasant read and a super spring season!

Editor: Omar Vella - atelier@unionprint.com.mt

No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form without the prior consent of Union Print Co. Ltd. While we make every effort to make sure that the content of Atelier is correct, we cannot take any responsibility nor be held accountable for any factual errors printed.

Proof Reading: Ramona Marie Vella Cini - Marthese Cauchi Design: Ryan Bezzina - design@unionprint.com.mt Front image:

Model - Francesca Mifsud Make-up - Jean Zammit Photography - Carlton Agius

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Credit: Jimmy Nelson

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Design & Architecture 16 22

Antoine Predock Keith Pillow

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Ben van Berkel Prof. Richard England

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Jean-Louis Deniot

Fashion 58 68 77

David Johnson Marco Parascandalo Rebecca Pace

Beauty 84

Dick Page

Society 102

Michela Pace

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Miriam Dalli Ben Camille

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Gerard James Borg

Photography

Credit: Jimmy Nelson

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Carlton Agius

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Jimmy Nelson

#7roadprojects

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hanging our country’s road infrastructure is not an option for this government – it is a MUST. More efficient roads, safer roads, higher quality roads is what our country needs. We firmly believe that infrastructure is a pillar for our economy and thus we will be working tirelessly to ensure that this same infrastructure is upgraded to an optimum level.

The 7 road projects – Marsa Hamrun Bypass, Marsa Junction Project, Central Link project, Tal Balal road, Santa Luċija Tunnels, Buqana Road and Sant Andrija project – are already proving that they will be contributing towards many positive results.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects

Dr. Ian Borg

Marsa Junction Project

Triq Sant' Andrija

■ €1200 million in benefits from €141 million investment

Central Link Project

■ For every €1000 invested in these roads, the Maltese economy will improve by almost €7000 ■ 61% rate of return on investment

Triq tal-Balal

■ 62,000 less tonnes of CO2 emissions per year ■ 5 million less hours travelling per year Marsa - Ħamrun Bypass

■ €25 million saved on fuel costs per year "These are only part of the infrastructural road projects that will make a positive difference to the country’s economy, the people’s pockets, to the environmental sector, and to the time that remains for us to spend with family or to dedicate to work. We are determined to work harder and harder towards more and more benefits for our communities."

Triq il-Buqana

Santa Luċija Tunnels

In the big picture, architecture is the art and science of making sure that our cities and buildings fit with the way we want to live our lives.

Bjarke Ingels 14

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DESIGN ARCHITECTURE 15

AN ECCENTRIC MASTER Interview with Antoine Predock

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ntoine Predock is a genius whose work has certainly contributed to the development of architecture. Experts have often noted that he brings a sense of connection and force to his work, with spiritual interaction, movement, the natural environment and technology. Viewers of his work enjoy the tremendous presence of thoughtfully sculptured buildings.

His buildings appear to have been organically grown out of the earth. He actually begins his building designs in clay and then bonds his creations with the modern world of computer design. Predock's portfolio of iconic structures includes the College of Journalism and Communication in Qatar, the Padres baseball park in San Diego, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights among others.

Antoine Predock shared with Atelier, his architectural philosophy, his source of inspiration and his special relationship with the desert.

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In what way do you consider architecture your religion?

I do not have a religion but I am deeply religious.

If I had a religion it would be architecture. It made my life happen in so many ways. I do not have an architecture church who I worship. I think if you believe in what you do it turns to be a religion. It jumps into another of being which you can call it a religion.

What is your source of inspiration?

In a realm of globalisation one has huge advantages.

I am working in China, Qatar, Costa Rica and each one offers a different experience thus making every piece of work different from the others. Every project offers the possibility to focus on the place I am in and that inspires me to create.

I was struck by a comment you recently made on architecture where you defined it as “a physical ride and an intellectual ride.� Why? I am a motorcyclist and thus can equate the concept of riding where you are exposed to the environment you are in. You need to concentrate in your context. Same goes to architecture where you need to concentrate on the context you are in.

You go through different experiences such as light and darkness which together create what we call an experience.

Why are buildings all about process?

It means everything. It starts with engagement with people/client and then flows into my personal way of working . You go to the site and you experience the place, following which, I create a clay model.

We then maximise full technology which shifts my project from a 20th century concept to a 21st century matter. I love to use my hands, yet I also love technology. I do not trust my mind as much as I trust my inner feelings.

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A TELIER

In what way do your buildings weave the present with the past?

I avoid nostalgia and referential stuffing in my work.

A building is what it is not only because it has a history but because it has an intrinsic power. My focus is to surge for the future and not dwell in the past.

You also recently noted; “what I do is a dance with the client. It’s a poetic encounter.” Can you elaborate?

It is a kind of dance. I consider it a celebration with a common goal. I want to know all about them, their tastes, their habits, their fantasies. What smells do you like? What was your dream home when you where a kid? I am like a psychotherapist. This communication develops a strong bond between us and today I can fairly say that thanks to my approach, I have friends all around the world.

What attracts you to the desert?

The desert is my spiritual home. There’s a latent power, a mystery about the desert that has always intrigued me. My desert exposure started when I was a kid and I guess it really stuck with me — it’s a hypnotic kind of place and my beginnings in architecture are obviously here.

What’s next for Antoine Predock?

Behind Antoine Predock lies an amazing team who play a key role in my work process. What we achieved, is indeed a collective effort. We are currently working on several projects across the globe which sees us at the moment focussed on their completion.

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A DIFFERENT APPROACH Interview with Keith Pillow, Creative Director of DAAA HAUS

At the heart of Mrieħel lies one of Malta's leading design studios. DAAA HAUS is the brain child of Keith Pillow, a name which certainly needs no introduction. Sharp, bold and with a "can-do" attitude, Keith is considered by many as an innovator, a strong promoter of the 'think without the box' theory and above all, a successful creative businessman. Never judge a book by the cover. Behind that calm face, lies a strong, focussed and very determined person with such a colourful mind, packed with concepts that blow your mind. His philosophy is so avant garde and his work is a statement. With more than fifteen years experience in marketing design communications and with a portfolio of diverse clients, he managed to merge together his personal passion for architecture, property, and creativity to create a truly innovative specialist design company.

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DAAA HAUS 10 years this year is Keith's latest masterpiece. Born out of the need for more creative interior design, it is today a fast growing designer firm linking like-minded individuals that share the same passion for creative and unique design. Every working station in that fresh, modern and well designed studio is packed with people busy bringing together ideas, swatches and designs to create unique projects. Every person in that office has a hunger to create something great. It is by no coincidence that their success is not limited to our shores yet even beyond. Indeed, DAAA HAUS also have an office in Milan and Sicily through which they extend their reach out on the international market. Soon they would be opening a studio in Mumbai, India.

Yet what really makes DAAA HAUS stand out of the crowd is their concept. It is a multidisciplinary practice and design process by mixing parameters, such as strategies and systems, techniques and tools, materials and technology, as well as other relevant lifestyle and cultural issues. Bringing together

the skills, talents and passion for eye-catching, innovative and functional design, DAAA HAUS complete design service helps clients rediscover how design can work for them and how excellent and beautiful design can increase their return on their investment. Whereas the approach taken by many designers is usually based only on aesthetics, we also give great attention to lifestyles when dealing with residential projects, whilst culture and consumer behaviours are at the heart of every commercial project. The end result is always an experience larger than the space itself. Their work is always borne by a premise that "good design can make the world a better place." Keith insists that, "we go beyond designing functional spaces, we design 'concepts', creating unique selling propositions and above all giving a sense of identity that different people associate themselves with." He adds that, "Design inspires people to think, so it’s no wonder that so many famous writers, artists, politicians, and designers have such profound and fascinating observations about it. Whether you embrace minimalism or adore flamboyance, everyone has experiences and tastes that shape the way they interact with the built world. This is what makes us DAAA HAUS." Keith also adds, "Every product we use is the result of someone’s design work irrespective of the quality level. To us, design and architecture is a way of life, experiences in life that form our character and style."

Their areas of specialisation can be classified into four main categories being; interior design

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and clean designs, the use of luxurious material, brass trimmings and touches of designer elements.

The idea is to shed a different light on what is typically known as an Italian pastry shop, hence creating a luxurious Cannoli shop.

Their core interior design / architecture is complemented by product development. Their mission in this area is to ensure a better quality of life of the end user. Keith points out that, "Product development is about problem-solving, about visualizing the needs of the user and bringing a solution that people did not know existed. Most important for us the product has to be fun and transmit either a nostalgic or romantic sense of

and architecture, product, branding and art. For DAAA HAUS, interior design / architecture is an opportunity to create a better society by means of projects which seek to transmit an emotion, a feeling and an experience with a story, be it a house for a brand or personal use. Their portfolio of clients is impressive and includes leading office projects, restaurants, bars and hotels. One of their major works is certainly the imposing Cugò Gran Macina.

The boutique hotel is testament of their impeccable skill and flair to accentuate design and luxury without compromising on functionality. Indeed, the place combines natural and traditional materials with modern clean lines, the design juxtaposes what is truly old and of historic value from the new.

With amazing and intriguing communal spaces, large high vaulted ceilings, ample natural light and unobstructed marina views, a minimal design was enough to create a luxury environment. One of their major accomplishments is certainly their recent project, Bottone in Milan, DAAA HAUS have come up with a concept giving the product and establishment a strong, luxurious brand experience.

This has been achieved through the effect of minimal

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being." He adds, "Sometimes the idea starts from a problem people may experience, and designing a solution to solve it. It is about establishing a link between the user and the environment, using an object to address a need." DAAA HAUS together with sister company Logix Creative also specialises in branding. Keith notes that "every project needs a dress and it is our duty to create a dress that fits that specific project." He adds, "We develop brand experiences that are meaningful, distinguish themselves from their competition and transmit an emotion. We transform / build the complete foundations of new brands and enhance existing brands and corporate identities into engaging experiences. Experiences that have the power to create long term, emotional connections with consumers." DAAA HAUS is also about art. They work closely with artists to represent their experience of the newness of modern life in any innovative form. Modern art represents an evolving set of ideas among a number of painters, sculptors, writers, photographers, designers and performers who both individually and collectively - sought new approaches to art making.

DAAA HAUS is certainly one of Malta's major exponents of Malta's design excellence. Their work in Malta and abroad is a clear proof that success is not determined by size but by the talent, the creative mind and the determination of people who pose no boundaries to their dreams.

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A Higher Standard The Ultimate Customer Experience Choosing a mattress used to be a simple task. You would walk in to a mattress shop, get a choice of fully, semi or just plain old orthopedic – and probably not even try the mattress out for yourself. But, as we discover, things have changed.

Ending up with the wrong mattress can easily lead to a lot of headaches and stress, not to mention back pain. When choosing the quality of your ‘sleep sanctuary’ (as they call it at the Mattress Collection) you are in fact choosing the mood that will affect your entire day, every day actually and, ultimately, your entire life.

It’s incredible when you think about it, that such a small piece of furniture can have such a big impact on your life. At Mattress Collection, you will find superior memory foam and latex mattresses, beautiful hand-made storage beds, and remote adjustable beds all made in Milan, pillows and accessories. All these are tested and designed by experts in their field and all finally medically certified to guarantee high standards. This quality is backed by an unlimited 10- year guarantee plus your peace of mind is secured with their free 30-Day Sleep Trial.

Basically, if you don’t like it, they will change it or give you a full refund. They don’t want to give you the most expensive option, they just want

to deliver the right mattress for you. They do try to get it right the first time, but, when they don’t, they send them back to their factory in Florence and they are refunded (mattresses are shredded and never re-used but recycled and sold in shredded foam products). Of course there are still smaller costs involved, but they really don’t mind incurring them as long as it gives their clients the ultimate customer experience. From beginning to the end. This is who they are.

They do admit: it makes them sleep better at night too. They are also conscious that people do have budgets and the best does not necessarily needs to cost a fortune. They’re honest with their pricing and they do also provide special offers from time to time. At the moment they are launching their very first spring offers, with some amazing savings on beds and mattresses. Their quality will last but these offers won’t. So visit Mattress Collection in San Ġwann or Żebbuġ, and benefit from great savings from Malta’s number one mattress company.

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interpreting architecture Interview with Ben van Berkel,

Founder / Principal Architect UNStudio, Founder UNSense, Kenzo Tange Chair at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge.

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Credit: Christian Richters

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en van Berkel is considered as one of the best architects of our time. He is a master whose imprint is visible all over the globe and include the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Arnhem Central Station in the Netherlands, the Raffles City mixed-use development in Hangzhou, the Canaletto Tower in London, a private villa up-state New York and the Singapore University of Technology and Design just to mention a few. Current projects include the design for Doha's Integrated Metro Network in Qatar, ‘Four’ a large-scale mixed-use project in Frankfurt and the Wasl Tower in Dubai.

Ben van Berkel has lectured and taught at many architectural schools around the world. Currently he holds the Kenzo Tange Visiting Professor's Chair at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, where he has led a studio on health and architecture. In 2017, Ben van Berkel also gave a TEDx presentation about health and architecture. In addition, he is a member of the Taskforce Team / Advisory Board Construction Industry for the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.

His extensive contribution to architecture has not gone unnoticed and has received many personal awards and affiliations such as the Eileen Gray Award (1983); the British Council Fellowship (1986); the Charlotte Köhler Award (1991); Member of Honor of the Bund Deutscher Architekten (1997); the 1822-Kunstpreis 2003 (Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart) (2003); the Charles Jencks Award (2007); and the Honorary Fellowship AIA (2013).

In 2018 Ben van Berkel founded UNSense, an Arch Tech company that designs and integrates human-centric tech solutions for the built environment.

Atelier had the honour to discuss with Ben van Berkel his philosophy, his interpretation of architecture and projects in the pipeline.

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What is architecture?

Architecture for me forms and guides people’s behaviour. I do believe that architecture actively contributes, not just to the people within the property, but towards the city in general, and the people within the city.

The most important set of questions in architecture, prior to designing a building are always numerous: What can this building do for the people near and within it? How can you bring people together?

How do you excite people? How to create social

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communities within the city, for example? With architecture, how can you connect people, or help ameliorate people’s behaviour with their surroundings?

The good thing about architecture is that it can improve interaction and community-building.

It does help that, when an architect takes into consideration the right context, the right background and the right people, well-designed buildings just ease and fall into place.

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Why do you consider architecture a discipline rather than a profession?

It’s actually a bit of both. I’m obviously invested in the private practice of architecture, but I also am a University professor and teach the subject, so I’m attuned to both fields.

In my own practice, I also do so much research in the studio, in order to continuously improve, innovate and make our buildings even more efficient.

We always work and strive to go forward, and see how we can enrich the buildings we create.

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PROVIDING PLEASANT LIFESTYLES SINCE 1982

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( + 3 5 6 ) 2 1 4 1 9 7 8 7 ∙ M O S TA R O A D , L I J A , L J A 9 0 1 0 , M A L TA ∙ W W W . F R A M E G R I P . C O M

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You also previously stated that glass is the most exciting material to work with in the built environment. Why? The nice thing about glass is that, in a way, there is no material needed for it to function. Glass can enrich inside and outside communication of a building, while simultaneously aiding the energyefficiency of a building by retaining it.

In what way has architecture evolved over the past decades?

Architecture has evolved and changed a lot, but I do believe that some of the changes were forseeable. For example, I had already predicted back in the 1990’s, within my own company, that architecture should incorporate much more specialists in a multitude of aspects, and that architecture in the future will be much network-based then never before. Before, you used to sit together with a client, and you never had these specialities being considered in the design phase. Nowadays, it’s different, and thanks to technology, you can simultaneously discuss a multitude of aspects with different specialities in mind in the initial stages of a project.

The way how architecture has expanded, with new topics and discussions around areas such as sustainability, energy transition, health, efficiencymodels and economical models, is incredible. In the case of the latter subject, this is especially true.

Nowadays you have clients who already start asking about the cost of your intended sketch designs within the first week.

It is within this context that one can argue that architecture has significantly changed a lot in its approach, when compared to the past.

I recently read that you were attracted to architecture after visiting the Katsura Palace in Japan. How do elements like science, art, literature, psychology, and particularly ideas related to perception fit into your work?

For me, I always liked the idea of picking the brains of different scientists and philosophers, while incorporating their thoughts and ideas as elemental parts of our work. For example, in the beginning of the 2000’s, there was this wave of people who followed the philosophy of notable people like Gerard van der Leeuw, and also famed Viennese neuroscientist Eric Kandel, who subscribed and reinterpreted Sigmund Freud’s theories. Kandel discussed a lot the relationship between culture and psycho-analysis, and it’s a fascinating discussion which I find is integral towards the discussion of modern architecture.

I have been fascinated and interested by these aspects of perception and culture, and I think that, while on one hand we can do so many things with technology today, on the other hand we must also look and acknowledge the cultural effect of architecture.

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You once pointed out that as an architect you almost have to be a bit clairvoyant. Can you elaborate?

As an architect you have to train yourself in predicting, and speculating the aesthetics of the near future. I do that a lot with my sketches. I try to imagine how things could be or look like in a decade’s time. I think that it should be part of our profession. If you sketch a building today, and you have to develop a big project, the design process may take up to two years, and the construction phase may take another four years. So from the time the building is designed, to the day the Project is finished, it can take up to six or seven years.

Therefore, you always need to speculate on how the world is going to be in seven years’ time. But I train my mind sometimes to go even further and think ten and twenty years ahead.

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Does physical model making or sketching designs by hand still have a role to play in the current digital world we live in?

Of course. I’m not a person who sketches out every detail of the Project, rather I like receiving suggestions and discussing general concepts, from which diagrams and concepts emerge. But yes, I do sketch a lot. Models are still integral, and sketch models still remain an important part in the designing process of any building. That’s quite a standard process in our company.

A TELIER How would you define spring from an architectural point of view?

I love spring, as I consider it as the ideal time when nature is in full development. Spring resembles a level of optimism and colourful aura that one cannot miss. It resonates with me personally, and brings a more joie de vivre that encourages inspiration to all, including us architects.

Any projects in the pipeline?

We have many projects. We’re currently designing the Booking.com Headquarters in Amsterdam, a new type of office for more than 7,000 employees, which will help a new concept of work environment come to fruition.

We are also working on a new project in Melbourne, and a very interesting data-oriented housing project in the south of the Netherlands.

We’re also working on numerous other projects in the meantime, so watch this space!

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The Master's vision Interview with Prof. Richard England

Credit: Jonathan Borg

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T

hey say good buildings come from good people, and indeed they do.

The world of architecture has been blessed by the indisputable talent of Prof. Richard England. His work is regarded by many as pure class which will certainly stand the test of time.

I was struck by a comment made by the British journalist, Charles Knevitt who stated; "in Richard England we have a magician of form, colour and chiaroscuro that makes him the architectural Caravaggio of our times." Indeed, Maltese architect, writer, artist and academic Richard England is a master well respected both in Malta and abroad. His contribution to the post-war culture of Malta is unique. His vision, his cultural background and his artistic flair have served as a perfect setting for his famous works all across the island.

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His buildings and designs have earned him numerous awards, including eleven International Academy of Architecture Awards and two Commonwealth Association of Architects Regional awards. Others include the Gold Medal of the City of Toulouse in 1985, the International Committee of Architectural Critics Silver Medal in 1987, the 1988 Georgia, U.S.S.R. Biennale Laureate Prize and an IFRAA – AIA Award for Religious Architecture in 1991. In 1996 he was the winner of the International Prize at the III Architectural Biennale of Costa Rica and in 2000 he was the recipient of the Gold Medal of the Belgrade Architectural Triennale. He was

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also awarded the Grand Prix of the International Academy of Architecture in 2006 and 2015 and the 2012 International Academy of Architecture Annual Award. In 2016 he was one of the winners of the European Architectural Awards. He is also an Hon. fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

I recently met Prof Richard England at his house which I quickly trace in view of its unique design and prominent colours. With a smile, he greets me into his living room where we quickly start our conversation by discussing what is the role of an architect. He notes that the job of the architect, is

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to make the ordinary extraordinary and to arouse one’s ecstasies of rapture. "My belief and quest is for an architecture which arises not only from utility, function and practicality, but more so from the desire to sensualize and poeticise the human condition.

My creed is for an architecture which provides a sensorial and magical experience, for as architects we are the makers of the environmental and ambient stage on which the drama of human life is enacted."

I shift our conversation on what architecture means to him. He promptly points out that “a good building can change your life and a bad one, ruin

it." He also adds that the appearance of architecture is important, yet more important is how its spaces and ambiances affect us as users. Architecture is not only experienced visually, but more so holistically through all of our five senses in a haptic manner that extends our sensations well beyond our retinal imagery. "Spaces that we create can make us better human beings or make us sad or dull." We touch on his recent comment that, "I remember Malta as a virgin... which implies it is now a whore".

A very strong statement which highlights Prof.

England's frustration in the light of Malta's current development strategy. He points out that "people of my generation, feel sad. We have lost the plot.” He adds that “we are on a pathway to a black hole and it’s not going to change, because construction is a big money-making machine… unless the bubble bursts, which I think it will. Meanwhile, people have money in their pockets and are not interested in what is happening.” As for the future, he sadly feels we are not going to leave a heritage and legacy that is in any way equivalent to that left by our forefathers.

"There are places where you need to be humble and be a defender of the past. The Architect has the responsibility to take care of the spirit of the place.

We have killed the spirit of the place." He notes that the more Malta follows the global village concept,

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in future. we will risk losing the spirit found in our towns and villages. "Let us keep in mind places like Dubai had no memory, we have lateyers and layers of memory, so our context is different."

I ask Prof. England what makes Maltese architecture stand out to which he notes that if you look at the Maltese village, you can see the extraordinary character of the island. The island offers a typical Mediterranean setting with its cube houses and its language. It is a crossbreed which reflects the island's position as a bridge between north and south divide. Moreover, the island's earth is stone, its foundations are stone and its walls of stone." Nevertheless, he points out that such character needs to be preserved, otherwise the island risks turning soulless. "Once you destroy the spirit and quality of a place you have nothing left."

I ask him about his philosophy. "I learnt from what I saw. I absorbed the architecture of the knights, the British overlay and also that of the Neolitic temples. I also required the intellectual overlay which I learnt whilst working with Gio Ponti. My architectural journey was supported by

mentors, by regular visits to key buildings and by deep study on how such structures were built and designed." His philosophy guided him over the years to create amazing buildings. Amongst his best known designs, his masterpiece, Manikata Church, stands amongst the most original works of regional modernism of its time. His works also include the Central Bank of Malta Annexe, the Millennium Chapel, the St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta and the White Shadows and LOVE sculptures. I ask Prof. England which project is at his heart to which with a smile, he tells me that it is "the next one."

I touch on the concept of his legacy which he refutes to comment on. "What I've done I've done with honesty and passion but it is up to future generations to decide promptly."

It's time to conclude yet before leaving, I ask Prof. England what does he has in store for the future to which he quickly replies that there is quite a number of new things going on. Projects keep you living and create a sense of eagerness to look forward for the next one." If you rest you rust."

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sense of elegance Interview with Jean-Louis Deniot

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ean-Louis Deniot is often regarded as "The modern master of French Interiors". His style is often defined as bold and delivering the unexpected, whilst playing on a fine line between traditional and modern design. The Paris-based designer is known for his stunning interiors that brilliantly combines history with contemporary flourishes. His look is richly layered — deftly mixing patterns, textures and pieces from different periods with masterful elegance. It is with no coincidence that he is today considered to be one of the most influential contemporary interior designers in the world. We caught up with Jean-Louis Deniot to find out more about his background, enviable career and what’s inspiring him right now.

Credits: Nolinski

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What attracted you to design?

I associate Design with Dreams. Design is to get away from existing reality and create my own version of it. Dreams and fairy tales are very captivating to people’s emotions, such as design.

Critics have often described your style as, "symmetrical, effortlessly comfortable, neoclassically inspired, soft and neutral yet never boring due to the right mix of eclecticism." To what extent do you agree?

Yes all the above is great! However, I do not feel they can categorize me anyway, as I really enjoy playing with extremely various decorative vocabularies.

I enjoy my background substance of historical knowledge as my work’s foundations. Then I add all specific flavours and great energy on top! I am design confident and design fearless, so style wise the universe is my limit!

Why do you feel the pure contemporary style lacks soul?

I feel that Art with no past reference cannot ever become part of the Art history. In order to appreciate Art, you need to know what has been done before and after, so good Art is always produced to suit the history of Art. Interiors with no reference to our great culture has no sense to me, it is just empty.

I like spaces, substantial atmosphere, I enjoy telling a specific story, a point of view! My work is not just to furnish an empty room, it is to fill up the room with a sense of legitimacy, character and magic.

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You are renowned for using rare and unusual materials in your interiors. What added value do they give to your work?

I like to feed the curious eyes with the right information in the right place. For this I like to multiply the texture, surfaces and finishes. Same as pure contemporary, single types of finishes stop a great story from going anywhere. Rough, smooth, shiny, matt ... etc. My interiors give sensations and feed the curious minds of who have curious aesthetic interest.

You also tend to include pieces in your projects that are no longer commonly used in today’s homes. How come?

I do, as ignored undervalued one of a kind pieces is a constant treasure hunt! As people tend to lack personal taste confidence they tend to reject what they don’t know. I believe in craftsmen throughout history. Take a carved Louis XVI chair and ask yourself how much it would cost to get it produced today? It would be a fortune, so compared to the actual selling price, I consider this one of a kind to be a steal! I enjoy creating a current interior feel with curious forgotten pieces with loads of personality.

How would you define luxury?

Luxury is not about money, it is all about having style. Anywhere you see the word luxury, you should really run away from it, it means that it is fake stuff trying to look fancy, only the price tag is luxurious, nothing else!

Luxury today is manufactured in China and is made to only attract ignorant people’s money! I trust that luxury is about getting the ideal balance between all elements to create an extraordinary moment and sensations. It is about a sort of sophisticated, exceptional simplicity.

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Your design imprint is visible in places across the globe from London up to New Delhi. In what way is each destination you work in, a breath of fresh air?

I am a citizen of the world. We are all the same race, humans, only the colours and local codes change. We are all sharing the same community’s stories every day!

I really enjoy adapting my work to each country and see merging mine and their culture.

I am working in 15 different countries from Hong Kong all the way to Los Angeles with many stops in between!

I feed my brain challenging and exposing it to each local expectations creating the most idealistic result which suits them, suits me and suits the local environment as I wish each of my job to be different and site specific. It is the richest professional experience I can ever give to myself. You do not ask your clients and their local workers to adapt to you, I am the one to adapt to my clients and their crew and this is why my work is spreading so much worldwide.

How do you find a compromise in your designs with traditions of each place you work in?

It is all about great local communication. I try to inject the essence of each location in my work, so it feels it belongs to the country. You cannot design a penthouse in Bangkok like one in Moscow or one in New York! I capture the local vibes and translate it in each decor in an invisible way so it is not cliché.

It is to get the fleeting of legitimacy, so it will belong where it is, contextual. I refuse to serve the same French meal in every city!

I embrace each location’s tradition and culture and translate it with the highest respect in my work. I really enjoy being exposed to so many cultures.

What does spring means to you from a design point of view?

Spring means new beginnings, fresh start! Forget all you have done and produced in the past and start all over! I see interiors with large, bright, leafy blossoms branches, long weekends with friends in the countryside or by the sea, It is all about the moment, decor, furniture ... it is just stuff, and this stuff comes and goes. Memories and fabulous moments are what is important and what is left...and we better enjoy as life tends to be super mega short!

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What's next for Jean-Louis Deniot?

I have spent almost 20 years building my business and reputation foundations. Now I am building the many levels on top and I am very motivated to go as high as I can get!

I am moving office in Paris which is a huge deal as it is going to take me to my next big work phase.

I am completing a new book with Rizzoli on international weekend and vacation houses which should be out in 2020.

I am currently working on many substantial international projects which will be presented in my 2025 book on mega structures in megacity destinations.

And many other ideas about communication / product lines which will bloom in the next 5 years, so many excitements to look forward to!

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FA S H I O N

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

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Coco Chanel

Credit: Carlton Agius - Sarah G

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The Story behind the diamond Interview with David Johnson,

De Beers Group’s Head of Strategic Communication.

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iamond is much more than the world's most popular gemstone and hardest natural material. As once noted by the famous Australian philosopher, Peter Singer, "diamonds have an image of purity and light. They are given as a pledge of love and worn as a symbol of commitment." They are also "a girl's best friend." However very few look into the intricate and elaborate process which leads to the creation of a fine polished diamond. De Beers is a name which many naturally associate with diamonds thanks to its reputation as the home of diamonds since 1888. Over the past decades, the company has developed into the world's largest seller of natural diamonds by value. Atelier recently caught up with De Beers Group’s Head of Strategic Communication, David Johnson to find out more on the company's longstanding relationship with diamonds, De Beers Lightbox concept and the company's vision for the future.

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What makes De Beers the world's biggest seller of natural diamonds by value?

De Beers Group is the world’s largest supplier of rough diamonds by value. De Beers Group’s share of global supply value is around a third.

We have a leading global asset portfolio and continue to invest in our supply capacity making significant investments such as the recently announced multi-billion dollar “Cut-9” project at the Jwaneng Mine in Botswana. This will extend the life of one of the world’s most valuable diamond mines until at least 2035.

We are also in the process of making one of our biggest ever investments in South Africa with the US$2 billion project to transition the Venetia open pit mine into an underground operation, extending the life of the mine until 2043.

Are diamonds still a girl's best friend?

Even in a fast-moving and changing world, diamonds continue to be a girl’s best friend.

By way of example, in recent years we’ve seen the continued growth in female self-purchase of diamond jewellery – particularly among younger women – which in 2017 reached one-third of all pieces acquired.

Meanwhile the average spend on diamond jewellery bought by single women has also increased in recent years, highlighting the growing desirability of diamonds.

And, overall, we’re seeing consumer demand for diamond jewellery grow year on year to reach record levels of value.

In addition to the ongoing desire for diamonds from women across the world, we’re making sure our whole business stands up for women and girls.

We have established a $3m partnership with UN Women and are a HeForShe Thematic Champion.

As part of this, we’ve committed to invest in female micro entrepreneurs in our producer countries, to deliver parity in appointments of men and women into senior roles and to ensure our marketing programmes are fully reflective of gender equality.

The company has recently bought back control of De Beers Diamond Jewellers. What lies behind such decision?

When we bought LVMH’s shareholding in De Beers Diamond Jewellers, bringing the brand back under Group ownership, we saw it as an excellent opportunity to consolidate and strengthen the Group.

De Beers Jewellers is a trusted and industryleading diamond jeweler with a strong brand identity of having consummate diamond expertise and a commitment to responsibility. By incorporating De Beers Jewellers back into the Group, we benefit even more from a unique diamond culture and further strengthens our offer to our customers as passionate and peerless diamond experts.

What is the company's strategy to strengthen its presence in key international markets including China and India?

De Beers Group’s diamond brand, Forevermark, continues to enjoy strong growth year-on-year in both China and India. Indeed, Forevermark saw 50% growth in India last year, reflecting the growth trends over the last six years.

This growth has been supported, for example, by various initiatives in both countries such as the launch last year of a new flagship store at HKRI Taikoo Hui in Shanghai called “Libert’aime by Forevermark”. The opening marked the 1,000th Forevermark store in China and coincided with the brand’s 10-year anniversary in the country.

Meanwhile, we continue to invest in consumer marketing campaigns in both these leading consumer markets.

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Does this indicate that customer demand is more in favour of affordable jewelry?

Natural diamonds and LGDs are different product categories answering differing consumer desires.

While there’s some demand for lower price fashion jewellery – and LGDs can have an interesting offering here – demand for meaningful products with enduring value, perfectly encapsulated by natural diamonds, is stronger than ever.

Earlier last year the company, launched Lightbox Jewelry, laboratory-produced diamonds for jewelry. What encouraged you to shift from your century-old business model of promoting natural stones?

This move was not a shift in our business model; De Beers Group has always been and will always be a natural diamond business.

We undertake a lot of research on the jewellery sector and our research on LGDs showed some consumer interest in them as lower-price fashion jewellery. It also showed widespread consumer confusion on LGDs – what they are, what they’re not, how they’re produced, what their value proposition is. Lightbox was therefore launched to provide a fashion jewellery offering and to address consumer confusion but it will only from a small part of our business compared with our natural diamond business.

You recently defined synthetic stones as, "They're not to celebrate life's greatest moments, but they're for fun and fashion." Can you elaborate?

Due to them being inherently rare, finite, natural and billions of years old, our research showed us that consumers perceive natural diamonds as having an innate preciousness while on the other hand consumers regard lab-grown diamonds as a fun, pretty product, but one that shouldn’t cost that much.

LGDs are a product of technology, and as we’ve seen with synthetic sapphires, rubies and emeralds, as the technology advances and production volumes increase the products usually see declines in value which means people don’t see them as right for marking key moments and emotions in life.

Last year, you also launched Gemfair. In what way will it ensure a fair training system?

We launched GemFair in 2018 as a pilot programme with the aim of creating a secure and transparent route to market for ethically-sourced artisanal and small-scale (ASM) diamonds.

To achieve this, GemFair uses dedicated technology to record ASM production at mine sites that have been assessed and have demonstrable ethical standards. We partnered with the Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) for the pilot, an NGO that has been leading efforts to formalise the diamond ASM sector in several parts of Africa.

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A TELIER across the diamond value chain.

Miners that wish to participate in the GemFair pilot must commit to meeting the DDI standards, as well as additional standards specific to the GemFair business model.

The technological solution offers training in valuation for ASMs so they understand the value of what they’re selling and GemFair offers a route to market otherwise not available, meaning we can offer better prices for their diamonds.

De Beers also announced last year the successful tracking of 100 diamonds through its blockchain platform. In what way does such technology help the company develop further?

The successful tracking of 100 diamonds from mine to cutter and polisher to jeweller using the blockchain platform, Tracr, demonstrated for the first time that the technology now exists that allows individual stones to be reliably identified and tracked across the entire diamond value chain, providing asset-traceability assurance in a way that was not possible before.

Once fully operational, Tracr will provide consumers with confidence that registered diamonds are natural and conflict-free, improve visibility and trust within the industry, and enhance efficiencies.

What should we expect from De Beers in the coming years?

We will continue to focus on our core business, natural diamonds, and have a plan to invest around US$10bn over the next 5 to 7 years, some examples of which are our investments in the Jwaneng Mine in Botswana and the Venetia Mine in South Africa.

Over and above this, we will continue to offer only responsibly sourced diamonds and to invest in technology that tracks diamonds across the value chain and facilitates consumer confidence in our diamonds.

We will continue to respect and protect the environment around where we operate with our ongoing investment in initiatives such as: environmental management and conservation programmes, far-reaching programmes for ethical business practices, the sustainable economic development success achieved in diamondproducing countries such as Botswana and the development of programmes to raise standards in the informal parts of the industry such as GemFair.

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A SCANDALOUS mATTER Interview with Marco Parascandalo, Fashion Designer

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ince his debut on the local scene with his SKANDLU collection, Marco Parascandalo has earned a reputation as one of the best young talents Malta has recently produced in the fashion design industry.

His PARASCANDALO brand has gradually become synonymous with casual, trendy and one of a kind pieces which certainly make each person wearing them stand out of the crowd. Every item portrays his rebellious style with local messages related to Maltese culture, politics and environmental issues among others. Marco shared with Atelier what attracted him to the fashion industry, his interest in streetwear and his views on the local fashion industry.

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What attracted you to the fashion industry?

Probably the influence I had was from my parents since they both work in business and sales and mum has a fashion retail background. That’s where fashion comes in. I also always showed a passion for art. For me to have a job that you truly love is important, it becomes part of your personal identity.

This year happens to be your 5th anniversary since you launched your first collection. How did the brand evolve over the past years?

Yes, 5 years ago I had just come back from my London experience. Over the years PARASCANDALO has evolved a lot, we launched our online store, we added womenswear, we started a bags and accessories line, and recently opened 2 outlets, one in Sliema at Lee’s Hairstylist and a second one in Żabbar at The Mad Tatter.

To what extent do you feel the local fashion industry is evolving?

Malta fashion week has helped us a lot as local designers. It has given us a platform to show our designs and help us engage with both local and international customers. The past couple of years, the local fashion industry, have evolved a lot and now people are buying our brands.

Why do you focus on streetwear?

It is very important to be original and true to yourself and to design from the heart. I get inspiration from people, music and the environment.

I am also very interested in doing other styles of fashion. As much as fashion is an art, it is also a business so a merge of both is important.

How does Maltese culture, politics and environmental issues fit into your work?

Our recognizable slang terms and slogans on our t-shirts and hoodies, speak for themselves. We’ve had collections inspired from spring hunting and the LGBTI community while Malta was going through the debate whether this group in society should get the right to marry and adopt children, plus many more.

In what way do your collections pay special attention to the wearability and durability?

Using a variety of materials and textures, I make sure to produce a vast range of pieces that are stylish and at the same time comfortable and of good quality.

What are the main highlights of your SS18 collection?

Basically in 2017 I launched the collection VANITY REBELS, which was focused on highlighting how social media has affected us. It portrayed a vain yet rebellious esthetic. With Star, our SS18 we took the opposite approach where the meaning of S.T.A.R was Start To Acknowledge Reality.

It was a message to bring us back to reality and help to love the real us.

Any projects in the pipeline?

I’m working on my next collection for MFW May 2019.

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A TELIER

Charles & Ron Spring/Summer 2019 Collection Tiffany Pisani photographed by Carlton Agius Shot in West Hollywood, Los Angeles

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Credit: Andre Gialanze Makeup: Maria Mizzi

fashion on my mind Interview with Rebecca Pace,

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Freelance Model

oung, bold, talented and with a will to succeed is a perfect way to describe Rebecca Pace. She stumbled into modelling whilst watching the famous TV series, America's Next top Model following which, she was determined to become a model, no matter what it took.

She is today a respected freelance model who is present on leading local magazines and adverts. Rebecca shared with us her interest in fashion, her definition of beauty and her projects for the future.

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Credit: Alexandra Dante Makeup: Maria Mizzi Hair: Chris Galea

You are a model, you are a BSc Mathematics and Banking & Finance student at University of Malta and an athlete. How do you juggle so many commitments at a go?

Where there is a will, there is a way. This is definitely one of my mottos which I always keep in mind. I think that it is all about striking a balance and trying to have proper time management, as I go about my very busy life. Studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Banking & Finance (Honours) at the University of Malta is not a piece of cake, I must say. I have been working extremely hard during the past 3 years, and I’m finally in my fourth and final year. In the coming months, I will be submitting my dissertation in Mathematics.

But life is too short to just attend University. When I’m not studying or attending lectures, I’m always up to something else. I’m either at my part time job as an accounts clerk, attending fitness classes and working out at the gym, running, attending choir rehearsals, working on a particular theme for a new photoshoot or going out with friends and family. Having so many things on my plate does not stop me from doing new things and I’m always up for a new challenge or opportunity to meet and work with different people.

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A TELIER How did you get into modelling?

Ever since I was a young girl, modelling has always been of great interest to me. I remember myself watching America’s Next Top Model at home with my sister and aspiring to be one of those models one day. I remember going to book shops and staring deeply at the beautiful models on the front pages of fashion magazines. I looked up to them a lot and I knew that it was something that I wanted to do in the near future.

My very first photoshoot was 8 years ago. Back then, I was a young shy girl of 14 years of age. A year later, my modelling career officially took off, when I was scouted by Marisa Grima. She introduced me to the modelling industry and through her, I participated in Supernova Competition which was organised by Marisa herself. It was a very fruitful experience, from which I learnt a lot about modelling and I also got the opportunity to feature on a local show Malta Illejla, along with the other models.

The following year, I decided to take it up another level and auditioned for Venere, a local TV program in which photoshoots with different themes are carried out. Fortunately, I was chosen as one of the models for this program and I can proudly say that I managed to make it to the top and was selected as the winner for that season. I was truly honoured to be the winner of this program and grateful for such a wonderful experience which I’ll always treasure close to heart.

My modelling career did not stop there and a few months later I signed a 2-year modelling contract with Noticed Models Management, directed

by Roberta Shulz. I was given many different opportunities and worked with both local and foreign people in the fashion industry.

During each of the past 5 years, I have also participated in the Malta Fashion Awards, where I modelled for the talented Chris Galea’s amazing and creative hair shows.

As my contract came to an end, I decided that it was time for me to go freelance. This did not stop me from modelling, but rather, I continued working extremely hard on my portfolio, thanks to very talented photographers (both local and foreign ones), makeup artists, hairdressers, fashion designers and

local clothing shops. I couldn’t have obtained such wonderful pictures if it wasn’t for all the amazing people I worked with.

During my time as a freelance photo model, I have done fashion stories for different magazines, worked on local and foreign adverts and have also participated in a number of commercials.

How has modelling helped you grow?

My modelling career has definitely boosted my confidence. I remember being extremely shy in front of the camera, and not knowing what to do. 8 years on, I can say that I have grown up to be a very confident woman and I simply adore the camera.

I feel so alive during photoshoots and it’s where I truly belong. I also perceive it as a moment where I can escape from the stressful daily life and create art at that very moment. I think that in each and every picture, my face translates all the passion that I genuinely have for modelling.

What is your definition of beauty?

Beauty can take on many different forms. As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For me, beauty is when an individual feels confident enough in his own skin. I tend to prefer a more natural and subtle look as I genuinely think that in most cases, less is more. I also associate beauty with someone who is down to earth, has a kind heart, and is compassionate towards the needs of others, especially of those who are less fortunate.

Any projects in the pipeline?

This year, I have finally published my very own online modelling portfolio.

I’m also truly honoured to announce that I will be participating in this year’s edition of Miss Universe Malta representing my home town, Birżebbuġa. This contest is not just any beauty pageant. I believe that it truly empowers women to stand up for what they believe in and give them a voice to send out their message to the people through inner beauty. This is what really intrigued me to take part.

I also aspire to work abroad as a commercial model for a few months before I start my professional career following my degree.

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B E AU T Y

Makeup is not a mask that covers up your beauty; it's a weapon that helps you express who you are from the inside.

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Michelle Phan

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YEARS

G N I T A R B E CEL K S I C F O 90 YEARS

SINCE 1929 83

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The Shades of makeup Interview with Dick Page, Makeup artist

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ick Page is a legend in the world of makeup. A master who has laid his imprint thanks to his unique style which made him so sought after.

Indeed, the English born makeup artist has put his talent to good use working with the likes of Bjork, Kate Moss, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Helen Mirren, Isabella Rossellini and Julianne Moore, among others. This is not to mention his runway work with leading fashion brands including, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and United Bamboo shows.

But probably it is his philosophy that sets him apart. He doesn’t believe in words like “ageappropriate,” “trendy,” or “seasonal.” In fact, he doesn’t believe in beauty rules period. He constantly stresses that makeup should be fun, not a chore.

Dick Page shared with Atelier his journey in the makeup industry, his experience with leading personalities and brands and his views on the industry.

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Tell us about your overarching makeup philosophy.

Make it right for the job, the person, the picture, the situation and try to make it with an authentic hand and eye.

Your first fashion show was Calvin Klein. How did it go and how did it set the tone for other shows?

It gave me a stepping stone and the beginnings of experience.

You did the story with Kate Moss, Corinne Day and Lorraine Pascale. How did your makeup philosophy fit with their own personalities?

It didn't really have to fit their personalities. It needed to suit the story that Corinne and Melanie Ward were aiming to tell.

You often stress to the need to have fun with beauty, since it’s a temporary condition and a state of mind. Can you elaborate?

Not much more than that. Beauty is very personal, unique to the individual and makeup is a temporary external expression of that idea, and as such, it can't be invested with too heavy a meaning.

What makes a glowing, healthy looking complexion your default makeup position?

It is so and it suits everyone.

Any tips or hints on trend that will be big during the spring season?

I don't believe in trends. I'm only interested in what's right for the current thing I'm working on.

What's next for Dick Page?

I have no idea.

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A woman with a vision Interview with Carmen Ciantar,

CEO at the Foundation for Medical Services

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mart, sophisticated, target oriented and one of those who certainly know where they are going, Carmen Ciantar is one of Malta’s most successful career women.

Where some people see a risk, she sees an opportunity.

What we could consider to be a disadvantage, she turns into an asset. Her curriculum is impressive and speaks volumes about her skills. Carmen currently leads the Foundation for Medical Services where she has been entrusted with the daunting task to ensure Malta continues to offer a medical sector of excellence.

Atelier took a sneak peek into the life of Carmen Ciantar to learn more about her vision and her everyday life.

Who is Carmen Ciantar?

I think that I am a dynamic figure. Very liberal. Living by the mantra ‘Life is tough but I am tougher’ as I am comfortable adjusting to any situation and do not get flustered easily when faced with unexpected challenges. On the other hand, I love cooking meals to be enjoyed with family and friends. I love hunting for antique pieces and as a result my living space is constantly changing. Antique jewellery pieces are my guilty pleasure and over the years I have accumulated various pieces from different time periods and different countries.

How do you successfully juggle politics, a demanding job and a personal life?

I am always hearing complaints from my friends and colleagues about their struggles with balancing their lives. Many people try to serve the needs of those around them without considering their own needs.

Soon they find themselves drained and exhausted. I believe that I can be a better person if I achieve an inner

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equilibrium. It is better to be strong and happy than being weak and bitter and I make this a priority in my life. It does not matter how others expect me to rank on the scale. I am true to my own priorities. Some may consider me selfish, but better to receive their scorn and be happy than receive their pity and be miserable.

What are your views about women in the corporate world?

If women in leadership positions boost performance numbers, as research shows, then all organisations should be pushing to make gender equality a priority. However, it is not exactly the case. Progress in gender equality in the corporate world is moving forward at a very slow pace and no one knows this better than ‘us’ working there.

Gender does play a role in the corporate world.

Challenges, judgements and bullying does happen indirectly and even directly at times. Women can use this to their advantage. In this day and age, we can actually find out who is in the “boys club” and learn from their unwritten rules.

Sometimes, women can be their own worst enemies.

Women have to believe in themselves and negotiate for themselves and own their own success. By building relationships and supporting each other instead of focusing on office politics, we can focus better on the results and on what truly matters.

How would you summarise the past three years since your appointment as CEO of the FMS? Always learning. Ours is a sector that is influenced by constant change. One has to be ready to adapt at all times. I am lucky to be surrounded by a delightful, motivated team who strive to deliver their best from the get go. The work environment is often a fast-paced and dynamic one.

Challenge is what makes work fun and exciting.

Challenges can be rewarding. It is the force that drives us away from the comfort zone to a place where we can grow and learn. Every single day we leave the office knowing that we have made a positive and worthwhile contribution in people’s lives. We feel very passionate about our role in society.

What major projects has the FMS embarked on which have contributed to a better health care sector in Malta?

Over the past years FMS has started to be more heavily involved in the delivery of various projects.

Today we are spearheading a multitude of projects in parallel, taking on board the design, delivery and maintenance of new concepts. At the same time, the Ministry for Health entrusted FMS with the regeneration of the exisiting infrastructure.

Currently FMS is responsible for a portfolio of Euro330 million. Some of the major projects we are curently working on include the Censu Moran Health Hub, the new outpatients block and underground parking at Mater Dei Hospital, a new acute psychiatric Hospital also at Mater Dei Hospital, a new health centre in Victoria Gozo and a blood bank. Additionally, we are in the process of refurbishing the Mount Carmel Hospital and a number of Health Centres and community clinics around Malta and Gozo.

Concurrently, FMS has also strengthened its Human Resources function, recruiting a number of posts on behalf of the Ministry for Health. Over the past couple of years FMS has issued a number of tenders which resulted in contracts for the execution of works as well as supplies and services. The efforts made by the FMS

team resulted in our Design and Build tender being used as a benchmark of the correct application of FIDIC in the local context. The tenders issued have been endorsed and approved by the European Funding Agencies.

We have also been commended by experienced third party contract managers with many years of experience and exposure to contracts, who outlined our tenders as being very well constructed in order to safeguard the client’s interest, whilst being fundamentally fair on both the contracting authority and contractor. Such an approach will undoubtedly leave a positive impact on the local healthcare infrastructure for many years to come.

FMS is also working on creating the framework to be able to obtain ISO certification in the near future.

The importance of corporate governance in today’s progressive and aggressive business environment cannot be denied. But simply implementing a corporate governance strategy is not the same as achieving success.

Most examples of good governance practices have something in common: they are built on a foundation of transparency, accountability and trust. This has immense value whether a business is family-run, a non-profit or a publicly traded company. Corporate governance is a mind-set for all of us at FMS. Above all, the role of corporate governance in modern organisations is to demonstrate these key principles to all our stakeholders and the public.

What's next for you?

I want to do more. I want to contribute more whilst at the same time further develop myself both as a woman and as a career woman.

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Right at your doorstep.

St Thomas Hospital Valletta Road Qormi

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Call us on 21 482 48291

OUT ON THE

UPPER LIMB Mr. Alistair Pace - Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma and Upper Limb Surgeon

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he shoulder joint is the most flexible joint in the body.

It is one the principle operator joint of the hand allowing the hand to be placed in space to interact with the world around us.

The flexibility however makes the shoulder susceptible to instability and injury. The shoulder joint can be the cause of significant pain and disruption to daily life. Over the last years there has been significant improvement in surgical operations including keyhole surgery and joint replacement with excellent long term results. Shoulder surgery is a safe and effective way of improving - pain and function and several studies show that this improvement is maintained even after 15 years of followup.

A large number of patients with shoulder pain seen at St. Thomas’ hospital have found the long term use of pain killers and physiotherapy as well as steroid injections into the joint less effective over time. Furthermore delaying the surgical repair of the shoulder joint can increase the likelihood that the problem will be more difficult to treat later.

Studies have shown that early and correct diagnosis and treatment of shoulder conditions can make a

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significant difference in the long run.

The most common causes of shoulder pain in the young generation mostly relate to injury or repetitive strain and in the middle aged and elderly population wear and tear or arthritis of the shoulder joint is usually the cause.

The shoulder joint is a simple ball and socket joint surrounded by 4 muscles forming a sock round the head called the “rotator cuff ” and the head in kept in the socket by a number of ligaments and a cartilage lip called the labrum. In the younger generation injury to the shoulder can cause a partial or full dislocation of the shoulder and cause damage and tears to the rotator cuff or labrum. In other cases acute inflammation of the muscles can occur. In all these cases the patient may complain of pain, clicking, weakness and loss of function of the shoulder joint.

Arthritis or degeneration of the shoulder joint is a common condition where the joint lining

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erodes away causing the bone ends of the joint to rub against each other. Although genetics plays an important contributing role with patients reporting the existence of a family history of the condition, environmental causes and repetitive manual work are thought to contribute to the onset of symptoms. This can be a source of debilitating pain and although most commonly seen in the elderly population is more commonly being seen in the middle aged population particularly manual workers and manifests itself in a condition called impingement or bursitis where the arthritis pinches the muscles and tendons around the shoulder causing pain on lifting or rotating the arm or sleeping on it.

Although replacements of the knee and hip joints have been carried out for several decades, the story with shoulder joint replacements only begins relatively recently. However the significant health benefits of shoulder replacement are repeatedly borne out in several scientific studies with a tremendous improvement in function and quality of life due to improved levels of pain and mobility. In a study on the quality of life improvement after shoulder replacement. There are broadly 2 types of shoulder replacements. The so called anatomical replacement relies on the function of the muscles or rotator cuff to move the new implant. However this may not always be the case particularly in elderly patients where the rotator cuff or muscles around the shoulder are torn or not functional. In these cases a different type of replacement called a reverse shoulder replacement is indicated so called because the cup and ball part of the new replacement joint are reversed in position in the

shoulder. This is thought to affect the mechanics of the shoulder and make use of other still intact muscles functioning around the new implant. Although both procedures are major the outcomes are excellent with patients reaching near full function and pain relief about 8 weeks following the procedure.

Keyhole surgery or arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder joint like other less invasive operative techniques involves the use of very small surgical incisions and a camera placed in the joint to allow the surgeon to carry out the operation. The benefits of keyhole surgery are tremendous. It allows unparalleled visualization of the joint unachievable by open methods. It causes less injury to the tissues around the joint hence decreasing the pain levels after the operation, allowing a quicker recovery time and earlier return to work and play.

In fact most keyhole surgery operations can be carried out a day case. A variety of conditions may be treated in this way including cleaning and washing out the shoulder joint when it is arthritic, repairing a torn tendon using special rivets, excising excess bone using a high speed burr in the condition of “impingement” where the wear and tear in the shoulder pinches the shoulder tendons. Keyhole surgery of the shoulder joint is also useful in releasing the tight structures and tissues in the painful and stiff condition of frozen shoulder or repairing the avulsed cartilage lip or “labrum” in cases of recurrent dislocating shoulders.

If you recognize any of these symptoms and would like to discuss further treatment please contact one of the shoulder surgeons at St. Thomas Hospital.

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FASHION & TEXTILES

As part of the My Journey initiative, students in secondary

now have the option to immerse themselves with hands-

experience in the fascinating world of fashion and textile Students are now able to blend relevant and quality academic, applied ment enabling them to reach their full potential..

Through the introduction of My Journey, secondary school students will be portunity to reach the same level of qualifications and be equally employ

It’s time to improve on what we have, and try to build an education wher For more information kindly visit myjourney.edu.mt or nextyear.edu.mt

MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

schooling

-on

es. and vocational subjects, in a personalised and inclusive learning environ-

e able to sit for different forms of learning and assessments, have the opyable regardless of the blends of options they’ll choose to study.

re children enjoy going to school everyday.

Ta lent Cu tivating

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he local fashion industry has experienced an unprecedented growth over the past years. Today, Malta boasts a pool of talent which includes established names such as Charles & Ron, Gagliardi and Luke Azzopardi to others including Parascandalo, Saz Mifsud, Sue Mercieca and Rosemarie Abela just to mention a few. The rise of such names together with the growth of key annual events such as The Malta Fashion Week, are seen by many as a sign that the local fashion industry is alive and has certainly room to grow much further. Growth is reliant on education, which many local critics feel needs to start from the early years to attract more talent.

A TELIER The Vocational and Applied Fashion and Textiles Programme offered as from next scholastic year by the Ministry for Education and Employment in different clusters of secondary state schools around Malta is seen by many as a first step towards such direction.

The new programme provides students with relevant hands-on experience in the fascinating world of fashion and textiles. Throughout this programme, students, develop a flair and ability to generate ideas and concepts to help customers make the right choice. It also helps students with the basics of sewing and related skills whilst developing a range of designing and sewing skills. Students also learn basic skills in fashion design and are able to use digital software to design fashionable garments. Fashionable clothing items and creative soft furnishings including curtains and cushions are also produced. Moreover, students are equipped with the basic knowledge and confidence to undertake their own bespoke interiors for a living space.

The current programme offered in Textiles Studies focused more on textiles rather than fashion. Thus, the new Fashion and Textiles programme was created in a way to focus more on fashion and also to include an element of interior design. Before developing the programme, the Ministry for Education took the wise decision to reach out to the industry, talk to the main stakeholders and develop the programme according to the needs of the market. In line with the feedback received, the new programme is tailored in a way to teach students all the necessary skills required to work in the fashion industry. It also provides students with an element of entrepreneurship. Above all, the course seeks to see the students achieve the equivalent of an MQF Level 1 to MQF Level 3 certificate.

The programme is certainly a significant step forward by the Ministry for Education and Employment which will hopefully ensure the growth of further local talent.

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www.gaiaandnina.com

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Charles & Ron Spring/Summer 2019 Collection Tiffany Pisani photographed by Carlton Agius Shot in West Hollywood, Los Angeles

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SOCIETY

Society is composed of two great classes those who have more dinners than appetite, and those who have more appetite than dinners.

CHAMFORT,

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The Cynic's Breviary

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The Message in a song Interview with Michela Pace

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oung, smart, shy and above all with an incredible voice which quickly grabs your attention.

Earlier in January, Michela was crowned winner of the first X Factor Malta and entrusted with the task to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Israel. Michela shared with us her experience at X Factor Malta, her preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest and the release of her album.

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Who is Michela?

This is always the worst question of the lot because it is indeed difficult to answer a question which has to describe yourself in a couple of words. I do think that Michela is a hard-working, down to earth, passionate girl with big dreams.

What does music means to you?

Since I was very young, I was always interested in anything which is music related. This interest developed into a passion which now I must say, takes up most of my time. I love what I do and this is just the beginning. I will keep giving it my 100% in order to make it to the top!

How would you sum up your experience at X Factor Malta?

X Factor Malta is an incredible programme. I never knew that such a programme can change your life, for the better of course. The team at X Factor Malta is incredibly talented and there is a pool of hardworking people that guide you throughout your journey. That experience really helped me grow, both as a human being and as an artist. I have only words of praise for the team working on X Factor Malta.

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What message does the song Chameleon convey?

Just like the mysterious tiny creature who has the ability to change according to its surroundings, the song is a message revolving around that no matter what life throws at us we need to be able to adapt and move on!

Give me water, I’m a swimmer, Give me fire, I’m a fighter, Give me love, I’m your lover!

How are preparations for the Eurovision song contest going?

We are one great team with one incredible vision.

All the team is working around the clock to deliver a great product both to those in front of us in the arena and those who will be watching the contest in front of their television sets!

Any projects planned for after the Eurovision Song Contest?

Without any doubt, the release of my album!

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Making it Happen Interview with Miriam Dalli

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t’s two o’clock in the morning and pitch black. Whilst most sleep, one woman is up and ready to go because there is a flight to catch at four o’clock. Seventeen hours later, she is still awake, though being awake hardly describes it. Most of us would be in quite a state under such circumstances, yet this woman is honouring parliamentary commitments.

Such is one day in the life of Miriam Dalli, a Maltese member of the European Parliament and candidate for the upcoming MEP elections.

Miriam Dalli, described by giant influencers such as Politico as ‘a doer’, has been serving as a Member of the European Parliament on behalf of Partit Laburista since May 2014. Parliamentary work takes Miriam to Strasbourg at least once a month, and this entails gruesome hours at times. A typical week takes her to Brussels on Monday and brings her back to Malta on Thursday evening. Travelling between two worlds can be tricky at times, which is why we caught up with Miriam and asked how she manages to merge both worlds and her various responsibilities.

She makes it a point to take her two children to school in Malta on Mondays and Fridays. The

weekend is normally brimming with meetings and events, but the trick for her is to not make her various responsibilities mutually exclusive.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons are dedicated to spending time with her two boys: five-year-old Jack and three-year-old Kane. Saturday is also the day when Jack wants to accompany mummy to wherever work takes her, be it a political event, a social gathering, or a LEAD session - Miriam’s brainchild and the mentoring programme aimed at encouraging more women to join politics.

“Jack brings games and books with him but he looks forward to these Saturday morning meetings as he gets to see ‘mummy in action,” Miriam laughs.

She fondly remembers when a younger Kane would also travel weekly with her to and from Brussels, even attending committee meetings!

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“Politics,” Miriam affirms “is a 24/7 job.” Catching up with messages and emails sent by her constituents has become a full-time job in itself, which she tries to tackle in between one meeting and another. Though family management is quite a feat, her husband John is extremely supportive. Spending time away from the family is not easy, but the family has devised a way to try and minimise the impact of Miriam being away from home.

“At age 5, Jack is now old enough to understand that when I am in Brussels or Strasbourg, I am there for work. So I explain to him that I would be going to work and together we count the nights until I fly back home. The morning Face Time call always starts with ‘Mama I slept one and two more to go’ and the evening call would be ‘we sleep another one and one more to,” Miriam says.

The more Miriam recounts the ways in which her days are managed, the clearer it is that family and public life are thoughtfully intertwined. When the boys are off school, they accompany her to the Żebbuġ office that has a small play area for children. “I don’t mind having them at my workplace. I’m a mother with unconventional working hours.”

We find out that Miriam not only enjoys reading - which we could have guessed given her previous career as a journalist - but she also enjoys telling fantasy stories to the boys during the school run. She tries to make her stories as interactive as possible. She also enjoys watching the occasional series, although most are now chosen by the boys. Miriam’s and John’s favourite time is when they take the family on holiday.

Summer is the time of the year she really looks forward to.

It’s a hectic lifestyle, so we want to know what she does in order to safeguard her physical well-being. We find out that Miriam’s trick is to drink plenty of water, together with catching up on sleep whenever possible.

Jogging also keeps her mind fresh, and she tries to be out on a run whenever possible.

Music helps Miriam function much better when on an airplane, on a train or when she’s sitting at her desk. This is the time she uses to get a lot of work done.

Logically, her earphones form part of her travel musthaves, together with her mobile phone and her pen.

Paper napkins handed out by planes always come in handy for note writing. Juggling the Malta and Brussels life means that Miriam also has two teams - one in Malta and one in Brussels. However, she is quick to point out “We are one team. We are constantly in touch and we work together even though we’re in different countries.”

Having lived in both countries, it is natural that Miriam developed two favourite places: In Malta it is Wied iz-Żurrieq. “It’s the place that brings me peace, irrespective of what the weather is like and breathing in the sea air revitalises me. It must be because it helps me relive my childhood memories.” In Brussels, her spot of choice is Woluwe-St-Pierre, particularly Place Dumond. “This place brings along so many happy memories for our family,” she says.

Miriam has plenty to scoot off to following our meeting. She has recently piloted a new law that will lead to the reduction of harmful emissions from our roads. “Although this lifestyle takes a lot of dedication, I feel proud of my work. I know that when I am at home with my children, I can tell them that I did something positive for them and their generation. Ultimately this is what matters most to me, piloting positive change.”

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In the spotlight Interview with Ben Camille

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old, good looking and with a captivating smile is certainly a perfect way to describe Ben Camille.

However, Ben is not only about looks. He is sharp, smart and talented leaving an impact on any role he plays irrespective of whether he is one of the main protagonists in Strada Stretta, in his own reality show, or presenting the first X Factor Malta. Ben Camille recently shared with Atelier the pros and cons of being a celebrity, his experience in X Factor Malta and what to expect from him in the coming months.

Credit: Chris Micallef Syling: Carina Camilleri

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In a recent interview you said that presenting gives you the opportunity to help a lot of people in need by giving them a voice or a platform to showcase their need or talent. In what way has your reality TV show - 'Benjamin' contributed towards such goal?

During BENJAMIN we tackled a number of issues such as bullying where I visited numerous schools in the name of an anti-bullying campaign. We visited dog sanctuaries to create awareness of the number of abandoned dogs there are and to encourage people to adopt as opposed to buying dogs. During Christmas time, we hand-picked families and individuals going through a hard time and gave them gifts.

We were also happy to be able to collaborate and give a platform to many other NGOs such as ALS, the Marigold Foundation, The Pippo Foundation, L-Istrina and many more not to mention creating our own, ‘The Silent Bark’ which put pressure on the authorities to illegalize the chaining of dogs, an achievement we are very proud to have been part of.

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Credit: Brian Grech

In what way has X Factor also contributed towards such objective?

X-Factor not only gave a free opportunity to a larger group of people to showcase their talent on Malta's biggest televised platform but also gave them the opportunity to get international recognition and a 'foot in' the right direction. Apart from this, I believe X-Factor has given Maltese and Gozitan television viewers what they deserve, top quality entertainment on their national station.

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Being a public figure offers advantages as well as challenges including negative remarks on you and your family. How do you deal with it?

At the beginning, it was very hard for me. By time, with the help of other genuine people in the industry, close friends and family you soon come to realize that such remarks are very artificial. People passing such remarks do not know you personally but speak as if they do. Unfortunately, they feel it's almost their right to pass such remarks simply because you

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are in the public eye. You come to understand that such hate usually stems from a mixture of envy, frustration or what I call the 'feeling powerful behind the screen' syndrome. People are very quick to judge solely on what they see in a photo or read in a headline and come up with their own version of the truth. In all fairness, in the public's 'defense', certain media outlets are aware of this and play on it in order to gain more clicks. To answer your question, I am not on social media as much as one would

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What are the challenges of having an outspoken celebrity mother?

There are many :) - One of the main ones is probably dealing with consequences based on her actions with third parties. It's not the first time I've ended up in a room with people who got offended at something she said and I am sitting there thinking "why exactly am I here!?!". People automatically assume that her opinion or what she says/ does is my opinion too just because I'm her son, which is not correct. Of course, it works both ways and at times people automatically take a liking towards me without knowing me just because they love how outspoken my mum is or just get on with her in general.

Keeping in mind your very busy agenda, how do you manage to find a perfect balance between work and family?

It's not easy at all however I am blessed with a very supportive family. Kristina, my wife, is incredible and very supportive as are my parents and my in-laws. Carina, my mum, is also my manager who deals with all my media commitments and requests, she's great at what she does and helps me stay balanced which is of top priority to me, especially now that we have been blessed with baby Elle.

Credit: Gerry Bugeja Styling: Malcolm Gauci

think nowadays as I have a great team who help me with that. Therefore, I don't get to see a lot of these remarks unless it's from one of my friends sending in on one of our WhatsApp group chats to have a laugh.

The famous astronaut, Valentina Tereshkova once noted, "We all have a personal life, and being a public figure disrupts that." To what extent do you agree?

I agree that it disrupts it. However it does not

You recently also noted that you often find it hard to make everyone happy all the time. How do you find a fair compromise on such a challenge?

I try and say as little as I can, as often as I can :) I am a big believer in, if you have nothing nice to say, then do not say anything at all. Having said that, when there is something important which I strongly believe in, I have no problem with expressing my opinion as I recently did with the gay conversion controversy.

How does spring change your mood?

I do not think it does. Though I do much prefer the extra hour of sunlight that we get with the summer time.

What's next on Ben Camille's agenda?

I am currently working on a new TV production which I am very excited about, however, I cannot give much more details at the moment, sorry :)

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A colourful mind Interview with Gerard James Borg

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erard James Borg is one of Malta's most successful songwriters, authors, and concept creators for the last decades. Indeed, he has penned six of Malta's entries for the annual Eurovision Song Contest with Philip Vella, and one of his songs gave Malta its first top placing (2nd) in the contest. His writing talent can also be admired in several books he published including his bestseller debut novel – "Sliema Wives", "Madliena Married Men" and "Bormla Babes - Behind-The-Scenes". Gerard's pen is simply fabulous and conveys his creativity, versatility and pinch of unpredictability which certainly makes him stand out of the crowd.

Gerard took Atelier through the key stages in his career, his experience of rejection and the key role his family played in his life's journey.

You once described yourself as "a kaleidoscope of colour" Why? It’s because I am full of energy, ideas, creativity, and versatility – sometimes very unpredictable. Like a chameleon or a blast of fireworks; you never know what you will get or which design it would represent.

Colour defines many things, but above all it defines personality.

choose to dust themselves, get back on their feet and try again. I can tell you – nowadays I thank all those who have closed doors for me in the past because otherwise I would not have had the opportunity to look for, and open new ones. I believe that everything happens for a reason in life, the most important is never to give up on what you believe you can achieve.

You often speak about the rejection you experienced during your career. How did it influence you?

Many people out there think that things happen just because “one is lucky” – but truth is – every individual at some stage of his life/career gets rejected. Some people fall down and give up, others

It is by no coincidence that you are a strong believer in the principle that creative people must not be afraid to pursue their goals, right?

Absolutely! You can be told you are not good enough. You can be told so many things, but if you believe in yourself you just have to stick to your guns and go for it! Never stop dreaming or feel ashamed

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of being regarded as a dreamer. If anything, dreams add colour to our lives and motivate us to touch that piece of sky we want to reach. I always believed in finding my dreams, chasing them, making them mine, and never letting them go.

The American musician, Christina Grimmie once said; "Be stupid, be dumb, be funny, if that's who you are. Don't try to be someone that society wants you to be; that's stupid. So be yourself." To what extent do you agree?

I agree with Christina completely! Unfortunately, due to social media almost taking over our lives nowadays, some people try to become somebody they are not simply to impress other people. And, they might do it for a short while, but it will never last long – because one can never control other people’s minds, no matter how hard one tries. Most people will suss out who is putting up an act or who is genuine. And genuine people are loved and valued irrespective of their flaws! They are who they are, who they want to be, and are not ashamed of showing it. That in itself makes them unique, and confident.

What role has your family played in your career?

My mother is the creative one in the family, so she has ignited the spark, and my father would have loved me to be a world class footballer (where I have failed miserably of course!!), but he was nevertheless very proud of all my achievements. So, I feel very lucky to have had their support, although being in the arts when I was a teenager was a little bit different than nowadays!

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I read your first ambition in life was to be a fashion designer. Do you feel it is ironic that your recognition started from abroad rather than in Malta?

Yeah, that’s very true! I remember at school they had asked us what we would like to be when we grow older. Half the class wanted to be a lawyer, a fireman, or a banker and I said I wanted to be a fashion designer! So that created quite a stir, and more than a couple of laughs! So, I woke up one day (aged 23) and decided to get back at them! I sent my fashion designs to a local magazine who sent them back to me saying they were not interested. Then Burda International (a German fashion publication published in over 80 countries) picked them up, loved them, flew to Malta to interview me, and featured them. One year later, I was asked to do a design for them which made it to the front cover of the magazine and I landed a two-page feature titled “The man from Malta.” I also ended up meeting the guy who started off John Galiano, and owned Chanel and Valentino boutiques in London. But soon I realized I wanted to evolve into other creative fields…

What has made ‘Sliema Wives,’ "Madliena Married Men" and "Bormla Babes: Behind-the-scenes" best sellers?

I guess it is the writing style, the innovative concept that they are based in Malta, with some known “celebrities” thrown into the mix of the fictional characters. It is what people love: Sex – drama – thriller – gossip – humour – and entertainment all meshed into one. I wanted to do something different, and when “Sliema Wives” hit the book shops it caused a major stir! Since then, I never looked back.

I only intended to write one book to start with, but I got so many positive reactions I decided to write a second book. My second book - “Madliena Married Men” - was a sure fire hit, also due to its unpredictable twist – and so I kept on writing….

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To what extent do you feel they reflect local society?

101%. I have admitted many times that I find the inspiration for my characters and plots from “real” people and situations. Of course, I add and twist and turn, and give colour, blending fiction with reality in a way that you never really know what is fiction or what is fact. I think that is an added thrill to my books! And I have weaved some real-life situations into my books that most people would think is fiction, but actually, is not! I love writing – whether songs or books! I love telling stories….I also take charge of creating the front cover ideas for my books, create the concepts and direct the promo video clips.

It’s a lot of work coordinating everything because I am a perfectionist – but love it!

I heard you are working on your fourth book due to be published in October. What should we expect?

Hmmmm….. I’m usually very secretive and protective about my books until it is time for them to hit the social network – BUT – I guess you guys will be the first to get some juicy teasers! You should expect the hottest-ever book to hit the local book shelves. It will be a little bit different to the other three, but yes, you still get the real-life situations, the shady characters, and oh, so much more! It’s a psychological thriller, but let’s say, it is dark, indulgent, and oh, ah, ah, so sexy! Now, admit it… you’re tempted?!!!

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What projects do you have in the pipeline apart from the next book?

I’m in a phase where I want to really enjoy what I do… so I take things day by day. I have written 7 songs for the Eurovision Song Contest (six for Malta and one for Russia), almost won it, and took a short break from songwriting to finish my current book.

So, at the moment my new book is my current focus.

However, I have been bitten again by the songwriting bug, so when I actually find the time (because 24 hours is really not that much!) I hope to get back to doing some local and foreign co-writes. But my mind is constantly on the roll, so before you know it, I might come up with something else which is completely out of the box. You see, it is all about creativity. It never goes to sleep, damn it! It keeps us alive, and yeah, adds colour to life….

Laparelli Gardens in Valletta illuminated by

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Flat beam light distribution

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LAPARELLI GARDENS illuminated by Elektra Ltd.

Left & below: The pathway shielded bollards by BEGA with flat beam light distribution on one side, in anthracite grey finish, available in 2 sizes

Right: Drive-over in ground flood lights by BEGA available in 3 different sizes and light output.

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he Valletta Ditch named after Francesco Laparelli as “Gnien Laparelli�, is a tribute to the Italian architect who had a key role in the 1500s in shaping the capital city.

This project forms part of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation which also includes the Tritons Square Project, St Elmo regeneration, the completion of the Valletta entrance project, the new Parliament building and the open theatre at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Castille Square and the current projects relating to the regeneration of Marsamxett.

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Elektra Ltd was entrusted with the lighting supply and oversaw the lighting concept for this project designed by Franck Franjou Lighting Designer which works started in 2016 and were completed by December 2018. The garden is accessible from next to the parliament building and occupies a strategic position at the entrance to Valletta, which was for many years an underutilized and derelict space.

The lighting design sought to highlight key architectural elements, whilst providing adequate lighting levels as required in pedestrianized areas.

High-quality luminaires by BEGA, a German specialist lighting brand with over 70 years’ experience, were meticulously selected to accentuate various aspects of the space. Two of these are the pathway bollards and in ground luminaires. The

shielded bollards ulitised to illuminate the pathways, in cast aluminium, aluminium and stainless steel, have a flat beam light distribution on one side which allow the luminaires to be spaced far apart. The cast bronze in ground light fittings made it possible to fully illuminate vertical surfaces – BEGA Patent DE 199 18872. The lower limit of the light distribution is a straight line, without the usual “light cone”.

This project was brought to fruition with the latest LED technology that has redefined and created undreamt-of possibilities for designing with light.

Elektra ensures the use of reliable and quality brands that withstand the maximum possible service life.

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MINISTRY FOR TOURISM

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is a powerful medium of persuasion and propaganda. It has that ring of truth when all the time, in artful hands, it can make any statement the manipulator chooses.

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MICHAEL LANGFORD, Basic Photography

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Jimmy Nelson

Credit: Carlton Agius - Biljana

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Fashion through the lens Interview with Carlton Agius, Photographer

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ome of us are blessed with the unique opportunity to make their childhood dreams come true. Indeed, Carlton Agius is one of the people who has achieved this. He is regarded by many as one of the rising stars in the local photographic scene who is certainly trying to change the way the industry perceives photography by pushing any boundaries he can. Atelier spoke to photographer Carlton Agius about his passion for photography, his style and his projects for the future.

When and why did you first pick up a camera?

I grew up in a home where everyone loved taking photos and videos, so in a sense, I was always surrounded by cameras. I still remember the excitement I used to feel when we took our photos to be developed. When I was around 10 years old, my dad bought me my first digital camera. While other children my age were more interested in playing video games, I spent most of my time taking photos of myself and my friends and then manipulating them. It was a very special time for me.

How would you describe your style?

I mainly photograph fashion and beauty. When I'm creatively directing a shoot, I love creating a character around the model. For me, photography is like a film. I’m always focused on telling a story that's not necessarily true. I find that if you create a story, people are able to interact with it more.

Credit: Carlton Agius - Biljana

What does fashion means to you?

I began working with local designers Charles & Ron back in 2013. I've always had a huge interest in clothes making and designing, however, when I got the opportunity to start working for the designers myself, it became my creative outlet. Working as their creative assistant and doubling up as their in-house photographer gave me the opportunity to shoot campaigns for the brand locally and internationally. As a result, I have shot campaigns in Dubai, Romania, NYC, and Los Angeles.

What makes a great photograph?

A memorable photo is made up of many different components; it’s not just about styling, lighting and retouching. That said, you need to be pretty good at those too to capture an amazing shot.

How important are location and background?

They are extremely important as they have to complement the mood of the shoot or the product being promoted. If the background doesn’t fit the outfit, the shot falls flat. It really can make or break a photo.

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Credit: Carlton Agius - Biljana

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Credit: Carlton Agius - Francesca

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There is constant use of black in your work. What is the impact of black on a photo?

Whether in clothes, photography or film, black sets a tone. I love that black gives a darker, more dramatic mood to a photo. I find it gives photos an edge.

Ted Gant once noted, "When you photograph people in colour, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls!� To what extent do you agree?

Although it's true that black and white photography strips down the focus from the 'material' things in a photo, sometimes colour can enhance the story you want to tell. Black places focus back onto the person.

Do you feel modern photography is changing how we remember our lives?

Unfortunately, nowadays many photos don't come to life in a physical and tangible way. Many people are focused on uploading things in real-time and airbrushing their memories even as they are uploading them. When social media did not exist, photography was a far more intimate medium. I miss the excitement of opening photo albums.

What attracts your photographic lens in spring?

I'll be launching my website www.maltaweddingstudio.com which will showcase my contemporary approach toward wedding photography. At the very beginning of my career as a photographer, I started taking wedding photos and now I feel confident enough to combine wedding and fashion photography together to create a more editorial yet timeless feel to wedding photography.

Many consider you as one of the hottest young fashion photographers on the island. What advice do you have for the next local generation of photographers?

Today, it is much easier to start your career as a photographer thanks to the wide use of mobile phones so no one should be afraid to experiment.

One of the first big jobs I ever did was executed with an iPhone 5. It was only when I decided to become a professional photographer that I bought a professional DSLR. Dream big and work hard for your dreams and the rest will follow.

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an indigenous view Interview with Jimmy Nelson, Photographer

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ritish-born photographer Jimmy Nelson's images talk about the stories of indigenous tribes hidden in the four corners of our planet.

The project began in 2009, when the British photographer set out on a journey to visit and photograph 31 secluded, visually unique tribes. The quest would eventually take him on 13 trips covering 44 countries during which he came across tribes including the Huaorani tribe of the Ecuadorian Amazon to the Chukotka of Siberia.

Nelson’s extraordinary photos seek to immortalize the world’s least-touched tribes before they disappear forever. Jimmy Nelson shared with Atelier the various experiences he came across during his journey and what he achieved thanks to his project.

Credits: Jimmy Nelson

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When I was 17 I didn’t start out to be a photographer.

I ran away. I had some strange experiences as a child that disconnected me. My hair fell out when I was 16 so my appearance changed and I was very creative so some people thought I was stupid. I wasn’t a happy teenager. I disappeared to Tibet not because there were indigenous peoples but because there were monks there with no hair. It was a connection.

My journey was a process of reconnection. And my camera was a metaphor for recording who I met. On the journey of two years, more people gave me love and kindness than I had ever received from my own culture. So maybe today, 33 years later, I’m still doing the same. I’m selfishly trying to keep reconnecting with people who are humanly very rich and real.

What inspired you to start this project?

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace.

The rapid progress in affluence and technology is inevitably reaching also those cultures that, up until now, have managed to preserve their own identity and values. And when it does, their longstanding traditions will gradually disappear. In this context, my goal is to preserve our world’s tribes through my photography. The main message of this project would be to look closer. Look closer, because you never know what’s around the corner. Some things can be very different than what they seem. When you are there with the tribes, it’s all about being human, not about what you can give or take from others.

How did you convince such tribes to take a sneak peek into their lives through the lens?

Wherever we went, we always approached the people with enormous dignity. We tried to communicate, usually with the help of translators. When the people finally had warmed up to us, our enthusiasm worked as a catalyst for theirs. Our passion, our perfectionism, and our teamwork seemed to be contagious. And, in most cases, the locals soon wanted to participate in it. The positive energy and pride that emerged from working together with the people is reflected in the photographs.

What story does "Before They Pass Away" tell?

It is a journey that started in my childhood. I grew up in the majority of these areas where I take these pictures today. My father was a geologist. I was a young child. I remembered these communities. I remembered these parts of the world. I had a bipolar childhood. I was taken out of these gloriously pure environments and cultures and put in a Catholic Jesuit boarding school, so I bounced between the two worlds. When I was 17 and disappeared across Tibet with a camera, I was trying to find a way to reconnect with myself and that experience that I had in my childhood. And in many ways, I’ve spent the whole of my life since then trying to reconnect with it. It’s not the photography which thrills me but it’s using the camera to see the others and present them in a way that we’ve never normally seen them.

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Tell us about your last publication Homage to Humanity. In what way does it differ from Before They Pass Away?

It differs radically insofar as the first publication, Before They Pass Away, was just print. The second publication is three-quarters new journeys and indigenous cultures that I’ve visited and one-quarter returning to those before, but this time I returned with film and virtual reality.

Homage to Humanity is produced with the first-ever digitally interactive app to the book.

Every single one of the 600 images in the book is accessible with your smartphone. The app is free, so you don’t even need to own the book. Wherever you see the pictures, on a wall or in a museum or on the computer or in a newspaper, your smartphone will activate content behind them.The whole idea is to make this project as transparent as possible, to enable the viewer to 100% understand how I see it from my perspective, what I’m trying to achieve, and what I’m trying to communicate whilst at the same time having the feeling that they themselves can also almost participate.

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Can you tell us about the Jimmy Nelson Foundation?

The Jimmy Nelson Foundation is a mission. It’s a very important mission. It’s a mission of reciprocity.

I have to give something back. We are a self-funded business. There is no sponsorship. There’s no funding. Through the Jimmy Nelson Foundation, we enable photography projects that promote positive visibility and appreciation for indigenous cultures. In this way, we can show the world the great value that cultural heritage holds.

Were there any lessons you learnt from these cultures that made an impact on a personal level?

If the tribes disappear, we will lose a living example of how to treasure our natural surroundings and values. We could learn a lot from these authentic cultures that build on principal aspects of humanity, such as respect, love, survival and sharing.

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How do you see the future for the people you’ve photographed?

I hope and I dream and I aspire that they hold onto their heritage as they move into the future.

They will all end up with a smartphone. They will all end up digitally connected with the world, but they will celebrate their culture. They will celebrate their individuality, their authenticity and the knowledge that they have and realized that they’re extraordinarily wealthy and they will move on with us happily and healthily into the future as the last bastions and owners and righteous beings of the world’s last natural, and most beautiful, habitats.

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Who we are?

Inofin Projects is a leading local contracting company providing a full service to its clients. Our portfolio of services commence on demolishing to handover to its clients. We also work closely with several collaborating partners so as to offer our clients a one stop source.

DESCRIBE WHAT YOUR ONE STOP SOURCE CONSIST OF? We handle projects from concept stage upon its final finishes, by providing clients with architectural, design and project management support, following demolishing, excavating, building elements and finishes. We help clients in all logistical, technical and operational aspects thus providing support on sourcing of material and any other work required.

We also provide stand alone services.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? For the time being we are excavating a bungalow in Kalkara, following pool area, thereupon building elements up to finishes with its features and character of rustic and modern design. Albeit to mention the other ongoing projects.

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BRIDGEPOINT SHOWROOM, OLD RAILWAY TRACK, ST VENERA +356 21472 241 // WWW.BRIDGEPOINTMALTA.COM