Event | QIVY Spa Opening

There's a new relaxing place in town, QIVY Spa at Yue Healthier Living Complex in Naxxar and I'm pleased to have been invited to the opening do.

Nestled under street level, the spa is one of the best escapes on the island. I was given a tour of the premises along with other guests where we were able to see the different rooms as well as some treatments which were being performed on models for the night. Products used are by Mary Cohr and Elemis, two premium skincare brands that need no introduction. As for nails, products by ProNails are used to ensure the best possible care for your nails.

There is also plenty of room to relax in the chill out area which is tastefully decorated in a minimalist style that further helps your senses to relax.

I look forward to experiencing the spa soon and see what they have to offer, watch this space!

Photography by Noel Fenech

Forbidden Voices - An event hosted by Maria Cutajar in aid of domestic violence victims

Domestic violence now ranks the second most frequent crime in Malta after theft, and it is no longer confined to being a domestic problem but rather as a problem that should be addressed and acted upon by society in general. Domestic violence is defined by the vast majority of people as physical abuse towards a woman where she is beaten black and blue mainly because of the perception that women are the weaker sex. Although that is the most common type of domestic violence, there are other aspects to this crime of which men and children can also be victims.

In this post, I am interviewing local fashion designer Maria Cutajar ahead of her upcoming event Forbidden Voices in aid of Kummissjoni Ejjew Għandi which helps rehabilitate victims of domestic violence. We will be focusing more on the local scenario rather than a European level as the proceeds from the event will be going towards a local organisation.

What do you classify as domestic violence?

For me, domestic violence is any type of violence that is verbally and physically hurting a person in the home environment.

What do you think is the most common form of domestic violence locally and what is in your opinion the underlying cause for the offender to commit the crime? Do you think that people coming from a low socio-economic background are more susceptible to domestic violence?

I think that the first kind of domestic violence that comes to mind is when a woman gets beaten up by her husband; and yes we have a lot of these cases in Malta. But as Mediterranean people, we have a lot of sense of humor which can lead us to being verbally abusive sometimes without knowing. Being violent can be the result of different causes and factors, such as drug and alcohol addiction, having a rough childhood or being neglected and unloved. I can never forgive any offender but I can I understand that maybe their situation has led them to hurt others through violence. Coming from a low socio-economic status doesn't make a difference - it's all about the upbringing of a person and life situations where pain that never healed manifests itself as aggression towards others.

A 2010 study on ‘The Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Women’ conducted by The Commission on Domestic Violence shows that a quarter of the women interviewed, have been abused in one way or another. What do you make of this?

I think we can all admit to being sexually harassed at one point or another.  Typical scenario is walking or running in the morning trying to work out and minding our own businesses, but of course, we all had drivers passing by and cat calling us "aw koxxa", "aw sbejha" and believe me those are the more decent ones; we all heard worse. Of course this is not limited to Malta mind you, it happens all over the world. Well, men have to understand that it's not funny or sexy, and we have had enough of them! Another scenario of sexual harassment towards women is when it happens at the workplace, which I think is worse still because more often than not, we may not be in a position to do something about it. I have experienced it myself of having lower pay and also that I didn't always had the right to speak because I am a woman. These are simple cases of abuse of daily life and they are irritating and hurtful so you can all imagine how more hurtful it is when it is violence all out.

In a more recent statistical study published by the N.S.O. on the 7th March 2013, to mark the year’s dedication to end violence against women, it is stated that 77% of domestic violence victims were women. Do you reckon men can also be victims of domestic violence? What about children?

Well, this is another big issue. I think that awareness in general is quite low, and unfortunately, it is worse for men. Of course, men can be victims of domestic violence, especially of the verbal type which could be mentally and physically killing him. In my opinion, verbal violence can be much worse to because it affects a person for a long time. Unfortunately, a woman already finds it hard to speak up because she doesn't want anyone to know that she is weak, let alone a man. My suggestion is to offer a helping hand when you can and lend and ear to help victims speak up and never leave pride get in the way.

What do you think is the reason behind men refraining from reporting abuse?

Well, like I said before, I think pride is the main factor hindering men from admitting they are being domestically abused. 

Between 2009 and 2013, a total of 4102 cases have been reported. Do you think this is because there has been an increase in domestic violence or is it because victims are now plucking up the courage to report abuse?

I think more people are speaking up nowadays but also, one big question remains; how many of the reported cases were actually taken seriously and acted upon? My guess is that most of them are shockingly ignored!! For example, I think that the government should offer therapy sessions when a report is filed as a start, maybe it can be of help for a couple and maybe also the kids that find themselves in such a situation.

Do you think there is enough awareness on domestic violence? If not, what can be done to better the current situation?

I don't think there can ever be enough awareness on such a delicate matter but still, I think we are far from being fully aware of domestic violence, so I would say no, level of awareness is till very low. I have always believed in events for good causes and I for one, have done a lot of voluntary work. I think that I have finally found the cause which is most dear to me and that is of course, Domestic Violence. I plan to organize more events of the sort and will do my best to bring both my passions together - fashion and helping others,  to support Maltese associations Such as Kummissjoni Ejjew Għandi, that help people with domestic violence. Through 'Forbidden Voices', I want to bring the topic of domestic violence to light and maybe who knows, potential and existing offenders can seek therapy and ask for help. I really believe that all people can change and we all deserve second chances.

What services are offered locally to help the victims through the ordeal?

I'm not really sure as I have only been back in Malta for a few months but I intend to find out in time for another event in December.

Lastly, Forbidden Voices. What is the idea behind the event and what are the people attending to expect out of it?

Forbidden Voices is the first event of the sort for me, and my aim is to raise awareness about the topic of domestic violence first and foremost. Of course, part of the proceeds from the event will go towards Kummissjoni Ejjew Ghandi. Everyone is invited to join, Let your presence be the voice for the voiceless!

Event | Catrice Cosmetics Autumn / Winter 2017 New Products Launch

I never get tired of saying this and even more so, I never get tired of looking at it - The Grand Harbour is the best view we have all around the island so you can imagine my delight when I was invited for the launch of the fall collection from Catrice Cosmetics at the Panorama Lounge in Valletta overlooking the said Grand Harbour!

Catrice Cosmetics is a German makeup brand under the Cosnova portfolio and has been around since 2004. I have regarded the brand as a special one ever since it was launched locally by Pharma.MT for it was one of the first brands to work with us bloggers along with sister brand Essence.

Catrice is all about innovation and they produce over 1400 products which come in both classic and trendy colour variations. The brand is heavily inspired by catwalk and fashion trends and in fact, it has ongoing collaborations with German fashion houses Kaviar Gauche and Lala Berlin. So what will the brand bring our way in autumn 2017?

For starters, they are embracing the concept of individuality with the launch of their Art Couleurs Palette for eyeshadows which is supplied empty and you can fill it with up to 4 of your favourite Art Couleurs eyeshadow shades. The eyeshadows come in matt and shimmer finishes and bear the new, cleaner and more sophisticated looking logo. I think it's cool that the base is fully transparent and hollow for the eyeshadows to fit in and still show the shade name and number! Struggling to find the right shade of foundation? Catrice has now got you covered with the Prime and Fine Makeup Transformer Drops!

Other new products include the Liquid Metal Cream Eyeshadows and the Glam & Doll Waterproof False Lashes mascara to complement the already successful range of Glam & Doll Mascaras as well a the Ultimate Chrome palette which is just breathtaking!

As for lips, there are the new Lip Dressers and the Liquid Lip Powder which dry to a matte metallic finish as well some new shades for the exiting lip product ranges. For the face, it is all about a bright luminous complexion and colour correction. My favourites are the Re-Touch Concealers and the Professional Makeup Techniques Face Palette.

Ultimately, they have launched a new nail polish range, ICONails, comprising 36 colours and a gel top coat. I am currently wearing shade 10 Rosywood Hills which Stephanie from Lacquer Nail Bar in Naxxar applied on my nails during the event. The nail polish is supposed to last for 7 days without top coat which can be extended to 10 days with the ICONails Gel Top Coat. I'll put it to the test and share the results in a separate blog post :) For those favouring a matte look on their nails, there is the new Silk Matte Top Coat too. Oh and how gorgeous do the Brown Collection nail polishes look with those rose gold caps?!

Catrice is really breaking the rules with their innovative, quality products at a very affordable price range which are appealing to a lot of women of different ages don't you think?

I wanted to share the excitement with you guys and at the same thank you for your ongoing support so, to celebrate the launch of the Autumn collection, I will be giving away some newly launched products to one lucky reader! Head over to my Facbeook page to discover how you can be in the chance of winning this bundle!

Lastly, thank you Catrice and Pharma.MT for having me, I look forward to test run all these new products!

Event | Purple Official Opening

Whenever I go shopping, I always end up in the locales of Valletta or Sliema and I tend to completely forget about other equally fabulous shopping districts such as Birkirkara so when I got an invite to attend the official opening of Purple, it was a little surprising. Nonetheless, I wanted to see what this new brand was all about so of course, I made my way to the shop last Friday evening.

photo by Andre Gialanze

So, Purple, what is it all about? It all started with Sergio and Alexandra moving to Malta from the UK and backed by Alexandra's experience in the fashion industry, they opened this little fashion gem in the very heart of Malta. Alexandra told me that they source the fabrics and design the clothes themselves which are in turn made in Italy. They stock a variety of sizes and their current collection really has something for everyone.

As I stepped foot inside the shop, the first thing that caught my eye is the purple(!) feature wall with a huge Audrey Hepburn decal celebrating what is perhaps her most famous moment - wearing that Givenchy black dress and tiara from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. I immediately asked my friend Marija to take a picture of me against this wall and later I learned Sergio admires Audrey Hepburn for her timelessly elegant style.

Of course I had a thorough look at the collection and I immediately started eyeing a lot of things I liked - pretty dresses, embroidered shirts, colourful skirts, all in most of my favourite colours. Overall, the collection boasts a neutral colour palette with occasional brights - in short, very up my alley! Needless to say, I didn't leave empty-handed and I can't wait to show you what I got in the very near future ;)

photo by Andre Gialanze

What's more? You can get everything at 50% off until the end of September so do hurry up! Purple is located in Valley Road Birkirkara and I invite you to like their Facebook page to keep updated with all the latest on their collections! Good luck again to Alexandra and Sergio, I look forward to visiting again very soon!

Bernard Polidano, myself and Marija - photo by Andre Gialanze

Event | People & Skin X Rosemarie Abela Fashion Studio

Last Wednesday, I had the utmost pleasure to attend a chic collaboration between one of the best med-aesthetic clinics in Malta, People & Skin, and a local fashion house, Rosemarie Abela Fashion Studio. The event marks the launch of the new Juvéderm Volite rejuventation treatments at the clinic, a showcase of the AW17/18 collection from RM Abela and the unveiling of the painting Skin Diptych by the late Isabelle Borg.

What I wore to the event - Photo by Dyna YT
Top, Fashion Union at ASOS | Skirt, Zara | Shoes, Gianvito Rossi | Clutch, Diane von Furstenberg | Earrings, Yana's Jewellery

Of course the event kicked off with some prosecco and an address by Dr. Joanna Delia and Ms. Michelle Degiorgio from People & Skin before we saw a presentation about Juvéderm Volite fillers and how they can restore the skin's youthful appearance. Juvéderm Volite aims at restoring skin quality; i.e. texture, elasticity and colour. It is a minimally invasive injectable which delivers Hyaluronic Acid directly into the skin, combining with water in the skin to hydrate, improve elasticity and help remove fine lines. Hyaluronic Acid fillers are known to stimulate collagen production, thus improving skin quality. Juvéderm Volite requires only one treatment session and results are meant to last for up to 9 months. It can be used for the hands, face, neck and décolletage.

Dr. Joanna Delia (left) and Ms. Michelle Degiorgio addressing guests

Image courtesy of Allergan

Next, it was time to get a glimpse from the La Cupola collection by Rosemarie Abela. I had already seen the full collection way back in May during Fashion Week (you can read about it here) but since it was so rich and well executed, I absolutely didn't mind gushing over it again. I just love the re-interpretation of knitwear and the incorporation of different materials and fabrics to produce such a lush collection. Well done Rosemarie! Rosemarie has also designed the uniforms for People & Skin's staff which I have to say are the ultimate in class and sophistication as can be seen on Michelle in the photo above.

Then we moved on to see the unveiling of the painting Skin Diptych at the clinic's reception area by Dr. Joanna Delia. She confesses that the late local acclaimed modernist artist Isabelle Borg is one of her favourites and she couldn't not buy this painting and have it at the clinic as it ties in so well with the décor and concept of the clinic, plus, it is a nice tribute to such a prominent name in the local art scene. Isabelle Borg passed away seven years ago and the void she left in the local art scene is still very palpable. In fact, a retrospective exhibition of some of her most prominent works was set up last July at the Pop Up Gallery in Valletta. The curator of the exhibition, Marie Galea says that Skin Diptych is her favourite painting and describes it as a 'feminine, simple yet bold piece' in an interview on the Sunday Circle magazine (you can read all about the exhibition here on pages 45 & 46) - I couldn't agree more! The painting is an oil and mixed media on canvas and was painted in the year 2001.

Skin Diptych by Isabelle Borg

The late Isabelle Borg with her paiting 'Lovers on the Bull' (1983)
photo courtesy of Times of Malta

I think the event is another successful feat under the People & Skin's team belt and I look forward to returning to the clinic and have one of their treatments done. Watch this space!