Interview : Daniela Spiteri - Face of Malta Fashion Week 2014

 By: Unknown    09:03  No comments

Shot by world renowned fashion photographer Alan Gelati wearing Charles&Ron

This week we shine the spotlight on a local beauty and the face of Mercedez Benz Malta Fashion Week  (24th - 30th May), Maltese model Daniela Spiteri (supernovamodel.com). Daniela is absolutely beautiful, long limbed, tall and with a perfect body, she transforms the clothing she wears into something surreal. She is very photogenic and knows exactly how to use her body to its full advantage, she is also a lovely friendly person who I love chatting to whilst on shoots. 

I present to you Daniela...in her own words...

So, who is Daniela?

Well Daniela is a nineteen year old girl who is always looking for new experiences. I study child care at MCAST and I aspire to be a Kindergarten teacher in the future. I'm a person that looks at life in a positive way and working with children is perfect for me as with children there is never a dull moment.

When did your interest in modelling first begin? Were you scouted or did something happen?

I was really young when I first started to get interested in modeling. I remember entering a particular modeling competition for a local magazine and I did quite well. Afterwards, my interest faded for some time until I came across a Venere application and decided to apply. My mother and friends really pushed me into applying. After a photo shoot test of the applicants I was chosen as one of the models. During Verene I met Marisa and from there on I started to work also on fashion shows and not solely on photo modeling.

What inspires you? Is there anyone or anything that you feel has influenced your modeling style?

Personally I don't look up to any personality so no one has influenced me. I enjoy being myself when modeling and working with my own style. Although I enjoy being myself, modeling does include some acting when it comes to expressions and poses and I enjoy this as this provides me with a challenge.

You were recently selected to be the face of Malta Fashion Week 2014 …how do you feel about that?

I really wasn't expecting this. At first, when I heard the news I was really stunned and obviously extremely happy. This is very high achievement for me and I feel honoured to represent the Maltese fashion scene for 2014.

Tell us about the different magazine and campaigns you have been part of

I had the opportunity to appear in various local fashion magazines such as Pink and Vida.

Left - Pink shot by Kurt Paris, Right - Vida shot by Nicky Scicluna

Another achievement which I’m quite proud of is the l’oreal business forum. This show wasn’t a mere fashion show; it involved a lot of time practising a choreography for the show. It was an amazing experience and I hope I will have similar opportunities in the future.

Would you call yourself a fashionable girl in real life? How would you describe your style?

Obviously, I try to be as fashionable as possible, however I prefer to wear clothes that suit me rather than following trends. Even though some clothes may be fashionable, they may not always be appropriate for my figure and style. Trying to be fashionable in everyday life is very hard, especially when you have to work with kids. I try to avoid dark colours as much as possible and I love to wear boots like dr martens and timberlands.

Million dollar question – what’s your secret to your enviable perfect figure?

This is a funny question to ask me, I don't really watch what I eat. I'm not too keen on healthy eating and this has been the case since I was very young. There is no secret diet, just exercise every day.

Do you have a few images you can share with us? Favourite photo ?

One of my first photoshoots ever - for Venere - still one of my favourites and another recent one both shot by shot by Bernard Polidano.

Excited for fashion week?
Yes a lot, more than previous years. This year will be a special fashion week for me. Few models had the opportunity to be the face of the Malta fashion week, lucky for me I have the opportunity to represent the Malta fashion week this year. I Hope everything will goes as planned and the 2014 Malta fashion week will be a success like past editions. 

For more info about Malta Fashion Week 2014 visit the website 

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Interview Spotlight : Model Alexia Micallef Gatt

 By: Unknown    06:20  No comments

Mfw 2013 new designers show wearing ritienne zammit - shot by Bernard polidano

This week we shine the spotlight on a local beauty, Maltese model Alexia Micallef Gatt (supernovamodel.com.mt) - I've had the pleasure of working on a number of catwalk shows and photo shoots with Alexia and she is really great to work with, very diligent and efficient and very good at what she does. She is completely down to earth, very striking on the catwalk and lovely infront of the camera. I present to you Alexia...in her own words...

So, who is Alexia?

Alexia is a 21 year old University Student reading for a degree in education. I’m the type of person who likes to keep busy. I always seem to have something going on, if I’m not on the go, I’ll find a way to get involved in something new. I am really into fashion but not just clothes, I am also interested in the history of fashion, the design and construction of the garment as well as how it is marketed and presented to the client. Since I was really young, I would grab blankets or sarongs and drape them around me, this has eventually grown into sketching gowns. After helping out in making costumes for a student production on campus I am seriously considering taking tailoring classes next year. Another big passion of mine is travelling; I often browse airline websites and fantasise about a possible trip. Last Summer I visited Marrakesh and this is definitely my top travel destination to date. In my free time I like to hang out with my family or friends or watch movies. 

In Marrakesh – shot by Matthew Spiteri 

When did your interest in modelling first begin? Were you scouted or did something happen?

When I was about 12 or 13, I had to get new prescription glasses which were Dolce & Gabbana. My friends kept telling me I should look into modelling as I was always tall, I started looking into fashion and modelling. A few years ago, I attended a casting and got selected. There I met the wonderful Marisa Grima who asked me to join Supernovamodel.com. From then on, (also thanks to my supportive parents who would drive me to castings, fittings and events), I was given the opportunity to take part in fashion shows, shoots and promotions. 

What do you feel you are best at, catwalk or photo modelling? Which do you actually enjoy most?

Both are really so much fun and I look forward to being involved in either one of them. Having said that, I LOVE the catwalk! I really get in the zone and feel confident and glamorous when I’m walking; it’s always exciting. 

What inspires you? Is there anyone or anything that you feel has influenced your modeling style?

Well, not really. I like to look at the outfit and the theme of the shoot or show and let that inspire me. At the end of the day, as models, we’re trying to sell what we’re wearing so interpreting the look is what I think works best. Having said that, I’m a big fan of models Kate Moss, Miranda Kerr and recently Kendall Jenner as well as Cara Delevigne. 

You were recently selected to be mart of the M&S campaign…how did that go?

The M&S campaign was great! We shot in 2 locations. First some studio shots to be used for an online completion, the second shoot was in Valletta and photos were to be used for promotion. The shots are beautiful and working with such a fun team; Kurt Paris, Krista Paris [not sure if she uses this surname when related to make up], Chris Mifsud, Marisa Grima, Stefan Balzan, you and the other models was just the cherry on top!

What has been your proudest career moment?

I’m really lucky to have been involved in so many great events yet 2 fashion shows really stood out for me. Last October I was cast for an L’Oreal Professional Business Forum held locally, although loads of models were needed, only 10 Maltese girls were selected; I was part of the Opening Show. Although it involved long hours of rehearsal, I was definitely super proud to be a part of it. 

After being selected for the event “Made in MaltItaly” hosted by the Italo-Maltese Chamber of Commerce, I was so proud to have been complemented on my walk by Italian designer Nino Lettieri, who compared me to Italian personality Alessia Marcuzzi of whom he is a fan. 

Describe your favourite photo/fashion show you have ever modelled for? Why is it your favourite?

My favourite shoot is definitely going to be the random and extremely fun shoot I had with my supernova besties Gaby and Bev with Kurt Paris. 

Shot by Kurt Paris

With regards to shows, ahhh so difficult to pick!  I think the ones where we get to meet and work with the designer of the outfits are extra special though. Modelling for talented Gozitan designer and close friend Luke Azzopardi as well as the beautiful Mary Grace Pisani who designs the stunning Fersani garments would top my list. 

PIERCED -  LUKE AZZOPARDI fashion show – by Andrew Borg wirth

Would you call yourself a fashionable girl in real life? How would you describe your style? You’re still very young, do you feel as though your style is still developing or have you found your ‘look’?

I like to think I’m quite fashionable. My style is quite smart; I often wear shirts and blazers. I always try to keep up to date with latest trends but I like to make them my own and make them work for my shape, personality and lifestyle. I’m one of those who tend to go for neutral or grey-scale colours but I am trying to move away from this…so I end up sending pics to my friends especially Gaby & Bev for their approval. 

Plans for 2014?

2014 is a big year for me. I will be graduating [yeyyy finally!!] so as of September, I hope to begin teaching Biology and Science in a Secondary School, which I am really looking forward to. With regards to modelling, I am already super excited for Malta Fashion Week and Awards. Let’s hope for more shoots and shows throughout the year! I also plan on travelling, already began planning trips to Perugia for Easter, Greece in summer and maybe a quick getaway to Tuscany too.

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Interview Spotlight : Model Beverly Tonna

 By: Unknown    05:49  No comments

This week we shine the spotlight on a local beauty, Maltese model Beverly Tonna (supernovamodel.com.mt) - I've worked on a number of shoots with Bev and she is one of the loveliest people I know, both inside and outside. She is an excellent model who really steps up to the plate at each and every shoot. She also has this uniquely, beautiful, somewhat vintage look that is captured so well on camera.

Ladies and Gents .. I present Bev...in her own words...

So, who is Beverly Tonna? Tell us something about yourself that you feel is unique to you.

Well, I'm a second year law student and take school very seriously, I have recently started an internship with a law firm but that’s the boring stuff I guess. I don’t eat meat because I simply adore animals. I enjoy socializing and meeting new people from different countries,  I feel it really enriches me as a person to have an insight about different cultures and ways people think.

When did your interest in modeling first begin? Were you scouted or did something happen?

It actually started as something my friends and I wanted to do for fun at the Shout Magazine competition when I was 13, but that didn't really work out for me. I was sure I would never model, but I came across Marisa Grima (founder of supernovamodel) one time, literally bumped into her, we spoke and set up a coffee date which led to a casting for a fashion show. I was 15 when I got chosen, and it all took off from there. 

What inspires you? Is there anyone or anything that you feel has influenced your modeling style? 

As per my mum’s advice, I prefer being myself at all times so I'm more inclined towards fun, quirky, natural shoots. Nonetheless, I do enjoy the occasional edgy look, it’s a challenge for me. Since I enjoy acting so much, I prefer commercials since it combines both modeling and acting. My mum always supported me, and since I started relatively young, she did influence my style, as you can still look good without showing too much. Additionally, Marisa always pushes for professional looking work, so she helped me learn to decipher a good modeling job from a bad one, despite whether or not the bad one seemed appealing.  

What has been your proudest career moment?

Modeling started off as a simple hobby, because due to my skin condition (Vitiligo) I always thought I couldn't get far. However, having modeling in shoots for magazines and partaking in a number of fashion shows really gave me a boost! My proudest moment was getting chosen for L’Oreal Business Forum fashion show, and being  selected as the “IT Girl”, which was really fun especially since I was given a complete makeover by world renowned hairdressers.

Describe your favourite photo/fashion show you have ever modeled for? Why is it your favourite?

This is one of my favourites, I really enjoyed this fashion show by LUKEAZZOPARDI because a lot of dedication and time was put into it and it was very well organized. I like this photo because it’s really unusual and it really captured a great moment.

Photographer : Charles Paul Azzopardi

Would you call yourself a fashionable girl in real life? How would you describe your style? What is the weirdest thing you have eve worn?

I like the vintage look, and mixing and matching different items of clothing. I’ve been called stylish before but I think I get it mainly from my sister who’s always urging me to put on some make up or do my hair, and my best friend Niky who manages to make everything and anything look gorgeous. Gaby Curmi, Alexia Micallef Gatt (who are supernova models too) and I are always 'whatsapping' photos of different styles or outfits we’re wearing, and since they're both into fashion I think it helped me “up my game” when it comes to dressing up and going out. I think the weirdest thing I've ever worn is this lime jacket I bought, which I insisted on trying to wear with everything, let’s just say I should have come to you for advice! 

  

Do you have a few images you can share with us?

Photographer : Steven Vella for Pink magazine

Photographer : Kurt Paris

Photographer : Steven Vella for Pink magazine

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