Top 10 Blog Posts of 2019

Following a recent poll on my Instagram Stories, the majority of you wanted a recap of the most popular posts from the past twelve months so I picked out the 10(ish) most popular ones and will be sharing them here in this post. Counting down from 10 to 1, with number 1 being the most popular, here goes!

10. The revolutionary 3D printed bags from Nilara's Aeternum collection have earned a well-deserved place in this year's countdown

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/12/nilara-launches-aeternum-bag-collection.html

Photo by Carlo Jourdan

9. Apivita has definitely been a hit with you all - remember you have until tomorrow to take part in the giveaway

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/introducing-apivita.html

8. Missed the foundation I had on for my wedding? Read all about it here:

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/my-favourite-catrice-cosmetics.html

7. This year I have discovered a new skin care technique which have revolutionized my whole routine!

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/skin-care-diaries-gua-sha-and-its.html

6. Looking for a way to stay in shape and shed a few kilos? Nupo is the way to go!

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/03/shake-it-till-you-make-it-nupo-malta.html

5. Travel is a subject most of you like to read about. My 30th birthday trip to Venice has definitely been a favourite...

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/a-weekend-in-venice.html

4. ...as has our honeymoon in Japan!

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/09/places-to-visit-in-japan-part-1.html

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/places-to-visit-in-japan-part-2.html

3. Peeling feet most certainly didn't gross you out! Check out this wonder product from SVR for baby soft feet!

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/08/svr-xerial-peel.html

2. L-Għarusa is definitely popular with you guys! Reminisce about the last episode from the first season with this post

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/04/l-garusa-filming-of-scene-from-last.html

1. As expected, my biggest splurge this year, was definitely the most popular! Check out my 30th birthday gift to myself in this post

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-birthday-bag-my-abc-dior-lady-dior.html

Thank you so much for all your support throughout this year and past years! Cheers to an even bigger and better 2020!

Nilara launches Aeternum Bag Collection

Being innovative in a world where fashion recycles itself time and time again is quite a challenge so I was really intrigued to see what the wonder woman behind Nilara brand was going for when I received the invitation for a lavish brunch at The Ballroom at the Corinthia Hotel & Spa in Attard to reveal the Aeternum Bag Collection.

About Nilara

Nilara has now become a household name with many ladies wanting to make an elegant statement with the clothes they wear, but the brand does not only cater for evening wear. They also cater for casual wear, business attire and accessories. But before I delve into Nilara's latest project, I wanted to share with you some very ambitious projects that the team behind Nilara are embarking on next year as well as their commitment to ethical fashion production.

Nilara is a registered Maltese Company with Nilara as a registered brand and has been in business for 5 years going into their 6th year. Nilara is a family company owned by Nilay Camilleri and Ivan Camilleri. With a fully functional production factory in Ghana, Africa. Nilara Ghana is run by Mr Camilleri being the brain and driving force behind the Ghana project, Nilara has managed to create jobs in Malta and also in Ghana treating all employees equally. Nilara strongly believes in Ethical Fashion that recognises that there are human being behind the clothes that we wear.

Nilara launched its online store www.nilarastore.com in November 2019, offering worldwide delivery and is in the process of launching an IOS and Android App, first week of January.

2020 is going to be a big year for Nilara where they plan to put Malta at the forefront of fashion worldwide as well as embarking on new projects such as debuting a skincare line with ethically sourced shea and cocoa butter, a homeware line, kids clothing and even menswear.

About Aeternum Bag Collection

Nilara, have during a brunch held at the Corintha Hotel & Spa, announced the launch of a new innovative product fully made in Malta. The collection of fully 3D printed bags, named ‘Aeternum’ which is targeted to challenge the perception of fashion accessories. 

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past year and today we are here to launch the ‘Aeternum’ Bag Collection. A project that combines designer knowledge with technical knowledge together with classic sewing craftsmanship to create the amazing 'Aeternum’ bag collection - all printed in 3D and all made in Malta, we are determined to put Malta in the world map as a producer of sustainable fashion brand fully registered in Malta” said Nilay Camilleri, CEO of Nilara during the brunch.

During the said brunch distinct guests and various other attendees were treated to an exclusive first look at the 3D print bags before they were made available for the general public.

DESIGN CONCEPT AND FEATURES

The Aeternum Bag Collection was created with the approach of a design with a modern vision, reimagining traditional aesthetics with an authenticity and innovation that is uniquely Nilara. The thought process also took into consideration the following factors:

• Green Concept: No material waste during production thus sustainable. No Animal Product or byproducts were used making the product fully making it cruelty-free and earth-friendly. 
• Recyclable: The material used is fully certified PETG with glass fibre reinforcement, the manufacturing process is very lean without any material waste, hence making it fully recyclable and environment-friendly. 
• Interchangeable inserts: Very functional, multi-purpose inserts for the ultimate comfort. 
• Sleek and Unlimited Designs: Printed on demand and a fully customizable concept. 

The brand is in the process of applying for to patent the Aeternum Bag Collection. 

The ‘Aeternum’ – 3D Print Bag Collection is now available online starting at €99. For more information please visit our online store https://www.nilarastore.com/collections/aeternum including free delivery available in Malta.

If I had to pick out a design, I would go for the trapezoid shape which is unconventional though very in right now. You may find all the bags on Nilara online shop too, just in time for Christmas!

Myself, Nilay Camilleri & Caroline Abela

What do you think of these bags? Are they something you would consider buying?

Photos by Justin Ciappara & Carlo Jourdan

MFWA2017 | Day 1 | Neo Classical Cupolas, Mystical Branches, Ballerinas and Unforgivably Sexy Dresses

Yesterday saw a spectacular opening to this year's edition of the Malta Fashion Week with 4 stunningly beautiful presentation from 4 very different designers.

The first show comes courtesy of Rose Marie Abela and her collection entitled La Cupola for AW17. The collection is inspired by the Mosta Dome, the Maltese skyline and the Neo Classical period and is aimed towards the woman that knows how to express her individuality through fashion. The colour palette for this collection was quite understated yet striking at the same time - monochrome with accents of gold and navy blue, all in refined fabrics and exceptional detailing, perfect for the more sophisticated clothing we tend to reach for during the winter months. 

Lead Make-Up artist: Elaine Galea

Assistants: Karen Decelis, Claire Grech, Leonie Buhagiar, Henry Galea, Moni Torok

Lead Hair Stylist: Flavia Attard

Assistants: Katleen Saliba, Adrian Attard, Gary Westacott, Bernice Catania

Photos: Justin Ciappara

Next, it was Yana Azzopardi's turn to debut her jewellery collection, Mystical Branches. The collection is on display in one of the outer rooms at Fort St. Elmo and can be viewed all throughout Fashion Week. The necklaces are displayed in frames hung from tree branches to represent the theme of the collection which is actually inspired by Gustav Klimt's famous mural 'The Tree of Life'. One of the painting's interpretations is the correlation between Earth, life and the after world - a concept which we can all relate to. Yana uses eccentric rope designs to represent the tree's trunk and roots while gold wire-wrapping symbolizes the branch spiraling details from the painting. 

Photos: Ronald Camilleri

Gustav Klimt's The Tree of Life - gustavklimt.com

The third show for the night was Pas de Deus by Sarah Caruana Dingli. The presentation opened with a ballerina dancing in a white and gold dress and heavy makeup which reminded me of the movie 'Black Swan'. This collection is inspired by ballerinas and Sarah's passion for art and fashion. In fact, the collection features elegance, poise and beauty, albeit with a touch of strength and endurance of the practice ballerinas undertake. The pastel colour palette accentuated by the dark tones give the collection an edgy yet elegant feel.

Lead Makeup Artist: Moises

Assistants: Kelly Cassar Torreggiani and Christine Gauci

Lead Hairstylist: Bernice Catania

Assistants: Katleen Saliba, Flavia Attard, Adrian Attard and Gary Westcott

Photos: Luke Testaferrata Moroni Viani

Finally, it was time for the much awaited show by Nilara - Unforgiven. If you thought last year's collection from Nilara was out of the ordinary, think again! The designer has outdone herself yet again with this collection of extravagant dresses that go beyond sexy. In red and black, the colours of seduction, and featuring strategic slits and cut-outs, the collection has proved to be a spectacular one.

Lead makeup artist: Elaine Galea
Assistants: Rodianne Caruana, Henry Galea, Petra Abdilla, Moni Torok, Martina Bezzina, Fabienne Bezzina, Christine Gauci, Marilyn Caruana, Kelly Cassar Torreggiani, Marilyn Montanaro, Marina Muscat, Cristina Moncholi, Christelle Lays.
Lead hairstylist: Gary Westcott
Assistants: Katleen Saliba, Flavia Attard & team, Adrian Attard

Photos: Justin Ciappara

This is it for Day 1! Check back later for tonight's shows!

Brand Spotlight | Nilara Casual

The Nilara brand has cemented its roots in the local fashion industry as a top retailer of exclusively designed evening and cocktail dresses. Nilay Topal Camilleri, the designer behind it all, has now taken the brand a step further by opening a second shop in Main Street Shopping Complex just two months ago.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Nilara Casual shop last Thursday so I can share with you what this new concept for the brand is all about. There, I met two of Nilay's lovely assistants, Jeanelle and Trudy who patiently showed me around the shop and the designer's many creations.

As the name implies, Nilara Casual is focused on more smart-casual looks for the woman who wants to look polished without being overly done for her day to day activities such as work and outings which call for a more casual look.

At Nilara Casual you will also find accessories to complete your look from head to toe. I especially love the matching shoes and bags which are also designed by Nilay herself.

I do encourage you to pay a visit to Nilara's new shop whilst wishing Nilay every bit of success in her new venture!

MFWA 2016 | Nilara presents Insomnia

The Mercedes-Benz Malta Fashion Week ctwalk shows came to an end with the Nilara brand collection named Insomnia. From the capable hands of designer Nilay Camilleri Topal, I didn't expect anything short of spectacular and I must say I was really impressed with the very edgy collection she designed this year! Leather in different colours paired with lace detailing is what made this collection a truly daring one for the woman that wants to stand out.

The collections aims to bring forward a woman's sensuality and inner strength through challenging the traditional form of the evening gown. Insomnia really does represent what a woman would wear in her wildest dreams! Well done Nilay!

Photos by Neil Psaila Photography