INTERVIEW WITH FRANCIS SULTANA EXCLUSIVE GIFTS BRANDING LUXURY PRODUCTS LONDON LUXE ISSUE 22 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014 BUSINESS LIFESTYLE DESIGN

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1 BUSINESS LIFESTYLE DESIGN THE LUXURY ISSUE ISSUE 22 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014 INTERVIEW WITH FRANCIS SULTANA EXCLUSIVE GIFTS BRANDING LUXURY PRODUCTS LONDON LUXE

2 WELCOME There s a valid reason why we focus on the theme of luxury in our December/January issue of Money. And that s because we want to end the old year and start the new one by celebrating that most expensive, valuable, desirable, rare and fleeting of human pursuits luxury. In this issue of Money, we meet internationally acclaimed designer Francis Sultana. Maltese-born Sultana, who has just launched the La Munira collection, explains how a love of noble materials, fine craftsmanship and luxurious finishes inform his every design. The beauty of luxury is that it can be encapsulated in the smallest of objects or spaces. In this issue, we tour one of Chris Briffa s latest projects, Valletta Vintage, a small, one-room hotel in the capital that has layers of history and design in its every nook and cranny. By its very nature, luxury is only for the few. But how do you market a luxury product? For George Larry Zammit, it s all about defining the meaning of value: functional value, experiential value and symbolic value. However, while buying luxury products can be considered as an investment, you need to be careful as Chris Grech and Calvin Bartolo explain, collectors are passionate investors, and that is the first obstacle to making a wise investment. The Individual Investors Programme proposed by government has raised many eyebrows. Intended to attract high net worth individuals, the programme is finding objection in many camps. We investigate further. In this issue of Money, we also interview Jean Campiche, TAG Heuer s legendary official timekeeper for Scuderia Ferrari, and travel to London to experience all the trappings of luxury the capital has to offer. Read on and enjoy. Editor Anthony P. Bernard Consulting Editor Stanley Borg Design Hello Jon Printing Gutenberg Distribution Mailbox Direct Marketing Group Hand delivered to businesses in Malta, all 5 Star Hotels including their business centres, executive lounges and rooms (where allowed), Maltese Embassies abroad (UK, Rome, Brussels, Moscow and Libya), some Government institutions and all ministries. For information regarding promotion and advertising call Tel: , CONTENTS DECEMBER/JANUARY AMUSING HIS MUSE For Maltese-born designer Francis Sultana, a love of noble materials, fine craftsmanship and luxurious finishes are key to good design. 20 IDENTITY CRISIS? The Maltese government has announced that it is planning to sell Maltese citizenship to foreign investors. Money asks the 650,000 question. 25 FROM MASS TO CLASS How do you build and market a successful luxury brand, asks George Larry Zammit. 29 VIRTUALLY YOURS How do you build the right online audience for your luxury brand, asks Richard Muscat Azzopardi. 32 HAPPY RETURNS? How can you add glamour to your portfolio, ask Chris Grech and Calvin Bartolo. 34 SWISS MADE How did Switzerland become the symbol of luxury, asks Money. 37 IN THE LAP OF MASTERY Jean Campiche relives the fast times of Formula VALLETTA VINTAGE Chris Briffa s one-room hotel captures the essence of a traditional Valletta interior while staging an intimate experience. 44 THAT S RICH What Money can help you buy. 54 HOME AWAY FROM HOME Luxury is personal, says Mona Farrugia as she returns to London for Christmas. 58 THE BLUESMAN S BLOG The Bluesman puts the NYC mayoral election, the mafia, and subway sneezing in his Christmas stocking. Cover credit Francis Sultana. Photo by Solina Guedroitz Money is published by BE Communications Ltd, 37, Amery Street, Sliema, SLM 1702 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in Money are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The editor is not responsible for material submitted for consideration. 8 - Money / Issue 22

3 CHIVAS.COM Interview A RAISED GLASS BEATS A RAISED VOICE. AMUSING HIS MUSE For Maltese-born designer Francis Sultana, a love of noble materials, fine craftsmanship and luxurious finishes are key to good design. ENJOY CHIVAS RESPONSIBLY Marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Co. Ltd. Trade Enquiry Money / Issue 22-15

4 Interview Debra sofa MONEY Vast treaties are written on the function of good design. In your opinion, what added value does good design give life? FRANCIS SULTANA Whether in aesthetics or in function, good design is integral to the success of any work. Of course, as I design works that are more in the luxury market, it is all about the sophisticated look, quality and timelessness. M Art is an interruption, a disturbance that leads to awareness. Does your design shout its presence or whisper yet still manages to capture attention? FS Contemporary art is there to provoke. In my area of design I am here to create contemporary classis, works that people really want to live with. M With La Munira, you helped resuscitate a 19th century furniture house and revive it in the 21st century. What considerations did you take in building something new on Marc de Berny s vintage foundations? FS It all became very simple for me when I viewed the Marc de Berny archive they are about good quality furniture in the French style. With my love of Paris and the decorative arts I had only to go back as far as the 1970s and 80s, thinking of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergere and their style of interiors and collecting, together with the French sophisticated fascination with the style Afrique, and I had my inspiration. M In luxury products, what plays the major role intelligent design or noble materials? FS A combination of both if it is to be a success. Miti chair Araba oval table Luisella petite Diliana cabinet Kitu bowl Sala ottoman Zahaba bedside table I HAVE CARRIED WITH ME THE SPIRIT OF WORKING HARD AND WANTING TO SUCCEED. M Apart from designer and decorator, you are also an artistic director how do the three roles differ? FS They all carry different responsibilities and disciplines however, as they overlap I have really found a way to make it work while managing the little time I have. M What or who is your muse? FS My muses are certain women in my life who often I work for in creating the most fabulous of homes they inspire me as I edit their style. I have always had two great mentors though in my life that have helped me create my eye. M We cannot but mention your Gozitan roots what elements of the small Mediterranean island do you carry with you? FS I have carried with me the spirit of working hard and wanting to succeed. M What are you currently reading? FS Rupert Everett s latest biography. M If you had to set your designs to music, what genre would that be? FS I think opera. This genre creates wonderful visions in my imagination, a romanticism and beauty these two aspects are so important to my being Money / Issue 22 Money / Issue 22-17

5 Interview THE LINES OF BEAUTY Maltese-born furniture designer and interior decorator Francis Sultana has a love of noble materials, fine craftsmanship and luxurious finishes and advocates contemporary design that is also respectful of craftsmanship. Sultana s interior design studio and showroom attracts high calibre clients from around the world. It showcases his own collections as well as a carefully curated selection of antiques, art, furniture, luxurious textiles and signature accessories. In 2012, Sultana was officially appointed artistic director of David Gill Galleries. He oversees the creative direction of David Gill s recently opened new gallery in King Street, London which he has also designed, as well as Gill s other exhibition space in Vauxhall. Last year, during Frieze and PAD London, Sultana presented Brioni Art & Design curated by Francis Sultana, a successful collaboration with Italian fashion brand Brioni. Sultana transformed the Brioni store, a Georgian townhouse located at 32 Bruton Street W1, into a contemporary gentleman s salon. The main retail areas of the first and second floor and the VIP dressing room were reinterpreted with furniture meticulously chosen from Sultana s eponymous lines alongside bold statement furniture from leading international designers and contemporary artists. Sultana has also recently launched The Munira at the London Design Festival. The Munira is a special collection designed for the French furniture company Marc de Berny and mainly consists of cabinetry, tables, upholstery and lighting with a contemporary vision of the Parisian sophistication with a hint of the Afrique. Sultana chairs the Patrons Committee of the Design Fund, established for the benefit of the V&A Museum. Sultana is also a member of the London Volunteers Board for children s charity NSPCC and has been for years the creative lead on the design and production of the Arts Ball, a landmark event. Spring 2014 will see the launch of Sultana s third collection of furniture and accessories, The Celia which will debut in the UK Money / Issue 22