Daniela Darmanin

Photo: Bernard Polidano

When 21-year-old Daniela Darmanin was crowned Miss World Malta and went on to represent the islands in the Miss World finals in China, it was a dream come true. But it also meant a lot of hard work.

Although other members of her family nurse a passion for fashion and beauty, Daniela wasn’t particularly interested. Rather, her passion was singing. However, she was convinced by a friend to enter the Miss World Malta contest and was surprised to place seventh out of some 30 competitors. Encouraged by her initial success, she entered other beauty competitions, both locally and abroad and eventually won the Miss World Malta title last spring.

You might think it’s easy for someone like Daniela to keep in shape, given that she’s blessed with natural good looks. However, not only is she modest about her accomplishments but she’s also candid about the beauty and fitness regime that she follows.

For most of the week I eat healthy food but I always allow myself dessert on weekends

In the run-up to the Miss World finals, Daniela followed a strict diet and exercise regime but in her everyday life she isn’t quite so hard on herself.

“I work out at the gym five days a week and jog along the Bugibba promenade whenever I can – I give myself a day off on Sundays. I work long hours – sometimes up to 10 hours a day in our family business – and exercising helps me unwind and keep in shape.

“As for my diet, I eat more or less what I want. I believe in being practical when it comes to food. For most of the week I eat healthy food but I always allow myself dessert on weekends – I see nothing wrong in having the occasional treat.”

Daniela’s beauty regime is surprisingly uncomplicated.

“I cleanse and tone my skin daily and I like to try different products, though I do tend to choose those that are gentle on my skin and contain natural ingredients. I also take good care of my hair – I have regular cuts and treatments to keep it in optimum condition. I’ve also recently tried threading hair removal and have found it to be more natural than waxing.”

It could well be that it’s her natural look that has been the key to Daniela’s success. As for the future, her dream is to work internationally. At 170 cm she certainly has the height for the catwalk and as Miss World Malta 2012, her credentials are undisputed. For Daniela, the future certainly looks bright and beautiful.

Matthew Castillo

Photo: Jason Borg

Matthew Castillo grew up with an inherent interest in fashion and beauty and at the tender age of 17 decided that he wanted to be a hair stylist.

He studied at the Hair and Beauty School in Sliema, today part of Mcast, and 12 years later he not only undertakes internal verifying of hairdressing courses held there but also has his own busy salon in Fgura.

With an elder brother already in the business, Matthew was already helping out on film sets before setting up on his own. Nowadays, he uses his creativity and expertise at his own salon.

“The fashion industry is all about making a style statement but I also think it’s important that we each have our own individual look and not follow trends just for the sake of it. When I work on a client I try to understand their lifestyle and adapt the hairstyle to complement their whole look.”

Last year I made a resolution that I wanted to get fit and now I regularly work out at the gym

Matthew explains that he loves nothing more than taking an old hairstyle and giving it a modern twist and is known to be something of a wizard when it comes to hair colouring. He is also aware that, since he works in the beauty industry, it’s important to look the part.

Matthew follows a healthy diet and, despite the long hours at his salon, tries to make time to relax.

“Last year I made a resolution that I wanted to get fit and now I regularly work out at the gym, do weight training and have a personal trainer. I try to avoid junk food as much as possible and tend to eat a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. I eat every two hours and this, together with the fitness regime, has helped me change my body shape.”

Working in the fashion industry, it’s important to take care of oneself. Matthew also likes to change his look from time to time.

“My brother cuts my hair and I have just recently gone for a sharper, shorter style.”

Matthew’s skin care routine consists of cleansing and an occasional face scrub. As for his hair, he uses shampoo that is made especially for men and works against hair loss.

“I only use it as a preventative measure,” he says.

Matthew’s healthy lifestyle is a reflection of his profession.

“Nowadays, it’s not just about looking good but feeling good too – they go hand in hand.”