Miss World Malta 2015 winner Katrina Pavia is the face of the upcoming Victor Azzopardi Jewellers exhibition – and what a face it is, too! Her charisma and wit make the model the perfect fit for the stunning pieces she will be showing off, as Anna Marie Galea discovers.

Having taken part in and won countless modelling competitions, Katrina Pavia is one of Malta’s most recognised and successful models. Pretty, poised and elegant, she makes for the perfect fit for the Victor Azzopardi Jewellers Exhibition taking place later this year. I caught up with her to have a chat to her about her amazing career, what she’s up to at the moment and the jewellery pieces which she loves.

Chimento Supreme collection in rose gold and diamonds. Beige top: Pedro del Hierro

“I have been modelling for 15 years! I still remember the first time I had to go up on stage as if it was yesterday. Even though I was extremely shy and it was completely out of my comfort zone, I did not feel any fear at all. I never knew I had this hidden side of me and that is why one has to explore any opportunity that comes their way.”

While modelling, Katrina explains, she becomes a completely different person. “Becoming the canvas to a designer’s creation and promoting it to the best of my ability makes me feel part of the art world. During my beauty pageantry days, I always felt like I was celebrating femininity and promoting acceptance.

A few months ago, Katrina remembers, she had a Calzedonia Swimwear Campaign where her photo shoot partner happened to be her friend Rachel’s five-year-old blonde, curly-haired daughter, Skylar. 

“We had matching swimwear, which I thought was really cool. I enjoyed directing her during the shoot and while I was holding her in my arms I felt this motherly instinct for the first time in my life and I thought how lovely it would be to one day do this with my own daughter!”

Pesavento DNA choker and bracelet. Blue velvet dark dress: Topshop

Having won over 20 beauty contest titles in Malta alone, Katrina confesses that she never felt more challenged than when competing for the much-coveted Miss World Malta title.

“After winning the Miss European 2010 title in Belgium, I did not partake in other contests as I felt that for the time being, I had achieved all I had ever dreamed of.” But then, she realised that time was ticking by and there is an age limit in beauty contests. 

Miss World Malta was still very much on her bucket list and it became a now or never situation. Winning Miss World Malta 2015 and achieving three other minor titles – Beauty with a Purpose ; Best Physique;  and, what for her is the most important of all, Miss Personality – on the same night, was super satisfying. 

“I felt a huge responsibility to represent Malta and Gozo in the best way possible. I was also thrilled at yet again having the opportunity to be part of the wonder of these beauty competitions where you can taste diversity at its best!

South sea pearl necklace and rose gold ring and earrings with brown diamonds. Coat beige: Cortefiel

“All this has taught me to appreciate even more that it is totally irrelevant which country we come from. Whatever our age, race, culture, or religion, we all want to be loved and to give love. We all believe that there is nothing more important than family. If you go beyond the skin, we are all the same!”

Always emphasising the importance of love, kindness and helping others, Katrina also loves to let her inner beauty shine as much as her outer beauty through the jewellery pieces she wears. 

“I love wearing necklaces and I have already been eyeing a few pieces by Pesavento, one of my favourite designers. Every time I wear a necklace from their collection, they enhance my outfit and personality through their modern and young-looking designs. “And most important of all is the fact they are affordable, so I tend to choose two or three, instead of one,” she says with a smile.

Speaking about which one piece she would choose to wear from the upcoming exhibition every day for the rest of her life, her answer is immediate.

Katrina is wearing an elegant collier by Mattia Raiteri, a unique and exquisite piece of workmanship, an embroidery of brilliant cut diamonds and Burma Rubies inset in 18ct white gold. Light blue dress: Pedro del Hierro

“The Recarlo Eternity Collection ring, a trilogy of diamonds, set on a pavé smaller brilliant cut diamonds inset in 18ct white gold. It is a modern, timeless piece and definitely a good investment.”

It’s gorgeous pieces like these and many others which people can look forward to at the exhibition.

“The pieces on show are absolutely gorgeous and I know that everyone who comes will enjoy the sparkle of the high-quality gems and the vast jewellery and silverware collection displayed.

“There’s a piece for everyone to be able to love and through which they will be able to express their personality. They are pieces to be treasured for a lifetime.”

Generations exhibition will be open to the public on Sunday 25 th from 10am till 4pm.

Styling and Creative Direction
Caroline Paris
@ Caroline’s Fashion Styling (www.carolinefashionstyling.com)

Photography
Kurt Paris

Hair
Flavia Borg Attard @dcolorpallet

Make-up
Jennifer Dimech

This feature first appeared in the Sunday Circle magazine. Browse the magazine for free using the TOM Mag app, available for download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.