“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.”
— Helen Keller
Optimism and personal reflections can truly begins with the choices we make today.
As we reflect on the past 12 months, we can’t help but marvel at how quickly this year went by. Each year, it seems we reach the year’s final edition of Dolce in a blink, so maybe it really is true what they say — time flies when you’re having fun!
This edition was particularly fun to produce because we spent an entire week in Malta. This small country, a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, has been conquered and influenced by so many civilizations, each one adding to its rich and unique culture. We were there to curate a special editorial feature that highlights some of the incredibly talented people who call this island nation their home. In this issue, we’re proud to bring you glimpses of the haute couture of Charles & Ron and Luke Azzopardi, the art and interior design of Stephanie Borg, the architecture-inspired paper wearable art of James Dimech, plus hospitality, food and wine with Carlo Micallef and Joseph Bonello, to name just a few. In fact, we couldn’t feature all the treasures we discovered in just this one edition; in the Spring 2026 edition of Dolce, you will be able to delve even deeper into these stories with the release of both our Malta coffee-table book and film. Story on page 41.
Another great discovery this issue is the young Canadian rap artist who goes by the name “Merkules.” His story is one of turning his life around after a violent incident and choosing to use it to empower instead of define himself, even possibly derail him onto an even darker path. His voice is undeniably comforting, and his honest lyrics will hit home for those who may be dealing with their own life struggles. We know his future can only become brighter and are so glad we could play a small part in sharing his journey with our readers. Story on page 70.
Our favourite part of this job is that we can experience places and meet people that we might not be able to if we worked in a different field. We are truly grateful for these opportunities. Most recently, Las Vegas welcomed us to experience the best it has to offer along with the Formula 1 experience. And although the saying goes “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” this is one of those occasions that we are breaking that rule and recommending that you explore the electrifying experiences that we share with you here. Story on page 74.
An important part of every edition is, of course, interior design, and this edition is no exception. Showcasing a unique sensibility that aligns emotions and personal memory, Luis Barragan’s Casa San Francisco in Mexico offers a tranquil respite from a hectic lifestyle. Story on page 82.
Our cover story is an interview with Robert De Niro. The actor’s passionate, sometimes violent, characters on-screen are familiar to his audiences, but what might surprise readers is that he is not at all like the men he portrays in his films or on stage, and that he is determined to correct that common impression. He also shares how bringing a child into this troubled world is indeed a big responsibility. His baby daughter Gia is his new passion, and despite this world’s troubles, he remains optimistic about things. His love of travelling to the Italian island of Ischia is no secret, and his desire to reflect on the body of work he has produced over his long career is both endearing and a bit nostalgic. Story on page 56.
To know that goodness exists in difficult times is a kind of optimism. We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Dolce, and as you gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays, we hope you dedicate some time to reflect about the people and events that have enriched your year and are inspired to be more grateful and kind toward one another.
When we reflect on our lives, none of us want to get stuck on “shoulda, coulda, woulda …” or allow nostalgia to get in the way of life. The future truly begins with the choices we make today, and our personal reflections can be the seeds that shape a kinder world. Let’s all remain optimistic as we imagine what 2026 might bring.
