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Day: 14 May 2019

Prince Albert visits Calabria

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/05/2019

Prince Albert II has visited San Demetrio Corone in Calabria, Italy, a village of 3,500 inhabitants. The friendly visit is part of regular travels to the territories historically linked to the Grimaldi family.

In the early afternoon of Thursday 9th May, Prince Albert was welcomed at the entrance to the village by the Mayor of San Demetrio Corone Salvatore Lamirata, unveiling a plaque identifying it as belonging to the network of Historic Sites of the Grimaldis of Monaco.

The barony of San Demetrio was granted in 1309 to Rainier I Grimaldi (approx. 1267-1314) by Robert I of Anjou, King of Naples. It passed to his son Vinciguerra who ceded it, along with the lordship of Cagnes, to his brother Charles, Lord of Monaco from 1331, Lord of Menton from 1346 and of Roquebrune from 1355.

The territory was repeatedly confiscated and conceded, before King Louis III of Naples returned the barony on 20th February 1421, by a dated letter from Aversa, to Ambroise, Antoine and Jean I, joint Lords of Monaco, in reward for the services of their fleet.

After the unveiling of the plaque, Prince Albert, guided by the Mayor and accompanied by members of the Municipal Council, visited the Sant’Adriano church, which dates from the 11th century and has the remains of Byzantine style ceramic decorations with animal and anthropomorphic motifs.

The Prince then unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit before receiving honorary citizenship of the commune.

During the visit, Prince Albert also met the mayors of Cittanova and Gerace (Calabria), municipalities which are also related to the history of a branch of the Grimaldi family, which the Sovereign Prince will visit at a later date.

 

Monaco hands out e+ Trophies

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/05/2019

A host of companies and individuals in Monaco have been awarded e+Trophies for their eco-friendly practices.

E+ is an environmental label granted to individuals, institutions or companies who have joined in a partnership with SMEG to act and contribute to the energy transition, driven by Prince Albert, the Minister of State and the Monaco Government.

More than a hundred guests gathered on Saturday 11th May for a day organised in parallel with the Monaco Formula E Grand Prix.

This year, 15 institutions, companies and professionals received a prize in various categories covering detailed consumption by use (Smart+), local power generation (Sun+) and energy transition (egeo).

The Monte-Carlo Bay received the ‘Super Trophy’ for its pioneering work in a number of environmental initiatives. CEO Frédéric Darnet and Technical Director Achour Daria were congratulated by Bernard Fautrier, vice-president of the Prince Albert II Foundation.

“The Monte-Carlo Bay has achieved quite extraordinary results in terms of reducing consumption. As pilot site of the Smart + program, it buys green electricity, produces its own photovoltaic electricity and has just inaugurated the first ‘Power Zone’ for the fast charging of electric vehicles in Monaco,” said Thomas Battaglione, CEO of SMEG.

Among the other companies to receive awards were Parkings Publics for their efforts to develop clean mobility, and the Metropole, which was recognised as the first establishment to initiate the Smart + program.

Meanwhile, a host of Monegasque residents were rewarded for being the first to use the myNexio portal to optimise their energy consumption.

 

Monaco Life talks to Victoria Silvstedt

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/05/2019

Television personality, entrepreneur and model Victoria Silvstedt took time out of her busy schedule to talk to Monaco Life about Monte Carlo Fashion Week, which begins Wednesday 15th May, and her favourite moments as host of the MCFW Awards.

Victoria, tell us when and why you decided to get involved with Monte Carlo Fashion Week?

I have been involved in Monte Carlo Fashion Week since the beginning when it was launched in 2013. I was presenting my swimwear and lingerie collection that first year and since then I haven’t missed a year.

What are some of the highlights you have experienced as host of the awards? 

Highlight years for me include 2016 when Princess Charlene gave the International MCFW Award to German fashion designer Philipp Plein.

Another standout is 2017 when Andrea Casiraghi awarded British model, actress, producer and businesswoman Naomi Campbell with the International Fashion Award.

What can we expect to see from the event this year?

This year we are honouring the very talented Italian designer Alberta Ferretti, who will be presenting her Resort 2020 collection. It will also be a momentous occasion for the Chambre Monegasque de la Mode, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

For the fashion show this year, there is a great mix of local brands and Italian designers, and it’s amazing that Alberta Ferretti will be presenting her fashion show at the Yacht Club of Monaco on Saturday 18th May.

Also, I am honoured to say that this year I will be receiving my own Fashion Glamour Award on Friday 17th May.

Why is Monte Carlo Fashion Week an important date in the global fashion calendar?

It is very important to have Monaco on the map for fashion, considering the whole world comes here!

Read also: Monte Carlo Fashion Week launches 7th edition

 

E Prix: Monaco community comes together to merge speed and sustainability

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/05/2019

The weekend’s Formula E-Prix has been deemed a huge success and as Lauren Coles discovered, Monaco has once again delivered a sustainable, fun and educational event that was accessible to all.

Zoom! Whiz! It sounded like something out of the Jetsons. Speeding by like spaceships were today’s fastest electric vehicles. But unless you were right up next to the tracks, you didn’t hear a thing.

“You can’t hear the engines!  During Formula One Grand Prix you need to wear earplugs sometimes because it’s so loud,” said Beausoleil resident Victoria Mikhaltsova. “These race cars are so quiet!”

There was even a rumour that companies added sound effects to the vehicles because they were so quiet, as crowds expected more sound from such a grand racing event.

Monaco’s community came together in welcoming and educating the world about how speed and sustainability can go hand in hand. A highlight of the event was the Allianz eVillage, which was free and open to the public. There were exhibitors showing electric vehicles, paper helmets for kids to enjoy, and even a video game space where people could try an electric racing vehicle simulator.

Friends with Monaco Life’s Lauren Coles (far right), with Formula-E mascots at Allianz eVillage

With the eVillage giving many local universities a stock of free tickets to give away, this area was especially welcoming for students. Drivers gave autographs twice during the day and families enjoyed exploring the amazing scenery, all while learning about the latest electric vehicle technology. There were even Formula-E mascots, happy to give hugs and take pictures.

In the grandstands, people of all ages donned their best Monaco memorabilia as they cheered on the drivers. It was not a close race, as winner Jean-Eric Vergne was about 50 seconds ahead of other drivers for the whole of the competition. Monaco resident Felipe Massa, driving for Venturi, came in third place for his first Formula E podium. Prince Albert awarded the winning drivers.

After the race, the Allianz eVillage was filled with joy and music. In front of the Heineken bar and food stand, run by Star’n’Bars, was a large stage where English band The Boy Racers played until dark. Then a DJ took the stage. The crowd was dancing, waving flags, and celebrating.

The event was evidence of Monaco’s continued effort to promote sustainability and change for our environment. But more importantly, it showcased the Principality’s welcoming nature and commitment to providing accessible family fun for all.

Read also: Jean Eric Vergne wins Monaco E Prix