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Month: September 2019

Top 5 boat launches at the MYS

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2019

The Monaco Yacht Show is renowned for launching the world’s finest super yachts, but this year’s show is set to unveil some of the biggest, most exciting superyachts yet.

Monaco Life’s yachting expert Patrick Coote has put together his top five picks from the impressive list of new yachts appearing at this year’s show.

Tis

Tis

At 111 metres, Tis is one of the biggest launches this year. It is the latest boat by Lürssen and features a stunning interior design by Andrew Winch. It features two helicopter pads, a 12-metre swimming pool, a resort-inspired spa in the aft of the vessel and palatial staircases. Her tender garage can accommodate two 13 metre tenders and an abundant selection of other water toys. In addition to a massive private owner’s deck, eight other guest staterooms can accommodate 16 additional guests in absolute comfort. She cruises at 13.0 kn and reaches a top speed of 18.0 kn.

Excellence. Photo: @TomVanOossanen

Excellence

This 80-metre has been built by Abeking & Rasmussen for experienced yacht owner Herb Chambers from the US. It’s modern exterior and interior is also by Winch Design. It’s unique design is characterised by a sharp plumb bow and striking multi-level reflective windows that give the yacht a unique signature as her surroundings change. Inside luxuries include a large swimming pool on the main deck, a jacuzzi on the owner’s deck aft and a large water-level tender garage where the yacht’s limousine tenders are kept.

Bold

Bold

Bold from Silver Yachts was designed by Monaco-based company Espen Øino. The 85-metre yacht “embodies the current trend for utilitarian styling, bordering on a military look and feel, and clearly retains some of the DNA from SKAT (71m) albeit much earlier in Øino’s career,” says yachting expert Patrick Coote. Her top speed is 24.0kn and she can accommodate up to 18 people and 21 crew members. The interior design was created by Vain Interiors.

Artefact

Artefact

This 80-metre hybrid superyacht is being displayed by Nobiskrug. “A truly avant garde exterior design by Gregory C. Marshall and another stunning interior by London-based Reymond Langton,” comments Mr Coote. The interior design is remaining under wraps though until its reveal at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Syzygy 818

Syzygy 818  (77m) has been a highly confidential project at Feadship, but will soon be available for all to see. “She is truly stunning and the first ever superyacht created by famous Finnish designer Jarkko Jamsen,” says Mr Coote. Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design were responsible for the interior spaces on board. The word syzygy refers to the alignment of three celestial bodies such as lunar and solar exlpises, while the numbers in the name are considered prosperous in Chinese numerology.

 

The Monaco Yacht Show will be held from 25th to 28th September.

 

 

First residents move back in Jardins d’Apolline

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2019

Residents of Jardins d’Apolline’s Block D are now invited to move back into their newly renovated flats. The remaining blocks are due for completion in 2020.

Photo: Manuel Vitali Communication Directorate

After a myriad of problemsbesetting the apartment complex located in the Condamine district, tenants of the Jardins d’Apolline have finally received good news. As of Wednesday, they were told they could start moving back in, weeks ahead of schedule.

On hand for the occasion were several notable and interested parties, including Minister of Finance and the Economy Jean Castellini, President of the National Council Housing Commission Franck Lobono, Head of the Mission for the Minister of State Albert Croesi, and President of the Jardins d’Apolline Resident’s Association Céline Lubert.

“In the summer of 2017, the Prince’s Government pledged to redo all the apartments of the Jardins d’Apolline as new as soon as possible,” said Mr Castellani. “To this end, the State services mobilised with the support of Mr. Albert Croési, whose involvement was total and daily.”

Jardins d’Apolline is a State-owned building that primarily houses Monegasque nationals.

“The good management of the site by the company mandated has allowed the reintegration of residents in their homes in advance compared to the estimated time,” he continued. “The reinstatements of block D should be completed at the end of January 2020 and those of block B at the beginning of April 2020. Then follow blocks C and A. I wish to underline the constructive exchanges that took place with the National Council on this very sensitive issue. The role of the Association of Residents and Traders of the Jardins d’Apolline is also to be welcomed.”

 

 

A day in New York for the Caribbean and the Oceans

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2019

To celebrate the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019, The Monaco Better World Forum is hosting on Sunday September 22nd in New York City a full day of conference, high level meetings, the screening of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s movie ‘Wonders of the Seas 3D’, narrated by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and finally its annual gala with proceeds to support Ocean Futures Society and Green Cross Foundations.

Chief Raoni and film director Jean-Michel Cousteau, Tony Robbins and Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, Forestry, Fisheries of Grenada Simon Stiell are among the guests expected at the gala dinner with Grenada as the Country of Honour, which will be held at the Westin Hotel Grand Central.

Earlier on September 22nd, the Monaco Better World Forum will host at the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), and in partnership with XZEN Technologies Inc., a MasterMind dialogue to discuss the world’s first Climate Smart-Zone and Accelerator in the Caribbean.

“In the aftermath of the disastrous and devastating hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, this conversation about the Oceans and the Caribbean is sealed with urgency and the utmost expectations,” said Manuel Collas de La Roche, President and Founder of The Monaco Better World Forum, a non-for-profit organisation.

“The first Climate Smart-Zone and Accelerator in the Caribbean is a strategic initiative to modernise digital, physical and social infrastructures for disaster resilience,” Collas de La Roche explained. “Moreover, it will be conducive to foster blue and green economies, create new jobs, protect the oceans, and promote renewable energy through effective public-private partnerships.”

The experience of the post-earthquake reconstruction of Haiti in 2011, as well as the ongoing reconstruction of St. Thomas, and now of the Bahamas after category-five hurricanes, epitomises this integrated approach.

Governments, bi-multilateral organisms, meta-philanthropic entities, private companies and celebrities are engaged in supporting the Climate Smart Zone and Accelerator in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Grenada, Haiti, Dominican Republic, World Bank, CARICOM, Microsoft, Clinton Foundation, TESLA and FIU, together with music superstar Sean Paul, eight-times Olympic Gold Medal Winner Usain Bolt and Sir Richard Branson.

A $1 billion fund was also announced by the Inter-American Development Bank during the One Planet Summit in Paris.

To purchase tickets: https://fiaf.thankyou4caring.org/pages/monaco-better-world-forum-2019

 

 

GYC hosts classical concert

by: Eric Brundage
18/09/2019

The Gustavia Yacht Club has hosted a special evening of classical music with member Henning Schwarzkopf and Eva Lind, Ambassador for the Académie Prince Rainier III.

Held on 15th September at the Stelios Foundation Conference Hall, the event featured an exclusive concert with mezzosoprano Vesselina Makarova and her masterclass of eight young singers, performing popular arias. Madame Makarova delighted the crowd by herself performing a beautiful aria from Carmen.

The Académie Prince Rainier III is a specialist music school controlled pedagogically by the Directorate of Music of the French Ministry of Culture. It is open to all young people aged from five to 32 years, and has skills and equipment that place it at the forefront of specialised arts education institutions.

The concert was attended by 50 GYC members and their guests and was a highlight among the Monaco Classic Week regatta celebrations.

 

 

Monaco Heritage Day top picks

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2019

Monaco Heritage Day is almost upon us and Monaco Lifehas selected our top picks for this year’s event, which falls under the Arts and Entertainment theme. But keep in mind, pre-registration is necessary by most of the Principality’s cultural institutions.

The Prince’s Palace will be open to the public for Monaco Heritage Day, free of charge

Every September, the 50 signatory countries of the European Cultural Convention throw a day-long event celebrating what makes each country special, and Monaco is going to spend the 29th in style.

This year’s theme is Arts and Entertainment, and the Mairie has put together a programme highlighting all the Principality has to offer in this respect including distinctive events being held at places such as the Palais Princier, the Jardin Exotique, Sainte-Devote Church, the Oceanographic Museum, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Cathedral, and the Monaco Multimedia Library. In all, 43 locations around the Principality will participate, each giving visitors a taste of what Monaco has to offer.

Every year, the event draws not only Monegasques, but hundreds of people living outside the borders, allowing them to experience the traditions and heritage of the Principality, as well as allowing them to appreciate the thoroughly modern aspects and features available here as well.

Our top picks:

The Mairieis hosting a full, free day starting at 10am with visits to the Wedding Chapel, the Mayor’s officeand the Council Chamber, followed by musical offerings throughout the day from the Rainer III Academy. The School of Fine Artsrounds out the programme by hosting a fancy dress parade wearing costumes of their own design to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary. Afterwards, guests are invited to the José Notari Sound Libraryfor a live DJ set from 6pm until the end of the evening.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

The remarkable Renaissance palace Villa Ephrussi de Rothschildwill be hosting guided tours of the incredible Belle Epoque building and it’s nine dream gardens, with commentary on the life of Béatrice de Rothschild as well as many anecdotes related to the Arts and Entertainment theme this year.  

One of Monaco’s most famous cultural landmarks, the Monte Carlo Casino, will be opening its doors in the morning for a special visit to the games rooms, while a croupier will give a demonstration on how to play the famous game of European Roulette. In the afternoon, two 30-minute concerts from the Prince Rainier III Academy of Music Big Band will be hosted in the Salle Garnier.

The Throne Room of the Prince’s Palace

The Prince’s Palacewill also open its doors giving visitors a chance to discover the state apartments, a collection of Napoleonic souvenirs and the Archives of the Prince’s Palace, free of charge.

Oceanographic Museum

Monaco’s prized Oceanographic Museumwill be reducing ticket prices to €8 for adults and €4 for children on the 29th and will be holding special guided visits including a ‘circus tour’ of the aquarium, as well a treasure hunt.

Sports fans will enjoy a look around Stade Louis II, including visits to the sports hall, boxing hall, the AS Monaco dressing rooms and the football field.

Stade Louis II

The Big Topin Fontvielle will be offering circus workshops, such as juggling and balance, a special performance by theTous en Pistecircus school, and an exhibition of unique circus pieces from the private collection of Dr. Alain Frère, pioneer of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo.

Finally, the Scientific Centre of Monacowill be hosting visits of their laboratory with explanations of their research. Visitors will be informed about monitoring penguin populations in Antarctica, will see some coral culture rooms and have the opportunity to examine living coral under the microscope.

Scientific Centre of Monaco. © A. Dias Mota

Other participating locations around the Principality have kick-off times at either 9am or 10am and run all day. Many require registration or reservations to ensure all who want to attend get a chance to do so. For a full listing of the day’s programme as well as individual registration information, visit the website at: http://journeepatrimoinemonaco.com

 

 

Interview: Fashion designer Alessandra Vicedomini

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2019

Alessandra Vicedomini is a well-known personality in Monaco, respected for her ambition and style. She spoke to Monaco Lifeabout why she decided to leave the catwalk more than a decade ago to take over the Vicedomini family brand and how she has managed to turn it into the small fashion empire that it is today.

 Monaco Life: The company Vicedomini began with your father in 1962. Tell us about the original tubino dress that went on to shape the company?

Alessandra: In the 1960s, the tubino was the essence of today’s “less is more” philosophy, meaning that a simple stitch assembling the two sides of the dress was so carefully made, that the dress would fit perfectly and would highlight the best of femininity and a body’s silhouette.

You were a professional model and worked with the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Dolce & Gabbana, to name but a few. Why did you decide to take on the family business rather than continue your modelling career?

When I started modelling at the age of 14, I of course also modelled for my father, learning a lot in his showrooms. But he wouldn’t give me any privilege, actually I was always the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the least paid. That was my first opportunity to have a 360 degree view of the business, on how collections were created, of how the commercial side of fashion was managed, and all the structure you need to coordinate to make it work.

It was an important seed that sat in my brain for over a decade. When I married and had kids in London in the early 2000s, I reduced the time that I was modelling and I naturally started designing capsule collections, as a “slow-down” schedule imposed upon my personal life.

When all wholesale clients and VIPs around Europe embraced my designs, it was a natural step to shift my modelling career into becoming a “more corporate” figure. I then decided to revisit the style and brand target, take over the creative direction and modernise the company format.

How have you shaped the brand since taking it over? 

I turned the well-known and renowned printed silk collections (more formal) into modern luxury and versatile luxury knitwear, to better suit today’s woman’s day to day fashion expression.

What makes Vicedomini unique? 

The fact that this type of knitwear is so well crafted and technically processed that it fits better than fabric. It is light and travels easy, yet fits like couture.

Where can people find Vicedomini fashion?

At either renowned multi-brand boutiques in Europe and the US, or at our exclusive world-wide trunk shows and private viewings.

What type of woman wears Vicedomini?

Confident, sexy, uber chic and very sophisticated, but practical and playful. All ages from 20 to 60 can wear the same design with a different twist.

You’ve been referred to as the reigning ‘Queen of Cashmere’? 

Yes, because I started my collections being known for my cashmere and fur vests… the most recognisable piece still today.

How does that title make you feel?

Blushing. Proud. Happy. A mix of everything. It’s a very good sensation, and I am very grateful to all ambassadors and clients who have contributed to this “label” of mine!

What is your relationship with Monaco? 

Monaco has always been a very important point of sale, crucial PR and event location for the brand thanks to the international and glamorous clientele living and passing by.

Talking about myself personally, I have amazing memories about holidays and events in Monaco since the age of 18.

Lately, I have been spending longer periods of time in Monaco and the idea of coming here more often makes me dream about moving here finally. Most of my friends live here, so stay tuned as the brand will soon disclose some very nice news for Monaco!

What is the future of Vicedomini? 

Vicedomini is looking into a big brand expansion through a worldwide business plan taking on international business partners

Finally, you will be taking Vicedomini to Milan Fashion Week this week and then Paris Fashion Week the following week. We are excited to reveal that you will be keeping Monaco Life Instagram followers up to date on all the excitement. Tell us about that…

Both Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks are the seasonal references unveiling next year’s new trends, colours, mood and attitude. It is so important for the public to get a feeling of what will be in the windows next season. For us, the sector’s operators, when the collection is out on the catwalk it is already old as we have conceived it, created it, tried it and finally shot it/put it on a runway one year later. When the fashion shows are on, we are already thinking of how to create something great for the next season! So being present at the fashion week is a mixture of confirming our fashion statements and testing the market response, along with the celebrities taste etc. I will be following my market clients (multi-brand boutique partners) orders, and participate in corporate dinners and photoshoots.

And yes, I will be sharing many pictures with Monaco Life social media followers along the way!

 

Monaco Life is pleased to announce that Alessandra Vicedomini will be writing about the fashion industry for us on an ongoing basis, beyond the upcoming fashion shows.
For more info about the Vicedomini brand, visit their website: www.vicedomini.ch