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
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.
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
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 Instagramfollowersup 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
14th Monaco Classic Week ends with air of excitement
Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe has drawn to a close with the finest yachts being awarded by YCM President HSH Prince Albert II.
Photo: Yacht Club of Monaco
The much anticipated biennial vintage sailing and motorboat event saw Puritan, a 23-metre schooner built in 1930, taking home the Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2019 for being the most elegant and best restored yacht overall, clinching the top spot from the 2017 winner Voila
The Swedish sailboat Esterwas given the 2019 La Belle Classe Restoration Prize for its nearly unbelievable renewal after resting for 75 years at the bottom of the sea.
Other winners included Miss Nancy, who took home the award for most elegant motorboat, and the 1905 cutter Oriole nabbed the prize for most elegant sailboat. The Jury Favourite went to Mariella, a 1938 Bermudian yawl.
Considered the chicest event for classic sailing vessels, more than 100 participants gathered in the Principality for the week from 26 countries with more than 800 sailors in attendance.
Monaco to embark on massive waste collection on World CleanUp Day
Monaco will be mobilising efforts on both land and at sea for this year’s World CleanUp Day. It will be the first time that the Principality participates in the world-wide campaign and it has but one goal: to collect as much waste as possible.
Larvotto Beach Monaco
The Monaco City Council is backing the first edition of World CleanUp Day in the Principality, which is set to take place on Saturday 21st September. The event is being promoted by Decathlon Monaco, while the Monaco Government will be participating through its Energy Transition mission. The campaign has attracted a lot of enthusiasm from a number of environmental groups in the Principality who are actively collaborating in the preparation of the day, including Stand up for the Planet, the Monegasque Sanitation Society and Eco Angel.
World Cleanup Day aims to mobilise, raise awareness and rally people around the problem of waste that invade the land, rivers and oceans. According to the National Council, these are issues that Marjorie Crovetto Harroch, Counsellor of Environment and Sustainable Development, holds dear.
The first edition of World CleanUp Day in Monaco will echo a global initiative that was launched in 2009 and which last year brought together 18 million participants in 157 countries for the largest waste collection day in human history. It was an epic 36-hour green wave of cleanups across the globe, beginning in New Zealand and travelling around the world before ending in Hawaii.
In Monaco and the bordering towns of Cap d’Ail and La Turbie, a number of activities will be staged this year on land and at sea, combining sport with protecting the planet. On the program are walking, running, hiking, stand-up paddle and solar boat. The goal: to collect as much waste as possible.
At the end of the morning, all participants will meet at 11.45am in the Larvotto district, at La Rose des Vents, where the collected waste will be weighed. There will also be a “zero waste” aperitif offered by the Monaco City Council, which has been committed to the fight against food waste for a number of years now. Also on the menu will be fruit juices made with unsold fruit from La Condamine Market and culinary delights by Chef Julien Baldacchino made from products close to the date of consumption from the Municipal Restaurant.
The Young Economic Chamber of Monaco (JCEM) is holding a breakfast conference at the Café de Paris on Thursday 26th September to talk about technology and digital age advancements in the Principality and the impact they will have.
This is the third meeting of its kind being held by the JCEM and is a forum for these young entrepreneurs to meet and discuss the issues and opportunities they face as businesspeople with other leaders in the community.
The JCEM has designated, as honoured guest for the conference, Frédéric Genta, the Inter-ministerial Delegate for Monaco’s Digital Transformation. The event will be an excellent chance to discuss the latest topic on everyone’s mind: the program introduced by HSH Prince Albert II last May, Extended Monaco.
The aim of Extended Monaco is to attract business through the development and embrace of new technological advances such as a “sovereign cloud”, fibre optic networks and the utilisation of 5G, which was introduced this summer.
Additionally, the Principality intends to become a world leader in the environmental Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) game and is funding its first ICO to aid in the production of a new documentary by Luc Jacquet, who directed the Oscar-winning March of the Penguins.
All these matters would be of great interest to Monaco’s young entrepreneurs and this breakfast will allow them the possibility to learn and discover what the impact of these new technologies will mean to them and their futures.
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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.
