Interview: Marina and the Meta gallery

It seems inevitable that Marina, Kira and Roy would enter the art world, given the fact their parents were philanthropists and the arts were woven into their lives from a very early age.
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Together they created Meta, Monaco’s first concept gallery, and Monaco Life met with co-founder Marina Roeloffs von Hademstorf to learn more about the gallery’s mission ‘to go beyond’ and the growing significance of recycled art.
Monaco Life: Who is behind Meta?
Marina: I opened Meta with my sister and brother in 2013, and our aim is to showcase international artists who have a global significance, as well as local artists. We have an office in Geneva, but we are a Monaco-based brand. Meta is a Greek word meaning ‘to go beyond’, so we also design fine jewellery, accessories and leather goods. Our outlook is really on local, organic, sustainable and artisanal, because all of this carries a beautiful energy and sums up Meta. We relocated from the Place de Casino to Avenue Princess Grace three summers ago.

Kira, Roy, and Marina

How did you become interested in art and creating jewellery?
I grew-up between Europe and the United States, in Malibu and Manhattan, then finished high school in Rome at St. Stephen’s School, where my studies in art history began. I graduated at the University of St. Andrews with a major in art history. After that I furthered my studies in art history at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London. Then, in New York City, I dived into gemmology and the practice of jewellery engineering at GIA.
You have an interesting artist exhibiting here currently at Meta, can you tell us about his work?
Gregory de la Haba is a New York artist whose vision is to help people see how art can also be recyclable. The Bleach Coral Totem is very interesting because it shows how coral – which is a very fragile creature in the sea and has a huge job to do keeping the balance in our oceans and ecosystems – is dying and losing its colour because of global warming and plastic pollution. What de la Haba created was an interactive piece where people are welcome to write a little note with a wish or a thought, and place it in the sculpture. These notes are full of colour so it helps bring colour back to the coral. It represents our small efforts in life to better our daily habits – to not create pollution, reduce our carbon footprint, etc.
We also have a piece in homage to Gucci and Gucci. De la Haba has two sons who are huge fans of Gucci, and of course we have Charlotte Casiraghi in Monaco who is an ambassador of Gucci, so this is more of a statement about Monaco glamour.

In fact, all of these pieces were made specifically for this gallery. The title of the exhibition is ‘Totem Poems’ and in addition to the carved surfboards are photographs that he has printed on canvasses and haikus that he has also written.
One photograph is a picture of a beach in California and it shows, on a very small scale, how much trash there is and how it dominates the beach nowadays. This was an interactive piece where people at the gallery were welcome to colour in the plastic pieces in the picture.

Can you describe the philosophy behind your jewellery?
We do bespoke pieces, so engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary gifts, earrings, cufflinks, hair pieces, broaches, tiaras… fun things as well as traditional pieces. These are all our own designs and we like to work with gold and platinum. We love gold because it was carried to earth in meteorites thousands of years ago, and it has a soothing, cleansing energy. We created cufflinks, for example, which are meteorites wrapped in gold – an ode to where gold came from and the galactic energy that surrounds us. We also work with stones – 100% pure stones, we do not work with synthetics, and our jewels are made ethically and locally. This is very important to us. Our pieces either have a galactic aspect or are inspired by the Mediterranean Sea.
How much of a role do you play in the creative process?
I am one of the curators of the gallery with my sister and brother, but I also oversee the jewellery department, so all creations go through me as a GIA graduate. I also work with the atelier, which can be a very long process because we never accept a piece unless it is exactly what we want. I really love my job.

What is downstairs?
The basement floor is filled with high-quality projectors so artists, like de la Haba, can also play with the medium of film and combine it with their art so it is more fun and interactive for everyone.
We have de la Haba’s second coral piece down here, with bits and pieces from the beach. Most of it is tampons, which is one of the major contributors to pollution. Lighters are also a big problem.
Last summer we did an exhibition supported by the South Korean government, and all the top artists from Seoul came and exhibited in the gallery. It was great to see the first exhibition of art from South Korean artists in the French Riviera. People loved the colours; one of the artists had little writings on rice paper that created landscapes. It was all very beautiful.
How do you position yourself in the Monaco art scene?
We have exhibited old masters and are obviously showing contemporary art; we have also had antiquities shown with contemporary art, so I would say we do an eclectic mix of art from different eras. We also try to stimulate the audience with new ways of looking at art, which is why we have this projectors room, to mix the different mediums – from sculpture and paintings, to film, photography and collages. Nowadays, you can really do anything with art.

Totem Poems

What trends can you see as we head into the 2020s?
I think we are slowly returning to the idea that art is not made to last forever, but to be there for the moment. There is a new generation of artists who are working with recycled materials and their art may not last forever, but it makes its point and it moves you, elevates you, and that’s what art is about. This art is like a wave – you see it crash, it exists just for that moment, you enjoy it, then it’s gone. But you know there is a new one coming.
I think this movement is really coming forth in 2020. Artists are also working more with nature and the elements. This is such a major part of our lives now, preserving planet earth and trying to limit the damage we cause with synthetic materials.
Well art is the mirror of an era…
The purpose of art will always be redefined, but in my opinion, art is there to elevate something. It may not be the piece you are looking at right now, but after many years it may come back to you, and move you.
Perception of art is personal and taste changes with time, therefore I see my function more as helping viewers understand the intention behind the artwork.
That’s why I studied art history and gemmology. What I find interesting is that artists who study archaeology or ancient artefacts always have a wave of energy that is reborn in their contemporary pieces. Like de la Haba. Totems were symbols used by oceanic cultures and ancient tribes, so it is interesting to see how these symbols reappear in art throughout the ages, they are just reimagined.

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Charles Leclerc awarded Medal of Honour

Monaco’s sporting star Charles Leclerc has been presented the Medal of Honour by the President of the National Council Stéphane Valeri.
The ceremony was held on Saturday 18th January in front of elected officials, members of the National Council, their families and the president of the Automobile Club of Monaco. Stéphane Valeri praised the human and sporting qualities of the young Monegasque driver, who placed 4th in the 2019 Formula One World Championship and was a two-time winner of a Grand Prix in 2019 (Spa and Monza), in his Ferrari.

© Conseil National

Speaking to Charles Leclerc, who was accompanied by his brother Arthur Leclerc – who has just joined the Ferrari Driver Academy – and his family, Stéphane Valeri explained what had motivated this decoration:
“This Medal of Honour could not have dreamed of a better recipient (…) A medal of honour to crown your results in an exceptional career, which is, however, only in its infancy.
Statistically, the situation is miraculous. We are, barely, 9,300 Monegasques in a population of more than 7 billion 500 million human beings. I’ll let you calculate the chance of having among us a great champion of your stature.”
Mr Valeri continued: “You embody these beautiful red and white values ​​to which we aspire for ourselves and for our children. We are proud of you and, thanks to you, we are even more proud to be Monegasques, by nationality or by heart.”
© Conseil National

Mr Valeri expressed the council’s best wishes for the coming season, which starts in March.
Clearly moved by Mr Valeri’s speech, Charles Leclerc thanked the President, adding: “It is an honour for me to receive this medal. I feel, with each race, the encouragement of the Principality and I am happy to wear the colours of Monaco.”
 
 

Bella’s culinary guide to Monaco

The Principality offers such a wide variety of restaurants and, considering the size of Monaco, it really is surprising how many cuisine options we have. Each has its own atmosphere and unique offering, and I am happy to share with you my favourites, depending on my cravings and mood!
 

Cipriani

Classic Italian cuisine

Cipriani is a brand, a restaurant concept, so wherever you go in the world, you know that you will be impressed. In Monaco, Cipriani is located at the bottom of the prestigious building Le Mirabeau. Be welcomed by maître d Pierre Baldelli, who pays particular attention to each guest, passing by every table to make sure everyone is happy. Pierre and the rest of the team are always welcoming guests with open arms and a big smile; you immediately feel at home.
Cipriani has a great ambiance, a constant buzz, and even entertainment by dancers from the nearby Twiga club. It is the place to go when you want to dress up, be seen, and to watch people!
Cipriani is happening every day of the week (except Tuesday when it is closed), all year around. The Sunday brunch is a tradition for local families and is very kid-friendly.
What to eat here?
The avocado and artichoke salad,​ ​salmon tataki,​ all the pasta dishes, but mainly the desserts! The famous m​eringue  cake, home made vanilla ice-cream and pecan pie​ are to die for!
What I wear?
Casual chic for Sunday brunch and dressed up elegant for dinner.
 

Twiga Sumosan and Crazy Fish

Italian and Japanese cuisine – club – lounge & shisha bar
This is a trendy restaurant that combines party with dining and offers a culinary pairing, where contemporary Japanese and Venetian Italian cuisines meet in a classical setting. Monaco is one of a number of locations across the globe including London, Moscow and Dubai. Twiga Sumosan is an expansion of the Sumosan Brand in partnership with Flavio Briatore.
I love this restaurant on the weekends because you can enjoy great food from two different menus, while watching a show. It is also the perfect venue for private parties.
The atmosphere warms up after dinner with in-house DJ and internationally-famed guest-DJs, when the restaurant transforms into a club.
Alessandro Ristori and the Portofino’s started their career here and perform each Thursday per month, and they are a huge success. Ristori became the king of weddings and private parties, and is mostly recognised for his 70s Gucci style and boogie woogie moves! He has captured the attention of fashion moguls (Kering’s Marco Bizzarri is a devotee and dresses Ristori in Gucci) and royalties, having the great honour of performing at Charlotte Casiraghi’s wedding in Monaco.
What to eat here?
The ​maki rolls,​ the ​spinach salad,​ the ​gnocchetti ai gamberetti a​nd the fresh fish from the seafood counter.Try the l​obster alla catalana​and the ra​w Battuta di gamberi a​nd don’t forget the famous F​ruttini​ (fruits filled with sorbet).
What I wear?
Party outfit!
 

Le Grill – Hôtel de Paris

Mediterranean cuisine – 1 Michelin star

Located on the 8th floor of the Hôtel de Paris, Le Grill offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean sea and the Principality. The roof opens entirely, so you can enjoy lunch in the sun and dinner under the stars. Chef Franck Cerutti has worked for over 30 years with Alain Ducasse and created a menu that recalls the Riviera, based on local products.
I love the simplicity of the dishes and the quality of the ingredients.

What I eat here?
Le P​oussin, the farm-raised baby chicken slowly cooked over a wood fire, the grilled meats with truffle mashed potato and the five different flavours of soufflé have all helped build the restaurant’s reputation. Also try the scallops with purple artichokes.
This is one of my favorite places for an elegant lunch ending with a giant​ Nougat Soufflé. T​he lunch menu is 65€ for three courses and 90€ for three courses including wine and water.
What I wear?
In this refined ambiance I prefer to wear rather formal and elegant cocktail attire.

 

Louis XV – Hôtel de Paris

Mediterranean cuisine – 3 Michelin stars
Chefs Alain Ducasse and Dominique Lory have created a modern and contemporary menu​ ​inspired by the Riviera, featuring regional products, aromas and flavours. The fish is from local fishermen, while the herbs and vegetables come from the hinterland. Tea is presented in plants, and prepared and infused in front of the guests.
Here you will find exceptional food and wine pairings by head sommelier Noël Bajor, who has designed a wine menu revealing the bottles stored in one of the finest wine cellars in the world – the caves of the Hôtel de Paris.
Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV was the first hotel restaurant to receive three Michelin stars.
This is a true culinary experience for a refined palate and romantic occasions.
What I eat here?
To start, I always chose the G​amberoni from San Remo, rock fish gelée, caviar and to follow the​ Steamed blue lobster, cime di rapa, hibiscus flower and pink pepper, a​nd to end the​ Warm yuzu and hazelnut from Piedmont soufflé.
What I wear here?
Elegant, cocktail attire.
 

Joël Robuchon – Hôtel Metropole

French Mediterranean cuisine – 2 Michelin stars

A gastronomic experience by master chef Joel Robuchon in a romantic ambiance, with interiors designed by Jacques Garcia. The open kitchen allows guests to admire executive chef Christophe Cussac and his team preparing the dishes.

Service is impeccable in a refined setting. Your evening will start with the presentation of an amazing bread trolley with multiple options of bread and a tasty pyramid of salted butter.

What I eat?
I love the tasting menu. I order many small dishes instead of one starter and one main. The beauty is in trying different plates. Some of my favourite dishes here are the crab-stuffed avocado roll with citrus; milk fed-lamb cutlets; stuffed quail; lobster with burrata and the sole meuniere. End your evening in paradise with the dessert trolley. When guests are leaving, they’re generously offered a beautiful box with a cake that I mostly eat the following morning for breakfast!

What I wear?
Elegant and chic.
 

Le Lobby – Hôtel Metropole

Cosy lunch with great quality food

This is my favourite lunch spot on Sundays during autumn and winter. The hotel decorates the lobby with a theme for each season of the year and it is always stunning.
The ambiance is very warm, cosy, chic and comfortable with their sofas. The quality of the food is exceptional, maintaining the high standard of Joël Robuchon.
What I eat here?
P​oached eggs with avocado, minestrone with cod fish, salmon paillard and beef carpaccio.
What I wear?
Casual chic.
 

Yoshi – Hôtel Metropole

Contemporary Japanese – 1 Michelin star
Yoshi is the first Japanese restaurant by Joël Robuchon, created in an elegant design with noble materials such as stone, silk and ebony wood. The ambiance is very peaceful.
Chef Takeo Yamazaki cooks directly in front of guests in the open kitchen, offering an à la carte menu and a variety of set menus. I like to come here for lunch.
What I eat here?
Salmon belly with caviar seaweed salad
What I wear?
Casual chic.
 

Sass Café

Mediterranean restaurant – piano Bar – nightclub

Sass Café, named after the charismatic owner Sassa’, was inaugurated in 1993 and has since been an institution in Monaco, renowned internationally for its soirees.
This legendary venue welcomes guests from all around the world, of all generations, and has been the only place in the Principality of Monaco to provide a unique concept that combines a restaurant, piano bar, and club.
The restaurant is family-run and every evening, Sassa, Yolande, and their son Samy welcome guests with open arms. They don’t miss one single night. Sassa’ is the face of the business – quite literally – with his face printed on the plates. It was recently renovated and revamped by their dear friend Tina Green, the wife of Sir Philip Green, who upgraded the design but kept the same DNA. The lounge décor is chic and warm with dimmed lighting. A heated outdoor terrace is adorned with chandeliers and sheltered by velvety red curtains. On the terrace you can enjoy a great shisha with Moroccan green tea.

The night starts off with a rather quiet ambience, serving Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Towards dinner’s end, the live music starts to warm up the atmosphere and resident DJs, like DJ Reda, accompanies you into the early hours.

What I eat here?
Avocado and salmon tartare, grilled giant gambas, marinated baby chicken, grilled entrecote with truffle mashed potato and grilled vegetables.
What I wear?
A cocktail dress or party dress.
 

L’Hirondelle – Les Thermes Marins

Healthy lunch kissed by the sun

Located inside the SBM spa Les Thermes Marins, t​his restaurant is convenient after a spa treatment or for walk ins to simply enjoy a healthy lunch.
I like to come here during sunny days in autumn and winter and have lunch on the open-air terrace. The restaurant has a magnificent view over the Port of Monaco.

Service is very good and the presentation of the dishes is very creative.
The menu offers a choice of set menus and you can even choose vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly options.

What I eat here?
Start with a raw vegetable basket to share and follow with pumpkin soup and grilled cockerel. The menu of the day is always delicious and fresh.
What I wear?
Bathrobe, gym clothes or casual jeans.
 

Gaia

Greek cuisine

A contemporary Dubai-originated taverna serving Greek-Mediterranean cuisine with a modern touch. Chef Izu Ani is the culinary mind behind the concept, offering flavoursome dishes, which are designed to be shared with family and friends. It is the perfect venue for a dinner in the company of many.
The typical taverna-style interior and seafood bar take your mind directly to the Greek islands. Grab a drink at the bar before dinner, it is very cosy!
What to eat?
The plates are very generous, so share everything with the table. My favourite dishes here are lamb chops, crab salad, moussaka and grilled octopus with hummus.
What to wear?
Casual chic.
 

La Piazza

Homemade traditional Italian food
I like to come here for a casual lunch, when I want to eat good homemade food and when I don’t feel like dressing up. It’s a family-owned restaurant and the staff are very friendly. The food is always delicious.
What I eat? ​
Octopus and avocado salad, beef tagliata, artichoke salad and pappardelle al ragu’ di vitello.
What I wear?
Casual with jeans.
 
 

Markets weekly

Company news will pick up pace this week, with fourth-quarter earnings being published for more than 800 companies. That said, key macro data and economic news will also remain on investors’ watch list.
In the eurozone, the European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policy meeting, scheduled for 23 January, is the main event in the spotlight. The first rate-setting meeting of 2020, and with new ECB president Christine Lagarde at the helm, is likely to be to the dovish side. Further easing should be off the table for the time being, especially without a significant worsening in the bloc’s macroeconomic backdrop.
The eurozone and UK publish January’s IHS Markit flash purchasing managers’ indices (PMI). The Bank of England will likely have their eyes peeled on the UK flash data before their 30 January meeting for any imminent signs of recovery after the economy has showed signs of stuttering.
In the US, investors will closely monitor January’s IHS Markit flash PMIs for an indication on the health of both the services and manufacturing parts of the economy. After the last readings showed signs of improvement in December, expectations for 2020 are positive with services expected to remain resilient and hopes of further recovery in US manufacturing activity.
While some stabilisation is probable, especially on the back of the US-China phase one trade de-escalation, a sharp acceleration seems unlikely with uncertainty still elevated. In addition, investors will examine December’s new home sales data to assess the health of the housing sector.

Subdued inflation and weak output: is it time for an “insurance” cut?

UK November gross domestic product (GDP) data shows an economy that has weakened but kept afloat despite businesses grappling with uncertainty. Not least the extension of article 50 and the subsequent calling of December’s election.
On a year-on-year basis, GDP growth of 0.6% was the weakest since June 2012 and continues the contraction in output seen in 2019. The weakness was widespread across industrial production and the dominant services sector, which fell 0.3% month on month, the worst since February 2018.
However, the first half of the year could see modest growth, facilitated by some potential tailwinds.

  1. The more than likely passing of the withdrawal agreement bill in parliament could support confidence and lower some uncertainty.
  2. The March budget may pave the way for some fiscal stimulus.

The weakness and the juxtaposing potential for a recovery provides the members of the monetary policy committee (MPC) with a dilemma before their 30 January meeting.
On the one hand, they could continue to leave rates unchanged in case a recovery surfaces in the first half of 2020, as well as clarity on Brexit, and vote for a rate cut if this does not materialise. However, this would leave the risk of being reactive as opposed to proactive.
On the other hand, the MPC could provide an “insurance” cut to provide support should growth continue to stutter while running the risk of overheating the economy and generating inflationary pressure on the upside. This risk is definitely lowered by December inflation reaching a three-year low at 1.3%.
With two MPC members already dissenting in favour of rate cuts and Governor Mark Carney, Silvana Tenreyro and Jan Vlieghe starting to express concerns about the economy, the latter is looking increasingly more likely than the former.
At the time of writing, the rates market prices in approximately a 62% chance of a rate cut in January, with a 25 basis point cut fully priced in by June.
For more information contact Barclays Private Bank in Monaco by clicking here or on +377 93 15 35 35
 

Texas Hold’Em at the Casino de Monte-Carlo

The Casino de Monte-Carlo is hosting Texas Hold’em Ultimate Poker Tournaments every Thursday through to the end of February.

Looking for a way to have some fun during these dark, cold winter nights? Why not give Thursday night poker a go? 

Whether you’re an amateur, regular or newcomer, all are welcome to the Casino de Monte-Carlo for evenings filled with anticipation and excitement as they host these world-class poker events.  

For a mere €50 buy in, players can spend an adrenaline-filled evening playing Texas Hold’em against other card sharks for a guaranteed prize pot of €1,000 each week.

The events will be held 23rd and 30th January, as well as 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th February at the Salle Europe of the Casino de Monte-Carlo from 7pm to 9pm.  Rules are available in the casino.

La Bohème comes to Monaco

Puccini’s classic, first brought to life in 1896 and recognised today as one of the world’s greatest operas, is being brought to life for four nights later this month at the Salle Garnier of the Opera de Monte-Carlo.
Organised by the Opera de Monte-Carlo and featuring Irina Lungu, Mariam Battistelli, Andeka Gorrotxategi, Davide Luciano, Boris Pinkhasovich, Nicolas Courjal, Fabrice Alibert, Guy Bonfiglio, the Chorus of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, the Children’s Choir of the Rainier III Academy and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Daniele Callegari, this epic Italian opera is one everyone should see at least once in a lifetime.
Giacomo Puccini’s fourth opera ranks amongst his best-loved and is a benchmark of the Italian lyrical repertoire. The tragic love story set in 1830’s Paris tells the tale of four creative friends living in a shabby garret and without a nickel to rub between them for food or rent. When one of their number, Schaunard returns home on Christmas Eve with cash in hand, the friends decide to splurge on a meal out. Poet Rodolpho remains behind to finish his writing when a knock at the door interrupts him. He opens the door to find Mimí, his seamstress neighbour with whom he instantly falls in love.
Mimí and Rodolpho are happy together for a time, but Rodolpho sees that Mimí has tuberculosis, and is cruel to her in an attempt to get her to dump him and find a wealthy patron who will care for her better than he can.
His ploy works and he resumes life in the garret with a sad heart. Mimí does, in fact, find a rich count who takes care of the dying girl. As the end for her nears, she is brought back to the fold by a girlfriend of one of Rodolpho’s friends. There, she dies with her true love and true friends.
Their misfortunes and joys are presented in such an authentic and touching way as to involve the audience at the deepest levels. The opera represents one of Puccini’s greatest triumphs and plays today as it did over a century ago.
The gala opening will be Friday 24th January at 8pm, followed by performances on Wednesday, 29th January at 8pm, Sunday, 26th January and 3pm and Friday 31 January at 8pm.
For more info and tickets, visit www.opera.mc