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Month: March 2023

Monaco Ocean Week: Prince Albert launches ReOcean Fund to encourage private investors to save the oceans

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/03/2023

Prince Albert, his Foundation and Monaco Asset Management have officially launched the ReOcean Fund, an initiative that targets private investment for innovative, high-impact solutions for the ocean, because “philanthropy is simply not enough”.

It was in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco on Tuesday 21st March that the ReOcean Fund was launched during Monaco Ocean Week.

“There are very few tasks as vast, complex, overwhelming and yet as urgent as the ones we are dealing with here: to save the Ocean,” said Prince Albert. “The Ocean needs us, and it needs you.”

The ReOcean Fund will funnel €100 million over 10 years to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 ‘Life Below Water’, which aims to catalyse the next generation of ocean innovations to support the transition towards a net-zero, regenerative and more equitable economy.

“The creation of the ReOcean fund is in line with the efforts undertaken for many years by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to promote the most innovative companies that have an impact on the safeguard of life below water,” said Olivier Wenden, CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, during the launch.

Finding innovative solutions for the Ocean 

The ReOcean Fund has four aims: reduce key sources of pollution in the ocean; transform the way we produce blue food and travel across the ocean; protect marine ecosystems and the critical services they provide; and inform and equip ocean stakeholders with robust and transparent data.

The fund will support early but proven innovations, focusing on Series A and B. It aims to leverage networks in and around Monaco to identify opportunities to deploy or platform solutions.

Philanthropy is not enough

The ReOcean Fund aims to attract private investors to inject funds into projects selected by a committee composed of experts in the environmental and investment fields.

“Philanthropy plays a key role in filling the gaps, but it is not enough to meet the immense challenges of the Oceans,” said Olivier Wenden. “In 2019, only $10 billion of the estimated $175 billion needed was invested in active solutions to protect the seas and oceans. That’s why we must intensify and accelerate existing solutions and to do this, we need the private sector.”

The rise of the Blue Economy

According to Anthony Torriani, Managing Director of Monaco Asset Management, the Blue Economy is the fastest growing sector of investment, with more than 2,000 start-ups initiated in 2021 alone. That was double the figure of 2019, a fact that should be resonating with potential investors.

 

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Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

 

 

 

The Bal de la Rose: past and present

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/03/2023
Prince Albert and princess Charlene at the Bal de la Rose credit Palais princier

Monaco’s Bal de la Rose has been a highlight of the spring social calendar since its creation by Princess Grace in 1954, now nearly seven decades ago. In honour of this Friday’s event, Monaco Life takes a look back at the glamour of the Rose Ball over the decades.

The 67th Rose Ball, held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II and presided over by his sister Caroline, Princess of Hanover, is taking place on Saturday 25th March at the elegant Salle des Etoiles of Le Sporting. Not surprisingly, the event is a sell-out.

Steeped in tradition, this annual charity gala established by their mother, Princess Grace, has attracted the rich, the famous and the beautiful not only as the social event of the season, but as an exceptional way to support a good cause.

Princess Grace at the Bal de la Rose
Princess Grace at the Bal de la Rose

Over the years, the Bal de la Rose has been an extremely sophisticated event, often bucking trends. The first ball in 1954, for example, was held during the height of Latin dance mania. In response, Henry Astrik, the creative director of Société des Bains de Mer, suggested the waltz be ‘the dance’ of the gala, a retro twist that the guests adored. He also suggested using only roses to decorate the event, 25,000 of them in total, eschewing a beloved custom that still holds to this day. He also hired no less than 100 violinists to play the evening’s musical sets, a nod to Astrik’s sense of order.

STAR QUALITY

Special guests have always been a part of the scene and have ranged from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty, including the likes of Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, Princess Alexandra of Kent, Natassja Kinski and Joan Collins. Since the 1990s, supermodels and fashion designers have been added to the list and the Rose Ball has been host to such household names as Naomi Campbell, Karl Lagerfeld, Claudia Schiffer, Christian Louboutin and Helena Christiansen.

Princess Grace and her friend Ava Gardner arrive for the Bal de la Rose gala dinner at the International Sporting Club in Monte Carlo, 1960
Princess Grace and her friend Ava Gardner arrive for the Bal de la Rose gala dinner at the International Sporting Club in Monte Carlo, 1960

The glitz and glamour of celebrities and personalities from outside the Principality are a draw, but no more so than its homegrown stars, namely the Princely family. Prince Albert II, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie have been major players and supporters, and more recently, Princess Charlene has been added to the already heady mix.

The grown children of the Grimaldi clan also make waves, with Charlotte Casiraghi, Chanel’s brand ambassador, and her husband Dimitri Rassam, Pierre Casiraghi and wife Beatrice Borromeo, Princess Alexandra of Hanover and husband Prince Christian, as well as Andrea and Tatiana Casiraghi taking their places in the spotlight.

HSH Prince Albert II, Princesse of Hanover, Christian Louboutin, Pierre Casiraghi and wife Beatrice, Andrea Casiraghi and wife Tatiana, Charlotte Casiraghi and husband Dimitri Rassam, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover with Ben-Sylvester Strautmann at Bal de la Rose 2022. Photo source: Palais Princier

DIFFERENT EVERY YEAR

In 1977, openly gay French dancer and socialite Jacques Chazot organised and performed at the Ball. From then on, the idea that each year would have its own theme emerged to embody the event and direct the dress code.

Other big-name organisers have helped keep this spirit of the gala alive. Fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Louboutin are amongst those who have created theme nights such as Manhattan, Havana or Les Années Folles that have delighted and inspired guests.

Bal de le Rose 2023: Bollywood theme. Image courtesy of Monte-Carlo SBM

AND THIS YEAR…

For the 69th edition, fashion designer Chrisitian Louboutin will be creating the atmosphere of the Ball for the second time. He has chosen the extraordinarily fun theme of Bollywood, which will no doubt inspire some impressive costumes and entertainment.

The décor will be another wonder altogether, as guests will enter what feels like a film studio, replete with dancers and singers, and be taken on a journey by fictitious first-time attendee Beauty.

Jeremy-Loup Quer, the Paris Opera Ballet’s principal dancer, will share the stage with the famous choreographer and actor Punit J. Pathak as the story unfolds. Then, French singer Mika will perform as a fantastic finale act.

The Princess Grace Foundation, benefactor of the event’s largesse, has had the Rose Ball as its biggest fund raiser of the year since 1964, helping children and people in need through its humanitarian and philanthropic projects.

 

Featured image: Karl Lagerfeld, Caroline Princess of Hanover, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert at the 2014 Bal de la Rose. Photo source: Palais Princier

 

 

 

Party season begins with Coya and Jimmy’z reopenings

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/03/2023
jimmy'z coya

Gasping for a Pisco Sour? Desperate for a dancefloor? Jimmy’z is kicking off its party season this weekend and Coya is hot on its heels.  

Why wait for summer weather to be in a summer frame of mind?  

Two Monaco icons, Jimmy’z and Coya, are gearing up with early launches to get you in the mood. From Friday 24th March, Jimmy’z doors and legendary dance floor will be open, soon to be followed on Thursday 6th April by Coya with its Latin American flavours and flair.  

JIMMY’Z 

For nearly 50 years, Jimmy’z has been where the famous and fabulous have congregated for after-hours fun and games. This Friday, the club kicks off the season with the Limelight Party, a concept gleaned from the first of the French underground mega-techno bashes of the 1990s.  

The following night, the venue will host the Rose Ball’s official after party, with DJ Ollie starting things off and DJ Rawdoff picking up the pace after.  

For Grand Prix weekend, the party starts on Thursday 25th May with an early evening event in conjunction with Coya featuring Alec Monopoly, a New York City street artist whose works are both critiques and praises of decadence, celebrity and money, and DJs Mooja & Me, Rampa and Jamie Jones spinning discs well into the wee hours.  

The nightlife hub will also be partnering up with Philip Plein and Dom Perignon for special events throughout the spring.  

COYA 

Fusing Peruvian rhythms and local art, going to Coya is like going on an exotic holiday you never want to come home from. The bar mixes up inventive cocktails, like the Pisco Sour, and the kitchen brings guests inspired Latin American cuisine, such as causa frita, a typical Peruvian dish with made with potatoes, but here reinterpreted by Chef Victoria Vallenilla with truffle cream cheese and Wagyu beef charcuterie. 

The atmosphere is sophisticated and made more so by the inclusion of exhibitions and shows by local artists, adding eye candy to the already tasty delights.  

This year, Coya will be trying out a new concept it calls Clásico, which combines live music, dancers, performers and a meal designed to be enjoyed with friends. This, in conjunction with the special musical evenings featuring international DJs, makes it the place to be as the nights grow warmer.  

Some can’t-miss events include the return of La Noche Blanca, an all-night bash held on 29th June, as well as two musical nights with Coya Music’s top DJs on 20th July and 17th August.  

For information and bookings, click here for Jimmy’z and here for Coya.  

 

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.  

 

Photo courtesy of Société des Bains de Mer

Canua Island: Cannes Council unanimously rejects floating party island

by: Elsa Carpenter
22/03/2023
canua island

Canua Island, a floating restaurant, cocktail bar and beach club destination, could soon be anchored off the coast of Cannes, but not if local councillors get their way. 

Canua Island is a 41-metre-long by 31-metre-wide platform with everything from a gourmet restaurant and cocktail bar to a freshwater swimming pool. According to its website, a grand opening is scheduled for spring 2023, but Cannes officials are hoping that day won’t come to pass. Earlier this week, the city council voted unanimously against the project.  

In an official communiqué, the city council acknowledged the “potential interest” for certain municipalities that will find themselves in full view of Canua Island. For example, Mandelieu and its mayor Sébastien Leroy are all for the concept. But Cannes’ city councillors have unanimously voted against the idea and are now seeking support for their concerns from higher places. 

A letter sent to French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne by Cannes Mayor David Lisnard on Monday 20th March asks the senior official to intervene in a way that her predecessor, Édouard Philippe, failed to do when called upon back in 2018.  

The letter repeats the reservations held by the council, pointing to a desire to protect the local environment from the water, noise, air and visual pollution Canua Island could create as well as shared fears for the safety issues Canua Island might pose to the busy sea lanes of the area. 

No regulations exist for a concept like Canua Island

The main sticking point, however, is that no regulation exists for this type of development. Currently, Cannes’ many private beaches, restaurants and clubs have to pay a fee to the state in order to operate as well as abide by strict laws. Canua Island is unique in that nothing of this kind has ever been built in France before and hence there are no statutes governing its regulation.  

Additionally, local police forces are only able to legally exercise control over the first 300 metres from the coastline. Beyond that, and where Canua Island would drop anchor in the Golfe de La Napoule, the sea is under the supervision of the state. As Lisnard’s letter states, only the state can now intervene if the project is to be stopped or, at least, come under some form of regulation.   

Canua Island is being marketed as a multi-purpose events space as well as a “beach club” that could accommodate up to 400 people. Guests and staff would be ferried to their destination by private tender. The platform could be moved to different locations thanks to onboard motors. 

 

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Photo source: Canua Island

Basketball: Roca Team winning run continues

by: Luke Entwistle
22/03/2023

AS Monaco Basketball are on a nine-game winning run and are yet to be beaten in March. Le Portel were their latest victim (99-78) as the Roca Team continue to impress on all fronts. 

As well as the suspended Mike James, Monaco were also without Jordan Loyd on Tuesday. However, their absences were barely susceptible as the Roca Team dominated from start to finish.

Joan Makoundou takes his chance

It’s been a hectic few days for the Principality side. Their Euroleague victory over Virtus Bologna on Thursday was followed by two games over the weekend, which ensured qualification to the Coupe de France final in April.

Monaco returned to domestic action against Le Portel with first place in the Betclic Elite standings already well and truly consolidated. Their closest challenger is Boulogne-Levallois, who are currently three points behind.

However, there were no signs of complacency. Monaco had joy within the key early on, despite Le Portel’s stiff resistance, which weakened as the quarter progressed.

Joan Makoundou by AS Monaco Basket

The game was put to bed early by the Roca Team with an imperious second-quarter display. Yakouba Ouattara (21 points) scored early to give Les Monégasques a 10-point advantage, whilst Matthew Strazel (seven points, eight assists) was the creative heartbeat of the team.

Yoan Makoundou (11 points, five rebounds) was decisive in both sides of the court and, as he often does on the domestic scene, put his minutes to good use.

A decisive Friday

The result sealed, Monaco took their foot off the gas in the second half, but still almost reached the 100-point mark, and beat their opponents by a comfortable 21 points (99-78).

It was almost an exhibition for Monaco, a warm-up to Friday’s clash at the Salle Gaston Médecin against Valencia.

“I liked the mindset of the players, who did the work so that we didn’t have to worry,” began Sasa Obradovic.

“We made life easy. I managed to rest Loyd, whilst Makoundou made the most of his minutes. A more difficult match awaits us on Friday. This could be the match that qualifies us for the playoffs,” continued the Serbian coach post-match.

 

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Photo by AS Monaco Basket

Premier League Highlights: Arsenal’s lead extended, Tottenham in turmoil

by: Luke Entwistle
22/03/2023

The final gameweek before the international break was disrupted by FA Cup action, which allowed Arsenal to increase their lead at the top.

Games between Liverpool and Fulham, Manchester City and West Ham United, and Brighton and Manchester United were all postponed due to their FA Cup fulfilment. However, in the final round of fixtures in March, there was plenty of excitement in the matches that did go ahead.

Nottingham Forest 1-2 Newcastle United – Alexander Isak got both goals for Newcastle, including a crucial injury-time penalty as the Magpies closed the gap to Tottenham in fourth. Eddie Howe’s men are just two points off the Champions League places with two games in hand.

Brentford 1-1 Leicester City – Harvey Barnes cancelled out Mathias Jensen’s opener, although Brendand Rodgers’ Foxes remain engulfed in a fascinating relegation battle involving nine sides.

Southampton 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur – Ivan Perisic’s strike in the 74th minute gave Tottenham a two-goal lead, which looked conclusive. However, Theo Walcott grabbed one back before a James Ward-Prowse injury-time penalty rescued a point for the Saints.

Cue a post-match implosion from Antonio Conte, who criticised everyone apart from himself in an explosive post-match press conference. His job in North London is hanging by a thread.

Aston Villa 3-0 Bournemouth – The Villains made light work of their task on Saturday afternoon, easing past the Cherries. Their safety is all but secured, and they can now look up the table. The European places aren’t completely out of reach.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-4 Leeds United – Leeds secured a vital win in a thrilling game at Molineux that included six goals and two red cards. Leeds raced into a three-goal lead before two goals in quick succession for Wolves brought them back into the game. Rodrigo’s late goal sealed the points in injury time with Wolves finishing the game with nine men.

Chelsea 2-2 Everton – Chelsea looked to have turned a corner, but in a gameweek of late goals, Graham Potter’s side were pegged back at the Bridge. Chelsea squandered their advantage twice with Ellis Simms rescuing a vital point for the Toffees.

Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace – Bukayo Saka once again starred for Arsenal as they made light work of Crystal Palace, who sacked manager Patrick Vieira after the result. The former OGC Nice player had been on a barren run in 2023, and former manager Roy Hodgson has returned to take charge of his former club.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are now eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City, although the latter do have a game in hand.

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