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Month: February 2025

Monte-Carlo Fashion Week: a global platform for sustainable fashion

by: Niki Borisova
21/02/2025

Monte-Carlo Fashion Week will be making a grand return to catwalks and venues across the Principality in April with a full schedule of runway shows and industry talks that will promote the virtues of sustainability and inclusivity.

The 13th edition of Monte-Carlo Fashion Week (MCFW) is set to take place from 22nd to 26th April. Featuring a programme of runway shows, presentations, conferences and industry discussions, the event is recognised as Monaco’s official fashion platform and is used by local and international designers alike to promote important topics such as sustainability, circular fashion and diversity.

The 2025 edition of the event will showcase a range of resort, cruise and capsule collections, beginning with a catwalk of pieces from Italian designer Elisabetta Franchi and her Eternal collection at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Franchi prides herself on traditional craftsmanship and Italian fashion heritage. Other Monaco-based and international brands will follow this inaugural show, including Roberto Cavalli.

Previous editions of MCFW have drawn participation from globally recognisable designers and brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti, Tommy Hilfiger, Ermanno Scervino and Vivienne Westwood as well as industry figures including Federico Marchetti and Marco Bizzarri.

Federica Nardoni Spinetta, the president and founder of the Chambre Monégasque de la Mode and MCFW, says, “We are proud to support Monegasque brands while offering international designers and fashion personalities a prestigious platform in the Principality to present their collections and discuss the importance of sustainable and circular fashion.”

Beyond the runway MCFW 2025 will mark the 10th edition of the event’s Fashion Awards which champion designers and professionals for their contributions to ethical and innovative fashion. The event will also feature a Fashion Hub with presentations, discussions and a fashion symposium.

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Tatiana Casiraghi and daughter star in Muzungu Sisters’ new ethical fashion campaign

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Monte-Carlo Fashion Week

Where architectural precision meets artistic expression: Monaco unveils new Hubert Clerissi exhibition

by: Niki Borisova
21/02/2025

A new exhibition in Monaco explores the evolution of Monegasque artist Hubert Clerissi, a man first inspired by the precision of architectural drawings and later by the freedom of artistic expression.

Monaco Life attended the exhibition’s press unveiling on 19th February, ahead of the public opening of Hubert Clerissi – Espaces ciselés at the Salle d’Exposition du Quai Antoine 1er. The exhibition, which runs from 20th February to 12th March, is being supported by the Mairie de Monaco and organised in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Pavillon Bosio – École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques. Nadia Omiecinski and Philippe Clerissi, the children of Hubert Clerissi, were present at the press review, offering insights into their father’s artistic journey and legacy.

The retrospective traces the artistic evolution of Hubert Clerissi (1923-2000), reflecting his transition from architectural precision to expressive freedom. His background in architecture, shaped by his father Étienne Clerissi, a practising architect and artist, initially influenced his structured approach. However, over time, he moved away from rigid frameworks, using line as a means of expression rather than mere technical construction. His urban landscapes balance architectural order with spontaneity, while his watercolours capture movement and fragility.

The team behind the Hubert Clerissi – Espaces ciselés exhibition. Photo supplied

Clerissi’s work draws inspiration from artists such as Utrillo, Dufy and Buffet, blending different techniques to experiment with texture and spontaneity. His signature incisive lines fragment and structure his compositions, reflecting both a fascination with urban spaces and an ongoing exploration of his artistic identity.

The exhibition is presented in partnership with the post-Master’s programme Décors at Pavillon Bosio, which supports emerging professionals in scenography through paid commissions from cultural institutions. The scenography, designed by Maria Magdalena David and Illona Rougemond-Mosconi, integrates thematic elements reflecting Clerissi’s artistic approach, with the exhibition space structured as a visual journey through his career. Leah Friedman, an artist-scenographer and former Pavillon Bosio student, serves as the exhibition’s curator, while its artistic direction is overseen by Nadia Omiecinski.

Speaking to Monaco Life, Omiecinski, who is also Clerissi’s daughter, shared, “I am so proud and happy… This scenography and curation have given a fresh, youthful perspective to Clerissi’s creations, bringing his work to life in a new way.”

In addition to the exhibition, free workshops will be held on-site for children and adults between 20th February and 12th March. These include creative sessions such as Des lignes en folie / ou les cactées for young children and Voyager à travers les perspectives for older participants, offering a hands-on exploration of Clerissi’s techniques.

See more from the press review in this Monaco Life reel:

Read related:

February at the Médiathèque de Monaco: music, films, workshops and more

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 Photos supplied

*Adapted from an article originally published on 12th February 2025

Interview: Monaco-based icon Victoria Silvstedt set for musical comeback with Eurovision bid

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/02/2025

Swedish model, actress and singer Victoria Silvstedt is set to make her musical debut in Melodifestivalen 2025 with the song ‘Love It!’, aiming to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest. The track, penned by renowned songwriters Jimmy Jansson and Thomas G:son, is scheduled for release on 28th February, just hours before her performance in the competition’s fifth heat on 1st March in Jönköping.

Melodifestivalen 2025 features five heats and a final, with two songs from each heat advancing directly and a final qualification round determining the last two spots. The competition began on 1st February in Luleå, with Victoria Silvstedt scheduled to compete in Heat 5 on 1st March in Jönköping at Husqvarna Garden. The final takes place on 8th March in Stockholm at Strawberry Arena, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent Sweden at Eurovision 2025. 

Reflecting on her journey, Silvstedt told Monaco Life, “Last summer, I was working with Jimmy Jansson and Thomas G:son, who were writing songs specifically for Eurovision.” Initially, she hadn’t considered participating, but one song resonated deeply with her. “It just clicked—I loved it.”

Embracing new challenges has been a consistent theme in Silvstedt’s career. “I love challenges.  I’ve always been like this—it keeps me motivated and stimulated,” she said. Collaborating with esteemed songwriters like Jimmy Jansson and Thomas G:son, known for their work on Loreen’s Eurovision-winning ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Tattoo’, has been particularly special. “When they came to me with this song, I felt honoured. I couldn’t say no!”

Meanwhile, her selection for Melodifestivalen came as a pleasant surprise. “About two weeks later, they told me I had been selected out of thousands of entries to be in the top 30,” she told Monaco Life. While advancing to Eurovision isn’t guaranteed, Silvstedt remains enthusiastic: “Even if I don’t make it to Eurovision, I’ll still have a great song out, which is amazing.”

Victoria Silvstedt ventured into music with her 1999 pop album Girl on the Run, which achieved gold status in Sweden. The album featured singles like ‘Hello Hey’, ‘Rocksteady Love’ (featuring Turbo B), and ‘Party Line’. In 2010, she released a cover of Whigfield’s ‘Saturday Night’.

Still, preparing for the Melodifestivalen performance has been a significant undertaking for the Monaco resident. “This is a big challenge—there’s choreography, four male dancers—it’s three minutes of intense performance,” she explained. The prospect of performing in her homeland adds to the anticipation. “Performing in Sweden, my home country, makes it even more nerve-wracking. I have family, friends, and Swedish fans watching.”

Silvstedt also highlighted the comprehensive nature of the competition. “It’s not just about having a good voice—it’s the whole show, the performance, the visuals, everything,” she noted. The initial selection involved a jury, but moving forward, public voting will determine the outcome. “Now, it’s purely up to the public,” she said.

Sweden boasts a storied history in Eurovision, with seven victories to date. Notable winners include ABBA’s ‘Waterloo’ in 1974 and Loreen’s ‘Euphoria’ in 2012 and ‘Tattoo’ in 2023. This year, the Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland, with the grand final set for 17th May at St. Jakobshalle.

As anticipation builds, Silvstedt remains focused on delivering a memorable performance, while fans will be eagerly awaiting the release of ‘Love It!’ on 28th February.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Main image provided

 

Explained: How does France’s SignalConso platform for disputes work?

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/02/2025

In an era where consumers need more protection than ever—whether from malicious marketing tactics or fraudulent retailers—France’s SignalConso platform has been a lifeline for those needing assistance with purchase- or service-related issues, both online and in-store. This government-created platform also has an English-language version, widening access for those whose French skills may not be up to the task.

Late deliveries, misleading promotions, hidden fees… nearly everyone has dealt with frustrating issues related to goods or services they have purchased at some point.

Since 2020, reporting such issues has been made easy with SignalConso, a platform backed by the Directorate General for Consumer Affairs, Competition and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) that protects French consumers’ rights. Over one million reports have been filed via the platform since its inception, and the service is now continuing to expand its reach through its mobile application, ensuring that users can take action anytime, anywhere.

SignalConso, which is free and accessible to all, is available in both French and English. It empowers consumers to report issues directly to businesses, facilitating dialogue and encouraging resolution without the need for legal action. Whether it’s a store refusing to honour a warranty or an online retailer failing to deliver on time, SignalConso provides a straightforward way to seek redress.

One of the standout features of both the platform and app is its integration with CallbackConso, a hazard alert system for recalled products. By selecting categories of interest, like food, electronics or sports equipment, users can receive real-time notifications about product recalls, ensuring their safety and well-being.

How it works

Using SignalConso is as simple as downloading the app, which is available on both the App Store and Google Play. The user selects a problem category—such as internet purchases, fraud, misleading advertising or banking issues—answers a few guided questions and then submits a report.

Consumers can choose to remain anonymous or allow businesses to contact them directly to resolve the issue. Once a report is filed, businesses are required to respond by indicating their plan of action, which may include issuing a refund or replacing a faulty product. The complainant can then confirm whether the issue has been satisfactorily resolved.

For businesses, SignalConso serves as an opportunity to manage customer issues efficiently and prevent negative online reviews. More than 100,000 companies are registered on the platform, and statistics show that 85% respond to reports within an average of 12 days. With over 300,000 disputes resolved through the platform, SignalConso is proving to be a valuable tool for consumer-business relations.

For more information on the SignalConso app, including the full list of goods and services it covers, click here.

Read related:

PFAS: EU pushes for ban on forever chemicals in consumer products

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Mart Productions, Pexels

Monaco Energy Boat Challenge returns with more than 40 international teams and new AI class

by: Niki Borisova
20/02/2025

Over 40 teams from around the world are set to compete in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge at the Yacht Club de Monaco this summer, an event that will showcase marine sector innovations in AI, alternative fuels and zero-emission propulsion.

The 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is set to take place in July 2025, with applications now confirmed in the Energy, AI and SeaLab classes. Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event will shine a spotlight on an array of advances in sustainable maritime technology.

More than 40 teams from 20 countries have already registered for the event, and major industry players such as Monaco Marine, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo and Lürssen are among the companies involved.

Industry and innovation

Beyond the competition, the event seeks to facilitate collaboration between industry and academia. In 2025, SBM Offshore is increasing its involvement by joining the Corporate Mentoring Programme, supporting first-time participants from the University of Cambridge and the Université Technique de Nantes. The Monaco-based company is providing access to equipment and expertise in fields such as hydrogen technology, assisting students through technical inspections and development phases.

Another key initiative is the Job Forum, which connects students with potential employers. In 2024, 90 interviews were conducted as part of the event, offering students exciting opportunities for internships and entry-level positions in the maritime industry.

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has also established itself as a platform for discussions on the future of sustainable yachting. The 2025 edition will feature two key conferences, starting with the Advanced Yachting Technology Conference on 3rd July, which will present an overview of innovations in sustainable maritime technology.

The following day, the sixth Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels Conference, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Energy Transition Mission and the Yacht Club de Monaco, will examine progress in alternative energy solutions, with a focus on hydrogen.

Advancing clean maritime technology

The competition itself will feature four categories, with the newly introduced AI Class being a notable addition in 2025. This category will explore the application of artificial intelligence in navigation and energy management, with nine teams already confirmed, many of whom have transitioned from the long-running Solar Class.

The Energy Class, which was introduced in 2018, will continue to challenge teams to integrate new propulsion technologies into a standard hull. This year, 21 teams from 14 countries will compete, including returning participants such as Elettra UniGe from the Università di Genova, as well as newcomers such as the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, the Sambuk Racing team from Qatar University and DTU Float Forward from Denmark.

The SeaLab Class will bring together prototype vessels up to 12 metres in length that incorporate alternative energy sources such as green methanol, with one of the eight participating teams representing South Korea, a first-time entrant in the competition. The Open Sea Class, which is open to industry professionals, will present CE-certified zero-emission prototypes of up to 25 metres, with a focus on speed trials rather than endurance-based competition.

Finally, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will once again present the Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, which offers a €25,000 prize for the most innovative project in terms of energy efficiency or carbon reduction.

Read related:

YCM inaugurates green hydrogen pontoon, plunging further into sustainable yachting

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: Yacht Club de Monaco

France becomes second EU nation to ban disposable e-cigarettes

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/02/2025
france e-cigarettes

In a landmark decision, France has officially banned the sale, manufacture and distribution of disposable electronic cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs,” becoming only the second EU nation to do so. The ban, driven by both health and environmental concerns, has gone into effect immediately.

The disposable e-cigarettes, known for their sweet flavours, colourful designs and ease of use, have been officially outlawed in France. The country follows in the footsteps of Belgium, which introduced a similar ban on 1st January 2025.

Often marketed as a less dangerous alternative to traditional smoking, products like puffs are nonetheless highly addictive due to their high nicotine content and have proved worryingly popular with adolescents. Moreover, the long-term health effects of inhaling vaporised substances remain uncertain due to limited scientific research.

Beyond the health risks, these disposable e-cigarettes pose a significant environmental threat. Designed for single use, with anything from 200 to 700 puffs depending on the product, they are made from plastic, heavy metals and lithium batteries, making them difficult to recycle. As a consequence, puffs often end up as hazardous waste.

Millions of puffs are improperly discarded each year, contributing to soil and water pollution. By banning these devices, France aims to reduce their ecological footprint and promote more sustainable consumption habits.

The bill to ban puffs, championed by rapporteur MPs Khalifé Khalife and Michel Lauzzana, is part of the National Tobacco Control Programme 2023-2027. The measure gained unanimous support in both the National Assembly and the Senate, highlighting a rare instance of a united front from all parties.

Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Labour, Health, Solidarity and Families, welcomed the decision, stating, “I am delighted with the unanimous adoption of this ban by Parliament, which I had committed to in January 2024. This vote demonstrates a collective awareness of the danger that puffs represent for our children and adolescents. These products too often trap young people in an initial use that can lead to smoking. It is a common sense and responsible measure to protect their health and support families in preventing addictive behaviour.”

France already has strict regulations on vaping. Sales to minors are prohibited, nicotine content is capped at 20 mg/ml and advertising is heavily restricted. With this new ban, authorities will be able to extend their oversight. The General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) will be responsible for ensuring compliance and imposing sanctions on violators.

As France takes this decisive step, the vaping industry will need to adapt to the changing regulatory landscape. This ban sends a strong message about the government’s dedication to safeguarding public health and protecting the environment, setting a precedent for future laws in these arenas.

Read related:

Monaco’s teens are ditching cigarettes and alcohol but binge on screen time

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Romain B., Unsplash