7 ° C
Profile

Tag: monaco

Monaco schools in the digital age

by: Stephanie Horsman
10/12/2021

Monaco schools are now benefiting from several ways to stay competitive in today’s world, including primary school computer programming courses and laptops with touchscreen capabilities for older kids.
A study by the Institute for the Future and Dell Computers estimates that an astounding 85% of jobs that will be available in 2030 have not even been created yet.
Such is the digital world we live in now, and as part of Computer Science Week, schools in the Principality are preparing children to face this new world with confidence, thanks to programmes being implemented under the Extended Monaco umbrella.
“The quality of the Monegasque education system is a priority for government action. In the era of the digital revolution, we have a duty to prepare the new generations for the challenges of tomorrow’s world, but also to help them understand new technologies in order to maintain control,” said Christophe Prat, Director General of the Department of the Interior.
The Extended Monaco programme has put into action several concrete plans for the digitisation of schools, such as implementing programming courses from primary school, signing a partnership with the American association code.org, offering learning tools like laptops to teachers and students under the Digital College initiative, and opening the EduLab space at Charles III College in 2019.
Located underneath the Department of Education, Youth and Sport, EduLab offers a 200 m² space where teachers can obtain training from experts in digital technology and experiment with innovative digital tools like virtual reality headsets, the latest laptops, educational robots, and the like.
Under the Digital College plan, 1,200 laptops have been distributed since 2020 with all the software and associated textbooks chosen by educators. The initiative is meant to promote educational creativity and better student learning, as well as ensuring continuity outside the class and enabling children to remain constantly exposed to digital advances.
The pandemic and associated lockdown periods also showed the sense in using technology in daily life, as remote schooling became a necessity. Now that teachers and students are used to the systems, it is possible for students who are ill or otherwise unable to attend school for periods of time to continue learning along with their peers. It also allows parents greater access to homework assignments and progress without the need for constant face-to-face meetings with teachers.
“Children and parents today expect the same services in education as they benefit from in their daily life: consulting online notes, homework or schedule changes, discussing remotely with the teacher, completing online processes … With digital technology, we can respond effectively to the educational needs of students and facilitate the personalisation of learning paths,” says Commissioner General in charge of the Directorate of National Education, Youth and Sports, Isabelle Bonnal.
Training has also been at the heart of this revolution. All high school students receive six hours of digital literacy training each week. The teaching teams are also supported by experts to make the best use of these tools, for the benefit of student success.
Thanks to EduLab, the faculty has access to innovative tools such as virtual reality headsets, touch screens, educational robots or 3D printers. Digital technology also helps foster the involvement of parents, notably through the establishment of dedicated webinars and virtual guides.
“The education system must be in line with the challenges of the world of work of tomorrow. To develop a strong and attractive economy in the coming years, we need trained youth, open to the outside world and familiar with new technologies,” said Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate in charge of Digital Transition.
Admin has also been made easier, as parents now have the option to enrol their children in school online as well as pay for canteen digitally. These procedures are available on the new public service portal MonGuichet.mc.
Students of the Monaco Technical and Hotel Lycée will be equipped with personal computers next year. In 2022, the training for students will also be expanded, with more hours of learning provided, but they will also receive a societal approach to help them better understand their future in a world that has become resolutely digital.
 
 
 
Photo by Michael Alesi, Government Communication Department
 
 
 

Monaco Experiences: Spa Metropole by Givenchy

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/12/2021

Whether it’s a luxurious rejuvenation for the festive season, a thoughtful gift for Christmas, or a New Year detox, Spa Metropole by Givenchy offers an oasis in the heart of Monte-Carlo, where fashion house chic meets mind and body revival.

With an elegant interior designed by Didier Gomez, Spa Metropole by Givenchy reflects the House’s sophistication and modernity in every detail.

From the gilded reception room and white marble floors, to illuminated forest prints and glass lamps softly lighting the hallways, the ambiance here is contemporary and calm.

Spa Metropole by Givenchy was designed by Didier Gomez, whose clients include Yves Saint-Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.

Exclusive treatments

The spa offers an extensive list of treatments, including the signature Metropole Le Soin Noir by Givenchy, a 90-minute face and body custom-tailored treatment.

The anti-jetlag body massage and facial treatment is a must for busy travellers, while the anti-fatigue and radiance treatment is perfect for this month’s demanding social calendar.

I tried Glam Up by Givenchy, a unique creation combining relaxation and beauty. After selecting a scent, specially crafted by Givenchy to help guide clients to the realm of relaxation, I was treated to a therapeutic back massage to refocus my mind and shed the stress of daily life. It continued with an exclusive treatment for the eye area with the application of the Le Soin Noir lace mask, a unique formula that promises to produce instant visible results.

Clients have access to an array of Givenchy beauty products at the spa

Maison Givenchy make-up

As the name suggests, Glam Up by Givenchy finishes with a make-up ritual, giving guests the opportunity to get creative with the colours and textures of Maison Givenchy.

Given the health restrictions, guests will enjoy the single or couple suites with private steam room and bath, while the post-treatment space offers full relaxation with snacks and healthy juices.

Relaxation room at the Spa Metropole by Givenchy

Long list of treatments available

Linda, my aesthetician, was incredibly skilled in all three processes, and this, I later learned, is the result of a dedicated training regimen and skill renewal program that Givenchy provides its staff.

Overall, the 105-minute spa package for 310€ was everything that it promised to be, and more. For those who wish to give a gift of pampering this Christmas, it also comes with a special treat.

The list of treatments is extensive at Spa Metropole by Givenchy, and features everything from pedicures and manicures, to yoga, swimming and a fitness studio.

Spa Metropole by Givenchy at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo opened late 2019

Attention to detail

In addition to feeling fully rejuvenated and ready to take on the world, I was particularly impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail here. Even from behind masks, the staff exuded warmth, charm and talent, making my experience at the Spa Metropole by Givenchy truly luxurious and unique.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Monaco Life (@monacolife_)

Photos in article by Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo

HOFA comes to Monaco  

by: Stephanie Horsman
08/12/2021

House of Fine Art and Rainbow Art and Design are hosting an ongoing exhibition at the YellowKorner gallery in Monaco, featuring well-known artists such as Damien Hirst. Zhuang Hong Yi and Bran Symondson.
Looking for a fun and fabulous gift or something incredible to add to an art collection? Look no further than YellowKorner in Monaco where some off-beat contemporary art is up for grabs by some of today’s best-known artists.
The exhibit, a collaboration between House of Fine Art (HOFA) and Rainbow Art and Design, came about as a result of HOFA’s interest in finding a foot hold in the Monaco market. The two entities recently held a pop-up event that sparked a lot of interest, cementing the two as synergistically compatible.
The kick-off to the collaboration was a glamorous cocktail event held during the week of the Monaco Yacht Show in September. The event was well attended by a number personalities including Leonidas and Iro Kambanis, Konstantinos Tsouvelekakis, Rita and Stavros Xenakis, S. Vuckovic, Irene Mayer, Anna Vissi, and Monaco Life publisher Eric Brundage.

Leonidas & Iro Kambanis, Konstantinos Tsouvelekakis, Rita & Stavros Xenakis, S. Vuckovic, Irene Mayer

Some of the highlights of the collaboration include Bran Symondson’s ‘Beat of a Wing Draco’, ‘Mini Flowerbed’ by Zhuang Hong Yi and ‘Untitled’, a 2009 piece by Damien Hirst.
Other featured artists include Mary Ronayne, Daniel Arsham, Robert Longo, and Florian Eymann.
HOFA specialises in contemporary art by established and emerging international artists and features a multitude of artistic disciplines with an intent focus on exceptional talent, diversity and cultural relevance. The gallery represents acclaimed painters, sculptors, photographers, and multidisciplinary artists from all over the world including those from China, Korea, America, Italy, France, Argentina and Australia.
Since its inception in 2012, HOFA Gallery has provided government institutions, museums, art galleries and private collectors access to some of the most sought after and collectable works of contemporary art.
YellowKorner Gallery is located at 1 Avenue Henry Dunant and their website is www.rainbow-art-design.mcfor more information.
 
Click on the images below for more pictures from the cocktail event at YellowKorner…

 

MAC Christmas gala unites ambassadors for magical evening

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/12/2021

The Hôtel de Paris came alive with the spirit of Christmas on Saturday night as the Monaco Ambassadors Club, in partnership with Monaco Life, hosted the annual Christmas gala for members and guests.
The Monaco Ambassadors Club (MAC) set the festive scene with sparkling firs, a “snow covered” love seat, candles, and giant decorations, transporting guests to a winter wonderland complete with gospel singers.

The Shiny Gospels performing on Saturday evening at the Hôtel de Paris

As Christmas carols filled the magical Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris, around 100 MAC members and guests enjoyed a seated dinner and entertainment, adhering to all current health restrictions, with the beautiful, illuminated Casino Square as a backdrop.
Atop a golden music box, a ballerina moved to the sounds of Alexandra Miller.
A giant music box featuring a real ballerina was a highlight of the night

“It is at this time of year when coming together as a club is so important, reflecting on the year past and spreading good cheer and season spirit for the year to come,” says MAC President Christian Moore.
“We aimed to create a magical evening as an end-of-year party and I believe we accomplished just that, despite the current situation the world finds itself in. With this year ending, the MAC is coming back stronger than ever next year with many new events in the calendar, and we look forward to welcoming new members and new horizons.”
Monaco Life Publisher Eric Brundage (left) with MAC President Christian Moore and Board member Mark Sandel. Photo by Yvan Grubski

“It is a privilege to be a member and media partner of the Monaco Ambassador’s Club, and we had a great time being part of an evening that brought some holiday cheer to the members,” adds Monaco Life Publisher Eric Brundage. “The room was beautifully styled, and the music was perfect. The MAC team truly outdid themselves.”
The magical Salle Empire at the Hôtel de Paris overlooking Casino Square

The Monaco Ambassadors Club was founded in 1973 with the encouragement of Princess Grace of Monaco. Today, its Honorary President is HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, and the club brings together those who wish to actively promote Monaco’s international reputation. Members come from various sectors of the Principality, including government, the diplomatic and consular corps, as well as renowned public figures, multinationals and HNWIs.
 
Click on the gallery below to see more images from the Monaco Ambassadors Club Christmas party…
 

 
All photos by Yvan Grubski 
 
 

Karl Lagerfeld fans battle it out in “explosive” Monaco auction

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/12/2021

The atmosphere was “electric” at the Karl Lagerfeld estate auction hosted in Monaco this past weekend, where a total of €12 million was realised, far above the pre-sale high estimate of €3 million.

It was Part One of three auctions to be held by Sotheby’s and it featured 582 lots of 1,000-plus items, an anthology of Karl Lagerfeld’s personal taste as well as his life and career.

The possessions of the iconic designer, who spearheaded the collections of Chanel, Fendi and his own label, came from his homes in Paris, near the French capital, and Monaco.

After months of anticipation, the auction in Monaco and online attracted the attention of more than 1,400 bidders from 58 countries and, according to Vice-President of Sotheby’s France Pierre Mothes, the energy at One-Monte Carlo was infectious.

“This incredible first sale took place in an electric atmosphere throughout the weekend,” said the lead auctioneer. “The explosive auctions are a nod to the global recognition of this designer. The bidders fought to obtain the graphic works of Karl Lagerfeld but also those with which he had chosen to surround himself, as well as many of his memorabilia.”

This set of three Karl Lagerfeld figurines had a high estimate €150, and sold for €1,134. Photo by Monaco Life

Three Rolls Royces, displayed at the Hotel Fairmont Monte-Carlo, soared past their high estimates, selling for a total of €1.18 million. The artworks owned by Lagerfeld were also some of the highest selling items, particularly a portrait of the designer by Takashi Murakami which secured €289,800 – more than double its €120,000 high estimate.

Another portrait by designer Gianni Versace sold for €94,500, while works by Georges Lepape far exceeded expectations, including two drawings estimated at €800, that sold for €56,700.

Salon, circa 1930, attributed to Bruno Paul, high estimate €4,000, sold for €81,900. Photo by Monaco Life

Overall, 96% of lots sold for well above their estimate, like three inspirational scrapbooks Lagerfeld created in the mid-1980s that sold for €151,200 (high estimate €5,000), a 1986 self portrait for €107,250 (high estimate 3,000€) and Choupette’s cat scratcher that sold for more than 10X its €80 high estimate.

Not a single item was left unsold.

Three inspirational “scrapbook”notebooks from the mid-1980s had a high estimate of €5,000, but attracted a top bid of €151,200 on auction day. Photo by Monaco Life

As Pierre Mothes told Monaco Life on Friday, the 2 to 3 million euro auction estimate was a tentative figure and the end result was expected to be higher, but perhaps not this high.

Sotheby’s will hold the Karl Lagerfeld Estate Part II live auction from 14th to 15th December in Paris, while Part III will be online from 6th to 16th December.

Top photo: the Chanel Cruise Trophy, 2010, had a high estimate of €3,000 and sold for €78,120. Photo by Monaco Life 

SEE ALSO:

Video: Karl Lagerfeld estate auction

 

Monaco team secures podium in powerboating championship

by: Luke Entwistle
07/12/2021

Powerboat racers Tomaso Polli and Matteo Nicolini, representing the Principality of Monaco, have piloted ‘Six’ to a well-earned third place in the first round of this season’s XCAT (Extreme Catamaran) series.
The five-day event on the east coast Emirate of Fujairah, held from 30th November to 4th December, marked a significant comeback for Monegasque pilot Polli and Italian Nicolini, as they competed in the powerboat series for the first time since they secured a 12th place finish in 2016. Their high classification was decided over the course of three races, where ‘Six’ picked up fifth, third and second place finishes.
The ‘Six’ team had a shot at victory in the final race on Saturday having qualified on pole, but the Dubai Police team held the inside line going into the first corner and, having pulled off the overtake, went on to control the race in what was a flawless performance from the local team.
Speaking to local media after the third and final race, Polli gave a positive appraisal of his performance: “It was a challenging race. We got pole position and we were very hopeful for the win. We had a great start. But to get second place we are very happy – new team, new boat, so very satisfied.”

Team Six, photo by Flavio Grementieri

Polli, of course, has had a longer break than most, but the series was also heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic – last week’s event was the first since 2019. “It is extremely exciting to be back racing. We have come back into the swing of things very quickly,” he said.
The return of XCAT, the flagship event of one of the most exciting nautical sports with boats surpassing 200 km/h, will bring renewed, global interest in the sport, and hopefully inspire a new generation of drivers.
Monaco, in particular, is not renowned for producing elite level motonautique drivers, but Polli’s brilliant performance for the Monaco based ‘Six’ team, as well as his continued participation in the XCAT series, is sure to heighten the profile of the sport within the Principality.
The final round of this year’s XCAT series begins in Dubai on Thursday, with Polli, Nicolini and all of those involved in the ‘Six’ team hoping to take another step, or two, up the podium.