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Profile: Personal stylist StyleMeBella

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/11/2021

One of Monaco’s most stylish personalities Isabella Marino gives us her hot tips on this year’s fashion trends and advice on how to achieve the perfect look.
Monaco Life: Can you tell us about your fashion qualifications?
Isabella: I have a fashion degree from the Instituto Marangoni in Milan, one of the major fashion schools in the world, and my aim was to become a fashion buyer. As it happened, Cartier offered me work in retail, and now I am working within the real estate retail market, finding stores for luxury brands.
For the past three or four years, I have been advising friends and family on fashion, style and beauty, and I have been building my profile on Instagram, Stylemebella. I offer a full service – from personal shopping and styling, to where to get your hair done.
When you are styling someone, what aspects do you focus on?
Firstly, I need to get to know the person, because it’s all about personality. Then I want to understand what they feel comfortable in, what part/s of their body they are self-conscious about.
Then I take into consideration what their budget is, because not everyone wants to spend a lot of money.
So, I consider the total look – hair, make-up, skin care, clothes, body shape… If they have beautiful legs, for example, I would go for a short dress. But it is always about balance, so if you’re wearing a short dress, you never show cleavage, and be sure to cover your arms. I always try to style in the classic look.
I am also all about the feel of things – the touch, the material… it doesn’t have to be expensive, what’s most important is the cut.
For my body shape, for example, I always buy Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent because I like to emphasise my waist, legs and shoulders.
What are your favourite pieces to keep in the wardrobe?
I love the so-called “passe-partout” outfits. When travelling, we don’t always know if we are going somewhere elegant, or out to dinner straight after a walk in town, so I love outfits that are suitable for day and evening. Two-piece combinations are the best as you can mix and match them depending on the occasion.
Personally, I love jackets and blazers, because they are elegant for any age and you can wear them in spring, autumn and winter. They can be professional, rocky or sophisticated depending on what you match them with. Blazers are very important pieces, something that you should always invest more money in. Quality and fit are essential.
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What makes you different from other stylists?
I always respect my client’s budget, trying to find the best value for money, opting for high-end classics or iconic pieces that are timeless and that you can mix and match. I can comfortably make the decision that, although a piece is beautiful, it is not worth the money. You don’t have to spend huge amounts of money, it’s all about buying the right pieces.
I love accessories. It’s so fun to play with hats, belts, chains, gloves, sunglasses and jewellery. They can transform a boring, simple outfit into a fashionable look.
Coming from the jewellery business, I also help my clients find specific jewellery and watches.
I also buy a lot online, and sometimes there are pieces that you can only find online. I actually spend a lot of time searching for pieces this way and it also helps me to compare prices and what’s on the market.
What are your “no-no” pieces?
Tight and low-rise pants – low-rise pants should be either flared or wide straight leg, but never tight and low rise; most ballerinas, with some exceptions; very high platform heels on very tall women with short skirts; and short dresses with decolleté (low plunging neck line).
What are you looking for in a brand?
I love to look at emerging brands for younger clients. Obviously, when you are an emerging brand, you can’t produce the same quantity so it becomes more expensive, but the key is to find the right brands, fun emerging brands, that are actually more accessible for the trendy woman.
My favourite established brands are Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent.
What are your favourite cities to shop in?
I travel a lot and, personally, I love London because it has a very good selection of different brands, it’s more fun. They have everything from European luxury designers to more accessible emerging brands.
Paris is good for vintage. I love to mix vintage pieces – jewellery, gold chains and belts, specifically Chanel, Christian Dior, and Dior vintage jewellery. The weight and material of all the accessories today is completely different so I love to go to Paris in Saint Germain and the 8th arrondissement.
I like big statement pieces, you can mix it up with anything – jeans, white t shirt and a nice vintage belt or Chanel chain, and the look is done.
My favourite place to shop in Monaco is Le Dressing.
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What did you think of Paris Fashion Week recently?
This year’s Paris Fashion Week was exceptional. It was like the rebirth of Paris after the Gilets Jaunes (yellow vests) protests and the Covid pandemic. The mood was exploding. There were a lot of people in the fashion industry from all over the world, and a lot of positivity. I must say I was impressed by Yves Saint Laurent, they did a very good show this year – maybe because I am a big lover of the 80s.
I also loved Alexander McQueen’s show. Elements were depicted throughout the collection, from dreamlike cloud prints to clothes inspired by the unpredictability of storm chasing, and variations on the glittering night sky.
But I have to say this was the best Paris Fashion Week for a long time. I think the fashion industry, the luxury industry in general, is exploding now after Covid, and seeing Paris come back to life, doing what it does best – fashion – is amazing.
What would you say is trending this year in autumn/winter fashion?
The mood is optimistic. Ladies, the future’s looking bright. Trending pieces – cropped jackets and tops; opulence – glimmering but covered up; bright colours; tailored, oversized blazers; luxury knitwear – comfortable, cosy, oversized; and puffer coats and jackets.
I actually love the Chanel collection that is out right now for autumn/winter. Is very colourful with high waisted pants, crop tops, chain belts and shoulder pads… nothing minimalistic.
Fashion always reflects what is happening in the world, and I think that everyone is trying to be positive heading into winter, even the fashion industry.
 
 

“We know we’re capable of doing better”

by: Luke Entwistle
05/11/2021

Despite a flurry of second-half chances, AS Monaco were held to a goalless draw by PSV Eindhoven at the Stade Louis II. However, results elsewhere kept Kovac’s men top of their Europa League group.
ASM started sloppily and slowly, unable to build any attacking momentum, and despite the threat posed by PSV’s Vertessen in particular, whose bursting runs drew fouls in dangerous areas, ASM were nonetheless defensively solid.
Monaco, usually quick and dynamic on the break, failed to execute their counter-attacks against an attacking PSV, often breaking down through sloppy passing, miscommunications, or a general lack of desire to commit to the attack, preferring instead to retain possession.
The lack of energy on the pitch translated to the stands. As the half-time whistle blew, the ASM players trudged back to the dressing rooms amidst silence, neither applause nor boos from the stands, just a general apathy towards the performance.
Clearly similarly discontent with his side’s first-half performance, Kovac wrung the changes at half-time; on came Golovin, Diop and Sidibe to provide extra attacking impetus. As well as making a triple change, Kovac also gave an insight into his half-time team-talk. “Sometimes one must wake the players up. Today I was maybe a bit louder than usual.”
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Kovac’s words and actions had the desired effect. ASM came out a lot more lively in the second-half, and looked the more dangerous side. Golovin, still building up his fitness following injury, added extra flair and creativity, whilst ASM were also grateful for Diop’s direct running.
Almost immediately after the break, Boadu had a gilt-edged opportunity to open the scoring, having found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but his attempt to round the PSV keeper was foiled. Boadu was played in once more just moments later, but poor control meant the chance went begging.
The best chance of the night fell to Tchouaméni, whose header was spectacularly cleared off the line by PSV defender Ramalho. The score therefore remained 0-0, and that is how it finished. Real Sociedad’s draw at home against Sturm Graz ensured that Kovac’s men remained top of their Europa group with two games remaining.
During the post-match press conference, Nico Kovac, when questioned by Monaco Life about Golovin’s fitness and impact from the bench said, “We must increase his workload. He needs game-time, and little by little he will re-find his rhythm, and we will see the ‘Golo’ of last season.”
Kovac also said that he was encouraged by his side’s second-half display. “My team wanted to win, but my feeling is that we were sometimes a bit restless, not too confident. In the second-half it was much better, we tried a lot more.” Although happy with the draw, Kovac also called for improvements. “I am happy with the point, but we know we’re capable of doing better.”
Kovac’s men have the opportunity to get back to winning ways with a trip to Reims on Sunday.
 
Photo source: AS Monaco
 
 

Supporting a circular economy this Christmas

by: Stephanie Horsman
04/11/2021

Carlo, the payment app that rewards buyers for local purchases, will be again offering gift vouchers to employers who wish to give their workers an end of year treat this holiday season.

Launched in 2019, local app Carlo has been a huge success story. The app, which allows people to purchase goods from 317 local businesses with their smartphone while giving them 5% cash back on their purchases, has provided Covid-wrecked businesses a boost whilst giving savvy consumers a chance to save and spend on things they would be buying anyway.

Last year, Carlo went the extra mile, offering local companies and employers the possibility to give gift vouchers to their employees for a holiday bonus or as a special indulgence. The government was amongst the first to jump on this and in the end gave out roughly 10,000 vouchers to civil servants, state and municipal workers, non-medical staff at Princess Grace hospital and retired civil service workers. A selection of local vendors soon followed suit.

The programme was so popular that Carlo has brought gift vouchers back for the 2021 holiday season.

The app, which boasts 21,000 users, has processed almost €13 million in transactions since inception. These purchases have generated €900,000 in customer rewards and are hugely beneficial to the local economy as the cash back rewards are spent in other local businesses, which generates more consumer awards, creating a circular system good for both purchaser and seller.

Since the launch, over €2 million in VAT has been earned by these transactions making it good for the government as well.

Outside the gift voucher programme, the app has taken on a life of its own with consumers using the app independently. In September 2021 alone, there were 450 daily transactions using Carlo, representing 70% of all active users.

Personal data collected at registration is stored in accordance with the law using the latest technology and transactions are made through Lemonway, an ACPR-Banque of France approved institution. The QR code system means that purchases are practical, fast and safe.

Carlo has been refining its functionalities since its introduction and now boasts features such as bill sharing, digital marketing, improved interfacing and partner showcasing.

 
 
 

COP26 deal making coal redundant

by: Stephanie Horsman
04/11/2021

In a stunning concession, a new deal forged at the COP26 summit has seen 190 countries and organisations pledge to phase out coal-fuelled power generation as well as refraining from building new plants in the coming decades.
Once a staple for energy production, coal’s reputation has taken a serious hit in recent years. The COP26 has taken direct aim at this hugely polluting fossil fuel source, citing it as the single biggest contributor to climate change and in the process has gained pledges from more than 40 nations and dozens of organisations to start shifting away from its use.
Top coal-using countries such as Chile, Vietnam and Poland have all signed on to the pact, as have several major banks who have agreed to discontinue financing the coal industry.
Signatories have agreed to end all new investment in the industry both at home and abroad. Developed nations have said they will no longer use coal as a power source from the 2030s, and developing countries have stated they will be done with coal in the 2040s.
“The end of coal is in sight,” UK Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said at the climate summit in Glasgow. “The world is moving in the right direction, standing ready to seal coal’s fate and embrace the environmental and economic benefits of building a future that is powered by clean energy.”
Separately, an international campaign aimed at phasing out the fuel called the Powering Past Coal Alliance said it had garnered 28 new members, including Ukraine who pledged to quit coal dependency by 2035. Coal produced about a third of Ukraine’s power last year.
Gains in ending coal use have been made in recent years, but it still produced around 37% of the world’s electricity in 2019. In order to make the shift to stay in accord with the pledge, major investment in heavy coal-using nations will be needed to make their energy sectors cleaner. The UK and the USA announced an $8.5 billion (€7.36 billion) partnership with South Africa on Tuesday to help them phase out coal faster, but more will be needed to assist other nations struggling to make the switch.
This big step forward has been marred slightly by the fact that some of the planet’s biggest coal users, Australia, China, the US and India, have not signed on. China, though, has conceded it would stop funding non-domestic coal plants, though internal projects were not discussed.
Countries such as the UK, Ireland and Germany have spent the last few decades transitioning from coal power to other cleaner forms, giving them a significant leg up.
 
 
 

Prince Albert: “We are not up to the climate challenge”

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/11/2021

Prince Albert II of Monaco has addressed the COP26 climate summit, saying that the lack of urgency on climate control issues has been a major disappointment. It comes as world leaders pledge to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.  
Originally delayed due to the pandemic, the COP26 Climate Change Conference is currently underway in Glasgow. On Tuesday, Monaco’s head of state addressed around 120 assembled world leaders, saying that he regretted the fact that countries have not lived up to the commitments set forth by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and that climate change issues are not being progressed fast enough.
“Having the privilege of being one of the oldest participants in these meetings, and consequently of having the memory of many previous COPs, I remember the observations that we shared there, the promises that we made there, hopes that we raised there,” said the Prince. “However, I see today that we are not living up to these promises and these hopes. We are not up to the commitments made in 2015 in Paris during the COP21. We are not up to the climate challenge.”
Prince Albert added that he had hope in the collective ability to make meaningful change, saying, “Thankfully, there is still time to act. There is still time to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a threshold that the IPCC has shown us is a limit. There is still time to develop another energy model, which is the only way to guarantee our common future.”
Prince Albert used the Monegasque model as an example of how small changes can make big differences, highlighting some of the policies and actions the Principality has enacted including the total electrification of the urban public transport network by 2025, ocean energy heating systems, and solar panel installations. “Monaco is fulfilling its share of this communal fight,” he said.

Prince Albert attending the COP26 summit in Galsgow, photo by Photos Gaetan Luci, Prince’s Palace

The European Union and the United States were joined by more than 80 countries in pledging to cut methane emissions, the most potent greenhouse gas, by 30% by 2030.
It is the most significant achievement made thus far at the summit and will have a powerful short-term effect on global warming.
Until recently, the focus has been on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but methane (CH4), which has received little attention until recently, is over 80 times stronger than CO2. Sources of methane emissions come from livestock and open pit coal mines.
The United Nations last month said that methane emissions around the planet could be cut by 20% with little to no cost using practices and technologies already available, and another report from earlier this year stated that “available targeted methane measures” could see methane levels lessened by 45% by 2023.
This alone could cut 0.3º C off projected global warming temperatures, reduce air pollution deaths by 250,000 and increase the world’s crop yield by 26 million tonnes, the UN Environment Programme said.
According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the methane cut would “immediately slow down climate change”, while US President Joe Biden called it a “game-changing commitment.”
Photo by Ivars Utināns

Additionally, over 100 nations have agreed to end deforestation practices by the end of the decade as well. Details on how this will eventuate are few, and environmentalist groups are sceptical about how it will be effectively implemented, but the determination seems sincere with the collective countries making a multi-billion-dollar pledge towards the goal.
A similar vow was made in 2014 in New York, but seven years on, little has been done to stop the progressive destruction of forests. Nearly half the world’s forests have been cut down, and the decimation of the Brazilian Amazon basin continues at an alarming pace under President Jair Bolsonaro.
Despite the challenges, there is hope that this renewed pledge will be different in that it secures the rights of indigenous people and recognises their role as guardians of the forests.
The COP26 summit, which runs from 31st October to 12th November, has brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
While world leaders have now left the summit, high-ranking officials are staying on to discuss and debate more detailed actions and commitments to curb climate change.
 
 
Top photo by Gaetan Luci, Prince’s Palace
 
 

Monaco start-up secures €3.7 million in funding

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/11/2021

Monaco start-up YouStock has reached a major milestone with three major new investors, giving them the capital to expand not only in France, but also internationally.

Founded in 2015, YouStock, the Monaco company that packs, moves and stores household goods and furniture at a reasonable price, has had a meteoric rise. Just two years into operations, the start-up attracted the attention of business incubator MonacoTech, and now they have secured funds from three new investors which will allow them to grow ever faster.

Amavi Capital, a fund specialising in European PropTech, the la Région Sud Investissement and business angel Jean-Luc Haddad, founder and president of Grospiron International, have joined forces with YouStock, investing €3.7 million in the company.

This injection of capital will allow YouStock, which has operations in Nice and Paris as well as the Principality, to continue their national expansion plans to Lyon by the end of 2022, with another to-be-determined European capital set to be established in early 2023.

“Ever since its launch, we’ve been impressed by the digital platform developed by the

YouStock team, as well as the growth they’ve generated,” said Frederic Van den Weghe, Managing Partner at Amavi Capital. “Supporting YouStock in their

ambitions to grow in France and in Europe is perfectly in line with the PropTech focus of our investment strategy. YouStock revolutionises the way you can manage your belongings on demand, short or longer term, and at a very competitive rate. All on an intuitive digital platform.”

YouStock Co-Founders Alexis Bouresche and Pierre Charvet found a hole in the self-storage market and went about plugging it. The logistics and costs of storing furniture and household items were often prohibitive for people, and the idea stemmed from these constraints.

You Stock’s guiding principles offer solutions by giving customers reasonable pricing, up to 40% less than other self-storage facilities, and customised service that allows clients to directly manage the organisation of their storage online with a QR coded inventory system. This feature means that select items can be delivered back to customer’s homes within a 48-hour time period at the click of a button.  

The company has seen phenomenal growth, boasting a clientele of 1,200, a 90% rise since 2020, and they even managed to thrive during lockdown.

YouStock has also chosen its locations wisely, with the Paris opening being a massive success due to rising rent prices forcing people into smaller flats. This has led to the need for cost-effective solutions for off-site safeguarding of personal belongings.

“Our success in Paris, Monaco and Nice confirms the relevance of a service like YouStock in big cities,” said CEO Alexis Bouresche. “By offering city dwellers the fairest, simplest, and most affordable model, we aspire to quickly become a key player. This raising of capital offers a real opportunity for us to gain a foothold throughout France over the next few months.”

YouStock’s goal is now to go beyond France’s borders and cover the whole of Europe.