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Bella’s guide to seasonal bargain shopping

by: Isabella Marino
11/01/2021

The end-of-season sales is definitely my favourite time of the year. I love shopping for beautiful designer items, but I consider myself a real bargain shopper.
After finding the perfect Christmas gifts for everyone else, it is time to put yourself first.
If you love shopping as much as I do, you don’t have to cut shopping out of your life. The trick is to buy smart, timeless pieces with great quality instead of wasting money on useless items during the year. It is all about timing and spotting ‘the pearl’.
The ecosystem is also a very important factor for the fashion industry. Sustainability has recently become a significant new driver in consumers’ purchasing decisions. A drop in demand caused by travel restrictions across the world, store closures and national lockdowns have led to excess inventory. Destroying unsold stock is a widely used but rarely discussed technique that luxury companies perform to maintain the scarcity of their goods and the exclusivity of their brand image. But incineration has some very negative consequences. Burning clothes releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which exacerbates global warming. Incineration of clothes made from synthetic fibres may also release plastic microfibers into the atmosphere.
But after receiving a lot of media criticism, some brands have stopped the practice and are now selling part of the unsold inventory in outlets or discounted in stores during the official sales period.
Most of my favourite brands are offering sales on autumn/winter merchandise and I have selected for you a mix of the best designer items which are on sale right now, as well as high street bargains.
Sales items on display can look messy sometimes, so I have found some amazing pieces for you. But hurry up, they’re selling out fast!
And remember, just because it is marked down doesn’t mean you’re getting a bargain. You need to be aware of what the item usually costs, and buying something that you don’t really need is never a bargain, no matter how discounted the price is.

 

 



 
Instagram: _bella_marino_
 

Government launches Monaco Boost incubator

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/01/2021

Monaco’s entrepreneurial eco-system has received a major “boost” thanks to the opening of another government funded start-up incubator capable of supporting 108 businesses.  
Monaco Boost was officially launched on Wednesday 6th January by Minister of State Pierre Dartout, Finance and Economy Minister Jean Castellini and President of the National Council Stephane Valeri.
Like its sister incubator MonacoTech created in 2017, Monaco Boost is able to provide office space to start-ups looking to get established and register as a company in the Principality.
“I welcome the implementation of this tool available to Monaco’s entrepreneurs who create and innovate, and which will be used to promote economic initiatives in the Principality,” said the minister of state.
Monaco Boost is located in zone F of Fontvieille and is 100% owned by the State, with Laurence Garino, head of the Monaco Welcome Office, taking on the position of administrator.

Photo by Michael Alesi – Government Communication Department

The 1,200 square metre business centre is made up of 32 closed office spaces, two co-working areas that include 16 shared offices and 12 “hot spots”, two meeting rooms, one multipurpose room, a cafeteria, a relaxation area and a terrace.
The whole space is capable of accommodating 108 companies.
The government has indicated that by the end of January 2021, a call for applications will be launched for individual offices, with a view to installing the first contractors in April 2021. The Allocation Commission will be chaired by the Minister of Finance and Economy Jean Castellini and include National Council representatives, the Administration des Domaines, the Directorate of Economic Expansion, and SAM Monaco Boost.
 
Photo by Michael Alesi – Government Communication Department
 
Related stories:

Interview: MonacoTech Director Lionel Galfré

 
 

Christmas at the Palace

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/12/2020

Princess Charlene has spread a little virtual Christmas cheer, sharing hilarious snaps of Prince Albert getting in the festive spirit this year – a playful contrast to the traditional holiday family portrait released earlier by the Palace.
On Wednesday, the Palace released a video of the Christmas family portrait on its Facebook page, with the message: “May the spirit of Christmas be with you throughout the New Year. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2021.”
The picture was reportedly taken on 18th November, the day before Monaco’s National Day, which explains why Princess Charlene isn’t sporting the daring undercut that she revealed at the Palace gift giving event in mid-December.
 

Credit: Eric Mathon-Prince’s Palace of Monaco/Facebook

“It’s a really nice picture with a different kind of Christmas tree and a different tone. It’s kind of white and silvery more than red and green. It’s really beautiful,” Prince Albert told People magazine.
Due to the ongoing Covid situation, the Princely family spent a “low-key” Christmas between Monaco and Roc Agel in the hills above the Principality.
In pictures shared to Instagram by Princess Charlene, we can see that they were joined by Princess Stephanie and her children at the Palace on Christmas day.
 
Pictured left to right: Marie Ducruet, Pauline Ducruet, Princess Stephanie, Camille Ducruet, Princess Gabriella, Princess Charlene, Louis Ducuret and Prince Albert II. Credit: Princess Charlene of Monaco/Instagram

The Princess is also keen to show off her husband’s jovial side and capacity not to take himself too seriously, with the Prince sporting red Christmas pyjamas and matching red crocs, while another shows him wearing a Christmas hat and reindeer glasses in front of the giant tree with twins Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella (top photo).
 
Princess Charlene kissing the family’s pet Chihuahua. Credit: Princess Charlene of Monaco/Instagram

A third shows the Princess kissing the family dog, giving a close-up of her bold new hair style. ‘Merry Christmas to all our friends and families, love you all,’ the caption read.
 
Credit: Princess Charlene of Monaco/Instagram

Earlier in the week, Princess Charlene shared polaroid snaps of the family enjoying a Wild-West themed evening, with her cowboy Prince and adorable kids.
 
Related stories:

Monaco’s trend-setting Princess

 
 

What's on your face mask?

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/12/2020

The Grimaldi Forum is now equipped with new machines capable of disinfecting all types of face masks and small objects in just minutes, extending their lifespan and helping to reduce PPE waste.
As part of a partnership established with SIEMC – a Monegasque representative of the Montpellier start-up T.Zic, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco recently installed six UVO Care disinfecting machines.
The innovative device created by T.Zic is another weapon in the health and safety arsenal of the Grimaldi Forum, the Principality’s largest congress and cultural centre.
With one easy touch, the device opens, the mask or object is inserted, closed, and disinfected. Masks take two minutes to disinfect, small objects like mobile phones and keys take 20 seconds.
The UV-C LED technology is said to remove over 99.99% of viruses and bacteria from objects, including Covid-19.
“This innovative machine, which has already won over French companies and is starting to expand internationally, should rapidly penetrate the Monegasque market, where safety is a priority,” said Robert Biggi, SIEMC sales manager.
For Sylvie Biancheri, General Manager of the Grimaldi Forum, “It is essential that today we are able to protect and reassure our employees and our customers. Awarded the ‘Monaco Safe’ label, our establishment has shown in recent months that it is possible to organise events in compliance with strict health rules. We are delighted with this partnership which allows us to complete our system with the addition of the UVO Care machine.”
As well as their use in health and safety, the disinfecting machines also prove to be environmentally responsible technology, increasing the longevity of face masks and limiting their impact on the environment – an important factor for the ISO 14001 certified Grimaldi Forum. It is also energy efficient and requires no special maintenance.
Photo: UVO Care machine
 
 

Christmas fun at the Hôtel de Paris

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/12/2020

In the elegant setting of the Hôtel de Paris courtyard, amongst giant palms and sparkling firs, winter “greenhouses” are offering a unique and charming experience this winter.
From now until 10th January, the ‘Christmas garden on the patio’ will feature a creative programme of activities headed by skilled professionals who are sharing their precious knowledge for this festive event.
Workshops are being held on everything from ceramics and illustrations, floral door wreaths and natural candles, to culinary lessons on making gingerbread and galette des Rois – all to be enjoyed afterwards at home.
Monaco Life was invited to a workshop for the press on Tuesday, led by the very talented SBM Pastry Chef Cédric Campanella.

Creative workshop in the Hotel de Paris, photo by Monaco Life

Inside a cosy glasshouse, with rain falling gently outside, we were instructed on how to make a beautiful chocolate Christmas tree, using a mixture of ébéne dark chocolate and bio ceiba milk chocolate, decorated with festive dried fruits and nuts.
Everything was provided, including our very own Monte-Carlo Catering aprons, while the highest health standards were maintained. It was surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying to return home to my two young girls with my creation.
My (slightly wonky) handmade Christmas tree

But the kids don’t have to miss out. There are specific workshops designed for parents and their children.
And the best part? If your chocolate Christmas tree is too topsy turvy, or your galette de Rois is a little flat, you can just pop over to the “chalet” next door and pick up some treats that have been prepared by Chef Philippe Joannes and his team at Monte-Carlo Catering!

The 1.5-hour workshops cost 75€ per person, or 120€ for an adult and child.
There is also the possibility to reserve the greenhouse for private dinners with a 4-course Winter Gourmet Menu from 180€ per person excluding drinks.
For more details and reservations, call +377 98 06 71 71.
 
Main photos credit: SBM Monte Carlo
 
 
 

Holiday celebrations in full-swing

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/12/2020

The Monaco Town Hall has organised a number of “Covid safe” events to ensure a merry and bright Christmas for all this festive season. 

Despite the current restrictions due to the health situation, the spirit of Christmas will be on full display this year in the Principality, though not in the usual way.

Since 20th November, residents and visitors have been able to enjoy the seasonal lights that illuminate each district after nightfall, giving a cheerful air to the chilly nights.

In addition, the esplanade of Quai Albert I is set to celebrate the magic of Christmas with nearly 250 fir trees and four attractions. There will be a carousel, duck pond fishing, a ride in the shape of a tree and another named the Caribou Ride-Santa’s Sleigh. The fun fair area will be open from 10am to 7:30pm from Friday 4th December to Sunday 3rd January.

The ice rink – a Monegasque winter staple – will also be open on 4th December at the Rainier III Nautical Stadium. With 1,000m2 of space, the ice rink takes five weeks to set up, but it is always worth the effort. Last year 28,674 skaters enjoyed the rink.

This year, the rules will be a little different, given the need to adapt to the health protocols, but fun can still be had. The rink can accommodate 200 people at a time and traffic must flow in a certain way as established by ground markers. Mask wearing is obligatory, and lockers and public areas will be disinfected regularly.

The rink will also host model-making mornings from 8am to 12pm on Sunday 13th December, 10th January, 24th January, 17th February and 21st February. It will also be the site of the Monaco skating championship on 6th March 2021.

For the smallest skaters, a 60m2 structure is being erected just for them. The ice rink will be open until 7th March 2021.

Princess Antoinette Park is also decked out in the spirit of the season for the first time. Christmas lights will be up until Thursday 3rd January and include a light trail and illuminated scenes, which can be enjoyed every day from 4pm until the park closes at 6pm.

New for this year, the Monaco Media Library is setting up workshops at the Metropole on the first three Wednesdays of December from 2pm to 6pm. The 2nd will feature a Christmas card workshop, the 9th is the Christmas Ball, and Christmas stockings feature on the 16th. The workshops are free, but space is limited so reservations are required. These can be made by emailing contact@metropoleshoppingmontecarlo.com or calling +377 92 16 77 01.

Happy holidays!