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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 
 
 

December is theatre season for kids

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/12/2021

Looking for something to do with the kids this holiday season? Why not take them to the Théâtre des Muses for some great shows that would make even Ebeneezer Scrooge crack a smile. 
The first show to be presented is A Light for Christmas (Une Lumiere Pour Noel). When P’titbout, decides he wants nothing to do with Christmas this year, a band of unlikely characters follow a light unknowingly emitted from him, leading them directly to his door step and turning the worst Christmas ever into one filled with wonder and magic.
The 40-minute production is suitable for kids aged two to 10 and will be playing on Wednesday 1st December at 4:30pm, Saturday, 4th December at 2:30pm and 4:30 pm, and on Sunday, 5th December at 11am and 3pm.
Next up is the classic tale of Pinocchio. In this interactive adaptation, ingenious staging combines masks, puppets, shadow theatre and magic to bring an edge to the story of the wooden boy who comes to life. True to the original, Pinocchio’s well-intentioned but naïve adventures lead him into a series of scrapes, and not even a friendly cricket who acts as his conscience can save him from himself. In the end, the love of his father brings him right, but in this version, it is up to the audience to decide if Pinocchio should be allowed to become a real boy or to remain a puppet forever.
Pinocchio runs for one hour on Wednesday 8th December at 4:30pm, on Saturday 11th at 2:30pm and 4:30pm, and on Sunday 12th December at 11am and 2:15pm. It is suitable for all ages.
The following show is The Beautiful Smooth Pear of Prince de Motordu. Set in the quirky, topsy-turvy world of a Prince who lives in a giant hat and has a flock of buttons rather than sheep. He battles with snow hens and cushions made of pies, and his life is settled. That is until the odd Princess Dézecolle arrives. Together they forge new paths and create a fun-filled world filled with jokes, poetry and song.
The performances are on Wednesday 15th December at 4:30pm and Saturday 18th December at 2:30 and 4:30pm. There is an additional showing on Sunday 19th at 11am. The play runs 50 minutes and is appropriate for kids four to 10-years-old.
Last up is a musical version of the story of Rudolph. Santa’s most famous reindeer wasn’t always such a hit with his peers and being different wasn’t always fun. The young Rudolph tries at first to run from his problems but finds that what sets him apart is what makes him so special.
Rudolph is perfect for those aged three to nine and the play runs 45 minutes. Performances are on Tuesday 28th December at 4:30pm, Wednesday 29th at 11am and 4:30pm, and Friday 30th December at 4:30pm.
For more info or for tickets, visit the website at https://www.letheatredesmuses.com/programme-enfants/
 
 
 

Christmas in Monaco: Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/12/2021

Feel the spirit of Christmas at the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo this festive season, where giant firs, Santa’s sleigh and sweet treats await the young, old and everyone in between.

From the moment guests enter the Hôtel Metropole, they will be transported to a wintery wonderland, filled with the warmth of the spirit of Christmas.

A canopy of stars light the pathway to the revolving door, where upon arrival a full-sized sleigh awaits, perfect for a souvenir photo or Christmas Instagram pic. Looking beyond that is a spectacular five-metre-high Christmas tree adorned with traditional ornaments and a thousand sparkling lights.  

The entrance to the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, photo by Konio Production

In addition to the festive décor, Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo Executive Chef Christophe Cussac and Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano have created a delicious dessert this year: a delicate red log, echoing the magical Christmas décor, topped with caramelised cherries, on a bed of chocolate and crushed pistachios.

The renowned chefs are also offering another new sweet treat this December – waffles made from their own “secret” recipe and finished with a delicious array of toppings.

The Christmas log by Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo Executive Chef Christophe Cussac and Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano

Meanwhile, the hotel has organised some special activities for the kids this Christmas season. On 23rd and 31st December, children aged four to 12 staying at the hotel will be invited to join in two festive workshops featuring creative decoration-making sessions, using only “green” materials. By the time they head back to their rooms, they will have their arms full of beautiful ornaments and their heads full of nice memories. 

Then on Christmas Eve, Father Christmas will come to the hotel at 6pm to ask all the good boys and girls of Monaco what they want under their tree on Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to take photos with their kids and the ultimate jolly old elf.

For a more grown-up affair, the hotel will offer a six-course Christmas Eve menu, and another on New Year’s Eve, during which pianist and crooner Patrick Raya will entertain guests with an eclectic playlist drawn from Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, The Doors, Serge Gainsbourg, Paolo Conte and Charlie Parker. 

Spa Metropole by Givenchy, photo by StudioPhenix

Additionally, the Spa Metropole by Givenchy is proposing a special gift from their luxury advent tree the entire month of December to the first person who enters each day. The spa is featuring three holiday treatment options, which are also available as gift vouchers: Glam Up by Givenchy, Le Soin Noir Renaissance Integrale, and The Ultimate Manicure and the Ultimate Pedicure by Bastien Gonzalez. The treatments come with a gift of perfume, Givenchy Day Make-up or glass of champagne if purchased as a gift voucher. 

To see more Christmas at the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, visit Monaco Life Instagram: click here. 
 
SEE ALSO:

Monaco Experiences: Spa Metropole by Givenchy

 
Photo by Monaco Life
 
 
 

Karl Lagerfield auction: Treasured momentos of a discerning collector

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/11/2021

From Rolls-Royces to Choupette’s scratcher, these are some of Karl Lagerfeld’s treasured momentos set to go under Sotheby’s hammer at One Monte-Carlo, and you’ll be surprised at some of the prices.
Luxury auction house Sotheby’s was entrusted with the sale of Karl Lagerfeld’s personal estate after the designer’s death from prostate cancer in 2019. The lots, gathered from his residences in France and Monaco, are an anthology of his personal taste but also of his life and career.
The lots can be viewed in person from Saturday 27th November until Thursday 2nd December at One Monte-Carlo and the first session of sales is taking place from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th December. The Monaco sale will present a broad selection of pieces, from precious art to household linens and glassware.

2017 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead coupé, source: Sotheby’s

Auction highlights include a Takashi Murakami portrait of Karl Lagerfeld estimated at between 80,000 and 120,000 euros, and a 2017 Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead coupé, with a starting price of between 350,000 and 400,000 euros. Three of Lagerfeld’s Rolls Royce cars will be on display at the Fairmont Hotel until 6th December.
Not surprisingly, there is an incredible array of furniture designed by the likes of Louis Süe and André Mare, Terence Harold, and Christian Liaigre – all of which are in impeccable condition.
Art works include a Dom Pérignon Balloon Venus by Jeff Koons (20,000-30,000 euros), which comes complete with a bottle of champagne and the original box.
Dom Pérignon Balloon Venus by Jeff Koons, source: Sotheby’s

There a many personal items created at the hand of Karl Lagerfeld, such as a pencil self-portrait signed “KL à NY oct 86” (2,000 – 3,000 euros), while three inspirational “scrapbook” notebooks from the mid-80s provide a window into the magnificent mind of the designer. One with a cotton blanket is inscribed “Lagerfeld, man’s perfume, pub ideas 86”, and includes newspaper clippings and handwritten notes; another has newspaper articles and notes; and the third features some felt-tip sketches and an adhesive label “Karl Lagerfeld” on the cover (3,000 to 5,000 euros).
Three inspirational and “scrapbook” notebooks, mid-80s, source: Sotheby’s

With over a thousand items going under the hammer, Lagerfeld fans have a real chance of getting their hands on some of the designer’s personal items, including a set of five pairs of glasses adapted to Karl Lagerfeld’s vision for a starting bid of just 100-150 euros.
Lagerfeld’s signature look is also up for grabs, with numerous black jackets, matching lambskin gloves and sunglasses selling for an estimated 2,000 – 4,000 euros.
Dior Black and Multicolor Wool Jacket, circa 2000, comes with Causse gold lambskin pair of gloves and E.B. Meyrowitz sunglasses, source: Sotheby’s

Among the more bizarre lots is a personalised scratching pad for his beloved cat Choupette (50-100 euros), a plastic construction helmet with Karl Lagerfeld’s profile (50-100 euros), and numerous Lagerfeld figurines.
Bids can be made in person at One Monte-Carlo by telephone for estimates above 4,000 euros, or online.
So, who is set to benefit from the auction and inherit the fortune that it raises? It is not Choupette, his precious blue-cream tortie Birman cat, although that would be simpler. In his will are seven heirs who will share the fortune: Sebastien Jondeau, Lagerfeld’s famously handsome bodyguard, who was once a model; Baptiste Giabiconi, one of Lagerfeld’s favourite models; Caroline Lebar, one of Lagerfeld’s longest serving employees who worked on his public relations team; Francoise Cacote, his housekeeper and the personal maid of his cat, Choupette; father and son models Brad and Hudson Koenig, the latter of whom is Lagerfeld’s godson; and finally Jake Davies, a Yorkshire-born model who starred in several campaigns.
But the person responsible for executing Lagerfeld’s will – his “trusted” accountant of many decades Lucien Frydlender – has disappeared for “health reasons”. So who knows when the estate will be finalised.
The auction in Monaco will be followed by another Sotheby’s auction in Paris on 14th and 15th December.
To view all of the Monaco auction items, click here.
 
 
 
Top photo source: Sotheby’s
 
 
 
 

Simplifying net zero

by: Stephanie Horsman
25/11/2021

A free seminar is being held on 3rd December to help businesses understand how to reduce their carbon footprint, something that will eventually become a requirement for all.
Carbon Clarity Monaco is an organisation dedicated to creating a sustainable future for consumers and businesses.
In an effort to share its expertise and help businesses make sense of the requirements, practicalities and possibilities around the new reporting rules dictated at COP26 and by other legislative bodies on how to become zero-emission, it is organising its first information seminar in Monaco.
“What was once a voluntary market is soon to be a regulated necessity for each and every business in the EU and UK,” says Paul Coleman, CEO of Carbon Clarity. “These steps are currently filled with technical jargon and for those that are not qualified in the sector of sustainability, the process will present itself as a list of daunting tasks. Carbon Clarity cuts through the jargon to deliver simple step by step projects on the journey to net zero.”
The free seminar will last an hour and a half and will cover relevant topics such as how to take the first steps in carbon auditing, strategic reduction and offsetting, how businesses can become more efficient whilst benefiting our environment, the difference between carbon offsetting and insetting, and the situation with the current global landscape.
The meeting will also address the latest labyrinth of legislation from the national, European and international levels as well as the risks and opportunities presented by going green.
The inaugural seminar will take place at the Novotel Hotel at 10am on Friday 3rd December and organisations, VCs, Family Offices, businesses and individuals are invited to attend.
To register, email: workshop@carbonclarity.org
 
Photo by Elissa Garcia on Unsplash
 
 
 

Monaco readies itself for cycling festival

by: Luke Entwistle
24/11/2021

The build-up to the inaugural edition of the Beking cycling event, set to take place on Sunday 28th November, has hit full speed with a social media campaign involving professional cyclists encouraging everyone to get involved.
Peter Sagan, three-time world cycling champion and one of the 40 professional riders set to race at the event, is amongst a group of participants seeking to create a buzz around the event through a series of videos that can be found on the Beking Twitter account.
In his social media video, the Slovakian rider highlights the unique opportunity for fans to race alongside the professionals at the event. “We’re going to be riding with you guys. Come along, and I’ll be happy to see you on the 28th.”


Monaco resident, former European Road Race cycling champion and co-founder of the Beking event, Matteo Trentin launched a similar appeal through the event’s media channels. “Whoever you are, bring your bike and enjoy riding with us.”
Amateurs wishing to race alongside the professional riders at the pro / AM racing on the Sunday morning can register at www.bekingevents.com. Those selected will not only share the same track as European and Tour de France champions, but also some of the biggest stars from four-wheel racing, including Mercedes’ F1 driver Valterri Bottas and the Monegasque F3 driver Arthur Leclerc.


 
Despite the inclusion of amateur riders, which will give the average cycling fan a once in a lifetime opportunity to ride alongside Tour de France winners such as Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, the event will in fact be part of the official UCI race calendar, providing a highly competitive element to the day.
Beking Monaco will therefore be a hybrid event – combining both competitive and amateur sport, but it also has the aim of raising funds, and awareness, for charitable foundations, including the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The event will be seeking to harness the unique power of sport into creating positive social change through donating to, and promoting, charitable foundations.
Following the professional event on the Sunday afternoon, there will also be a conference on ‘soft mobility’, which will focus on the environmental aspect of the event.
The first edition of Beking Monaco will therefore unite both professional and amatuer riders for a truly enjoyable festival of cycling, which will not only celebrate achievements on the track, but also contribute to a good cause.
 
 
SEE ALSO:

Monaco charity race attracting top cycling stars