13 ° C
Profile

Tag: monacoevents

Photos + Video: Princely family come together for Bal de la Rose 2023

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/03/2023

Prince Albert, his sister Caroline Princess of Hanover, and members of the Princely family gathered on Saturday night for one of the year’s biggest social events, the Bal de la Rose.

Guests were welcomed to the Salle des Etoiles at the Sporting for a night of Bollywood, the theme chosen by the Princess of Hanover, President of the Princess Grace Foundation, and realised by her friend Christian Louboutin.

Joining Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Princess of Hanover were her four children: Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi, with their wives Tatiana and Beatrice, Charlotte Casiraghi, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover with her partner Ben-Sylvester Strautmann.

Prince Albert II with Caroline, Princess of Hanover, with Christian Louboutin (far left) and SBM CEO Stephane Valeri (far right). Photo courtesy SBM/Palais Princier

Christian Louboutin had carte blanche for the high-profile event, and embraced the vibrant theme enthusiastically. “For this Bal de la Rose 2023, it seemed natural to me to combine the aesthetics of the Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan, with the extravagance and magnificence of Bollywood,” said the renowned shoe designer.

The Salle des Etoiles was transformed into a film studio in which Bollywood dancers took guests on a journey of song and dance, telling the story of Beauty, a young Indian woman, invited to participate in the Bal de la Rose for the first time. Unable to find a dress for the big day, Beauty faints, only to be awoken by a pair of beautiful Louboutin shoes.

The Salle des Etoiles for the Bal de la Rose 2023. Photo courtesy SBM

The colourful room was filled with 12,000 roses, and 6,000 French marigolds and carnations. A troupe of 31 Bollywood dancers entertained guests as they dined on an Indian-themed menu that included langoustine with mango pickles, black cod tandoori, and lamb korma curry, all washed down with Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque Champagne, Cuvee 2013.

Meanwhile, Mika took to the stage to perform some of his greatest hits, including Relax, Grace Kelly, and Love Today.

A raffle, hosted by Stéphane Bern, offered a number of exceptional prizes including an 18-carat white gold and diamond Chanel Lion necklace, Christian Louboutin ‘Peep Tosachi’ heels made from sari fabric, and a Louis Vuitton ‘Capucines’ bag in pearly pink leather with rose gold details.

Shirley Bassey and Isabel Pantoja were among the guests at the 67th Bal de la Rose. Photo courtesy SBM/Palais Princier

All money raised went towards the Princess Grace Foundation. Created in 1964 by Princess Grace, her foundation supports humanitarian and cultural projects in aid of children. After the death of Princess Grace in 1982, her husband Prince Rainier III gave the presidency of the foundation to their daughter Caroline, Princess of Hanover.

Before Christian Louboutin, it was Caroline’s late dear friend Karl Lagerfeld who was artistic director of the Bal de la Rose. The event was established in 1954 to launch the party season in the Principality of Monaco. Hosted by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), this Spring spectacular has become a not-to-be-missed event.

Click on the gallery below for more images of the Bal de la Rose 2023, and scroll down to watch the video. Photos/video courtesy SBM/Palais Princier…

 

 

Sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

The Bal de la Rose: past and present

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/03/2023
Prince Albert and princess Charlene at the Bal de la Rose credit Palais princier

Monaco’s Bal de la Rose has been a highlight of the spring social calendar since its creation by Princess Grace in 1954, now nearly seven decades ago. In honour of this Friday’s event, Monaco Life takes a look back at the glamour of the Rose Ball over the decades.

The 67th Rose Ball, held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II and presided over by his sister Caroline, Princess of Hanover, is taking place on Saturday 25th March at the elegant Salle des Etoiles of Le Sporting. Not surprisingly, the event is a sell-out.

Steeped in tradition, this annual charity gala established by their mother, Princess Grace, has attracted the rich, the famous and the beautiful not only as the social event of the season, but as an exceptional way to support a good cause.

Princess Grace at the Bal de la Rose
Princess Grace at the Bal de la Rose

Over the years, the Bal de la Rose has been an extremely sophisticated event, often bucking trends. The first ball in 1954, for example, was held during the height of Latin dance mania. In response, Henry Astrik, the creative director of Société des Bains de Mer, suggested the waltz be ‘the dance’ of the gala, a retro twist that the guests adored. He also suggested using only roses to decorate the event, 25,000 of them in total, eschewing a beloved custom that still holds to this day. He also hired no less than 100 violinists to play the evening’s musical sets, a nod to Astrik’s sense of order.

STAR QUALITY

Special guests have always been a part of the scene and have ranged from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty, including the likes of Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, Princess Alexandra of Kent, Natassja Kinski and Joan Collins. Since the 1990s, supermodels and fashion designers have been added to the list and the Rose Ball has been host to such household names as Naomi Campbell, Karl Lagerfeld, Claudia Schiffer, Christian Louboutin and Helena Christiansen.

Princess Grace and her friend Ava Gardner arrive for the Bal de la Rose gala dinner at the International Sporting Club in Monte Carlo, 1960
Princess Grace and her friend Ava Gardner arrive for the Bal de la Rose gala dinner at the International Sporting Club in Monte Carlo, 1960

The glitz and glamour of celebrities and personalities from outside the Principality are a draw, but no more so than its homegrown stars, namely the Princely family. Prince Albert II, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie have been major players and supporters, and more recently, Princess Charlene has been added to the already heady mix.

The grown children of the Grimaldi clan also make waves, with Charlotte Casiraghi, Chanel’s brand ambassador, and her husband Dimitri Rassam, Pierre Casiraghi and wife Beatrice Borromeo, Princess Alexandra of Hanover and husband Prince Christian, as well as Andrea and Tatiana Casiraghi taking their places in the spotlight.

HSH Prince Albert II, Princesse of Hanover, Christian Louboutin, Pierre Casiraghi and wife Beatrice, Andrea Casiraghi and wife Tatiana, Charlotte Casiraghi and husband Dimitri Rassam, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover with Ben-Sylvester Strautmann at Bal de la Rose 2022. Photo source: Palais Princier

DIFFERENT EVERY YEAR

In 1977, openly gay French dancer and socialite Jacques Chazot organised and performed at the Ball. From then on, the idea that each year would have its own theme emerged to embody the event and direct the dress code.

Other big-name organisers have helped keep this spirit of the gala alive. Fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Louboutin are amongst those who have created theme nights such as Manhattan, Havana or Les Années Folles that have delighted and inspired guests.

Bal de le Rose 2023: Bollywood theme. Image courtesy of Monte-Carlo SBM

AND THIS YEAR…

For the 69th edition, fashion designer Chrisitian Louboutin will be creating the atmosphere of the Ball for the second time. He has chosen the extraordinarily fun theme of Bollywood, which will no doubt inspire some impressive costumes and entertainment.

The décor will be another wonder altogether, as guests will enter what feels like a film studio, replete with dancers and singers, and be taken on a journey by fictitious first-time attendee Beauty.

Jeremy-Loup Quer, the Paris Opera Ballet’s principal dancer, will share the stage with the famous choreographer and actor Punit J. Pathak as the story unfolds. Then, French singer Mika will perform as a fantastic finale act.

The Princess Grace Foundation, benefactor of the event’s largesse, has had the Rose Ball as its biggest fund raiser of the year since 1964, helping children and people in need through its humanitarian and philanthropic projects.

 

Featured image: Karl Lagerfeld, Caroline Princess of Hanover, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert at the 2014 Bal de la Rose. Photo source: Palais Princier

 

 

 

Ghizlan El Glaoui showcases ‘Once upon a woman’ at Prince’s Foundation headquarters

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/03/2023

Painter Ghizlan El Glaoui has opened her exhibition titled ‘Once upon a woman’ at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, where it will be on display until 30th June.

The inauguration took place symbolically on 8th March, International Women’s Day.

This collaboration between the artist and the Prince Albert Foundation is full of meaning, considering the Monegasque institution, through its commitment to advance planetary health, promotes many projects that support women. They include an initiative in Burkina Faso that trains and supports older women from different backgrounds in rural areas to facilitate access to sustainable energy for 250,000 people across 250 villages.

Similarly, the EGALES project (Gender Equality and Access to Electricity in Senegal) aims to sustainably improve the working conditions and income of 600 women by involving them in the agricultural activity of their country.

It is a strategy that remains at the heart of the Foundation in 2023, and it is why artist Ghizlan El Glaoui chose to exhibit her works at the institution. From now until 30th June, the public can see her remarkable female portraits, which include Geishas, Berber women, Frida Kahlo and Grace Kelly, as well as many anonymous faces.

Growing up in a culture where women were not encouraged to stand out, Ghizlan El Glaoui quickly expressed her desire for freedom by painting women with their faces uncovered, on luminous backgrounds, in classic format or on monumental sails.

After exhibiting in Marrakech, London, Madrid and Monaco, the painter will take pride of place at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, highlighting the paths of women of yesterday and today, from here and elsewhere, and sharing the same values as Monegasque Institution.

‘Once upon a woman’ exhibition

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Until 30th June by appointment.

 

READ MORE:

Interview: Artist Ghizlan El Glaoui

 

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.  

 

 

Sign up for Forest Day Hike in the hills above Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/03/2023

To celebrate International Day of the Forests, a special hike is being organised on 18th March departing Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and reaching Mont-Gros, taking in the breathtaking view of Monaco and the Mediterranean.

The Office National des Forêts (ONF), in partnership with the Principality of Monaco and the municipality of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, is organising the free event a few days ahead of the official International Day of the Forests on 21st March.

The hike on Saturday 18th March will be based on the theme: ‘Good health and well-being’, with the aim of raising awareness among the public on the importance of the forest.

Departing from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, participants will be able to discover the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage, from the seaside town to its village perched at an altitude of 225 metres, before reaching Mont-Gros via a hiking trail to admire a breathtaking view of the Principality and the Mediterranean.

During this one-and-a-half hour walk, ONF agents will introduce participants to the forest and biodiversity protection actions implemented by its teams, the municipality of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and the Principality of Monaco following the devastating fires in 1986. They can be experienced through interpretive trails, connected walks, panoramic viewpoints and even the installation of an insect hotel.

Activities surrounding food and and health in the forest will also be offered to participants.

To register, please click here.

Monegasque virtuoso Stella Almondo headlines launch of The Sea is Green

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/03/2023
the sea is green

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer on Saturday launched The Sea is Green initiative at a special dinner recital, marking a year of action on the theme of the sea that will bring together art, culture and solidarity.

Under the stunning Eiffel glass dome of the Hôtel Hermitage, guests were treated to a piano concert by 16-year-old Monegasque virtuoso Stella Almondo, an art exhibition by Jean Boghossian, and a gastronomic meal and wine pairing imagined by Chef Yannick Alléno.

Echoing the pioneering action of Prince Albert II of Monaco, his commitments on the international scene and the actions of his Foundation, The Sea is Green is the first theme in a year-long campaign by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) to promote the protection of the oceans. This will be followed by ‘New Wave’, ‘Et vogue le navire’ (And Sail the Ship), and ‘Mer de glace‘ (Sea Ice).

In launching the initiative on Saturday 10th March, newly appointed CEO Stéphane Valeri spoke of SBM’s dedication to sustainable development, highlighting that all of the company’s establishments are Green Globe certified, and the Resort is working towards becoming one of the very first in the world to obtain this certification in its own right.

Art inspired by the sea

To give the theme an artistic dimension, SBM asked artist Jean Boghossian to come up with a series of works inspired both by the sea and by the ambition of sustainable development. As a result, the Syrian-born artist created La Mer Incandescente: plaques that mimic the sails dotting the horizon during regattas, which will be displayed in the gardens and streets of Monte-Carlo. He is also showcasing in the halls of the Hôtel Hermitage his ceramic sculptures that incorporate corals and sea shells.

“In 2016, I acquired the collection of the shell museum in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which was due to close,” explained Jean Boghossian. “The collection was therefore able to continue to be presented to the public. They are marvels, each shell is as beautiful as a precious stone.”

Monegasque virtuoso Stella Almondo performing during The Sea is Green event on 10th March

Monaco’s young concert pianist steals the show

The evening highlight was Monegasque pianist Stella Almondo. At just 16 years of age, this talented performer has already garnered an impressive track record, winning numerous competitions including the Flame in Paris, the Steinway & Sons in Cannes and the International Young Chopin Competition in Switzerland.

After giving her first concert at the age of 10, Stella has since performed with the Orchestre National de Cannes, the Slovak Sinfonietta Orchestra and the Monte-Carlo Opera for the Printemps des Arts. She also performed for the National Council in Monaco, where she impressed outgoing president Stéphane Valeri so much that he invited her to take part in Saturday’s event.

Guests were treated to five concertos, including Schumann’s Sonata n°2 and Chopin’s Étude Op. 25, No. 12 ‘Ocean’.

Radio Classique Journalist and Presenter David Abiker was MC for the evening, while pianist Camille Taver amused guests with his improvisations around the theme of the sea.

Under the Eiffel glass dome

The dinner was served, for the first time ever, under the Eiffel glass roof of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. The Winter Garden, as it is known, had its dome designed and erected by the disciples of Gustave Eiffel, the undisputed master of metal architecture.

The meal was specially composed by Chef Yannick Alléno (Pavyllon Monte-Carlo) to illustrate the theme The Sea Is Green.

Overall, the evening was a pleasure to the senses, combining art, music, gastronomy and creative ambition with the joy of living and an ambition to protect the ocean: Monte-Carlo in a nutshell.

Click on the gallery below to see more images of the evening…

 

See more in the reel below…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cassandra Tanti (@cassandratanti)

Sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 

All photos source: Monte-Carlo SBM

 

Yacht chefs to fight it out in 13th Superyacht Chef Competition

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/03/2023

Bluewater will this month present the 2023 Superyacht Chef Competition, in partnership with Yacht Club de Monaco, with nine superyacht chefs going head-to-head to compete for some spectacular prizes and the title of Superyacht Chef Champion.

It will be Bluewater’s 13th Chef Competition and 4th edition hosted at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco. Prince Albert II, who chaired the final previously, has been invited to join in again this year.

The Superyacht Chef Competition is exciting for both industry professionals and the audience. Contestants will be given surprise ingredients from Gourmet Deliveries, U Luvassu poissonnerie and Metro, and will have just 40 minutes to prepare a dish, which is then judged on creativity, technique, presentation and, of course, taste.

Who will be there?

Food trucks will be available for people to purchase lunch and snacks during the day, and Bluewater and GDT will have an open bar with complimentary bubbles and wine. Titta and her team at Superyacht Foodie will also have a tasting bar to include Oath Gin, After Rum, Setz Hard Seltzer, Punchy Drinks and more.

Meanwhile, Yacht Chandlers will provide gifts for all the chefs and the jury, and Impossible Drinks has come onboard as a new partner.

Chef Duncan Biggs at Ocean Wave Monaco will join the jury to help monitor the waste from the contestants when making their dishes.

Competing chefs are due to be announced shortly. Those wishing to attend must register by 17th March by emailing event@bluewateryachting.com.

Sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 

Photo source: Bluewater