A sold-out audience gathered in the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo on Tuesday 9th June for the latest Women of Monaco Lunch, an elegant afternoon that brought together philanthropy, luxury, fashion and business leadership while raising €19,300 for Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP).
Organised by Sandrine Knoell of Five Stars Events, and supported by Barclays Private Bank, the annual event welcomed entrepreneurs, executives, philanthropists and businesswomen from Monaco and beyond for what has become one of the Principality’s most anticipated networking gatherings. Set beneath the shade of the Hôtel Hermitage’s lush gardens, guests enjoyed a refined seasonal lunch while connecting with like-minded women committed to supporting both local and international initiatives.
The event sold out well in advance, underlining its growing popularity and reputation as a platform where influential women can exchange ideas, build relationships and support meaningful causes. The afternoon celebrated female entrepreneurship and leadership while raising vital funds for educational projects supported by Monaco-based charity MAP.
Fashion, jewellery and luxury partners add glamour to the event
The afternoon showcased an impressive line-up of luxury partners, including Barclays Private Bank, Breguet, Pasquale Bruni, Arije Monaco and Oriel. A highlight of the event was a fashion presentation featuring creations by Yasmina Al Jaramani and Di Iorio Monaco, with elegant gowns drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Guests also had the opportunity to admire exceptional jewellery collections from Arije Monaco and Pasquale Bruni, while enjoying an elegant lunch in one of Monaco’s most picturesque settings.
The combination of luxury fashion, fine jewellery, elegant cuisine and the splendour of the Hôtel Hermitage gardens created an atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Women of Monaco Lunch. Reflecting this year’s floral theme, each table was beautifully adorned with fresh flowers and named after blooms such as Rose and Orchid, bringing colour and charm to the garden setting.
Guests also received a thoughtful keepsake in the form of a scented candle from Pasquale Bruni, providing a stylish reminder of an afternoon dedicated to connection, philanthropy and female empowerment.
Barclays and Oriel champion women’s financial empowerment
Alongside the fashion and networking, the event delivered a strong message of financial empowerment. Representing Barclays Private Bank, Montserrat Marchetti reflected on the changing definition of success and the increasingly important role women play in shaping family legacies, business decisions and wealth transitions.
“Today, success is no longer defined only by accumulation, more possessions, more titles, more visibility,” she told guests. “It is increasingly about freedom, purpose and impact.”
Marchetti described women as “bridge builders between generations, between vision and execution, between ambition and meaning”, highlighting the growing influence of women in guiding both families and businesses through periods of change.
Maja Frenkel, founder of Oriel Women’s Wealth Platform, continued the discussion by exploring the emotional and human dimensions of wealth. Speaking to an audience of entrepreneurs, professionals and family decision-makers, she argued that financial planning extends far beyond assets and investments.
“Money is never just the amount. And wealth is never just the number,” she said.
Frenkel spoke about the importance of clarity in financial decision-making and encouraged women to take an active role in discussions surrounding wealth, succession and legacy. She also stressed the importance of passing on values alongside financial assets, noting that strong families transfer meaning, purpose and responsibility from one generation to the next.
MAP launches new fundraising initiative for children in Cameroon
The charitable focus of the luncheon was presented by MAP president Donatella Campioni, who introduced the association’s latest fundraising project in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Following several years of support for educational programmes for girls in Ethiopia aimed at preventing child marriage, MAP is now helping expand a grassroots school initiative that began during the Covid pandemic.
What started with lessons delivered directly on the streets has grown into a small educational shelter serving around 100 vulnerable children. The programme focuses particularly on girls who would otherwise have limited access to education and aims to create long-term opportunities through learning.
“As you know, there are only two ways to give opportunities. One is health and second is education,” Campioni told the audience. “Even €10 changes a life.”
Charity auction raises €19,300 for Monaco Aide et Présence
The afternoon concluded with a lively charity auction featuring an array of luxury items and exclusive experiences donated by event partners and supporters. Among the standout lots were a striking red sculpture by internationally renowned artist Laurence Jenkell, a four-person sea excursion aboard a Riva Monaco Boat Service vessel, an 18-carat rose gold diamond and mother-of-pearl bracelet by Arije Monaco, a framed photographic artwork entitled Cobra by Pujan Radoslaw, a Yasmina Al Jaramani gown presented during the fashion show, and a pair of black lace Di Venezia 100” heels by Di Iorio Monaco.
Bidding remained spirited throughout the afternoon, helping raise €19,300 for MAP’s educational work and ensuring that the event delivered tangible support to children and communities in need.
Combining philanthropy, luxury, fashion, entrepreneurship and meaningful discussion, the sold-out Women of Monaco Lunch once again demonstrated the strength of Monaco’s community of businesswomen and its commitment to creating positive impact both within the Principality and beyond.
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All photos provided by Five Stars Events