The Women of Monaco Lunch will return to the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo on Thursday 8th October, bringing together women from across the Principality for an afternoon of fashion, conversation and fundraising.

Now in its 16th edition, the event will adopt a red theme, with guests invited to incorporate a touch of the colour into their outfits. The lunch will once again raise funds for the Princess Grace Foundation, continuing the charitable focus of the organisation’s annual October and March gatherings.

Created by Five Stars Events founder Sandrine Knoell, the lunch has grown alongside the Women of Monaco Club, an invitation-led community bringing together women of different ages, nationalities and professional backgrounds.

A community without traditional barriers

For Sandrine Knoell, the strength of the club lies in the diversity of its membership. English is used as its principal language, allowing women from Monaco’s international community to participate without nationality or language becoming a barrier.

The membership includes business leaders, mothers, philanthropists and women establishing new lives in the Principality.

Knoell said the club was deliberately created without distinctions based on age, profession, culture, politics or religion.

“We genuinely reflect everyone,” she said. “If one woman has a question or needs help, there is always someone stronger in that area who can support her.”

She added that the club can be particularly valuable for women who have moved to Monaco because of their partner’s career and are looking to establish their own connections and identity locally.

Fashion, finance and beauty

October’s lunch will take place at noon in the Salon Méditerranée, a location Knoell said has become an important part of the event’s identity.

“We love having it in the same place and with the same team,” she said. “The Métropole is one of the best places in Monaco for these lunches.”

The programme will include discussions relating to finance and beauty, alongside a fashion presentation by designer Irina Marchuk. Her haute couture collection features individually created pieces using premium fabrics and materials.

Cool Bay Monaco will create the makeup looks for the models, while guests will also be introduced to Anthésté, a collection of waterless botanical elixirs drawing on Greek and Mediterranean influences.

Barclays Private Bank will continue its support of Women of Monaco and will be represented at the lunch by members of its Monaco team.

Supporting the Princess Grace Foundation

Proceeds will benefit the Princess Grace Foundation, which was established in 1964 and supports humanitarian initiatives for children as well as students pursuing cultural projects.

For Knoell, however, the lunch is intended to offer more than a social or fundraising occasion. Its purpose is to strengthen connections among women who might otherwise have few opportunities to meet beyond their existing professional or personal circles.

“What makes me happy is the community we have created and the women it has brought together,” she said.

The Women of Monaco Lunch Red will take place at 12pm on Thursday 8th October at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo. Reservations can be made through Five Stars Events.

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