The glamorous Monte-Carlo Fashion Week is back again for its 5th edition, gradually establishing itself as one of the most anticipated events of the summer season, bringing creative talent and high-fashion to the Principality from the 1st to the 3rd of June. The event is organized by The Chambre Monégasque de la Mode, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, and takes place at the Chapiteau de Fontvielle, which is completely transformed into a prestigious Fashion Village for the occasion. HelloMonaco will delve into the particularities of this year’s lavish event, including the brands and the individuals that will grace the catwalk and showcase their immense talent.
The MCFW is unique in its kind, becoming the definitive fashion platform of the Principality of Monaco with its rich three-day program of fashion shows, presentations, and exclusive events.
This 5th edition started off with an elegant Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner in the legendary Oceanographic Museum of Monaco on the evening of the 1st of June; a magnificent start to the program and an occasion to award some of the most iconic personalities in the fashion industry.
The international fashion icon Naomi Campbell received the “International Fashion Award”, honouring her highly successful career as a model, appearing in about 600 magazines, actress, producer and businesswoman, who is still “a formidable force in the world of fashion”. One of the brightest Italian designers today, Chiara Boni, was honoured with the “Made-in-Italy Award”, the young photographer Nima Benati was given the “Emerging Talent Award”, and finally the Muzungu Sisters received the “Ethical Fashion Award” for their contribution in creating handcrafted, sustainable products.
The Chapiteau was almost unrecognisable, decorated in a stylish and modern manner to cater to the catwalk and the brands being showcased, and impress the fashion-loving public. The focal point was the catwalk where designer collections were displayed, designers from all corners of the globe, including France, Italy, England, Russia, Greece, Hungary, Belarus and Cameroon, “generating a lively multicultural exchange, providing a combination of styles, cultures and visions”.
The Principality of Monaco was also represented of course, by its own prestigious brands thanks to the California style beachwear brand Banana Moon, the brand that embodies a creative spirit and chic attitude Beach & Cashmere, the dynamic and contemporary Leslie Monte-Carlo, the extraordinary jewellery icon Stardust MC and the exquisite creative expression of renowned Carlo Ramello.
Beach and Cashmere, the Monaco based designer, featured their vibrant summery colours and long flowing skirts, Thelma Espina, showed off her range of colourful, daring bodysuits with elements of Mayan constellations, and the bold Josephine Bonair displayed her wonderful gowns with intricate luminous detail, mixing geometric cuts and romantic elements.
The Italian Annalisa Queen presented her “Contrasts” collection of daytime outfits and fairy tale evening gowns designed with contrasting colours and textiles, mixing the natural with the artificial, the French brand Herblain showed off its versatile collection of sport chic, ready to wear and high-end couture that exuded elegance, while the Monegasque Banana Moon put on a flirty and fun show to showcase their latest playful swimsuit designs.
A selection of brand stalls allowed the public to meet with various clothes, shoes, bags and jewellery designers and admire a few pieces from their respective collections. The luxury jewellery brand, Minnie’s Jewels, was invited to present their elegant and high-quality pieces at this years MCFW, one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces made by Erminia Costagliola di Fiore; “I singlehandedly produce the entire collection, even working through the night to create my pieces, it is a true passion of mine”. Corals, pearls, turquoise and gemstones are incorporated into the designs to create truly unique, special pieces.
The Serbian/Dutch brand Ivana was also present, displaying its customised leather bags, pochettes and ties – “women and bags are simply inseparable”, admitted Ivana de Haan.
This years discerning factor is that the event is supporting the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, who’s primary objective is to save lives by putting an end to drowning, raising awareness of the dangers of water and teaching children to swim. Funds for the foundation will be raised through the sale of some of the best photos taken by famous photographers including German Larkin, Gabriele Rigon and Daniele Guidetti. Princess Charlene commented on the event, noting that, “this annual coming-together of the fashion community offers a unique opportunity to share ideas, celebrate success and discover emerging talent”.
The Minister of the State, H.E. Mr Serge Telle, also noted that the ambitions of supporting creativity in all its forms “are a part of Monaco’s identity and its traditions, as well as its economic development”.
Federica Nardoni Spinetta, the President and Founder of the Chambre Monégasque de la Mode spoke of the developments of the MCFW over the past few years, highlighting the fact that “an increasing number of international journalists and buyers come to experience the quality and variety of the collections presented at the MCFW”. Every year the event gains prestige – their main mission is to promote new talent and reinforce the growing interest for fashion in the Principality of Monaco.
There is no doubt that Monaco is the perfect location for this elegant and contemporary affair, the Monte-Carlo Fashion Week is sure to continue on its path of success over the next coming years to become one of the most anticipated events of the Principality’s summer season.
