2 min read

Monaco’s Most Magical Evening

As we eagerly await the next Bal de la Rose, we look back on a few of our favorites from recent years.

Every March in Monte-Carlo, the incomparable allure of Monaco is distilled into one jaw-droppingly lavish evening: the Bal de la Rose. Introduced by none other than Princess Grace herself in 1954, it marks the commencement of Monaco’s party season. Today the event is overseen by Princess Grace’s daughter HRH Princess Caroline. The occasion attracts the well-heeled to celebrate in style inside the Sporting Monte-Carlo’s beautiful Salle des Étoiles, all the while benefiting a central pillar of Princess Grace’s legacy: the Fondation Princesse Grace.

As we await details for the next Bal de la Rose, its “Bollywood” theme has already been locked in. The architect behind this colorful concept? None other than designer Christian Louboutin.

Of course, themes are nothing new to the Bal de la Rose. Ever the floral enthusiast, Princess Grace would decide each year’s theme based on different types of roses and different countries, solidifying the evening as a true international affair. Since then, the themes have evolved, expanding beyond their original parameters.

Renowned designers have often played important roles, as was the case with Karl Lagerfeld for several years. Lagerfeld, who remained a close friend of Princess Caroline before his passing in 2019, played a critical role in the artistic direction for many of the Bals in the recent past, executing spectacular themes that transported attendees to iconic settings, from turn-of-the-century Vienna to the mid century French Riviera.

As we await a confirmed date for the next Bal de la Rose (who knew Indian lehengas and Pigalle 120’s paired so well together?) we look back at some of our favorite recent renditions of Monaco’s preeminent social event.