Monaco dressed up on Saturday to host the prestigious Ball de la Rose, organized by the Principality and promoted by the charity foundation founded by Grace Kelly, for another year. The Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo rolled out an impressive red carpet which was opened by the hostess of the gala, Carolina of Monaco (66), dressed in a spectacular silver tunic with fuchsia details and accompanied by her four children, Andrea Casiraghi, Carlota Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi and Alexandra of Hanover, and their brother Albert II.
The theme of this edition focused on the glamor of the Indian film industry. An explosion of bright colors, imposing floral garnishes and a decoration closely linked to India turned the star room into a film studio in the purest Bollywood style.
Among the stars and celebrities invited to the great event, names such as the Lebanese singer Mika stood out, who gave a performance during the party; businesswoman Mouna Ayoub; tennis players Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina; the couturier Christian Louboutin, a personal friend of the hostess and in charge of the decoration of the event, and a very special guest from Spain: Isabel Pantoja. The Sevillian singer traveled to Monaco to attend the Grimaldi family’s big event for the first time. Wearing a pink floral print dress with two large satin flowers on the shoulder and on the cuff of the sleeve, the artist captivated the grand hall just arriving. A folkloric look with a strong Spanish accent signed by Isabel Sanchís who decided to combine it with emerald accessories.
Excited to meet the Princess of Hanover and after her triumphant entrance on the red carpet, the singer of Así fue o Marinero de luces, who celebrates 50 years on stage this year, enjoyed the dance floor to the sound of ‘some of the most famous Bollywood classics and even got to sing a cappella with Welsh artist Shirley Bassey. “A dream and an honor to have met you Shirley. You are a diva!” she later wrote on her official Instagram account along with a video of the two enjoying the magical night.
The great absentee from the exclusive and luxurious party of the Principality was once again Charlene of Monaco. The princess consort, who has not attended the event since 2014, did not accompany her husband, although she did go with him to a media event on Friday after sending a statement denying rumors of a split.
The event featured musical performances and dances that told the story of a young Indian girl named Bella who was invited to participate for the first time. The musical show, completed with a spectacular light show, began with the performance of the group Bassant, together with the participation of the principal dancer of the Paris Opera Ballet, Jeremy-Lopu Quer, and the actor Punit J .Pathak.
Monaco became, for one night, the magical Mumbai and its characteristic cinematographic scene. The exoticism of Bollywood permeated the sophisticated salon and satisfied the delight of the European elite and high society. Of course, all for a charitable cause.