The Amber Lounge: Fashion on Show at the Monaco F1 2017
While it is the international motorsports community that turns its eyes towards Monaco for its annual Grand Prix, it is the world of fashion that defines and characterizes the glamorous occasion; designers, trendsetters, and fashion enthusiasts sport their finest wares for a weekend of fun. Various hotels and venues around the Principality host dazzling displays of fashion, as models strut down catwalk to the delights of the world’s most discerning crowds. No venue is revered as greatly as The Amber Lounge Monaco – a display of opulent fashion and glitzy entertainment – where luxury men’s blazers and fine ladies’ gowns abound. Here, most of the Formula One drivers relish the opportunity to become the focus of camera flashes, as their fame and glory comes to a stylish culmination on the runway.
The Drivers on Parade | After H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco opened proceedings with a delightful speech, Jenson Button, Valtteri Bottas, Carlos Sainz, Nico Hülkenberg, Jolyon Palmer, Marcus Ericsson, Daniil Kvyat and Esteban Ocon turned out and strutted the runway in sharply cut Apsley Tailors suits, while 24 year-old Belgian racing driver, Stoffel Vandoorne, wore Michael Kors. It was interesting to note that each driver wholeheartedly entered into the spirit of things, shedding off the tension of a highly competitive weekend on the track and walking the runway as if they’d been doing it for years. In fact, from the way they walked and the reaction of the star-studded crowd, one could be forgiven for assuming that they earned their fame as models instead of professional drivers. Against the backdrop of the glistening Mediterranean Sea, they walked down the catwalk with as much style and grace as if they were on the stages of Paris or Milan.
Fashion on Show | The Amber Lounge’s famous fashion show included the debut of an exclusive silk collection, created by Silviya Neri, a luxury fashion designer. Professional models and the ladies of F1 – the drivers’ wives, girlfriends and daughters – looked the part as they took to the catwalk wearing the colourful scarfs. Leading British fashion goddess, SAFiYAA, headlined the event and showcased a dazzling array of outfits. Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kerry Washington and Kate Winslet are just a few of the A-listers that SAFiYAA counts among her current clientele. Sonia Irvine, founder of The Amber Lounge, commented: “A SAFiYAA gown is among my own guilty pleasures, so I am thrilled to be showcasing her beautiful collection at the Amber Lounge fashion show this year. I know the signature pieces from her red carpet and cocktail collection are going to captivate the guests and contribute to what is always a memorable occasion, which this year is for a cause very dear to my own heart.” The high-class crowd responded positively to each stunning gown she sent down the runway and erupted into rapturous applause to celebrate the end of the fashion parade and the start of a debaucherous evening. The stylish catwalk event certainly foreshadowed a glamorous evening to come.
Entertainment | The night also saw performances by the highly acclaimed vocalist Chris Willis, known as ‘the voice of David Guetta,’ as well as world-famous DJ Big Ali on the decks. Both acts had the crowd swaying in their seats, providing the perfect ambience for an entertaining and high-energy evening. Enjoying fine champagne and exotic cocktails, guests of The Amber Lounge danced into the early hours of the morning.
The Amber Lounge | Having sealed its reputation as the most exclusive evening event during the renowned race, The Amber Lounge played host to many VIP guests, such as His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco; Sir Jackie Stewart; Pamela Anderson; Eddie Irvine; and Irish actor, Liam Cunningham. Even football legend Alan Pardew was present, casually mingling with the crowd and enjoying the festivities. Each year the event is held in aid of a good cause and this was no exception. Through the auction of luxurious lots, Sir Jackie Stewart’s ‘Race Against Dementia’ charity was the beneficiary of significant donations in excess of €500,000. This is an incredibly generous offering from some of the world’s most respected CEOs, VIPs and sporting stars, which means that this incredible charity will be able to continue its vitally important work. 
