Monaco goes super-glam
It was that time of year again… the Monaco Grand Prix. The most glamorous race of the season. This is where the millionaires come to play on their super yachts and jewels are worn for breakfast, even if the weather is more reminiscent of Slough than the Riviera.
So here we are – round six of the F1 season.
Having had a guided tour of Vijay Mallya’s 95-metre yacht, the Indian Empress, earlier on Thursday (quietly checking that there were copies of Motor Sport in all the reception rooms), I was back there that evening at the very impressive, champagne-filled Force India bash. It is a remarkable yacht – each cabin had a TV replaying the highlights of Istanbul’s yacht party, giving guests a taste of what was to come.
The floating palace has a lift to carry guests over the various floors and a hand-painted grand piano in the lounge… it was all very Formula 1 and very Monaco.
Fly Kingfisher has 2 x 850 hp engines.
Not wanting to miss out, the racing world was out in force… I was rubbing shoulders with Jenson Button, Bernie Ecclestone (whom I had a run-in on the narrow stair case with; neither of us could fit through and he apologised profusely to me – that must have been a first). There was also the HRH Prince Albert of Monaco, Lance Armstrong with his new girlfriend, Kate Hudson (the gorgeous couple couldn’t keep their hands of each other all night), and the lovely Anthony Hamilton.
I can safely say that not much sleep was had with an on-board DJ, a constant flow of guests and an open bar from 9pm to 5am!
The highlight of the social side of the weekend was the ultra glamorous Formula One and Fashion Unite party at the Amber Lounge. The event was held around the swimming pool on a balmy evening where we watched a fashion preview for FORM, Petra Ecclestone’s new luxury menswear collection. Europe’s top models took a back seat as Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, Nelson Piquet and Vitantonio Liuzzi took to the catwalk in the elegant F1-influenced clothing (think Jackie Stewart in the ‘60s).
The post-fashion show auction had all proceeds going to the Elton John Aids Foundation. Influential front row guests, upping each bid, included Phillip Green, Lakshmi Mittel, Vijay Mallya and, of course, Bernie. HRH Prince Albert ended up with a two-seater ride at Silverstone.
Now I know it seems like I was forever at a party but I did manage to make it down to the paddock. I was a guest of the Ferrari team and had a walk down to the pits to see how the boys were doing pre-Saturday afternoon’s practice.
The following evening, on the eve of the GP, I was invited to Mr Briatore’s exclusive travelling party at the Billionaire club held at the Fairmont hotel. Here I shared a table with Jay Z (an American rapper apparently), Beyonce (singer and ‘actress’) and Naomi Campbell who looked pretty happy for once, dancing the night away.
On race day I made my way to Stelios’ (Mr Easy Jet) apartment for his annual race day party. It was the best seat in Monaco for watching the race, standing over the start/finish line with views of the hill and chicane. And what a fantastic race it was.
Day soon turned into night as the celebrations continued and I found myself again on Vijay’s floating palace – and joined his fellow partygoers doing things the Monaco way. Super-excessively!
Filed under: Blogs
Louisa graduated from London Guildhall University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and audio-visual production. She previously worked in television production at advertising agencies J. Walter Thompson and M&C Saatchi and joined the editorial team at Motor Sport in January 2007. As well as being the marketing manager she is responsible for the content in the Desirables and Auctions pages. 
Timmy Green:
May 28th, 2008 1:58pm
Fantastic! I'm glad to see that Motor Sport magazine's standing (and rising) in the motor sport industry has warranted its invitation and inclusion to the creme de la creme of motor sport events, and the likes of Mallya, Ecclestone and Briatore taking notice of it…I was wondering though, was there any actual racing going on?!
Romila:
May 28th, 2008 2:15pm
Sounds like your having an amazing time ! Wish I was there.
Erica:
May 29th, 2008 3:40pm
No wonder the cover price of Motor Sport is so high
Sarah:
May 29th, 2008 3:50pm
All these parties for £4.95… that's less than a packet of cigarettes. Damn good value I say. Great read.
Sarah:
May 29th, 2008 3:52pm
All those parties for £4.95… that's less than a packet of cigarettes. Damn good value I say. Great read as well. Thanks
Lauren Neil:
May 29th, 2008 4:22pm
Hi Louisa,
I enjoyed your diary – it's nice to read a bit more about the glamourous side of the sport. And I think you and Jenson make a great-looking couple!
Dan:
May 29th, 2008 4:29pm
You are just jealous, Erica :)
Jacqueline:
May 30th, 2008 4:25pm
BANG on Motor Sport, finally a woman who can portray some coverage with a fun, funky and fresh taste…more from Louisa please.
Martin:
May 31st, 2008 8:39pm
Jacqueline, it's supposed to be "Motor Sport" magazine not "Heat".
Patrick Ethrington:
June 1st, 2008 2:59pm
Fantastic! At last Motorsport magazine is throwing off its fusty old image. Lets have much more of the beautiful and talented Louisa. Well done, Patrick
Sarah:
June 2nd, 2008 1:26pm
It's only super glam because fabulous girls like Louisa decide to spend time there! I usually couldn't care less about beautiful GIRLS in the South of France, but this one comes with a great sense of humor, clever things to say even after a few bottles of Bandol AND she would dance with Fat Cat and myself. Thank you, Stelios, I've found my long lost twin! And thank you, Albert, for letting people race around your streets!
Dov:
June 2nd, 2008 5:58pm
What a fun read! I don't think you left any stones (parties) unturned there.
Keep 'em coming Louisa!
Sarah Bisa:
June 3rd, 2008 10:11am
Now, I really don't care about beautiful GIRLS in Monaco, but this one comes with a fab sense of humour, has clever things to say even after the 7th glass of champagne and is cool enough to dance with Fat Cat and myself. Vive le Grand Prix (thank you, Albert) and kisses to my long lost twin (thank you, Stelios)
Ken:
June 4th, 2008 10:53am
Hi Erica.Try living in 'God's countries' like New Zealand and Australia all your life, get belted not only by exchange rates (Subscription) but also 3 – 4 months wait to get this wonderful Chronicle of all that's right about this passion we all have. It IS all worth it. At least now I have it airmailed….. Louisa , Sensaaational
Sarah Bisa:
June 12th, 2008 9:00pm
I have to admit, I don't really care about meeting beautiful GIRLS in the South of France, but this one came with a fabulous sense of humor and energy. Fat Cat is still talking about you, darling! Vive le Grand Prix – because people like you actually make it glam!!
karun:
June 22nd, 2008 9:36pm
sorry i took so long to leave a comment but i have to say those 2 blokes in the blue t-shirts look like real good catches !!!! he he….
you really do make monaco sound like magical special place that we know it is… super !
David Gicquel:
June 26th, 2008 9:59am
What a nice surprise to read Louisa's interesting and informative articles. Motorsport magazine has entered the 21'st century. Keep it up Louisa.
David