The famed Ball de la Rose on Saturday night with its ‘Galaxy’ theme was full of intergalactic surprises, with royals and celebrities out in force at the Christina Louboutin-curated event
Earl Charles Spencer’s eldest daughter turned heads in a striking Dolce & Gabbana number(Image: Getty Images)
One of the biggest social events in the calendar of the impossibly glamorous socialites of Monaco, kicking off party season and the glimpse of sunny days ahead, is the annual Rose Ball – hosted by Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Caroline of Hanover.
And this year’s edition on 21 March did not disappoint. Curated by creative director Christian Louboutin, a close friend of Princess Caroline, the venue was completely transformed into a space-age galaxy, far far away.
The ambitious theme, for what is the historic 70th year of the Cote d’Azur staple, was ‘Galaxy’ – and its 800-odd high-profile guests delivered, with a plethora of sparkling, silver and metallic space-inspired ensembles wherever you turned.
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The Mirror had front-row seats for the exclusive Monte Carlo event, courtesy of the Monte Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and it was, as ever, a night to remember.
But before the event began proper, excited attendees – already catching eyes on a plethora of quirky outfits, caught up on some gossip and enjoyed a champagne or two at the art deco Bar Américain in the Hotel de Paris, before moving on to the ball itself.
Held yet again at the Salle des Etoiles, uber-glamorous invitees enjoyed the sort of one-of-a-kind event that only the principality of Monaco could possibly dream up.
With outfits that showed off starry, celestial prints, metallic bodices and shimmering, galactical trains, guests looked right at home at the venue, which was illuminated by a light show, creating the impression of a rocket ship blasting through space.
The venue’s decor was no less impressive, with futuristic metallics and tables kitted out with silver, as well as simple white roses with a touch of foliage decorating tables.
Leading the glamorous charge was Lady Kitty Spencer, eldest daughter of Earl Charles Spencer and niece of Princess Diana, in a stunning shoulder-baring Dolce and Gabbana dress inspired by an 18th century painting from the Louvre.
All eyes were on the stunning royal in the sleeveless encrusted dress, from the designer’s Alta Moda collection, which was embroidered with crystal, coral and pearl – a splash of colour added to her look with red feather accessories fastened to her wrists.
The embroidery on the skirt paid homage to French Neoclassical artist Jacques‑Louis David’s 1788 painting titled, The Loves of Paris and Helen – a replica of the historic 18th century work, which depicts Helen of Troy and Paris from Greek mythology.
But Lady Kitty was not the only royal to make her elegant presence felt on the starry night. Also in attendance were, of course, the Monagasque stars of the show – Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco.
Princess Charlene, who was given a posy of white roses as she arrived, was en pointe in an ethereal silver Elie Saab gown, complete with sweeping cape design on one side,.her blonde lock styled in a wavy updo, showing off her light-catching diamond earrings.
Also enjoying the night’s unique otherworldly entertainment – it’s hard to imagine the British royals at an event quite so experimental – was her smart husband Prince Albert, and her sister-in-law, Princess Caroline of Monaco, who continued the space theme in a Chanel polka dot outfit, with a silver sequin blazer.
Princess Alexandra of Hanover had also read the memo, arriving at the much-anticipated event in a blue dress with a sheer overdress tied at the waist.
Among the VIP guests was also Formula One star Charles Leclerc, who made his red carpet debut in a dapper tuxedo as a married man with new wife Alexandra Saint Mleux, beautiful in a lilac satin gown with rose appliqué detailing.
Equally as impressive as the outfits, of course, was the entertainment and fine dining – with guests enjoying a starter of sweet white asparagus with caviar, king crab, spring peas and a bisque sauce, followed by turbot, spring vegetables and hollandaise sauce.
Guinea fowl pithivier was served with a porto wine sauce for the main course, but the piece de resistance was no doubt the dessert, dreamed up by acclaimed pastry chef Chef Cedric Grolet – who now has a cafe at the Hotel de Paris.
His sweet creation for this year’s ball was a glittering rose-shaped chocolate mousse and delice, covered with tempered chocolate – and it looked almost too good to eat.
Entertainment on the night, which in the past has included the likes of John Legend, Elton John and Alicia Keys, was wonderfully eclectic – with seven acts taking to the famous stage.
Guests were greeted by music from a Venetian Baroque performance from the Rondò Veneziano group, followed by dancers from the iconic Parisian Cabaret group Crazy Horse.
Russian dance troupe, the Moiseyev Ensemble also performed a moving ballet piece before Berlin-based group Dulce Compania, performed on stilts – in head-to-toe metallic outfits.
They were followed by choreographers Cain and Celine Kitsaïs with a fabulous space-age performance, before the night drew to a lively close with British musician Leee John – who got the room dancing – even those in towering heels – with his brand of funk, soul and jazz.
For those who wanted some more bubbles and another dance or two, DJ Josh Quinton kept the party going until the early hours.
The prestigious Ball, held each year with tickets at €1,800, is not only dripping in glamour, however – it’s all for a very important cause, as it raises funds for the Princess Grace Foundation, named after the beloved Hollywood star Grace Kelly, the late mother of Prince Albert and Princess Caroline.
The Princess Grace Foundation, founded in 1964 by the late actress and Monaco royal Grace Kelly, carries out charity work in both humanitarian causes and the arts, supporting children in hospital and their families, as well as young artists wanting to develop their creative careers.
To this end, a charity raffle was held where prizes included a Dior tote bag, a stay in SBM’s Hotel de Paris and an 18-carat diamond Chanel necklace.
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