How do we save the world’s glaciers before it’s too late? This question lay at the heart of the Monaco Foundation’s 2024 Ball in Monaco, hosted at Marina Bay Sands. Against a backdrop of glacial projections and luminary guests, the biennial gala unfolded under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco as well as guest-of-honour and Singapore’s foreign affairs minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. With its poignant theme, The Glaciers, the evening delivered an urgent message: the fight to preserve Earth’s ice masses is a fight for our shared future.
The event’s focus on glaciers aligned seamlessly with H.S.H Prince Albert II’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. A passionate climate advocate and the only head of state to have explored both the North and South Poles, the Prince emphasised the critical role of the cryosphere in global ecological balance.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic entertainer Hossan Leong, the evening masterfully blended glamour, philanthropy, and environmental advocacy.
At the gala, guests were treated to a snow-white and silver ice-inspired fashion show by acclaimed French designer Anne Fontaine. Making a personal appearance, Fontaine unveiled a collection that paid homage to the purity and fragility of glaciers, weaving art and awareness into her designs.
Equally spectacular was the evening’s gastronomic journey, with Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud curating a menu inspired by the world’s most iconic glaciers. Each dish offered a sensory journey through the icy landscapes, a testament to the beauty and significance of these frozen treasures.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the auction, headlined by an extraordinary timepiece crafted by FP Journe. The exclusive Chronomètre à Résonance—a 40mm platinum masterpiece with a groundbreaking horological mechanism—stirred an electrifying bidding war. Opening at $200,000, the watch ultimately sold for an astounding $4 million, capturing both the generosity and enthusiasm of the evening’s attendees.
Other sought-after auction items contributed to the event’s success, with the total funds raised reaching an impressive $5 million. Every dollar will support the Monaco Foundation’s vital efforts in cryospheric preservation, underscoring the collective commitment to safeguarding Earth’s glaciers.
As the night concluded, one message was clear: the gala underscored the power of collective action in addressing one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: preserving its ice masses. By uniting art, science, and philanthropy, the 2024 Ball in Monaco proved the power of collective action to confront one of the planet’s most pressing challenges.
Scroll through below to see more photos from the evening.
PHOTOGRAPHY JAYA KHIDIR
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