Red Cross Ball, Monaco: 2005 - 2019, 2021 - 2024

[hibou]

what is really weird, apart from pics in yesterdays paper, there has been nothing about red cross. NO report. nothing. Usally we have the first report the next day with first pics. and then we have the list of the table 1 or 2 days after. This year zilch. As if the ball never happened. In all the years that I have lived here, this is a first. especially if you consider how many reports there were before the event.

If profits are substantially down from previous years it's best not to report the numbers but you do usually report all the positive things you can and then as you pointed out paca, go into the importance of the Red Cross and lastly set the stage for next years goals in fund raising and goals the Red Cross has for Monaco and around the world. If nothing was said it was a very bad year for the ball. I don't necessary blame Albert but the organizers. If this was to celebrate Grace's life work, they should have had it themed that way and if possible have the children of Grace's Hollywood friends there and any of Grace's friends who are still alive and able to travel. We said this last year that it needs a complete overhaul and now they must do it.

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

If profits are substantially down from previous years it's best not to report the numbers but you do usually report all the positive things you can and then as you pointed out paca, go into the importance of the Red Cross and lastly set the stage for next years goals in fund raising and goals the Red Cross has for Monaco and around the world. If nothing was said it was a very bad year for the ball. I don't necessary blame Albert but the organizers. If this was to celebrate Grace's life work, they should have had it themed that way and if possible have the children of Grace's Hollywood friends there and any of Grace's friends who are still alive and able to travel. We said this last year that it needs a complete overhaul and now they must do it.

That is a good point and idea! If they would have planned the event for a Grace-theme, I am sure they would have raised more money. Maybe you knew in Monaco before the night, but I didn't realize (here in US) that it was a Grace theme until the event itself. As many of the ticket buyers are wealthy Americans, maybe they should have promoted it in the US more as well. Also, it's unfortunate for the Casiraghis' private lives, but the fact is that they are a major draw and if they can attend the Red Cross ball in the future, that might add some of the old sparkle to the event. The Charlotte effect must have been great with the Rose Ball and AMADE, so why not use it for the Red Cross too? I wish they had done a Grace theme for the anniversary for Rose Ball too because AMADE was such a major part of her work and life.... I understand why you blame the organizers, not the family, but after all, shouldn't they have taken a higher hand in ensuring a great tribute for their mother?!

 

[hibou]

That is a good point and idea! If they would have planned the event for a Grace-theme, I am sure they would have raised more money. Maybe you knew in Monaco before the night, but I didn't realize (here in US) that it was a Grace theme until the event itself. As many of the ticket buyers are wealthy Americans, maybe they should have promoted it in the US more as well. Also, it's unfortunate for the Casiraghis' private lives, but the fact is that they are a major draw and if they can attend the Red Cross ball in the future, that might add some of the old sparkle to the event. The Charlotte effect must have been great with the Rose Ball and AMADE, so why not use it for the Red Cross too? I wish they had done a Grace theme for the anniversary for Rose Ball too because AMADE was such a major part of her work and life.... I understand why you blame the organizers, not the family, but after all, shouldn't they have taken a higher hand in ensuring a great tribute for their mother?!

True the the family could have been more involved but in events this large you usually have professional party planners and theme organizers that are the creative forces behind it. Frankly I think the one with the creative talent is Stephanie. But my point was that if you look at really successful events like the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Gala and how they have evolved over the years. behind their theme is the magic of the party planners a kind of your wish is my command team. They are the ones that seek out all the necessary details to ensure the event goes well. The family
(not necessarily Albert as he has a Gov. job to do) should help to ensure that key people would be there to make the event special. Lynn Wyatt could have made a lot of those calls and bang you would have had the A-listers there in a heart beat. She's a perfect example of how to get the job done. The ball has become too provincial to be international - and you are correct about having the trio there. they are necessary to pull in the young jet setters. In fact they should be involved in the party planning at this point too. It needs an overhaul. JMO

 

[paca]

If profits are substantially down from previous years it's best not to report the numbers but you do usually report all the positive things you can and then as you pointed out paca, go into the importance of the Red Cross and lastly set the stage for next years goals in fund raising and goals the Red Cross has for Monaco and around the world. If nothing was said it was a very bad year for the ball. I don't necessary blame Albert but the organizers. If this was to celebrate Grace's life work, they should have had it themed that way and if possible have the children of Grace's Hollywood friends there and any of Grace's friends who are still alive and able to travel. We said this last year that it needs a complete overhaul and now they must do it.

It is not so much about the numbers. Those I wouldn't have expected for a little while. But there is usually at least some report of the program, the guests etc. This year nothing apart from pics in yesterdays paper. Apparenly the number of guests was as usual, though less prominent, so I don't know about the tombola and overall gains. Ira von Fuerstenberg, who has almost always been there wasn't there either. And Charlene was described as her sons great friend....

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

So Lynn Wyatt was not there this year? I know she has made it a staple of her year in the past.... The Furstenbergs too, and Ivana and Ivanka Trump, Spyros Niarchos, Shirley Bassey, and that one grand dame whose name escapes me, her husband was murdered and it was a big trial ordeal in Monaco for awhile.... all oldies except Ivanka. Yep, we need some young bloods at this event.

Edit: Lily Safra, that's the grand dame I couldn't name before. Her husband was the murdered(?) Edmond Safra. I think the Monaco courts decided that he was murdered by his servant, but there was some doubt about it, wasn't there? Anyway, it's way off topic, but Lily Safra is usually at the Red Cross ball. I didn't see any mention this year, though.

 

[paca]

So Lynn Wyatt was not there this year? I know she has made it a staple of her year in the past.... The Furstenbergs too, and Ivana and Ivanka Trump, Spyros Niarchos, Shirley Bassey, and that one grand dame whose name escapes me, her husband was murdered and it was a big trial ordeal in Monaco for awhile.... all oldies except Ivanka. Yep, we need some young bloods at this event.

Apart from Shirley Bassey, Amanda Lear and Adnan Kashoggi (there is one I could do without) I didn't see any pics of the others. If they were there we surely would have seen pics by now.

 

[Tosca]

Speaking of wizened old people, apparently Gina Lollobrigida was there too, but without any young escort this time.

 

[monaco70s]

I agree that if the ball this year was a tribute to Princess Grace they should have done more publicity for it and also the Casiraghis should have attended to bring some new air into this ball like they have done with the Rose Ball. Perhaps they could have auctioned a brooch or sth from Princess Grace (like they will be doing in New York) during the raffle just before the show begins.

Indeed the number of celebrities and those who are usual guests at the Red Cross Ball decreased this year, a lot missed the Ball, I didn't even see Lynn Wyatt either. However ball frequent guests like Roger Moore and Gina Lollobrigida did attend the exhibition's opening.

I really hope that for next year's Red Cross Ball, which will be the 60th Ball in history is much better than this year in what concerns to coverage and more famous guests.

They chose a nice picture of Grace for the entrance, but they could have chosen a much better one imo, maybe the one of her in the Jamaica pool or one of her as Princess of Monaco. The entrance's chandelier was covered with thousands of roses too.

 

[sesa]

Well, I think it's sad that the profits for this event went down, especially if in the past years it was a major draw.
The ladies looked nice. I was especially suprised with Prs. Stephanie. She looked every inch the lady, very elegant. Very different from some of the other daring, revealing, too tight dresses worn in the past.
As for Prs. Caroline, IMO I think her dress was a bit over the top. Chanel or not, a bit too much. But as usual, she was able to pll it off.
As for Charlene, you can tell she had help for this event. Though I personally did not like the dress on her, it was a beautiful dress and a vast improvement for her. I liked the back of her hair but not the front. And she finally got her makeup right. It played up her eyes and the rest was very soft and natural. And who ever her blond dance partner was in some of those pics, he was very handsome.

 

[goody7058]

That was Chris Albert cousin, he dance with her all night.

 

[pinklady1991]

Well, I think it's sad that the profits for this event went down, especially if in the past years it was a major draw.
The ladies looked nice. I was especially suprised with Prs. Stephanie. She looked every inch the lady, very elegant. Very different from some of the other daring, revealing, too tight dresses worn in the past.
As for Prs. Caroline, IMO I think her dress was a bit over the top. Chanel or not, a bit too much. But as usual, she was able to pll it off.
As for Charlene, you can tell she had help for this event. Though I personally did not like the dress on her, it was a beautiful dress and a vast improvement for her. I liked the back of her hair but not the front. And she finally got her makeup right. It played up her eyes and the rest was very soft and natural. And who ever her blond dance partner was in some of those pics, he was very handsome.

As a professional fundraiser, if often takes a week or more to figure out just how much was raised at a particular event. However, you want a blurb or two (and a couple of photos) released to the press to go to print the next day.

I agree...Chris LeVine inherited a lot of the Kelly looks.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Hi, I'm new here!

I'm a longtime lurker and so happy I found these forums, but I am bound to make some mistakes posting, so please bear with me, okay?

Quickly re: the Red Cross Gala-I was a bit disappointed that Princess Carolines's gorgeous children were not present. I love seeing them! But at least all three Grimaldi kids were there, and they looked like a united family which pleases me.

I was a little disappointed with Caroline's dress. I love Chanel, but I didn't understand it at all, the bottom looked like sharks or hungry dogs got over to it. Her hair looked wonderful. Caroline has been my ideal since girlhood, so NOTHING can make her look bad imo. I wish she had taken better care of her skin, but she will always be beautiful to me!

Stefanie has been looking wonderful lately. I am SO happy that she is home in Monaco and not running wild across Europe or the U.S. anymore. She looks great, better than I've seen her look in years.

Charlene? She took my breath away. I think she is a striking young woman and she just gets better. That strapless white column was perfect against her tan skin and I thought it was VERY clever of her to wear the colors of the Principality in her beautiful earrings. I really hope she is it for PA. I think together they'd make a great couple for Monaco.

I am posting from work, but will check in as often as possible!

 

[sandsla]

As a professional fundraiser, if often takes a week or more to figure out just how much was raised at a particular event. However, you want a blurb or two (and a couple of photos) released to the press to go to print the next day.

I agree...Chris LeVine inherited a lot of the Kelly looks.

Maybe, they should just keep inviting Chris LeVine - He seems to be popular.

 

[tbhrc]

Here's a little video clip: 30 Juillet 2007 - Gala Croix Rouge:

Centre de Presse

 

[Tosca]

Maybe, they should just keep inviting Chris LeVine - He seems to be popular.

Hey, gals, why don't we open a thread for him? The Chris Levine fan club

 

[paca]

Todays paper has a very small article about the ball, no pics and it only lists people seated at the red cross table (like people would be interested) THey say 900 people were present. It looks though that Caro's friends have skipped this year. Most remakable: no Lagerfeld. He used to be a ficture of the red cross and I know that not long ago he was in St trop, so not that far away. This was probably the least remarkable ball in a longtime and there weren't any impressive yachts in the port either. Not that it matters financially to Monaco as this time of year it is always full, But the yachts of those who usually attend the ball, where not there. Also there used to be a lot of other events happening around that time profitting of the presence of celebrities a while back. This year the redcross ball came and went almost unnoticed.

 

[memoo]

Wire Image has a few pics on their website of the ball.

 

[paca]

point de vue has an article in its print version Point de Vue  .:.  Sommaire

 

[pinklady1991]

Todays paper has a very small article about the ball, no pics and it only lists people seated at the red cross table (like people would be interested) THey say 900 people were present. It looks though that Caro's friends have skipped this year. Most remakable: no Lagerfeld. He used to be a ficture of the red cross and I know that not long ago he was in St trop, so not that far away. This was probably the least remarkable ball in a longtime and there weren't any impressive yachts in the port either. Not that it matters financially to Monaco as this time of year it is always full, But the yachts of those who usually attend the ball, where not there. Also there used to be a lot of other events happening around that time profitting of the presence of celebrities a while back. This year the redcross ball came and went almost unnoticed.

Do you think it has to do with the fact that it was moved from the first Saturday in August to the last Friday in July?

 

[hibou]

point de vue has an article in its print version Point de Vue *.:.* Sommaire

Thanks paca do you know what the article says?

 

[hibou]

Do you think it has to do with the fact that it was moved from the first Saturday in August to the last Friday in July?

I wondered about that myself. I think they added Stephanie's aids event so I wonder if they moved it up to fit that in? Just a guess.

 

[paca]

Do you think it has to do with the fact that it was moved from the first Saturday in August to the last Friday in July?

No, because if you look at other dates of the ball in the past, it has been earlier as well. But I think first of all Diana Ross is not really attracting the crowds (she has a history of alcoholism and concerts where she wasn't quite with it, which widely reported in the press - a bit like female version of David hasselhoff, a little less extreme), her partner is not that well known in Europe I Think, so that already doesn't help. There was Rod Stewart and Kim Wilde right afterwards, maybe they could have changed the schedule. But I think that a lot had also to do with people not knowing whether Caro would show. She skipped the opening of the exhibition, so maybe people thought that it would be just Albert and Charlene. I don't know. But it certainly wasn't helping that people had doubts about caro not being there. And they might need to get artists in that appeal to younger and older people. It doesn't have to be Take That, but at least someone who might actually draw some of his celebrity friends, like Elton John did or Frank Sinatra. You have to remember that the main budget for the red cross comes from the ball, so it very important for them to attract people with media coverage who will in turn attract people with money who are willing to spend it.

 

[Horseygal]

Well, Chris Levine had to step in there so Prince Albert could do his duties....although, if I had to dance w/my brother, I'm quite sure he'd find a way to dump me on my "hoo-hoo" !! It seems an uncomfortable situation w/Charlene - she's not quite part of the family, and I'm sure neither Pss Caroline or Pss Steph feel they need to invest much....

 

[paca]

It looks like Bunte has an article in this weeks printversion and states that both Albert and Charlene left early. Funny thing: Charlenes headline is listed under society, wheras the article about Kate Middleton is listed under nobility.

here is the link to an article in German vanity fair Charlene Wittstock: Ball der Verliebten - Leute - VANITY FAIR ONLINE

here is alink to sth from Norway I think Side2 I believe the headline says sth like whether she has tamed her single prince. Sorry I don't speak Norwegian, but maybe someone can translate?

 

[CasiraghiTrio]

Funny thing: Charlenes headline is listed under society, wheras the article about Kate Middleton is listed under nobility.

That is hilarious. The funny thing is that Middleton is so "noble like" in a sense, even though not really, with her upper class niche, style, orbit. Whereas Charlene does not seem upper class at all, does she? This is not a criticism of Charlene, but only an observation: I would say that Charlene somehow has a way about her that seems more like an Middle America woman from Wisconsin than an Olympic swimmer from South Africa! It's strange. I don't think it's bad to look "Middle America", as I'm sure it's fine. I'm not "Middle America" but I have nothing against it. It's just surprising for a woman dating the Prince of Monaco, isn't it?

 

[Moonmaiden23]

That is hilarious. The funny thing is that Middleton is so "noble like" in a sense, even though not really, with her upper class niche, style, orbit. Whereas Charlene does not seem upper class at all, does she? This is not a criticism of Charlene, but only an observation: I would say that Charlene somehow has a way about her that seems more like an Middle America woman from Wisconsin than an Olympic swimmer from South Africa! It's strange. I don't think it's bad to look "Middle America", as I'm sure it's fine. I'm not "Middle America" but I have nothing against it. It's just surprising for a woman dating the Prince of Monaco, isn't it?

I think Kate Middleton looks MUCH more Middle American than Charlene. I am from Ohio originally, and I did not see many women who looked like CW, but I did and do see lots of females who have KM's "girl next door" looks.

I agree tht KM carries herself very well, and has a great sense of style.

 

[paca]

Here is a link to an article in Frau im Spiegel. They say that Albert left the ball about 1 in the morning and Charlene and Steph 40 minutes later (that means he left before and they after the fireworks). They don't give reasons only that it was said that he wasn't feeling well Frau-im-Spiegel.de - Leute: Jetzt gehört Charlene dazu!

 

[maryellen1539]

Here is a link to an article in Frau im Spiegel. They say that Albert left the ball about 1 in the morning and Charlene and Steph 40 minutes later (that means he left before and they after the fireworks). They don't give reasons only that it was said that he wasn't feeling well Frau-im-Spiegel.de - Leute: Jetzt gehört Charlene dazu!

Charlene and Steph left together, plus I read where Steph loaned an outfit to Charlene does that mean that Steph has accepted Charlene into the family?

 

[paca]

Charlene and Steph left together, plus I read where Steph loaned an outfit to Charlene does that mean that Steph has accepted Charlene into the family?

Well, we don't know for sure that she loaned her an outfit, just that she wore the same or similar outfit as Steph did a few years back at the redcross ball. As far as I know she gets or used to get her outfits from Jikki. Not sure whether she bought or borrowed them as unlinke Caro, she only attends balls in Monaco, thus maybe buying a dress everytime is not necessary (and we know that she doesn't only wear expensive clothes) for her. So Charlene might have just picked one that Steph has worn not too long ago. I have to say though that from what I saw, Steph looked better in it. Also not sure whether the size would have been ok since Charlene is much taller. so she might have worn the same but different size. wasn't there talk about Diana handing clothes to Fergie while she was dating Andrew? i think this is a little a long the lines and the more I look at things the more I have a deja vu impression.

Which leads me to another question for or fashion experts: I sort of think that I have seen the dress that Steph wore this year before and I think on her, but am not sure? Or maybe one much like it. Does anyone remember?

 

[magnik]

As for many years Caroline was the best dressed sister this time Stephanie was much better.
Since last few weeks (or maybe months) I don't like what Caroline's wearing. Sometimes I think that Caroline want to look younger than she really is.

Charlene looks better than Caro too.