Attendees emerge from Bugatti’s, Bentley’s and Ferrari’s, draped head-to-toe in haute couture. They have journeyed far and wide for what is known as Monaco’s most glamorous evening out: Le Bal de la Rose.

Le Bal de la Rose, also known as the Rose Ball, is an annual charity gala which is held in the fabulous Salles des Etoiles of the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club. Regular attendees include the Royal family of Monaco, film stars, socialites and politicians, to name a few. Although considered relatively exclusive, anyone can attend. With the inclusion of an impressive charity effort, extravagant designs, dinner, dancing and entertainment, we can think of few reasons as to why anyone wouldn’t want to be present at the legendary high society gala, which takes place each year in the spring.

The elegance of the event comes as no surprise when one learns of its creator – Princess Grace of Monaco (formerly Grace Kelly). Founded in 1954, the gala has become a tradition among the international elite. However, Bal de la Rose is so much more than a highlight on a social calendar. Since 1964, proceeds from the event have aided the Princess Grace Foundation, which in turn supports multiple humanitarian projects. Bal de la Rose is currently chaired by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover, who work collaboratively with Monte-Carlo’s Societie des Bains de Mer (SBM) – the official organizers of the Ball.

While its theme changes every year, one thing has remained the same since the gala’s inception: 25 000 roses adorn Salles des Etoiles. As both Princess Grace of Monaco’s favourite flower and the title for the ball itself, it is only right that the rose continues to be the staple decorative element of Bal de la Rose. Each year, the chosen theme is associated with a particular rose and region, positioning the event as a true international affair which highlights a range of cultures. Leading up to the event, the theme is only revealed to the guests, maintaining a sense of exclusivity and anticipation.

The Royal Family selects a renowned creative professional to take the lead on the design, adding their own flair to the prestigious charity gala. For several years, Karl Lagerfeld was the primary designer of the event. The 2019 edition was the final demonstration of Lagerfeld’s talent, and featured a theme which catapulted attendees to the iconic retro beauty of the 1950s French Riviera. The design saw Salles des Etoiles adorned in subtle pastel shades with appropriate scenes such as sea, sand, beach umbrellas and palm trees by iconic illustrator Monsieur Z. At this event, a large black-and-white photograph of Lagerfeld hung above the stage, and guests were brought to their feet (and to tears) as Stephane Bern delivered a moving tribute for the designer, closing with “Merci, Karl.”

Selected by Princess Caroline of Hanover, the next instalment of Bal de la Rose will follow an opulent “Bollywood” theme. Designer Christian Louboutin has been entrusted with the design, and has reportedly already fashioned a lavish selection of décor for the upcoming event.

As is the norm with any high society event, Bal de la Rose imposes a mandatory black tie dress code. Men are to wear either dark blue or black tuxedos, as well as crisp white button-ups and black bow ties. There is slightly more free reign for women, who are merely required to wear gowns which fall below the knee. The novel theme for each annual event dictates the particularities of the style of such gowns. One thing is for sure, the traditional nature of the dress code certainly doesn’t come at the expense of luxury – royals, celebrities and politicians alike are all seen sporting the designs of high-end fashion names such as Chanel, Saint Laurent and Dior. And let’s not forget the pearls and diamonds draping the necks of such attendees, glistening with every flash of a camera.

 

Once the Royal family has made their entrance, the ball begins with a dance in the ballroom. As decided by Henry Astrik in 1954, the waltz is the official style of dance at Bal de la Rose – a continued sign of the event’s sophisticated status. With the conclusion of the first dance, guests are free to take their seats for the main event of the gala – the raffle. All proceeds from the raffle, along with the ticket sales for the event, go towards the Princess Grace Foundation. At the 2018 edition of the Ball, prizes included a round-trip visit to Venice, as well as a stay in the legendary Princess Grace Suite at Hotel de Paris in Monte-Carlo.

Following a delectable dinner service, attendees can enjoy performances by selected international artists. Over the years, Bal de la Rose has featured famous dancers, actors and singers from around the world. In 1957, there was prima ballerina Colette Marchand, in 2014, Lily Allen and in 2019, Alessandro Ristori and the Portofino’s.

An event as luxurious as this one requires a selection of upscale cuisine to match. Previous occasions have featured dishes such as truffled lobster, soft shell crab tempura, cheesecake and pecan pie. In much the same way that the decorative roses are at the heart of the gala, champagne cocktails are consistently served up at each and every edition – speaking back to the idea that this is more than a mere social event; it is a celebration. In addition, the changing themes each year conjure up corresponding cocktails, such as the bourbon-based Manhattan cocktail for the 2018 “Manhattan” theme, and Aperol Spritz and Bellini’s for the 2019 “French Riviera” theme.

Second only to the Red Cross Ball, Le Bal de la Rose is one of Monaco’s ultimate high society events, offering guests a chance to celebrate the legacy of Princess Grace of Monaco in style, all the while knowing that their attendance is benefitting those less fortunate than themselves. The gala continues to shine as a symbol of bygone glamour and elegance, ushering in over 1000 attendees each year for a consistently sold-out occasion.