Under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo once again became a showcase of elegance, innovation and artistic excellence during the second Monegasque edition of the Art & Luxury Fair, held from September 24 to 26.
A highlight of this year’s fair was the presence of H.R.H. Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, who presented her jewellery line De Parme Design. Displayed by Monegasque jeweller Isabelle Fissore, the Princess’s celebrated LEAVES® collection brought a refined, nature-inspired touch to the event and underscored the principality’s unique ability to unite contemporary creativity with centuries of heritage.
Speaking to NEWS.MC, Her Royal Highness Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme reflected on the power of art to bridge divides “I think art is really unifying because even if you don’t agree, if you don’t like it, at least you talk about it and there is usually no prejudice in art.”
Her words resonated throughout a fair that prioritised dialogue between artists, collectors and the public. With live demonstrations, guided tours led by jewellery expert and opera singer Elim van Delft, and even tastings such as a masterclass by La Distillerie de Monaco, the Hôtel Métropole was transformed into a vibrant creative hub.
Princess Margarita also spoke about her own role in the world of art; “In the world of art it is really making sure that it’s visible, so what I’m doing here is helping art become more visible, and if you connect your name to something useful it is always better. Even if you are well known, not necessarily royal, somebody who has a name or visibility, please use it for the benefit of art.”
H.R.H. Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme telling all to NEWS.MC’s Jack Brodie
The fair certainly benefitted from that visibility, as international artists showcased their work in Monaco’s intimate yet cosmopolitan setting. Dutch sculptor and Monaco resident Daphné du Barry unveiled new classical figurative works, while Italian painter Claudio Sacchi evoked Florentine traditions in his portraits. The bold canvases of Nora Bonavera, a Monegasque-based artist, lit up the exhibition space with Mediterranean vibrancy.
Princess Margarita traced her own love of art back to her upbringing, telling NEWS.MC “I think I was lucky because I was born in a family that are art lovers, so I have an aunt Beatrix, she was a former queen and had a very keen eye for modern art and I learned a lot from her… we have a lot of art in Holland, a lot of beautiful museums, so we have so much connection with artists. So we are lucky actually in Holland, you don’t have to be royal. You’re already lucky being born in Holland.”
This blend of heritage and openness echoed the spirit of the fair itself, an event where heritage brands, emerging talent and immersive experiences stood side by side.
By its close, the Art & Luxury Fair had once again proven that Monaco is more than just a home for glamour: it is a true meeting point for global creativity, where tradition and innovation converge, and where art continues to unite.
