The catwalk was fitted across the pool at the Meridien Beach Hotel in Monte-Carlo, there was a buzz of excitement with glamorous men and women parading to their seats after the welcome cocktail, you could say the show had already started! The sunset illuminated everything with a special glow and the music ignited the evening. 

Jay Rutland, Tamara  Ecclestone, Karen Minier, Amanda Holden, Chris Hughes

On front row we could spot British socialite, television personality and model Tamara Ecclestone, daughter of British business magnate and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, accompanied by fiance Jay Rutland, who are planning one of the biggest society weddings of the year on June 10 at the Grand Hotel in Cap Ferrat with performers including Sir Elton, Lionel Richie and DJ Calvin Harris.  Close by British was actress and presenter Amanda Holden, currently a judge together with Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent, accompanied by husband Chris Hughes. Not far was New Zealand-born American model, actress and reality TV show host Rachel Hunter, best known for her appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and her marriage to singer Rod Stewart. She appeared in several independent films and TV series and is currently a judge on New Zealand’s Got Talent. And this just to name a few of the celebrities present.

Rachel Hunter

The chitchat died down as soon as the alluring F1 drivers stepped on the white carpet to the cheers of the public, followed by drivers’ wives and girlfriends. The stunning Japanese model Jessica Michibata, girlfriend of F1 McLaren driver Jenson Button was the highlight of the evening. Irish singer Brian McFadden of Westlife was acclaimed by the public.  Models showed a collection of magnificent long dresses by Paris bases Andrew GN presented by Pretty You Monaco. It was yet another superb Amber Lounge Charity Fashion Show, where the bold and the beautiful gathered to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Sonia Irvine, younger daughter Katie and Jessica Michibata

Founder Sonia Irvine and her highly professional team celebrated the 10th year anniversary of the top Formula 1 nightlife experience during this year’s Grand Prix in Monaco. Born in Northern Ireland Sonia began her Professional career as a physiotherapist and it was in 1996 when her brother Eddie Irvine began racing for Ferrari that he invited her to move her practice into the paddock to work for him and then extended it to the team.  In 2003 she launched Amber Lounge in the Principality starting a glamorous career setting up an exclusive  and glamorous party venue within one of the most prestigious sporting events worldwide, hosting stylish VIP dazzling events from Monte-Carlo to Shanghai, Valencia, Barcelona, Singapore, Delhi, Abu Dhabi, this year adding New York, Texas and who knows where else next. Amber Lounge follows the exhilarating Formula 1 circuit offering the ultimate place for the in-crowd to gather and party from sunset to sunrise.

Collections by Paris base designer Andrew GN

Photos by: Celina Lafuente de Lavotha