When Smart Air parked its plane on the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum, little did anyone know that it was a presage of things to come! Top Marques Monaco was definitely operating under another dimension, attested by the fact that all the exhibitors were already in place before the the Icelandic cloud explosion hit the headlines; The only live supercar show In the world was on the road to making headlines of its own.

The 7th edition of Top Marques Monaco proved to be exactly what we had forecasted: a veritable triumph! A four-day festival of the most prestigious automobiles on the planet, plus art, yachts, planes, collectors and exclusive timepieces, fabulous jewellery, and products from the luxury industries. Four days filled with marvelous surprises, stupefying chic and classic beauty.

Seven ... The Pythagoreans call it the perfect number: 4 + 3, the square and the triangle.



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The Square
Day 1



The internationally renowned couturier, KENZO Takada opened Top Marques Monaco under a beautiful blue sky. Greeted by Top Marques Monaco Chairman, Lawrie Lewis, and the Lloyds International Private Banking Managing Director, Piero Grandi, and Mr Franck Müller, the talented watch entrepreneur, KENZO exuded a fragrance of Zen and harmony throughout his tour of the various stands. His laughter translated his delight at what he saw, as exhibitors and media melted at the twinkle in his eyes and the gorgeous smile on his face. Having retired in 1999, everyone was under the hypnotic spell of his charm and awed by his presence.



KENZO loved to touch everything with his hands as well as with his eyes; after all, one cannot deny that he does have a magic touch. After all was said and done, KENZO praised Top Marques Monaco for its diversity, quality and the breathtaking beauty of the show. However frequently In and out of the cars or on and off the impressive motorbikes, one could not discern his favorites; the consummate artist reveled in it all.



In the afternoon, Top Marques Monaco welcomed James Bond, alias Sir Roger Moore, who gave exhibitors and medias alike the suave 007 approach. Captivated eyes followed the debonair agent from stand to stand, his alarming smile, keeping everyone in tow. Sir Roger Moore is a frequent visitor and friend of Top Marques Monaco and lends it his support in a style and manner which rivals none. You can imagine the surprise of the Design by Dante whose team (all dressed to kill as 007 agents) came face to face with the real McCoy!



An emotional moment transpired when Sir Roger Moore, reminiscing on his Bond days, got a glimpse of the Aston Martin Rapide; this gorgeous 4-door masterpiece has undergone many a change since the days of his DB5, especially the wristwatch that actually opens the car …WOW!

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Day 2

By now, everyone had news of The Cloud from Iceland which spread its tentacles all over northern Europe. As word of airports closing here and there came through, it was obvious that the situation was highly compromised for the many visitors, Medias and the Sovereign Prince of the Principality who were at a standstill as to how to get to Monaco. The new Prime Minister of Monaco, Mr. Michel Roger, a great car enthusiast, admired what he saw under the roof of the Grimaldi Forum. There was definitely no cloud over Top Marques Monaco…



Visitors came from around the Coast for the Rolex Masters Tennis Open and the MIPTV in Cannes, as well as other events throughout the area; they streamed through the doors to view the Top…The Test Drive Pits filled the Avenue Princesse Grace with noises it had never heard since last year. The Marussia’s 1 and 2 pivoted around the Grand Prix circuit of Monte-Carlo, with Wiesmann’s, V-MAX motorbikes and other smashing supercars close on their tails. Inside the Salle Ravel, the visitors marveled at Eco chic translated by the NLV QUANT, silver magnificence in luxurious splendor; and the Pagani Tricolore; ultimate perfection!



Friday evening, seven (that number again) of our fantastic supercars lined up in front of the Hotel de Paris, stopping all traffic with their winning looks.



The Monaco Tourist Authority (DTC) sponsored a chic soirée in the opulent Salle Empire for Top Marques Monaco sponsors and exhibitors. The Place du Casino brightened up as cars rarely or never seen took their places in the impressive square. Monte-Carlo by night continued thereafter down at the celebrated Black Legend.


Terrasse of the Salle Empire, Hotel de Paris

Continue to Day 3/4 >

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