Monaco is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends of the year, The Formula 1 Grand Prix. Never mind the race, what about the parties!

Author:  Kathryn Jones

Images: Amber Lounge. Sir Jackie Stewart image: Les Thacker.

Undoubtedly, the place to hang out is the Amber Lounge, who will once again entertain F1 drivers, celebrities, royalty and VIP guests during the day on one of the luxury VIP yachts or at night in the breathtaking high-energy Amber Lounge nightclub.

This year, they will be kicking off the festivities on Friday night, 26^th May at the Le Meridien Beach Plaza in Monaco with a red carpet reception where the cocktails will be flowing. Then comes the main event, the exclusive Amber Lounge Fashion Show.

SAFiYAA are the flagship label for the evening with the AW17 collection taking pride of place on the night. The London-based fashion house is a favourite amongst A-listers including Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet.

Normally the designers are the main focus at a fashion show, however, on this occasion it is the drivers and great and good of the F1 family who get the opportunity to strut their stuff on the catwalk. Daniil Kvyat, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hülkenberg, Stoffel Vandoorne, Jolyon Palmer and Marcus Ericsson are all rumoured to be getting the ladies hot under the collar in Aspley Tailors of London bespoke suits. The ladies of the F1 circuit will not be left out when they get to showcase the Italian designer silk scarves created by Silviya Neri.

This year’s chosen charity is the Race Against Dementia, a foundation that was created by Formula 1 Legend Sir Jackie Stewart following his wife’s diagnosis with the condition. Lady Helen was the original pit girl in the 1960’s when the Scottish driver was at the height of his career winning 3 world titles.

The Amber Lounge were keen to support the charity as CEO Sonia Irvine’s mother has also suffered with the disease. Sonia and her brother, former driver, Eddie Irvine know first-hand how hard it can be to watch someone so close struggle with the daily challenges dementia causes.

The purpose of the evening is to raise awareness and funds for research into dementia and its causes. The well supported charity auction will feature iconic items and money-can’t-buy experiences. Amongst the prize donation are a framed painting made by artist Arunas Rutkus, a personal vintage pack of Champagne by Hatt & Soner and a series of unique motor racing photographs donated by Sir Jackie Stewart.

Once the guests have finished dining with stunning views across the Mediterranean the dancing will begin with world famous acts and DJs keeping everyone going until dawn!

For VIP hospitality options and tickets to Amber Lounge, you can visit http://amber-lounge.com/

To find out more about Race Against Dementia, visit http://raceagainstdementia.com/