For five years running, the Vogue Innovation Prize has remained one of the fundamental drivers behind Vogue Singapore’s ongoing mission to uplift and support regional trailblazers. Introduced as part of the Vogue Singapore Foundation—our purpose-driven arm that aims to champion Asian creatives on a global stage—it has spotlighted several outstanding talent who are leading thoughtful innovation across the fashion and beauty industry.
Alongside a S$20,000 cash prize and strategic industry mentorship, our winners are offered an extraordinary opportunity: an all-expenses-paid innovation immersion trip to Monaco, courtesy of Visit Monaco. With an extensive itinerary packed with mentorship sessions, investor meetings and curated experiences, the trip is aimed at further empower emerging talent with global exposure and opportunities for international growth.
Singapore’s synergy with Monaco is rooted in more than just geography. Both city-states thrive on the belief that scale is no barrier to impact, and that nurturing emerging talent is key to securing a vibrant, sustainable future. A country synonymous with old-world glamour yet deeply invested in the future, through platforms like MonacoTech and the Monaco Economic Development Board, Monaco has committed itself to fostering the next generation of disruptors—visionaries who will redefine industries and reimagine possibilities on the world stage.
Embarking on this journey of discovery is the winner of the Vogue Innovation Prize 2024: PAKT, a Hong Kong-based smart wardrobe platform. Founded by Barbara Yu Larsson, PAKT fuses physical garment care with AI-driven digital management to revolutionise wardrobe organisation and management. In her travel diary, Yu Larsson chronicles her time in Monaco: a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how a country steeped in heritage is also boldly writing the future—and inspiring a new generation of bold entrepreneurship.
18 March:
As we drive into Monaco from the Nice airport, looking down at the Mediterranean Sea is as thrilling as the first time I visited the country. It reminded me of the time, many years ago, when I was driving from Nice to Monaco and ended up on La Grande Corniche as the sun was setting. It was spectacular be that high up on the cliffs, gazing down into a magnificent blue sea.
We soon arrived at the Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, Curio Collection by Hilton, where I had stayed 10 years ago. It looked much brighter and had more open spaces—apparently, they had a major renovation a few years ago. I stayed in a junior suite, which came with a balcony, offering a lovely view of the sea and sea breeze.
For dinner, we took a walk to BeefBar, a trendy restaurant with a Michelin guide nod. I went years ago, when my son first moved to Monaco and funnily enough, have never tried the branch in Hong Kong despite it being a stone’s throw from the FCC. We started with a delicious glass of champagne and were then given the menu. We tucked into a selection of their most popular dishes—Wagyu Kobe beef featured extensively on the menu—and the quality of beef was truly outstanding.
From the melt-in-your-mouth sliders to the quesadillas and the delicious teppanyaki Kobe beef, it was a real treat. We were offered a smooth Bordeaux to accompany the beef and the combination was excellent, before enjoying lemon and mango sorbet at the end just to finish on a lighter note. The ambience in the restaurant, the lovely attention to small details and friendly, knowledgeable staff were wonderful components of a top restaurant. At the end of the evening, we were shown the back room where the meat hangs until ready to cook. Needless to say, the room was rather empty by the time we left.
19 March:
The morning began with a presentation at Monaco Economic Board. We arrived to a warm welcome by Margherita Colombo-Pastorelli, the Business Development Manager of the Monaco Economic Board. In attendance was a host of individuals from the luxury sector, including a luxury travel agency and concierge and even fashion brands. I gave a presentation in French and was pleasantly met with a lot of engagement from the attendees, including suggestions that a service such as PAKT’s would benefit their clientele in Monaco.
We then used the very efficient Monaco bus system to get to our next appointment: an interesting visit to the Nouveau Musee National Monaco at Villa Sauber with Elodie Biancheri, the Head of PR and Communications at the museum. Located in a beautiful old villa, the museum houses a unique and vast collection of art related to Monaco in some way, either through the subject or artist.
In the evening, we proceeded to dinner at Marius in Port Hercule in style. We got picked up in the most gorgeous vintage Rolls Royce—Brigitte Bardot’s 1959 Silver Cloud—and we felt so glamorous! When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the general manager, Raphael Rouget, who took us on a tour of the restaurant which comprised three floors with a private cinema, private dining rooms and a large event space on the top floor with a balcony offering a great view of the port. Alongside some lovely champagne, we tucked into yet another gourmet meal. With a delicious mixed seafood platter to start and then one of their specialties, ris de veau au jus, or braised sweetbreads.
20 March:
We started the day with a visit to MonacoTech, a government-funded incubator which supports start-ups working on innovative solutions to ecological problems facing the world. Here, I met director Sandrine Sauval and three of MonacoTech’s incubated start-ups, including next-gen ‘skin wear’ designer Akimba, and sustainable luxury skincare label La Purative. I also had an opportunity to meet Pierre Charvet from climate controlled digitised storage brand, YouStock, who could be a potential partner for PAKT in Monaco.
We then checked into the Hotel de Paris, an emblematic Belle Époque palace in the heart of the city, which started the myth of Monte-Carlo in 1864. I stayed in a luxurious nineteenth-century-style terrace room, which let in stunning views of the sea. We then indulged in a body and facial treatment in the hotel’s signature Thermes de Marins Spa—so relaxing and such a treat. For lunch, we ducked into the Hôtel Hermitage where a beautiful gastronomic meal was waiting for us at one-Michelin-starred Pavyllon. The fish was excellent and I loved the basil sorbet.
21 March:
We started with a visit to Sarah Ho, Stanley Ho’s granddaughter and fine jewellery designer, at her boutique in the Metropole Shopping Centre. Sarah accepts vintage, broken or partial sets of jewellery and reinvents them through new designs or new settings—it’s a lovely concept and she offers some truly gorgeous pieces.
We checked into the lovely Le Méridien Beach Plaza in the very heart of the city before dropping into Belgian-themed restaurant Smakelijk for lunch. I had fantastic moules frites, cooked in the traditional way—white wine, garlic and a delectable parsley sauce.
Then came an inspiring stop at the annual Monaco Women Forum. Held under the patronage of H.S.H Princess Charlene of Monaco, this year’s edition looked into the future of space and advanced technologies—looking into challenges, innovations and opportunities through three panels fronted by women who are experts in their fields, all with a litany of degrees and research qualifications.
It was time for the big event of the night: the Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year Awards Gala, held under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. We had a lovely time networking at the reception and I spoke to many interesting people, including Nia Asmady, the space programme manager for Pasifika Nusantara in Jakarta.
The event itself was the epitome of celebrating women’s achievements, and left a deep impression on me as I witnessed true luminaries in their fields being recognised. One of the two women to be honoured in the ceremony was 87-years old Amalia Ercoli Finzi—the first aeronautical engineer in Italy in 1962. A pioneer in the field and an inspiration to all women, she has a strong voice and such an interesting story, having raised five children during this period. The night ended with us walking in the rain for a final night cap. It was the perfect closing to a wonderfully memorable trip to Monaco—meeting great people and enjoying generous hospitality.
