A Day of Glamour, Grace, and Giving: The 11th Edition of the Ladies Vintage Car Rallye

The glittering heart of Monaco woke up a little brighter on a September morning as the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo transformed into a living tableau of retro fashion and timeless elegance. The 11th edition of the Ladies Rallye Vintage Cars Charity Event, organized by the Child Care Monaco association and its passionate founder, Martine Ackermann, unfolded with an air of festivity, unity, and philanthropy. This highly anticipated event, more than just a show of vintage automobiles, was a celebration of style, history, and heartfelt charity work.

The day began at the Café de Paris, a landmark that has witnessed countless stories over the years, and this morning was no different. Ladies adorned in their finest rockabilly attire gathered in clusters, their polka-dot dresses, red lipstick, and perfectly curled hair hearkening back to a golden era. The Place du Casino echoed with laughter and conversation, the sparkling Mediterranean light casting its glow on the stunning vintage cars lined up like jewels on display. Among them were two particularly special vehicles from the Prince's private car collection: an Alpha Romeo and a stately Delahaye.

As engines revved softly in preparation for the rally, I had the singular honor of taking my place in the Delahaye, a car steeped in Monaco's royal history. This was no ordinary seat-it was where Princess Grace herself would sit when she took her children on picnics, a memory fondly shared by Princess Stéphanie. It was a moment of pure magic to imagine the gentle conversations and memories this car had witnessed, a glimpse into the personal life of a beloved royal family.
From the glamour of Monte Carlo, the rally participants embarked on a scenic journey along the Promenade des Anglais, the iconic coastal road that stretches from Monaco into the heart of the French Riviera. The vintage engines purred like contented cats as they coasted along the Mediterranean, the sparkling sea on one side and the verdant hills on the other. At each turn, the crowd of spectators waved and smiled, taken by the beauty of the cars and the ladies within, exuding elegance and joy.
The first stop on this luxurious road trip was a champagne pause, where participants toasted to the day's success and to the cause at the heart of the event-raising funds to support child welfare initiatives through Child Care Monaco. Each glass of champagne carried with it the spirit of generosity that Martine Ackermann has infused into this event since its inception.

Lunch followed at the breathtaking Domaine de la Source, where vintage charm met the indulgence of fine cuisine. Under the warm Mediterranean sun, ladies took to the dance floor, swaying in their skirts and heels, reviving the spirit of the rockabilly era with every twirl and step. The afternoon was punctuated by a lively tombola, where prizes were won and laughter flowed as freely as the champagne. The bonds of friendship, both old and new, were strengthened as the event participants soaked in the beauty of the day and the shared commitment to a charitable cause.

As the rally resumed, the winding, picturesque roads led us to the small but charming village of La Turbie, perched high above Monaco with sweeping views of the sea. At Les Santons, a quaint and enchanting venue, we enjoyed a delightful tea time with cookies and drinks, the sweet treats offering a moment of relaxation amidst the day's excitement. The ladies, still dazzling in their rockabilly ensembles, indulged in quiet conversations and admired the serenity of the setting before the final leg of the journey.

The day culminated in true Monegasque style at the Prince's Palace, a fitting finale to an unforgettable event. With the Palace's grand façade as the backdrop, the awards ceremony unfolded in a swirl of elegance and anticipation. The most coveted awards of the day-recognizing the most elegant teams, best couples, and standout looks-were presented with great fanfare. Princess Stéphanie herself was present to bestow the big prize: the award for the most elegant team. Her presence added an extra layer of grace to an already enchanting day, reminding everyone of the strong connection between Monaco's royal family and the causes they support.

As the sun dipped behind the hills, casting a golden glow on the Palace, the 11th edition of the Ladies Rallye Vintage Cars came to a close. Yet, the echoes of laughter, the hum of vintage engines, and the warmth of shared generosity lingered in the air. More than just a celebration of fashion and classic cars, this event was a tribute to the power of women coming together to make a difference-driven by passion, style, and the unwavering belief in giving back.
Through the efforts of Martine Ackermann and Child Care Monaco, the day was a resounding success, not only in the elegance and joy it brought to Monaco but in the meaningful impact it will have on the children whose lives will be touched by the charity. In a world where glamour often stands alone, this event was a reminder that true beauty lies in generosity, and the most lasting legacies are those of kindness.