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genius loci Spirited away at Château des Terrasses Over 130 years on from its construction, this magnificent Belle Époque chateau has caught the eye of two inquisitive italian designers. together with the Mairie de Cap d’ail, the italian embassy in Monaco and décor brand Zanaboni, tullia and Paolo Canciani have reimagined a world of luxe and elegance. By ELSA CARPENTER
uilt for british financier Henry Mendel in 1885, Château des Terrasses in Cap d’Ail went on to become the winter home of the Russian imperial family who entertained European aristocracy including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert I of Monaco within its walls. In 2008, after a period of significant renovations, the magnificent belle époque property was opened to the public. between 9th and 17th September, guests can discover the Décor d’Intérieur et l’Art Renaissent au Château des Terrasses exhibition that has been curated by the Canciani couple (members of the International Association of Art, a nongovernmental organisation working in partnership with UNESCO). “Fascinated by the beauty of the place, we thought to reimagine a certain atmosphere
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by placing decorative pieces in areas of the ground floor that are currently empty,” explain the couple. “An artistic and evocative mise en scène has been chosen for each room: the foyer, the Grand Salon, the Petit Salon, the office, the living room (or Salon de Chasse) and the dining room. [Guests will enjoy] a sensory tour of the villa, which will be lined with art works from a number of international artists and furniture and décor selected by antique collectors of renown. A true paradise for an enchanting villa. The genius loci emerges again.” The project was realised with the support of Italian furniture brand Zanaboni, which supplied many of the crucial elements of the interior design. With the metamorphosis completed, all that awaits now at Château des Terrasses is a decadent universe of velvet, silk, crystal and style. The exhibition is open daily from 3pm to 7pm. Entrance is free.
AN INTeRvIeW WITH CRIsTIANO GALLO, ITALy’s AMBAssAdOR IN MONACO
The Italian embassy in Monaco has given its patronage to the Décor d’Intérieur et l’Art Renaissent au Château des Terrasses exhibition in Cap d’Ail. Why did you choose to support this event? during the inaugural italian design day in Monaco last March, interior designers tullia and Paolo Canciani as well as leading italian décor brand Zanaboni presented me with their concept of decorating the historical villa of Château des terrasses in Cap d’ail. i liked it, especially the idea of recreating the magical atmosphere of the end of the 1800s and early 1900s. Gruppo Giardini from Pistoia will be responsible for the floral arrangements and will add an extra touch of italian savoir-faire. Furthermore, the villa has close proximity to Monaco and the sovereign Grimaldi family have spent lots of time there. How do projects like this contribute to the overseas brand image of Italy? they confirm the creativity, sense of the beautiful and aesthetics of our country. all over the world, italian taste – particularly in the luxury interior design domain – is much appreciated. it’s the same on the Côte d’azur. Made in italy represents a quality label for the italian economy. the exhibition at Château des terrasses shows how well this kind of initiative can work; when art meets industry, and the combination of beauty and simplicity. Will there be similar projects in the future? i certainly don’t want to rule out any possibilities of further promotional events in Monaco and the French riviera. Are you artistically inclined? Do you have a preferred style? Obviously i admire art in all its forms and expressions. My favourite artists are the impressionists, who inspired a colour revolution based on reality at the end of the 1800s.