Tag: art

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Sculptée Paris comes to Monaco

“Spreadsheets have never really been my world,” says Julie Mascha, “but meaningful objects and artistic expression always have.”

WATCH VIDEO: Julie Mascha on celebrating womanhood and a Monaco pop-up.

The 31-year-old grew up in Lyon but her path has taken her around the world – from Brazil to the US, and then to Spain, where she spent five years living between Barcelona and Madrid before returning to Paris. Her career began in the luxury industry, where she learned the importance of storytelling, placing the client at the centre, and creating experiences that feel both personal and unforgettable.”

The idea for Sculptée Paris, the company Julie founded in September 2025, came to her during a trip to Amsterdam to visit her childhood best friend. “I discovered a similar concept and instantly felt that this was what I wanted to build – a project where craftsmanship, femininity, art, and luxury meet. On the train back to Paris, I was already drafting the business plan. That was a year ago.”

Julie fuses innovation and tradition to capture the female body, its beauty but also its power, especially during pregnancy “because, to me, it is one of the most striking moments of transformation and femininity.”

Her unique sculptures reflect both artistic sensitivity and the authentic shape of every woman, thanks to a high-precision 3D scan. Every detail is captured, right down to a beauty mark. The digital model is then refined by hand. “With my artistic eye, I work on the skin texture, softening certain areas.”

Julie, who is bilingual in French and English, says her role is to guide her clients through the creative process – the pose, level of smoothing, final finishes – but “the final piece must be a reflection of the client.”

It all starts with the 3D-modelling session. “This is one of my favourite moments of the entire process, because it is incredibly intimate. Clients often arrive slightly intimidated – and understandably so, as they reveal their bodies at a deeply vulnerable time of their lives. I feel a great responsibility in honouring the trust they place in me, and I make sure the experience feels warm and empowering.”

From this model, Julie creates a mould using advanced 3D-printing technologies. Depending on the chosen finishes, the sculpture then passes through the hands of several specialised artisans, from the art foundry to the master gilder, and sometimes a painter for the final patinas.

“I’ve surrounded myself with passionate artisans and artists, to offer the highest level of quality. For the gold-leaf finishes, for example, I collaborate with a master gilder who works with 24-carat Florentine gold – a delicate and noble material – and who also crafts for some of France’s most prestigious luxury houses. This level of craftsmanship is part of Sculptée Paris’ DNA.”

Bridging the two worlds of cutting-edge 3D scanning technology and centuries-old craftsmanship has not been without its challenges. “In the artisanal sphere, these technologies are still relatively new, so we had to create a workflow that allowed the sculpture to move seamlessly from digital precision to hand-crafted artistry. Also, we use the age-old lost-wax casting method, and it took many trials before identifying a material that could preserve every detail of the 3D model.”

From December 9 to 11, Julie will be in the Principality to meet with women who may be interested in the Sculptée experience. “For three days, I will welcome clients by appointment only to a beautiful, cocoon-like studio –very private – located just five minutes from the Monte Carlo Casino.” You can book an appointment online here.

In January 2026, Sculptée Paris will participate in the “Ateliers Futures Mamans” in Brussels – a wellness-focused event designed as a nurturing pause for expectant mothers. The workshops include prenatal yoga sessions, discussions with a physiotherapist about pelvic health.

“I want to continue to push the boundaries of sculptural art, merging cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship to celebrate femininity,” says Julie.

Article first published December 3, 2025.

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Dominik Drygas

Dominik Drygas has fond memories of his childhood in Częstochowa, some 200km southwest of Warsaw.

“I grew up in the Catholic capital of Poland. I can remember when I was 5 years old, sitting on the balcony and looking out at the clouds for hours. I imagined they were mountain peaks and how I wanted to be up there. I wanted to be a hero, a knight who would save the princess and defend the kingdom. Maybe that is why I have always stood up for those in need.”

As an only child, Dominik played with his imagination. “I had one box of mixed Lego that I was constantly building various constructions. In the winter, I would pack food and a blanket and go off alone on a sled for expeditions to the nearby fields. And in the summer, I’d build huts from forest branches and sleep in them alone. When I was a little older, I explored all the caves in the Polish mountains and climbed all the peaks.”

Unlike other children at that age, Dominik did not go to kindergarten. While his mother ran her own flower shop, he was taken care of by an elderly Jewish woman who would talk to him about the art and antiques in her apartment. Art and design played a pivotal role in his early years. Together with his mom, they would read newspapers about interior design. His grandfather was a famous jeweller and his grandparents’ house was full of paintings by acclaimed Polish artists.

“I can remember seeing my grandfather’s perfect workshop and his focus and concentration as he set diamonds in gold. Maybe that’s why I was obsessed about keeping my room tidy and often moving the furniture around,” says the 48-year-old.

Dominik felt different from other kids. He describes himself as very emotionally sensitive, creating his own path and rebelling against the norm. “I am an artist first, it’s in my genes. My grandfather drew beautifully, my mother drew beautifully, and she designed interiors and organised the first fashion shows.”

He was drawn to architecture. “I wanted to create and build, whether it was a house made of Lego or arranging a room. It was about putting order to space.”

He adds, “You could say that I studied art from the age of five. My parents were well off and often built new houses which they decorated exquisitely. I consolidated this knowledge by studying architecture in Kraków, Poland’s artistic centre.”

Dominik says he mixes all styles – from acrylic and oil paints to graphics and collage – to create his own style where assemblage is dominant. “What I create is not the result of any planning. I flow in the energy and create, never really sure of what will be the final outcome.”

With his architectural studio in Poland, he developed a strong fan base of the country’s wealthiest people, famous artists and top athletes. “I was very well-known, and sometimes clients waited a year for an available date – even though my rates were two times higher than everyone else.” During that time, every one of his projects was featured in Poland’s most prominent interior design magazines. “What characterised the work was colour, which was ahead of the trend. Also, I had brave solutions and functionality and visual effects, as well as the perfect design of lightning in any interior.”

Dominik moved here about six years ago. “In Poland, I always felt as if I were a foreigner. In Monaco, with the vibrations, energy, light, I immediately felt this was my place on earth, like I was finally home.”

In April, his portrait of Princess Grace was included in an art charity auction by the association Femmes Leaders Mondiales Monaco at the Monaco Yacht Club, with proceeds donated to the Princess Grace Hospital and the Monaco Cardio-Thoracic Centre.

Yet despite being regularly approached by art galleries to exhibit his work, Dominik has shied away from the prospect. Until now. “It was not the time and place. Now I feel ready.” His exhibition ‘Renaissance’ takes place Thursday, July 4 at Marius Monaco in the port.

“It shows the first cycle of my work created over the last six years. It’s a reflection of cutting off Poland mentally and my fight to survive here. It is also a story about love, trust and faith. My next exhibitions will be only about the future and my work will change as I do as a painter and architect.”

Visit “Renaissance” by Dominik Drygas July 4 from 7 to 9 pm at Marius Monaco (ex-Stars’n’Bars), 6 Quai Antoine Ire.

Article first published July 3, 2024.

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Raphael Rouget

Growing up in Monaco, Raphael Rouget was captivated by motorsport. It wasn’t just the “machines adorned with exceptional details” but observing the “emotions, determination, and willpower of the drivers that fascinated me from a young age,” says the new general manager of Marius Monaco.

“Sports with its values and competitive spirit have always been the core of my life. This passion initially led me to pursue a professional career in football. And a memorable encounter with Michel Platini further reinforced this ambition and encouraged me to follow that path.”

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: RAPHAEL ROUGET INTRODUCES BANKSY ROOM AT MARIUS MONACO

A car accident would abruptly end Raphael’s football dreams but he redirected his focus towards the hospitality and restaurant industry. “I joined my father in a profession that has been in our family for three generations,” says Raphael. His first job was working alongside his dad at the 5-star Hôtel Richemond in Geneva, Switzerland. “More than just a job, the restaurant business is a world of excellence, a powerful medium for connections and exchanges.”

It was a good fit. “I thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity, service, and attention to detail come together to make every moment unique. “My positive attitude is a constant, and I’m quick to react, always looking for solutions and ways to enhance the experience.”

For ever-energetic Raphael, an exceptional restaurant comes down to three things. First, making every detail count. “I believe it starts with high-quality cuisine—fresh ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and a unique culinary identity that sets it apart.”

Second, the role service plays. “I strive for attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff who make guests feel special and valued. A seamless, coordinated effort between the kitchen and the front-of-house ensures everything flows perfectly.”

And third, the vibe. “A thoughtfully designed space that reflects the restaurant’s concept, paired with the right lighting, music, and comfort, enhances the overall experience. Ultimately, it’s about building that connection with guests, ensuring they have a remarkable experience that makes them want to return again and again.”

Raphael is one of the rare species outside North America who believes the customer is always right. “In a restaurant, the customer is always right in the sense that their expectations and experience should be taken seriously and respected. However, this doesn’t mean that every request is automatically valid or realistic. The key is to adopt a balanced approach, where you listen carefully to the customer while staying true to the restaurant’s standards, vision, and operational capabilities.

“That said, it is essential to show empathy and professionalism when faced with dissatisfaction, as an unhappy customer can compromise the positive experience for others. The goal is to always find a solution that respects both the customer’s needs and the realities of the service.

He should know. He has built his career opening restaurants all around the world, from Japan and Brazil to Qatar and Lebanon, and in the US, Dubai, Switzerland, and France. “These range from small units to large-scale operations including a restaurant for the Bocuse Group with over 800 seats and a capacity of nearly 3,200 covers per day in Lyon.” Raphael has seen it all. “From fast-casual dining to international cuisines of various origins, all the way up to a Michelin three-star restaurant ranked in the top 20 in the world. In each case, I dedicated myself to maintaining an exceptional level of excellence, always striving for perfection.”

Clearly, there is a learning curve. “Every opening reminds me of the importance of building a strong team, maintaining clear communication, and always keeping the goal of providing an exceptional experience for every guest, no matter the type of restaurant.

“It’s about balancing vision, preparation, and adaptability. It’s crucial to have a clear and ambitious vision for the concept, but it’s equally important to be flexible and able to adapt to the unexpected challenges that arise – and they do – whether they are related to management, teams, or customer satisfaction.”

The father of two came on board as the general manager of Marius Monaco in December, six months after Sebastien Sanjou opened its green doors. “When I arrived, the challenge was immense. It was a case of mistaken identity. We were having nights with only two customers in the restaurant, which seemed completely crazy given its iconic history.”

“Art is very important for us. We have many permanent works on display at the restaurant, from Jean Cocteau to American artist Sam Francis. And from April 15, we have a new piece from the Nice-born artist Arman, who designed bottles for Taittinger. We also have the Banksy room, is a new private dining room that seats 10 people.”

– Raphael Rouget, general manager Marius Monaco

He wanted to wake this “Sleeping Beauty” of a restaurant that had been dormant for some time and was determined to bring it back to life and make it shine again.

“Marius Monaco has a unique identity, deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition while embracing innovation. The focus is on the freshness of local and seafood products, with a culinary expertise that combines simplicity and excellence.”

The vice president of Monaco’s Hospitality Association (AIHM) adds, “The 1500-square meter restaurant is in a prime location and offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, but what distinguishes Marius is its commitment to offering a true immersion into the Monaco lifestyle, where every detail matters, including impeccable service.

“I am someone who embodies diplomacy, always striving to maintain a calm and respectful demeanour in all situations. I am approachable, available, and deeply attentive to my clients’ needs, ensuring they feel heard and valued. So the experience that I offer to guests is one of closeness, friendliness, and warmth, in line with the expectations of Monaco, whether for a meeting or celebrating a milestone.”

Open every day for lunch and dinner, Marius offers Happy Hour weekdays from 5:30 to 8pm and live music with new artists performing on Saturday nights and this summer, will offer “a surprise” on the spectacular outdoor terrace (which opens after the Monaco Grand Prix). WATCH VIDEO (SCROLL TO TOP) FOR INSIDE SCOOP.

Raphael, whose wife is Australian, is truly a breath of fresh air. “When it comes to customer service, it is important to listen and to understand the situation from the perspective of your team in order to prepare the most appropriate response. By turning a negative situation into a positive one, you show the guest that their concerns matter and help build a stronger relationship with them.”

Raphael lives by his words; “I’m committed to giving my best at every moment, ensuring that each interaction, whether with guests or my team, is a reflection of my dedication to excellence.”

As he says, “I want Marius to be the must-visit address in Monaco, a place that people return time and time again.”

Article first published April 15, 2025. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.

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Rugby legend Rives opens art exhibit at Prince’s Car Collection

His long blond hair earned him the nicknamed “casque d’or” (golden helmet). The BBC called him a “cult figure” in France. Jean-Pierre Rives played for France’s rugby team from 1975 to 1984 and was the first captain to lead the team to victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand on July 14, 1979. The flanker was the country’s first truly international rugby star.

Yet despite a record-breaking career in rugby, as a child Jean-Pierre had always been fascinated by colour and form and dreamt of the Beaux-Arts. Born in 1952, in Toulouse, perusing art was not an option for his generation, especially as his grandfather was a cyclist and his father favoured tennis.

When Jean-Pierre retired in 1987, after winning 59 caps for France (34 as captain) and two Grand Slams in 1977 and 1981, he gave away his game jersey and trophies because for him, what mattered most, were the people: “Rugby is the story of a ball with friends around and when there is no more ball, friends remain.”

The soft-spoken artist reflects, “Both rugby and art both are based on emotions.” (Watch Video).

The studios may have come knocking – he appeared in three films: Qui sont mes juges? (1987); Connemara (1990); and Druids in 2001 – but after discovering the work of sculptor Albert Féraud, Jean-Pierre fulfilled his calling.

As a renowned sculptor who has lived in Mendocino, California, and has a home in Grimaud, Jean-Pierre’s art has been shown around the world, in New York, Paris, Moscow, Dubai and Shanghai. In 2007, the “Rives sur Berges” outdoor exhibition installed eight of his sculptures along the Rhone River in Lyon during the Rugby World Cup.

Jean-Pierre’s “Abstraction Géométrique” exhibit opened on Monday, April 3, at the Prince’s Car Collection in Monaco. Jean-Pierre and director Valérie Closier welcomed Prince Albert at 6pm and accompanied him along the main floor where paintings and cars came together in the form of art, including a Formula 3000 and Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.

Valérie enthuses, “The work is very colourful, a touch of pop art in the collection, that ties into two customised cars covered with his work. It is the link between cars and art.” (Watch Video.)

This is the first art show at the modernised Prince’s Car Collection in the new La Condamine location and the energy is contagious. Invited guests included Gareth Wittstock, secretary general of the Princess Charlene Foundation. One of Jean-Pierre’s paintings will be auctioned in the Principality later this year with proceeds going to Princess Charlene’s Foundation, which among other activities supports the Monegasque Rugby Federation in organising the Saint Devote Rugby Tournament for youth. This year it takes place on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Also present were Jean-Francois “Jeff” Tordo (former captain of the French national rugby team and founder of the humanitarian association, Pachaamama), Tiffaney Perlino (president of Monaco’s Women in Motor Sport Commission), Brigitte Boccone-Pagès (president of Monaco’s National Council), and Martine Ackermann, founder of Child CARE Monaco and the Monte-Carlo Women’s Vintage Car Rally, this year on September 10).

Valérie hopes to bring in several exhibits every year to create a “living space” that will keep people coming back. (Breaking News: Monaco Fashion Week will have its catwalk to the backdrop of the cars and art in May.)

This is the first time Jean-Pierre Rives, 70, is sharing his “Abstraction Géométrique” with the public. The exhibit runs until the end of May at the Prince’s Car Collection at 54 route de la piscine. Admission is €10 or €5 for under 18. Open daily 10 am to 7 pm.

Prince Albert with artist Jean-Pierre Rives and Valerie Closier,, director of the Prince’s Car Collection.
Valerie Closier, Prince Albert and Jean-Pierre Rives .
Tiffaney Perlino, Valérie Closier, Jean-Pierre Rives, Martine Ackermann, Nancy Heslin and Jean-Jaques Bally. at “Abstraction Géométrique”vernissage.
Jean-Pierre Rives with Jeff Tordo.
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Kaitlin Kraemer

American Kaitlin Kraemer grew up playing a variety of instruments, taking dance lessons, and trying her hand at painting courses.

“While I’ve not descended from a family of creatives per say, my parents have a great appreciation for the arts,” she says. “I suppose my folks recognized my passion for the arts at a young age and did everything they could to foster that.”

A full-time artist whose solo exhibit “Confessions Intimes” is at the Monaco Yacht Club this week, Kaitlin originally decided to major in Anthropology and minor in Studio Fine Arts. “This stemmed from this innate passion for creating, as well as my desire to understand human behaviour – why we do what we do, think how we think, love what we love – and how many of these traits and evolutions are quite similar cross-culturally,” she explains.

An opportunity to study in Aix-en-Provence came at the recommendation of her undergraduate arts professor and mentor, Walter Hatke, who believed she was an ideal candidate for this immersive painting program. “He strongly encouraged me to apply to the summer semester course at The Marchutz School of Fine Arts. The experience honed my French language skills and really legitimised my own ability to see myself as an artist,” she recounts.

That summer of 2007 she fell in love with painting, as well as with the South of France, which influenced her permanent move back to France in early 2018. “I decided to return to a part of the world that I love, to continue to do what I love – in the sunshine, with a glass of rosé. As a full-time as an artist, you have the unique ability to live and work from anywhere.”

The move, she says, definitely wasn’t a seamless or easy transition although being proficient in French helped, as does being an extrovert. “There have been many ups and downs, but that is par for the course when you’re an expat. I wouldn’t change any of it – except, perhaps, having my family closer. Being so geographically distant from them has been the only downside.”

Kaitlin has been painting regularly for 15 years now, but didn’t become a full-time artist until 2017. “The decision was one part mind-numbingly terrifying, the other part, an absolute necessity. I woke up one morning and realised how stuck and unhappy I felt in my seemingly ‘perfect’ life – I had a good job, a husband, lived in a nice apartment, but was fundamentally unhappy and unsatisfied. So I did something about it.”

Within six months, she changed everything about her life: she gave notice at work, filed for divorce, left London where she had been living for four years and moved back into her parents’ house in the US, and enrolled on a year-long rigorous graduate arts program at Tufts University.

“I look back at that time now and it both shocks and thrills me. I kind of can’t believe I had the courage to do it, but am incredibly grateful that I followed my instinct and made it happen. It’s not been an easy journey, but the fact that I’ve done it – that I wake up every morning passionate about and proud of what I do – is definitely my greatest achievement to date,” she admits.

Kaitlin, who has had shown her work in Boston, London and on the Riviera, was given the opportunity to exhibit in the IQOS Showroom at the Yacht Club through the Monaco-based consulting agency, Highlights. “I was put in contact with them through a mutual friend, and worked with their team over many months and pandemic-related setbacks to organise this exhibit.”

In normal times, Kaitlin would have held a vernissage but obviously this was not possible under the Covid guidelines. However, she emphasises that everyone is welcome to visit her exhibit this week (up to four people at a time, with a terrace to accommodate those waiting) at IQOS, just steps from the Wine Palace. “There are only four days left so please pop by this week to have a look, up close and in person,” she encourages.

Kaitlin wants to inspire others with her art and her story – to show people that almost anything is possible if you want it badly enough – and “that through chaos, there is beauty.” But finding beauty in the last twelve months of Covid have been incredibly difficult for her.

“I am an eternal optimist, and have tried to keep as busy and productive as possible, but I’ve found it more challenging than ever this past year. My younger sister, whom I was very close with, passed away in a tragic accident in July. I still find it incredibly hard to talk about.

“My family and I have experienced a loss that no family should ever experience, during a time when gathering and consoling one another has been nearly impossible. It has been horrific and heart-breaking, to say the very least.

“I’m still not a point where I can share these emotions in my art but I carry my sister in my head and heart each and every day, now more so than ever, and am trying to live my life stronger and bolder and better, for both of us.”

Visit Kaitlin Kraemer’s “Confessions Intimes” exhibition at the Monaco Yacht Club’s IQOS showroom until February 6, from 10 am to 7 pm.