For nearly two hours, guests were delighted by dance acts, ballet performances, fashion shows, and fabulous music!

The fashion world came together in a beautiful evening of synergized creativity. Presenter Victoria Silvstedt, who also participated in Monte Carlo Fashion Week 2024, carried the night smoothly with her inviting personality. Her co-host was Alessandra Monti.

As a brand ambassador and model for Wilfried & Co. skin and hair care, an eco-friendly and local online boutique, I interacted with the models to see who would be selected.

According to John Casablancas International, “The entertainment industry is constantly evolving…there are thousands of highly successful models of all shapes, sizes, ages, ethnicities…and we want to work with all of them.” They brand their offer as “100% inclusive of all types of talent.”

The female winners & show producers – photo © Courtney McConnel

The winners for The Look of the Year 2025 – photo © Courtney McConnel

Asian designer You Ji Young tickled the audience with her eye-catching opening act that featured a kindergartner strutting across the stage like a seasoned pro. Her senior model in a chic tuxedo received warm applause.

After seeing the models in competition during the week, I was fascinated to watch their professionalism on stage and notice how seamlessly they performed. This is, after all, a ‘legendmaker’ known for launching careers such as that of Cindy Crawford.

Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo had one of its shops win an award by Chiara Boni.

Photo © Courtney McConnel

With seventy models from around the world, most are expected to succeed in the industry just because they were picked as contestants.

Though the competition was created by Mr. Casablancas, it branched off in 1995 and “decrees the standards of style, beauty, and personality every year.”

In my conversation with the Fashion Director, Vittorio Davoli, I discovered that the First Lady of America was once a contestant and actually met President Trump then. Interesting piece of history, indeed!

We are happy that in the tradition of Irene Brin from Bordighera, expert for the Ministry of Commerce and Made in Italy brand, the President of Sustainable Fashion Innovation, Valeria Mangani, won this prize category in the 2025 edition. Ms. Mangani is also a Fortune Fifty Most Powerful Women winner, and heads a non-profit that spans the planet for ESG and fashion sustainability endeavors. She has a book in Italian on the topic, Vestiro il futuro.

All photos © Courtney McConnel