Monoïkos 1297 serves as an ambassador for Monaco’s identity, celebrating the Principality’s rich heritage through exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design.
The concept was born from a simple yet compelling observation by founders Leticia de Massy and Charlotte de Pariente. While Monaco is home to the world’s most prestigious luxury maisons, there were very few high-end creations that genuinely reflected the history and soul of the Principality itself. Their vision was to create “gifts with a story” – not traditional souvenirs, but collectible pieces that embody Monaco’s unique cultural legacy.
The brand’s name refers to one of the defining moments in Monegasque history. 1297 marks the year when François Grimaldi, later known as Malizia (“The Cunning”), is said to have captured the Fortress of Monaco by disguising himself as a Franciscan monk before opening the gates to his companions. This legendary event symbolizes the beginning of the Grimaldi dynasty, which continues to reign today. Unsurprisingly, motifs such as the monk, the fortress and the spirit of Malizia frequently appear throughout the brand’s collections.
Photo © RIVIERA BUZZ
Rather than following seasonal fashion trends, Monoïkos 1297 creates thematic collections that celebrate different chapters of Monaco’s remarkable story. From the legendary Monaco Grand Prix and the scientific expeditions of Prince Albert I, to the Principality’s historic neighbourhoods, maritime heritage, the Jardin Exotique, Princess Grace’s Rose Garden and the legacy of the International Circus Festival, each collection offers a new perspective on Monaco’s cultural identity.
Equally important is the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. Monoïkos 1297 collaborates with highly specialized artisans, including perfumers from Grasse, candle makers in Southern France, Italian glassmakers, French textile ateliers and printers based in Monaco. Most of these partners are located within approximately 250 kilometres of the Principality, ensuring exceptional quality while supporting local expertise and shorter supply chains.
Although firmly positioned within the luxury sector, the brand embraces a thoughtful approach to sustainability through limited production runs, durable materials, European manufacturing, responsible partnerships with skilled artisans and a commitment to supporting Monaco’s environmental ambitions.
Rather than competing directly with global luxury houses, Monoïkos 1297 has established itself within a distinctive niche often described as a Luxury Heritage Brand. Its appeal lies in authenticity, cultural storytelling and meticulous craftsmanship rather than seasonal trends. Its clientèle includes collectors, yacht owners, visitors to Monaco, luxury hotels, institutions and individuals who share a deep appreciation for the Principality.
Since its launch in 2021, the brand has significantly expanded its portfolio beyond candles, scarves and beach towels to include fine jewellery, decorative objects, luxurious backgammon sets and bespoke creations for corporate clients and exclusive events. It has also gained recognition in international travel and lifestyle publications while presenting pop-up experiences during iconic events such as the Monaco Grand Prix.
We are very grateful to Monoïkos 1297 co-founder Leticia de Massy for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer some of our questions about the brand.
Monoïkos 1297 presents Monaco through the lens of heritage and craftsmanship rather than glamour alone. What story do you hope visitors and collectors take away from the brand?
The Principality is, of course, an international destination synonymous with glamour and a world capital of luxury, but it is also a close-knit, almost village-like community, deeply attached to family, heritage and tradition.
Monoïkos 1297 brings these two dimensions together by creating fragments of memory to collect, to give and to pass on. Each piece is conceived not simply as an object, but as a meaningful connection to Monaco, its history, symbols, places and way of life, brought to life through craftsmanship and designed to endure across generations.
We hope visitors and collectors take away a more intimate and enduring vision of Monaco, one shaped by its history, symbols, places and traditions.
Your collections beautifully balance historical inspiration with contemporary design. How do you preserve Monaco’s heritage while creating pieces that resonate with an international luxury audience?
Oh, thank you! We really much try to preserve Monaco’s heritage through the strength and authenticity of the story behind each creation. The design acts as a messenger: it must translate that story with clarity and precision.
Courtesy Monoïkos 1297 on Instagram
Naturally, every piece is crafted from the finest materials and executed to the highest standards of luxury. But luxury is never the message in itself, it is the medium. What ultimately gives each object its value and international resonance is the history it carries, the emotion it conveys and the memory it is designed to preserve and transmit.
Each collection explores a different chapter of Monaco’s history. Is there a story, historical figure or cultural tradition you are especially excited to celebrate in a future collection?
So many! We are still a very young Maison, while Monaco’s history is extraordinarily rich and offers endless inspiration. Many chapters remain to be written, created and revealed. We are at the beginning of a journey, one that we hope will be long one, driven by the ambition to showcase, over time, the full richness of Monaco’s heritage: historical, cultural, architectural, sporting, and philanthropic. We aspire to unveil its more confidential facets: an authentic Monaco, sometimes lesser known, deeply rooted in its history.
I would especially like to explore the figure of François Grimaldi, the first member of the Grimaldi family to establish himself on the Rock, a foundational chapter in the history of the Principality. We are also eager to continue developing our collection dedicated to Monaco’s gardens, which reveal another side of its heritage: more intimate, poetic and deeply Mediterranean.
Craftsmanship and sustainability are central to your philosophy. Why was it important for you to collaborate with regional artisans and maintain predominantly European production?
It is important to us because craftsmanship, proximity and responsibility are inseparable from our vision of luxury. Working with regional artisans allows us to preserve exceptional savoir-faire, maintain close relationships with them and ensure greater transparency throughout the production process.
Since signing Monaco’s National Energy Transition Pact in 2021, we have prioritised a local and predominantly European ecosystem, with the design and a significant part of our production taking place within 300 kilometres of Monaco. This approach helps reduce distances, supports regional expertise and enables us to create durable objects from carefully selected materials. For Monoïkos 1297, luxury must be discreet, responsible and meaningful.
If you had to describe the essence of Monoïkos 1297 in just one sentence, what would you say defines the soul of the brand and makes it truly unique within today’s luxury landscape?
“Monoïkos 1297 : Rooted in Monaco’s heritage. Crafted for generations.“
From a branding perspective, Monoïkos 1297 represents a fascinating example of how a luxury house can build a powerful identity through consistency and authenticity. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, the brand remains devoted to a single narrative: Monaco as a source of culture, history and exceptional craftsmanship. From its name and collections to its materials and limited editions, every detail reinforces that vision, setting Monoïkos 1297 apart from conventional luxury lifestyle and souvenir brands.
VENUE DETAILS
Monoïkos 1297
6, rue Princesse Caroline
98000 Monaco
PHOTO CREDITS
- All photos courtesy and © Monoïkos 1297 unless otherwise credited
- Instagram post as credited
Advertisement
Leave a comment