A PASSIONATE DESIGNER
Ever since she was a child, drawing has nourished her passion, shaping a creative universe imbued with exacting standards, refinement and a love of beautiful materials and objects. Her precise line, her innate talent for sketching and the delicacy of her paintings transport us to the heart of the Principality of Monaco's emblematic monuments.
What sets her apart is her ability to fuse the traditional gestures of the brush with the technical mastery of the stylus on a graphics tablet, combining tradition and modernity. Collaborating with the most prestigious luxury houses, it is with enthusiasm and spontaneity that she has put her art at the service of the Monoïkos 1297 House, enriching its creations with a singular and elegant touch.
A NOTE OF HISTORY
Monaco is also famous for its iconic buildings.
The Prince's Palace
Monaco's Palais Princier dates back to 1191. It was originally built as a Genoese fortress to defend the region. It was only over the centuries that it became the official residence of the Princes of Monaco. Situated on the Rock, this symbol of Monegasque history and sovereignty is a remarkable architectural monument whose ceremonial rooms rival each other in splendour.
The Oceanographic Museum
Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanography, Monaco's Oceanographic Museum is a veritable temple to the wonders of the sea. This majestic building perched on a cliff offers fascinating exhibitions and houses a famous aquarium, where you can discover the wealth of marine ecosystems.
Monaco Cathedral
Built in 1875, Monaco Cathedral, also known as Notre-Dame-Immaculée Cathedral, is the resting place of several members of the royal family, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Romanesque-Byzantine in style, it is the setting for many of the Principality's religious celebrations.
The Church of Sainte Dévote
The Church of Sainte Dévote, dedicated to the patron saint of Monaco, is a place of devotion steeped in Monegasque tradition. Nestling in a valley near the port, this small church is the setting for one of Monaco's oldest traditions: every 27 January, a boat is symbolically burnt in honour of Sainte Dévote.
The Monte-Carlo Casino
A true jewel of Belle Époque architecture, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of Monaco's most emblematic landmarks. Inaugurated in 1863, this monument attracts enthusiasts of gaming and elegance from all over the world, embodying the Principality's refined and luxurious art of living.
The Monaco Carob Tree
The carob tree, located on the Rock of Monaco, is an emblematic tree that is part of the Principality's natural heritage. Symbolising longevity and resilience, this hundred-year-old tree is a living witness to Monaco's history and its strong bond with nature.
The Exotic Garden
Perched high above Monaco, the Jardin Exotique is a haven of peace, famous for its exceptional collection of succulents and cacti. This enchanting site, opened in 1933, offers spectacular panoramic views over Monaco and the sea, while allowing visitors to discover rare plant species from the four corners of the globe.
In this way, the Principality, through its fascinating history and unique setting, continues to fascinate the world, combining monarchical tradition with daring modernity.
An umbrella of exception
Our automatic folding umbrella embodies elegance and French craftsmanship, from the expert hands of one of France's last master craftsmen, passionate and dedicated to excellence.
Designed to fit any lifestyle, whether you're at home or traveling, it slips easily into a bag, suitcase or satchel, ready to accompany you with refinement and practicality.
With its generous 100 cm span, this umbrella offers optimum protection from the elements.
Its delicate illustrations represent two of the Principality of Monaco's most emblematic monuments, paying tribute to the history and majestic architecture of the Palais Princier and the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
This umbrella is distinguished by its wooden shaft, sublimated by a strap matching the motif adorning the fabric. It comes with a waterproof cover, also decorated with the same refined motif, ensuring perfect visual harmony.
The “Les Monuments de Monaco” collection folding umbrella is a tribute to Monegasque tradition, combining both style and protection. Beneath its apparent discretion, it unfolds its full scope to offer protection worthy of the harshest weather, while reflecting the prestige of the two Monegasque monuments that decorate its canvas.
Available with brass details that further enhance its sophisticated allure, this umbrella embodies the balance between tradition and modernity. Let yourself be seduced by a unique experience in which every rainy day becomes an opportunity to transport yourself to the timeless elegance of the Principality of Monaco, thanks to this indispensable companion, a true testament to the craftsmanship of Maison Monoïkos 1297.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MONOÏKOS 1297
Maintain the elegance of your umbrella
Although an umbrella is easy to handle and maintain, the care you give it is essential to preserving its elegance and extending its life. Follow our recommendations for optimum care.
Correct use of your umbrella
To ensure proper operation and avoid damage, it's important to know how to open your umbrella correctly. When using an automatic folding model, make sure you point the tip downwards before activating the opening mechanism. This prevents unnecessary strain on the system. Press the button on the handle to open quickly. To close, press the button again, then gently push the ends together until completely closed.
Drying your umbrella properly
It's essential to always close your umbrella when it's completely dry, to prevent water from damaging the mechanism.
Canopy cleaning
Regular cleaning of your umbrella is one of the first things you should do for it. Use a sponge or cloth soaked in water to gently clean the waterproof canvas. If stains persist, mix a few drops of ammonia in a liter of water and gently rub the surface. To maintain the waterproofing of your umbrella, we recommend applying a waterproofing spray about 20 cm apart. You can also use a sponge soaked in a mixture of water and alum stone to restore its waterproof properties.
Proper storage
Avoid exposing your umbrella to sunlight, even if the fabric is UV-treated, as this could cause discoloration and weaken the canvas. When closing, wrap the canopy carefully around the pole in a circular motion, from the tip to the handle, to avoid wrinkles and marks on the fabric.
BETWEEN BELIEFS AND PRECAUTIONS...
THE SUPERSTITION SURROUNDING UMBRELLAS
Who hasn't heard the solemn warning: “Never open an umbrella indoors, it's bad luck! This superstition, as widespread as a cloud in the autumn sky, has its roots in beliefs that originated in England in the 18th century, but goes back even further. Opening an umbrella indoors wasn't just a matter of bad luck, it was also... a potential danger!
In Victorian times, metal-framed umbrellas were veritable spring machines! If you opened them suddenly in a cramped room, you risked knocking things over, or even injuring someone.
But superstition doesn't stop at simple pragmatism. Let's delve into ancient Egypt, where the first umbrellas (or rather parasols) were used not to protect from the rain, but from the scorching sun. These objects were so precious that they were associated with royalty and the gods. Opening one indoors, far from the sun's sacred domain, was seen as sacrilege to the Egyptian deities.
More symbolically, the umbrella, whether it protects from the rain or the sun, is above all a sign of protection. To open it inside would be to say: “I don't trust the security of my own home”.
And what about the Christian touch? Some say that deploying an umbrella in the home disrupts the divine order.
In short, this superstition is the result of a fine blend of pragmatism, symbolism and a hint of fear of invisible forces. So, the next time you feel a drop... perhaps it's best to wait until you're outside to unfurl your umbrella, so as not to tempt fate!