Amber Lounge

Amber Lounge and Amber Lounge Fashion are F1 events first established in 2003. The club is exclusive to Formula 1, and travels with it to various locations around the world. The events have become a favorite with celebrities and F1 drivers. The fashion show first appeared in 2006, showcasing international designers and raising money for charity. The star-studded event has seen the attendance of celebrities the likes of Prince Harry, Bono, Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue, Helena Christensen, Rio Ferdinand, Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lawrence to name a few.

In 2015, Amber Lounge will be held in Monaco, Singapore, Mexico City and Abu Dhabi.

History

Amber Lounge was created in 2003 by Sonia Irvine, sister of former F1 driver Eddie Irvine. The first event featured Maxi Jazz from Faithless playing to F1 drivers, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and a host of other guests from Music, Film and Sport.[1][2]

In 2006 the event saw the addition of a fashion show known as Amber Lounge Fashion. The fashion events have showcased a number of well known fashion designers and raise funds for charity.

2006 also saw the addition of a second event held in Shanghai at the Chinese Grand Prix. The event has since been hosted at a number of F1 race weekends around the world.

Venues

Monaco

The Monaco Grand Prix is the main venue of the Amber Lounge and Amber Lounge Fashion. Monaco is known for its glamor and the race attracts the rich and famous from around the world, making it a fitting venue for the Amber Lounge. The first Amber Lounge party was held here in 2003 and the Amber Lounge Fashion premiered in 2006. The Monaco event has grown over the last 10 years - the event now takes over the whole of the Le Méridien Beach Plaza Hotel for the entire race weekend. [3]

Shanghai

Following the success of the Monaco event, Shanghai was added as the second location of the Amber Lounge taking place in 2006 and 2007.

Barcelona

In 2007 Spain became the third Amber Lounge event, taking place at The Hotel Arts, Barcelona.

Singapore

In 2008 the Shanghai event was replaced by one at the Singapore Grand Prix. In 2010 Singapore became the second location to host the Amber Lounge Fashion show.[4]

Valencia

Valencia became the fourth location to host the Amber Lounge in 2008, but as the European Grand Prix is no longer held in Valencia the event has been replaced by Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi

In 2009 Abu Dhabi became the next exotic location of the Amber Lounge, replacing Valencia. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix party takes place on an exclusive beach location. [5]

Delhi

The Indian Grand Prix debuted in 2011 and Delhi replaced Barcelona as the latest destination for the Amber Lounge. The stars of Bollywood rubbed shoulders with F1 drivers and guests.

US Austin

The US Grand Prix, a new addition to the F1 calendar in 2013 is to be the latest venue for the Amber Lounge in 2013. Austin Texas is already famous for great music venues so it is an obvious choice as an Amber Lounge venue. [6]

Mexico City

Amber Lounge is debuting its first ever event in Mexico City for the return of the Mexican Grand Prix with a star-studded fashion show and F1 driver after-party.

Fashion

The charity catwalk show takes place at both Monaco and Singapore Grand Prix, where international fashion designers showcase their collections. The first Amber Lounge Fashion show took place at the Monaco race in 2006. With Prince Albert of Monaco as patron the inaugural event raised money for the Tereza Maxova Foundation.

World famous designers have included Hervé Léger, Hugo Boss, Matthew Williamson, Frederick Lee,[7] Missoni, Elizabeth Hurley, Jimmy Choo, Isabell Kristensen and Nichole de Carle London (Luxury lingerie).[8]

As is to be expected, collections have been modeled by catwalk favorites like Eva Herzigova, Petra Nemcova, Lauren Gold and Tereza Maxova. However in 2008 nine F1 drivers also took to the catwalk - this has now become a normal fixture of the event, with drivers including Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button, Mark Webber, David Coulthard and Adrian Sutil all modelling.[9]

Charity

Amber Lounge Fashion events are reported to have raised over $4 million for charity. Charities that have benefited from the events are the Tereza Maxova Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Special Olympics and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

Music

The Amber Lounge has showcased performances from popular acts from around the world. Performers have included:

References

  1. ↑ "Amber Lounge". Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Leyl, Sharanjit (29 September 2008). "BBC News". Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  3. ↑ "Monaco Grand Prix". Exclusive GP. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  4. ↑ "Singapore Grand Prix". Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  5. ↑ "Abu Dhabi Grand Prix". Abu Dhabi Hospitality - Amber Lounge. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  6. ↑ "US Grand Prix". Exclusive GP US. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  7. ↑ "Frederick's Angels". The Fashionide. 29 September 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  8. ↑ "F1 Drivers to Walk in Amber Lounge Fashion". Senatus. 22 March 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  9. ↑ "F1 Drivers on the catwalk". 14 May 2008. Retrieved 22 October 2013.