SOCIAL NOTES IN FAST LANE

A GP fairy tale come true

Once upon a time, there was a Montreal Gazette Social Gal (we’ll call her Jennyrella) who, in her glass Loubs, fell upon the awesome kingdom of Formula One Grand Prix du Canada, on the magical occasion of its 50th anniversary (which just happened to coincide with the equally magical birthday of its monarchy, Montreal!). While J-rella (no relation to J-Lo) had admittedly been to many balls in her fête-filled fairy-tale history, she had, quite honestly, never experienced anything quite so outstanding. You see, F1 GP’s usual celebratory spectacular went next level once the special anniversaire was tossed into the mix.

So, without further ado, voilà: Jennyrella’s F1GP50 fête fairy tale. Enjoy!

TUESDAY

Way we Rolls: You know your glass slippers are headed for overtime when F1 festivities kick in on Tuesday! Fresh from Obama fest, it was chariot rapid to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Quebec for their swanky F1 Grand Prix Kickoff Cocktail, where host/owner Gad Bitton, alongside BMO Financial topman L. Jacques Ménard, dazzled VIP guests with the announcement of plans for new state-of-the-art RR Quebec headquarters. Game on!

Beach chic: The next night glittered with equal party promise for myriad reasons, one being that this princess’s preferred bubbly, Moët & Chandon, was heavily implicated at the first stop: the Maison Boulud Moët Beach Terrace at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal. While the beachychic affair is always hot-ticket, this year’s anniversary edition was more swish-delish than ever, attracting the haute likes of Christofle’s Roberto Reino, Chubb’s Julie-Anne Coyle, Birks’ Francis Guindon and many more.

Cool pool: What could be fairytale better than topping off beach bubbles with an elevator ride to the Ritz rooftop pool for a Holt Renfrew-hosted GP bash? En Mode Piscine was buzzing with models, mouth-watering apps, gifted performers and the most fashionable squad. Cheers to execution perfection by Holts/ Ogilvy divisional VP Normand Ciarlo and his team.

THURSDAY

Event experience: Thursday’s F1 festivities started in style (duh!) with the summer launch of Chandon Experience at Hotel Place d’Armes, awash in bubbles and top brass. Mmmm, as they say.

The biggest big night: Noties, there are red carpets and then there are seriously official majorleague A-list VVVIP carpets (or, as we like to call them, tapis), like the one rolled out with trademark elegance at the official 2017 F1 GP benefit event kickoff, Le Grand Soir. It was held at MTL Grandé Studios with an anniversary-worthy Garden of Delights theme.

The carpet was indeed a fabulously Hollywood-worthy affair, with media snapping wildly at mega-influencers like new F1 chair Chase Carey. But things settled down considerably during cocktails, where A-listers revelled in the culinary creations of masters like Antonio Park, and in anticipation of the rest of the eve — which, FYI, was dripping in dazzle and details like over-thetop performances; the auction of an Art Rotondo-designed helmet autographed by drivers; themed eats by the Fairmont Queen E; and, most importantly, sizable funds raised for the eve’s beneficiary, the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.

Not surprisingly, high-profile guests were besotted, including Tourism Montreal tops Yves Lalumière and wife Melanie Charbonneau; Dazmo’s Iohann Martin and wife Mitsou Gélinas, partner Andrew Lapierre and wife Julie Du Page; and many more, too numerous to mention.

Congrats to the Octane Racing Group magicians/dream realizers responsible for the epic evening — not to mention the production of all of F1 Grand Prix! Mountain-moving Octane Racing Group chief and F1 Grand Prix du Canada president/CEO François Dumontier and his heavenly team, including bionic Sandrine Garneau-Le Bel, outdid themselves. Bravo!

Dressed to thrill: While there’s always the danger of chariots pumpkining at midnight, I thankfully managed to make it to the W in time for a Cindy-like cameo at the Dress to Kill La Soirée Mode Montréal. (Verdict? F1 + fashion rock!)

FRIDAY

Ferrari Friday: A royal round of applause is in order for the Ferrari Maserati Quebec crew, led superbly by president Umberto Bonfa and marketing maestro Carmen D’Onofrio, who never fail to wow at their VIP cocktail. This year’s edition was no different, as gourmet goodies abounded, entertainment was first-rate, and drivers and Ferrari elite, like N.A. president Edwin Fenech, were partout.

Party perfection: I was pleased to note that the cool vibe had gotten even cooler at the spirited rock ‘n’ roll celebration pioneered by Claireview Leasing’s Maurice (Mo) Kaspy. This year’s edition at mogul magnet Beatrice, titled the F1 VIP Party 17, was as vibrant as ever, forging new alliances with fellow hosts Paysafe, Samsung and Planète Mobile.

Beauty of Brazil: Finally, there was much prime real estate to be had for Jennyrella princess types (ahem) at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal Grand Prix Party, presented with Décarie Motors and Aston Martin and touted as one of Canada’s leading events. First-class F1 fun was everywhere at the Brazilian-themed party playground, planned masterfully by Ritz-Carlton Montreal’s Katia Piccolino and Alicia Ernst, in collaboration with Maddy K. Among the eve’s highlights and happenings were an exclusive chat with Red Bull Racing F1 team principal Christian Horner, DJ YO-C’s insanely danceable tunes, VIP lounges, and So. Much. More.

Extra fabulous: The superstar sizzler — well supported by top partners like J.P. Morgan, the Ritz-Carlton Rewards, Armani, Moët & Chandon, Macchi, Chubb, Wines of PGI Epanomi, Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy, Romeo’s Gin, Pur Vodka, YUL Condominiums, Vitesse Transport and AquaBlu Condominiums — raised indispensable funds for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, a fundraiser dear to Ritz GM/CEO Andrew Torriani.

SATURDAY

Brunch as it should be: For those who enjoy daytime revelry, the Bagatelle brunch at Auberge Saint-Gabriel was the place to be on Saturday, featuring great food and one of the most beautiful crowds of the week.

Pool power: Why stop the party when you can seamlessly flow into the first ever Belvedere pool party at Auberge? My social sentiments exactly.

Red-carpet radiance: With sundown, Saturday night sizzle beckoned, beginning with Le Richmond’s Annual Red Carpet Party. It was their best to date, awash in magic and movers and groovers!

Saturday night fabulous: I had very much been looking forward to attending the 2017 Hugo Boss Celebrates “A Night Forged by Time” at Windsor Station hosted by Hugo Boss Canada and Mercedes-Benz. How could a team-up of two such legendary luxury brands culminate in anything but an incredible event experience? Expectations exceeded! The space was magnificent, crowd stellar (Lewis Hamilton stellar), food sublime, and performances ultra.

Rooftop hotspot: William Gray has not stopped adding value to our cityscape since opening its doors. So it’s no surprise that the Williams Martini Racing “Terrazza Martini” at William Gray on the rooftop was a colossal success, patronized by packs of celebs and VIPeeps.

After-after party: Literally housed in a vault, the new club La Voûte was an enlightened spot to top off the eve. But that’s all I can give you loves. The rest stays locked.

SUNDAY

Race time: Invited by supercool BCF partner André Ryan to their loge, Jennyrella can proudly report that day races were a partyscape unto themselves.

Coding right: The amazing The Code 20 event teamed up with beloved party place Soubois for their special F1 GP anniversary edition, immersing enthusiastic guests — including drivers like Stoffel Vandoorne and other F1 family — in an unforgettable experience. Bravo, superstars!

One more: Continuing with tradition, Auberge Saint-Gabriel hosted the official closing blowout bash, flocked to by thousands. Most of them were hoping to catch a glimpse of drivers who were on scene with Montreal royals like Guy Laliberté to toast the fabulousness at a private VIP dinner.

Whew! That was one hawt 50th! Happy birthday, F1 GP du Canada, and cheers to the next 50! Vroom vroom!

For exclusive F1 galleries and scoop, visit diaryofasocialgal.com.

Batline: jenn@diaryofasocialgal.com

OCTANE RACING GROUP THAT KIND OF ENTERTAINMENT! Performers take things next level at the official F1 GP benefit event kickoff, Le Grand Soir.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ SOUBOIS SIZZLE: Soubois co-owner Alex Brosseau, centre, hits the Diary of a Social Gal/La petite Touche photo booth with wife Jasmine Legault (at his left) and pals Nathalie Blanchette (at his right) and first row, from left, Michelle Malone, Lea Valente and Robby Mariani at their Grand Prix Soubois The Code 20 closing bash.

OCTANE RACING SHAKING THINGS UP FOR F1GP50: Mayor Denis Coderre and Octane Racing Group chief/F1 Grand Prix CEO François Dumontier mark the 50th milestone at the official F1 GP benefit event kickoff, Le Grand Soir.

JENNIFER PONTARELLI MARTINI MARVEL: Maria Antonopoulos, love Josh Wolfe and sister Anna Antonopoulos on scene at the Williams Martini Racing “Terrazza Martini” at William Gray.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ PARTY PERFECTION: Paysafe CEO Joel Leonoff, second from left, and his crew, from left, Max Lachance, Jenny Lu, Ben Dalfen, Tim Thurman, Brian Mcarthur-Muscroft and Mike Giannoumis enjoy the scene at the F1 VIP Party 17, where Paysafe was a presenting partner.

OCTANE RACING RED HOT: Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Valtteri Bottas is flanked by hostesses at the F1 GP benefit event kickoff, Le Grand Soir.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ CASELLA JACKSON FEVER: Global Montreal’s Laura Casella spends a few with legendary Jackson brothers Tito, Jackie, Marlon and Jermaine at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal Grand Prix Party presented with Décarie Motors and Aston Martin.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ BEACH SQUAD: Katia Piccolino joins J.P. Morgan-Ritz-Carlton Rewards’ Paul Barash, Lauren Biehl, Angus Nolan, Brittany Quarmby and husband Colin Quarmby at the Maison Boulud Moët Beach Terrace.

ED YAO WAY THEY ROLLS: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Quebec tops Gad Bitton unveils plans for new state-of-the-art RR Quebec headquarters alongside BMO Financial Group topman L. Jacques Ménard at Rolls’s F1 Grand Prix Kickoff Cocktail.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ GLITTER GALS: Ritz-Carlton Montreal PR pro Katia Piccolino in White Montreal poses with Jenn Campbell in Social Gal Soiree by Naomy Stern Couture at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal Grand Prix Party presented with Décarie Motors and Aston Martin.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ RED CARPET WOW: Le Richmond partner Luc Laroche hits the red carpet with boxing champ Adonis Stevenson at Le Richmond’s F1 GP Red Carpet Party.

GEORGE PIMENTEL SPOTLIGHT ON: Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton takes the stage at the Hugo Boss Celebrates “A Night Forged by Time” at Windsor Station hosted by Hugo Boss Canada and Mercedes-Benz.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ WHITE HOT FERRARI FAB: FerrariMaserati Fort Lauderdale vice-president/director of Motorsport Ronnie Vogel and Ferrari Maserati Quebec president Umberto Bonfa gear up for the races at their annual Ferrari Friday festivities.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ KICKIN’ IT UP: The scene was sizzling at the Brazilian-themed Friday night Ritz-Carlton Montreal Grand Prix Party presented with Décarie Motors and Aston Martin.

CHARTON HOBBS EVENT EXPERIENCE: Charton Hobbs, president/owner Duncan Hobbs, Moët Hennessy North America president/CEO Jim Clerkin, McLaren racer Stoffel Vandoorne and Moët Hennessy Canada GM Alexis de Calonne attend the Chandon Experience summer launch at Place d’Armes.

KAREL CHLADEK WE LOVE OUR LANCE! Race enthusiasts toast homegrown race sensation Lance Stroll at the official Grand Prix closing party at Auberge Saint-Gabriel.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ TEAM RITZ: Mose Persico, Arlene Torriani, husband/Ritz-Carlton CEO Andrew Torriani, Carmie Saputo and husband/Montreal Impact chief Joey Saputo at the VIP cocktail at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal Grand Prix Party.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ IMPACT-FUL: Montreal Impact players and pals Danny Lovitz, Eric Kronberg, Jennie Kronberg, Jordan Mallace, Calum Mallace, Victoria Vidi, Kyle Fisher and Chris Duvall bring their A-game to the Maison Boulud Moët Beach Terrace at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ POWER OF 3: Mercedes-Benz USA president/CEO Dietmar Exler, Hugo Boss Canada managing director Lanita Layton and Mercedes-Benz Canada president/CEO Brian Fulton join forces for the Hugo Boss Celebrates “A Night Forged by Time” at Windsor Station.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ HOLTS POOLSIDE! Holt Renfrew Quebec divisional vice-president Norman Ciarlo with valued clients Connie Deluca of Nuva Spa and Julie Lajoie at Holt Renfrew’s F1 GP event En Mode Piscine at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ PARK AVENUE PARTY TIME: Groupe Park Avenue’s Norman John Hébert, Diane Dunlop and Norman Hébert Jr. pose for a family pic at the Hugo Boss Celebrates “A Night Forged by Time” at Windsor Station.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ FAMOUS 4: Octane Racing Group chief and GP du Canada president/ CEO François Dumontier and wife Charlène Villeneuve enjoy festivities with friends Marieke Tremblay and husband/BCF litigation head André Ryan.

DAN PROPOKOWICZ DAZZLE OF DÉCARIE MOTORS: Décarie Motors and Aston Martin’s Joel Segal, and Cheryl Blas with Max Segal, Adam Segal and Sonny Wadera at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal Grand Prix Party presented with Décarie Motors and Aston Martin.