Swiss-born, mother of one, Macha Vananty came to the Principality of Monaco five years ago, offering her invaluable knowledge of classic cars and collectible items.
Macha Vananty was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland by a Portuguese mother and Swiss-French father. However, already as a child, Macha was a frequent visitor of the Principality.
“I spent most of my childhood in the South of France visiting my grandparents who used to live there. During my summers there I used to go to the sailing school in St Jean Cap Ferrat during the day, and visit the gorgeous beaches along the coastline. My grandmother who is now a resident in Monaco used to bring me to the Principality to enjoy the arts, such as ballet and concerts at the Palais!”
As you grew up, did you ever want to study in Monaco?
“Except for the visits to my grandparents, I lived in Switzerland until I was twenty years old. Later on, I decided to pursue my studies in Milan, Italy.”
When did you come back to Monaco?
“My first visit as an adult came shortly after creating my first company, a fashion distribution company. I was developing the wholesale strategy for several American brands in Europe and was invited to speak at NGEF, the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs Forum.
It was an unforgettable experience to say the least and a first in public speaking, or should I say lack of… I remember feeling quite confident as I finalised my powerpoint presentation on the plane to Nice. On D-day, my confidence was replaced with dread after being asked to speak by such notable businessmen as Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of Easyjet. Let’s just say that it took several minutes for the words to make their way from my head out of my mouth. As I regained my seat after what felt like a tragedy I was greeted by a business angel who hugged me and shared some invaluable advice.
This spontaneous act of kindness and warmth meant a great deal to my 21-year-old self. And to this day, I associate Monaco with a welcoming place, where everyone has a story to tell and a story worth listening to. A place where David could sit next to Goliath and where social boundaries are blurred to create the unique global nation of Monaco residents.”
Five years ago, Macha decided to permanently settle in the Principality of Monaco. It was a decision driven by her heart.
“I came here for love! I am hopelessly romantic and moved to Monaco to be with the father of my child. We met in Paris at the departure of a classic car race. I was living in Geneva at the time, he was living in Monaco, and as we started planning to have a family I thought someone had to make the first step. At that time I was working in the watch industry, and even though Switzerland was the only place for this field, I was convinced Monaco also had interesting opportunities to offer in the luxury field.”
From where is your fascination for luxury, collectible watches coming from?
“I like old things! Any kind of collectibles! More than luxury, I love the fact that collectibles have a unique story. It’s not about the price tag, it is about the uniqueness, craftsmanship, technical innovation that makes a piece more exceptional than another. We live in a world where the abundance of products has highlighted the desire for uniqueness. Luxury marketers sell us the concept of exclusivity without offering us unique content. Collectibles, and mostly older objects, bring us a truly unique emotion.
On the other side of the object of lust, there is someone who wants to possess it, we like to call it a collector. A collector is a passionate person who has a story to tell, a particular attachment to an object he or she desires. He or she finds joy and pride in chasing and acquiring an object that means a lot to him or her. Maybe he was a little boy who saw the same car passing by every day in his neighbourhood and wished someday he would own it. Or maybe it was a watch his father told him about but couldn’t afford at the time. I like the collection world because I get to know all these fantastic stories. A collection is an open door to someone’s personal story, and collectors are willing to share them without any intention to show off. Collecting is not about competition, it’s about sharing passion and finding inner joy.”
Did you like classic cars before you met your husband?
“My father has always loved cars, more than a collector, he is a gentleman driver. I grew up with a love for aesthetics and speed! A few years ago, he asked me to be his navigator in his 1965 Porsche at the Tour Auto. I spent a week, 13 hours a day, in a fireproof racing suit, driving across France and competing on racetracks and special stages. It was the most memorable holiday of my life. It was exhausting, but I lost track of time, it was like being propelled into a time-space where emotions were the only thing that mattered. For a full week, I lived in the present, enjoying every single moment, landscapes, enchanting encounters with collectors and spectators, absorbing any adrenaline I could get. I experienced a fantastic journey beside my father, who taught me to be a hardworking and passionate person. It was by far the most rewarding advice, he ever gave me.
A few years later, I met my partner under the same exhilarating circumstances, while co-driving with my dad again.”
You competed in classic car races. Can you tell us a bit more about this?
“After my first Tout Auto, I became a Petrolhead. I was eager to learn more about classic cars and learn how to drive them in competition. I started taking coaching lessons on tracks, trading my stilettos with my helmet to learn how to cut my corners. It felt great being one of the few girls on track, tying up my driving boots, and talking all things cars with fellow drivers. Keeping a watchful eye on my speed thanks to my favourite timepiece.
Aside from my passion for cars, I’m also very into watches. Another mechanical passion, I acquired from my father. By sharing my passion for watches and cars on Instagram, I quickly developed a community of car & watch collectors and aficionados. Watch brands were amused to see me in action at events and some even asked to drive whilst endorsing them, such as Zenith, Girard Perregaux, and Chopard.”
How would you describe the atmosphere of these classic car events? Is there any most-go event on your list?
“When someone brings their car to one of these events, they’re not doing it to show off. They simply want to enjoy their car in a particular atmosphere surrounded by collectors or a public that shares the same passion. For me, this is the main difference between a classic car and modern car events. There is no show-off, it’s about culture and knowledge. Everyone is open to speaking about their car to learn from others. Collectors have a passionate mind and it is beautiful to meet people who are animated by so much joy and love for an object.
One iconic race where you can see legendary cars being driven at full speed by accurate drivers would be Le Mans Classique. If you want to see the best collection of cars while enjoying the high life and mundanities, the classiest Concours d’Elegance is obviously Chantilly, close to Paris. The funniest is Goodwood Revival in the UK, the atmosphere is fantastic and very festive, everyone dresses in vintage clothes and you can enjoy a variety of highly competitive races during the event. And we’re lucky to have various events here in Monaco as well, like the F1 Historical Grand Prix which is still today the Holy Grail of events for top collectors and motorsports fans.”
How would you compare Switzerland to Monaco in terms of collectible items and classic cars?
“Switzerland is the country that has the biggest ratio of Ferrari 250 GTO owners, which obviously means that there are a lot of top collectibles such as art, cars, watches or wines. It is easier to own a big house with a garage in Switzerland than here in Monaco. However, Monaco is one of the most important places for collectors, whether they have their residency here or they just travel here for holidays. It is also a strong business platform for collectibles.
We are lucky to have the best object collection dealers and thanks to the high security we enjoy in the Principality, it is a safe place for collectors to enjoy their valuable cars, paintings, and/or watches. The pleasure of wearing your collection watch without fearing for your security is also an important reason to keep investing in your collection.”
Does Monaco have a significant classic car collectors scenery?
“Yes, many important car collectors live here and recently many car auctions are also taking place here; proof that Monaco is a key destination for car collectors. The Principality, together with the Automobile Club de Monaco, has always sustained an emotional link to cars through events like the Rallye de Monte Carlo or the Formula One Grand Prix which attract international collectors. Racing is part of Monaco’s DNA. HRH Albert de Monaco is a collector himself and the car museum regularly features interesting exhibitions.”
How have you managed to balance your profession since you have become a mother?
“Becoming a mother is by far my most rewarding achievement. When we become parents, aside from the indescribable amount of happiness and unlimited love we discover and learn so much about ourselves. I had to learn flexibility, motherhood is rarely as we expect it. I was lucky to take some time off to take care of my daughter. Getting back to a work mindset was complicated but necessary. I was a woman before becoming a mother, and even if being a mom is the hardest and nicest job in the world, I felt like I needed something more for myself. I have always been a hardworking person, and I am lucky to work in a field that fulfils me.
Juggling work and family is not always easy, it’s a mix of constant organisation and discipline with a touch of « Letting go ». Days are busy, it is hard but it is positive stress. And I can say we are lucky in Monaco to have support from the government providing nursery schools to working parents. I am happy to set an example for my daughter of a passionate working mom who can find joy in both family and professional life. She is three years old and if you ask her what my job is, she will say « Mom & watches ». Women are strong, highly adaptable, and yes sometimes I feel guilty not having enough time for my family, but I recently learned that at the end what counts is quality time and not how much time.”
Do you observe a raising trend among collectors at the moment? Is there a specific demand for a period area?
“As I told you previously, the main reason for collecting is buying an object you love and you can emotionally bond with. The most valuable collector items on the market are from 1960-1970, which coincides with the average age of wealthy collectors, 50-70 years old. Most of them are looking to acquire iconic items from their childhood. The sixties were also the golden age of design, with items like the 250 GTO, the Riva Aquarama, or some Andy Warhol artworks that marked several generations.
The new generation of collectors (30-50 years old) is more interested in Neo vintage (1980-2000) watches, and young timers’ cars. While the trend in the art world right now is all about NFTs. Obviously some people see collection items as an investment, and this has also created some speculative trends in the market.”
Do you think a watch can be seen as a financial asset?
“Yes, investing into some particular watches may be more lucrative and secure than many financial assets nowadays. And it’s something that you can stock easily compared to artworks or cars. If you take for example some vintage Rolex Paul Newman or the Patek Philippe, prices have reached millions at auction. While the workmanship and materials of a watch may be spectacular, its intrinsic value will never equal its purchase price. Nowadays steel watch can be sold for more than a gold watch with stones. This might be complicated to explain or justify but it is clearly linked to trends and has also an emotional aspect.”
And what are the major sectors that might suffer from a lack of interest, leading to price reduction?
“Most collecting categories have a time phase when there is great interest for them, while other times the interest is not there because of changing trends in the market. I believe that some items have already reached their full potential, like the pre-war cars. Again, collectors buy what they love and what they can relate to. Millennials won’t feel connected to an item from 1930s when they will turn 50 years old.”
Do you have other passions besides cars and watches?
“I love cooking, it feels like meditation to me! Manual work helps me to relax and disconnect. There’s always a to-do list in the back of a mother’s mind. Thinking about a menu, going grocery shopping, cooking, setting up a nice table is my way of spreading love around me. I enjoy cooking for my family and hosting big dinners with my friends, where we can share joyful life moments!”
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Photo: Elisa Arsi