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Inside the Wondermaker Gala

Courtesy of Fadi Al Shami

Courtesy of Sofia Hartmann

Courtesy of Elena Voss
Courtesy of Piazza di Siena
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Courtesy of Antonia Tewes
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Courtesy of Antonia Tewes

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Courtesy of Mick De Paola

Courtesy of the artist (c) VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2025. Photography by Jens Ziehe.

Courtesy of Yasamine June

Courtesy of Rawisara Prachaksubhanit

Courtesy of Mariia Dred for Berlin Fashion Week

Courtesy of Michael Fousert

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Courtesy of Antonia Tewes

Courtesy of Antonia Tewes

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Courtesy of James Cochrane / Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26

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Courtesy of Dubai Fashion Week / Ruzaini Official

Courtesy of Frieze Seoul 2025 / Wecap Studio

Courtesy of LecartPhotos

Courtesy of Jacopo Salvi / La Biennale di Venezia / ASAC Photo

Courtesy of Campione d’Italia’s Classic Circuit

Courtesy of Laura Chouette

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orte dei Marmi, Italy, August 2, 2025. The famed Tuscan seaside town played host to an ultra-exclusive gala dinner and concert this weekend, as WONDERMAKER Inc. unveiled its much-anticipated summer soirée at the Bocelli family’s luxurious Alpemare Beach Club. Billed as one of the social highlights of Summer 2025, the event featured British pop legend Sophie Ellis-Bextor as the headline performer and drew a glittering crowd of VIP guests. Against the backdrop of rolling Mediterranean waves, attendees enjoyed an unforgettable evening of elegance, music, and philanthropy.

A Star-Studded Night on the Tuscan Coast

From the moment the sun began to set over Forte dei Marmi, it was clear this would be no ordinary summer night. 2000s disco-pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor – famed for hits like “Murder on the Dancefloor” – was the star guest of the evening, flying in to deliver a dazzling live performance of her timeless hits on the beachside stage. The singer’s presence alone made the gala a “main sensation” of the season, and she did not disappoint: her energetic set had well-heeled guests dancing by their dinner tables under the stars. Joining Sophie in the entertainment lineup was DJ Nefertiti, a rising star of the European club scene whose late-night electro-disco mixes – honed in hotspots from Ibiza to Courchevel – kept the party atmosphere in full swing.

On the guest list were members of the Bocelli family themselves – opera legend Andrea Bocelli and his wife Veronica, who “promoted” and hosted the special evening at their very own beach club. The Bocellis, known for their warm Italian hospitality, welcomed a select international crowd to Alpemare’s private cabanas and candlelit tables.

In terms of sponsorship and support, the gala enjoyed the backing of several high-end partners. While the organizers kept the spotlight on the cause rather than overt branding, luxury touches were evident throughout the night. The décor, for example, was of uncompromising caliber: last year’s edition famously outfitted Alpemare’s beach with Louis Vuitton furnishings and tents, and 2025’s gala continued that tradition of opulence. From custom-designed table settings to a curated Italian art installation on the sand, every element was underwritten by sponsors committed to making the night unforgettable. The Andrea Bocelli Foundation was an important charitable partner, aligning the event with the family’s philanthropic mission and helping coordinate the auction. ASMALLWORLD, a luxury members network, also assisted with international guest invitations and ticketing, ensuring a cosmopolitan mix of attendees. These partnerships underscored the event’s ethos: a fusion of high culture, luxury lifestyle, and benevolence, all wrapped into one.

As the night drew to a close, a final flourish to an evening that had it all. Guests departed with memories of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s soaring vocals, the taste of Michelin-level Tuscan cuisine, and perhaps a few winning auction bids in their name. More than just another society party, the Wondermaker Gala in Forte dei Marmi proved to be “an unforgettable night of elegance” with a meaningful impact. In the world of high-end galas, it has set a new gold standard – where Dolce Vita glamour meets heartfelt giving, under the summer stars of the Italian Riviera.

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