I have been in love with Jason Wu‘s embellished lace and silk-chiffon gown from the first moment when I spotted it on Karlie Kloss at the Met Gala in May (Always good to be friends with a designer… you get to wear it first). Now, this stunning piece is in stores. Get Karlie’s look:
Embellished lace and silk-chiffon gown by Jason Wu, velvet pumps by Dolce & Gabbana, Tonda clutch bag
by Diane von Furstenberg and jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels.
LoL, Sandra
So many of you have been asking me during the last days where I have been staying in Doha as my first post already showed some pictures of the fabulous resort. I spent a magical week at the Sharq Village and Spa operated by The Ritz-Carlton Company and experienced an unforgettable stay in the heart of Qatar.
It is located ten minutes from Doha International Airport on a private coastline with a beautiful beach offering striking views of Doha’s skyline. Due to the airport’s close proximity, you can enjoy some really impressive views on the departing airplanes.
Two fresh water pools are surrounded by the resort’s impressive traditional architecture inspired by the life and culture of ancient qatari tribes. The weather was just perfect during the last days, sunny and not too hot. The service is very friendly, the staff is greeting each hotel guest by name. I could totally get used to “Miss Sandra”.
Sharq Village and Spa is home to different highly recommended restaurants: Al Liwan (Lebanese), Al Dana (Casual), Al Jalsa (Arabian Café), Cigar Lounge, Al Wanis Shisha Terrace and Parisa (Persian), which has been my favourite. I will post some photos of my last dinner there soon. Of course, you can also enjoy a quick meal whilst relaxing at the pool at Al Seef Bar.
Al Jalsa (Arabian Café)
Breakfast at Al Dana
Al Wanis Shisha Terrace
Funnily enough, as I have just been to a Six Senses Spa in Gstaad at the Alpina hotel, I have been curious to compare both. The most important fact they have both in common, they are amazing in their own way. The Six Senses Spa in Sharq Village is respective of Qatari traditions with a separate ladies entrance, reception and exercise facilities. Something that I have also enjoyed very much, having state of the art fitness facilities just for myself.
The best part of my stay was the fairytale-like very spacious suite with a total of 165.5 square meters including a living room and two bedrooms each with their own bathroom. Fresh rose leaves on the bed were just one of the daily nice touches.
Bulgari bath amenities, a rainforest shower and a deep soaking jacuzzi tub were a daily pleasure. My trip to Doha was absolutely perfect and I am truly sad to leave. Stay tuned for more posts on my little adventures here under the Qatari sun.
LoL, Sandra
Photos used for collages: Courtesy of Sharq Village; All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Let’s have a look at Miu Miu‘s S/S 2013 ad campaign that is formed of a series of mise-en-scenes and still lives, in a mysterious domestic setting. The muted tones and painterly light of the theatrical setting highlight the vibrant vitality of the cast.
Photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in New York, the campaign follows Miu Miu’s tradition of subverting traditional advertising imagery, this season offering a fresh view of contemporary femininity, rich with nuance and authenticity. High and low materials meet in rooms that have no sense of time or place, bleached wooden paneling and ruby red satin mirroring the duality of materials in the collection.
The cast itself embodies the many facets of a woman’s personality, femme fatales and innocent ingénues, playful belles and nostalgic beauties. This diverse constellation of women share their own private language, in an intimate series of poetic interactions. Nonchalant groupings and abstract close ups reflect both a harmonious closeness and their distinct individuality. Looking in through doors and windows that seem to lead to another world, we encounter a new kind of elegance in this seductive celebration of contemporary femininity.
Rich chocolate Shibori dip-dye mink jacket
One thing all these women have in common? Their desire to own one of Miu Miu’s unbelievable fur pieces! For the post of the S/S 2013 show, click here please.
LoL, Sandra
Travertine Shibori dip-dye mink jacket
Caramel and raspberry handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole
Soft grey and black handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole
Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu
2013 is starting with a fashionable comeback of previous season’s must-haves of which some could be truly named vintage pieces. Another proof for my closet theory, keep everything, there will be a time to wear it again. So I am very happy to have all those pieces still in my wardrobe…
Olivia embellished leather waist belt by Moschino
The return of the iconic Moschino belt is probably the biggest surprise for me. I bought mine in Rome during my final school trip… a long time ago. It looks so used that I have ordered a new one now. Gosh, who would have thought that?!
The Britannia Skull leather box clutch by Alexander McQueen
This Union Jack-inspired clutch has become officially a true classic and will vamp up every outfit in seconds.
Double-breasted wool-blend blazer by Balmain
First launch for Pre-fall 2010, this blazer of glory sold out in seconds. Now, it is back in black. Hurry up to stock up your colour palette or to finally add this classic to your wardrobe selection.
If you interested to see me wearing it, please click here.
LoL, Sandra
Awakening in a dream, Mulberry has released its new seasonal campaign, shot by my favourite photographer Tim Walker, starring model Meghan Collison, directed by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse and inspired by the ethereal colour palette of Emma Hill’s S/S 2013 collection.
The campaign features key looks from the new collection, showcasing beautiful, reimagined English tailoring, coats and capes layered over dresses and fresh interpretations of print design, classic outerwear and leatherwork.
The new multi-functional Willow Tote (see photo above in biscuit), first launched on the S/S 2013 catwalk, is a focal point of three of the images, a beautiful yet common-sense structured bag with elegant clean lines and timeless appeal.
The Cecily (see above) and Cecily Flower Tote (see second photo from top) are also featured, as well as Mulberry’s icon Bayswater, pictured in sumptuous ostrich (see first photo from top).
Be one of the first ones to sport the new Cecily snake-effect leather shoulder bag.
I am completely in love with this kind of lunar landscape below the sea created for this campaign. Personally speaking, Emma Hill gets better and better. Since a few seasons, I have become a true Mulberry addict.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Mulberry
Multiple Grammy Award winning recording artist Mariah Carey is collaborating with OPI to launch eight gorgeous limited edition nail polish shades, that will hit stores in the beginning of 2013.
The collection includes four studio shades:
PINK YET LAVENDER – a glittery pink and lavender combo
A BUTTERFLY MOMENT – a beige-pink neutral polish
SPRUNG – a shimmery rose-copper
ANTI-BLEAK – a deep, rich aubergine
…and the latest innovation in texture, four new OPI Liquid Sand™ lacquers featuring groundbreaking technology for a sand-like, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle:
GET YOUR NUMBER – a sparkly matte blue
CAN’T LET GO – a sparkly matte purple
STAY THE NIGHT – a matte black with red sparkles
THE IMPOSSIBLE – a sparkly matte pinkish red
Available in Switzerland from January 15th, 2013 for CHF 23.90 (15ml) each.
For store locations, please click here.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht
Here is Bottega Veneta‘s S/S 2013 ad campaign shot by Peter Lindbergh on location at Universal Studios in Los Angeles in October 2012. The internationally renowned German photographer and filmmaker has been a hugely influential figure in fashion photography since he first began working for Italian Vogue in the late 1970’s. Known for his narrative sensibility, he has a direct, minimalist approach that captures the individuality of the subject. His images, often in black-and-white, are instantly recognizable for their spontaneity and intimacy.
Bottega Veneta‘s S/S 2013 collection centers on a subtle and complex individuality. A palette of dusty, saturated shades of peach, yellow, blue, red, gray, and plaster is anchored in black and brown. Those butterfly embellished accessories are absolutely on my wish list for summer.
The mood is both tough and sweet, starting with unexpected mixes of materials and prints, mostly florals, and surface embellishments of exceptional quality and varied provenance.
What a beautiful collection inspired by the `40s, Tomas Maier is back in the fore!
TO SHOP BOTTEGA VENETA, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
I spent New Year’s Eve at the beautiful resort we are staying at in Doha.
My sparkling look to welcome 2013: Swarovski embellished dress by Blumarine, sparkling clutch and matching suede pumps, both by Gucci, crystal and pearl necklace and crystal bead embellished earrings, both by Miu Miu.
Keeping to an old Spanish and Italian tradition, I was wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve as a symbol of good luck for the upcoming year.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
I would like to dedicate the first day of 2013 to a flashback of 2012. It was such an exciting year for me and I am truly thankful for all the magic moments I was able to experience and share with you. May 2013 bring us as many adventures and fashionable events as 2012 did.
Thanks for following me!
LoL, Sandra
JANUARY 2012
The year started with my visit to the fourth edition of Luisa Via Roma’s Firenze 4 Ever. As usual I had a lot fun, for example having dinner at the church, and adopted the Emilio Pucci Pug Dog for Happy Kids. It had been my third time at Firenze 4 Ever.
Then, I went to Paris for the Haute Couture shows and celebrated with Mary Katrantzou the launch of her amazing collaboration with Longchamp at Colette. Another highlight of 2012’s first month was the IWC Top Gun Gala held during the SIHH where I met lots of celebrities.
FEBRUARY 2012
In February, I flew to the Fashion Week New York where I walked in my first runway show, Polyvore Live. I went to many fashion shows, spotted celebrities such as Olivia Palermo, Bradley Cooper and attended the Fashion 2.0 Awards plus the Bloglovin’ Awards.
After coming back from NYC, I had around 24 hours to repack and left for Paris with Dior for my photo shoot for the launch of Dior Addict Extrême.
Later this month, I accepted Gucci‘s invitation to see the F/W 2012 show, followed by a trip to Florence to visit the manufacture.
MARCH 2012
March started with Paris Fashion Week. Spotted on the streets, bloggers and editors wearing the veiled beanie designed by Stephen Jones for Jil Sander. The sun was shining already and I wore my first summery outfits like this one by Emilio Pucci.
In the end of the month, I flew to London to meet the American designer duo Kaufmanfranco at the net-à-porter offices along with jewelry designer Diane Kordas.
APRIL 2012
April marked the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A good reason to fly again to London. As it was Easter break, I took my daughter on a girls’ trip.
In my luggage, of course, all of my Union Jack-inspired must-haves. A lot fun for every fashionista: Having Prêt-à-PorTea at the Berkeley.
MAY 2012
Being on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival was truly one of the biggest highlights of the year. The night of the Chopard Trophée was outstanding. The most memorable part: A private performance of Lana Del Rey.
A wonderful trip to the Lausanne Palace & Spa finished off this amazing month perfectly. I indulged in the world of Roja Dove’s Haute Parfumerie and enjoyed a feast for senses at La Table d’Edgar.
JUNE 2012
June was a busy month. I started for one day in Paris for the launch of Pleats Please by Issey Miyake. Then, the Art Basel took place. My favorites: Montblanc‘s party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Cutting Edge Art Collection together with Parisian art gallery Perrotin and Galerie Gmurzynska’s private dinner held with Zaha Hadid for the start of the Art Basel.
Later in June, I went on my road trip through the US with stops in Chicago, Denver and Salt Lake City. I drove all the way through Wyoming to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, survived a hail storm and visited the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.
JULY 2012
July was such a relaxing month that I spent mostly in Maui, Hawaii followed by a short trip to Texas before heading home to Switzerland. Just a few days later, I flew to Munich for the launch of Bobbi Brown’s newest book Pretty Powerful.
AUGUST 2012
In August, I flew quite a lot to Germany for work and Sandra’s Closet reached 40.000 Facebook likes (By the way, today we are close to 75.000 likes, how amazing is this in this short amount of time?!).
An absolute highlight were the St. Moritz Art Masters where I had the honour to be photographed by Amedeo M. Turello and Steve McCurry, two of the most famous photographers in the world. The results will be posted soon.
SEPTEMBER 2012
September was one of the busiest months of the year. For me, it started with the Venice Film Festival. I was invited by Gucci for the launch of Gucci Première and was so excited to meet with the face of the campaign, Blake Lively. Right after, I had the photo shoot for Swiss News.
In Zurich, I met perfumer Geza Schön during a lunch over the rooftops of the Swiss city. With Dior, I attended the Zurich Film Festival.
With Piaget, I went to the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris and visited the famous Château de Malmaison. Just a few days later, I flew back to the French capital for Fashion Week. Best party: Anna Dello Russo’s Paradise Ball. Favourite shows: Pascal Millet and Jean Paul Gaultier.
OCTOBER 2012
The first days of the month, I was still in Paris for Fashion Week and attended blockbuster shows such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Miu Miu.
Later, I flew to Hamburg to visit the Montblanc headquarters and worked on the creation of my Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” that was launched in the end of the year. Another exciting collaboration with Closed was revealed: My limited edition blogger “Zurich” T-shirt.
Then, I left for New York City for the best party of the year: The launch of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M where I spotted celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Chase Crawford and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The last days of the month, I went to Geneva to visit the Chopard headquarters in Meyrin.
NOVEMBER 2012
Another busy month that started with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich. November marked a lot of events on Zurich‘s social agenda, such as the opening of the Rolex boutique and the Moncler store.
I flew to Greece with Hermès and hosted the exclusive Caviar & Oyster collection dinner with Bobbi Brown at my house.
DECEMBER 2012
Such an exciting month for me as my Montblanc Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” has been finally launched.
I went to Gstaad with Louis Vuitton for the opening of their new store in the Swiss Alps and flew to Doha, Qatar for New Year’s Eve.