My Look: Oh!

Oh! Wait.. how old am I? Probably too old for being in the playroom of Gstaad Palace hotel. However, I still have that inner child in me which also translates from time to time in my choice of fashion. Candy colors, soft shapes, and cute prints have always attracted me, as they are providing a grown-up way to add a playful edge to any look. The key to staying young? Not growing old in your mind!

My look: Crochet-knit cotton-blend jacketicon, and fringed polka-dot crochet-knit cotton mini skirticon, and The Whirl leather clutch in pinkicon, all by Bottega Veneta, leather over-the-knee bootsicon by Alexander McQueen, pearl and crystal necklace by CHANEL, and logomania superstition scarf by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Levi’s® x Valentino

Jeans don’t really get any cooler than Levi’s®, especially when they’re made in collaboration with Valentino. Don’t miss these limited-edition reworked denim pieces, putting a feminine spin on iconic vintage styles, that were first shown in September 2020 during the Valentino show in Milan. At that time, vintage 517 Levi’s pants were used with a slight alteration to the back label: VALENTINO was added.

So in love with this look.

Now, months later, the collab is available for purchase. The collaboration features the LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969) and the LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517, a special tag has been designed to celebrate the beginning of a new fashion exploration.

LEVI’S® VINTAGE 517 (1969)
It is fitting to note the collaborative vintage designs have been limited worldwide to just 517 units. Each piece of denim is a vintage, unaltered original that has been upcycled from previously-worn 517 jeans.

LEVI’S® RE-EDITION 517
These denims are a re-elaboration of the original style, exclusively produced by Levi’s® in occasion of the collaboration with Maison Valentino.

It is definitely the most covetable denim to own this season – a must-have for all fashion lovers.
YOU CAN SHOP THE JEANS EXCLUSIVELY AT NET-À-PORTER HERE and also at Valentino.com.

The style is also available in a menswear iteration. Available at MR PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © VALENTINO and Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Discover Your Inner Child

These quirky-cute, child-like accessories (which are definitely a nostalgic nod to the ’90s) add an extra dose of fun to your outfits. Be the cool kid on the block and delve into a world of playful proportions. With Demna Gvasalia at the helm, Balenciaga retains its unique and innovative approach to fashion and plays a leading role in this trend that is suddenly everywhere.

LoL, Sandra

Embroidered poplin-trimmed shirred floral-print cotton mini dressicon by Gucci

Toy silver-tone beaded choker and Toy silver-tone beaded braceleticon, both by Balenciaga

Dummy drop earrings by Balenciaga

Sailor-collar lambswool bodysuiticon by Miu Miu

Toy logo coin purse by Etro

Toys print shoulder bag by Etro

Hello Kitty XXS embellished printed leather tote by Balenciaga

Oversized distressed printed cotton-jersey topicon by Balenciaga

Bear-motif jumper by Moschino

Gummy Bear hoop earringsicon by Balenciaga

Photo: © David Biedert Photography – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Purr-fection

Today, I would love to show you the perfect gift idea for every cat-loving fashionista. From Alessandro Michele‘s cat prints for Gucci, to Miucci Prada‘s Miu Miu collection, the runways are replete with feline fantasies.

LoL, Sandra


Cat-print cotton-jersey T-shirticon by The Vampire’s Wife

Guardians printed tie-dyed cotton-jersey T-shirticon by Miu Miu

Check fil-à-fil cat-print shirt by Miu Miu

Cat-print tulle-trim T-shirt by MSGM

Cat-print appliqué wool sweater by Charles Jeffrey Loverboy

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Appliquéd organic printed cotton-jersey T-shirticon and embroidered-cat floral-print satin cushion, both by Gucci
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Oversized distressed printed cotton-jersey hoodie and oversized printed cotton-jersey T-shirticon, both by Balenciaga

Cat-print pillow by Fornasetti

Chiavari cat-print chair by Gucci

Photo: © David Biedert Photography – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My Look: The End

I love CHANEL – THE END!

But seriously ladies, when I attended the CHANEL S/S 2021 show in Paris last fall, I knew I had to have this fun look with those crazy prints.

My look: Neon pink printed black sweater with white collar, matching neon green printed black jersey skirt, both by CHANEL (Look 26 from the S/S 2021 runway collection), necklace with bag charm, and chain creole earrings , both by CHANEL, python medium classic Box bag in fluo pink by Celine, Saint-Sulpice chain-embellished faille pumpsicon by Saint Laurent, Satin Touch 20 denier stay-up stockingsicon by Wolford, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at La Réserve Eden au Lac.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Tribute to Alber Elbaz and AZ Factory

I am still so in shock. One of my favorite designers, especially because of his amazing character, Alber Elbaz, died Saturday in Paris from Covid-19. He was such a warm-hearted person, always thinking about his employees. Instantly recognisable for his broad smile and distinctive personal uniform of bow ties and thick-rimmed glasses, he was best known for his star turn leading couture house Lanvin. At their peak, sales were as high as €235 million. He definitely died too young, in June he would have turned 60.

Born in Morocco and educated in Israel, Elbaz climbed the ranks of the fashion industry from a small dressmaker’s shop in New York City to serve at the helm of Guy Laroche. Then appointed by Pierre Bergé, Elbaz next worked as creative director of Yves Saint Laurent from 1998 until he was fired after three seasons when Gucci bought the company and put Tom Ford in charge.

Designer Alber Elbaz walks down the runway at the S/S 2004 Lanvin show in Paris.

Elbaz began designing for Lanvin in 2001. He also held a minority stake in the company of nearly 18 percent. During his 14-year tenure, he was credited with the house’s renewed appeal thanks to Elbaz’s «classic with a twist» takes on silk cocktail dresses and other feminine designs, often playing with color or other unusual variations on hallmark elegance.

Alber’s sketches for Lanvin

His humorous sketches of everything from lollipops to his own face became a brand signature, also remember the amazing collaboration he did with Lancôme. Elbaz’s simple, feminine clothing, which has been compared to Lanvin’s 1920s outfits, was lauded by the fashion press. In 2005 Suzy Menkes wrote: «Elbaz is every woman’s darling. And that includes Nicole, Kate, Chloë Sevigny, Sofia Coppola and a slew of rising movie names

In October 2015, Elbaz announced that he had been let go from Lanvin after disagreements with the company’s major shareholder, Shaw-Lan Wang. He then took some time off until he launched a new label together with Swiss luxury group Richemont, AZ Factory, in January.

A tribute to Alber today on the AZ Factory homepage.

The following text has been written months ago but sometimes time flies and I always postponed to post it. It feels so bizarre to show it to you now post mortem. However, it is a tribute to Alber, to his latest venture in fashion, that hopefully will also have a great input how the world consumes fashion. It is all about inclusivity and diversity. I invite you to get your last piece designed by Alber…

In a Zoom call with Alber in January…

So let me introduce you to AZ Factory, the eagerly awaited fashion concept from Alber Elbaz. Launched at Paris Haute Couture Week in January, it had not only marked the comeback of Elbaz but also Richemont’s first foray into launching a fashion label from scratch, a €25 million investment, that is focusing on online distribution.

Described as Elbaz’ «dream factory» and created with «women of our times» in mind, the label is an expansion of the playful, confident pieces that have become his calling card through the years. This is a marvellous fashion moment! Neither a revolution nor an evolution but a refreshing reset! AZ Factory might change the face of luxury fashion as long as we’ve known it and Alber Elbaz might have become the new «Hervé Leger». Over the next few months a six part capsule collection will be launching.

Alber wanted to design for «All Women».

And one of the most exciting elements surrounding this new brand is the diversity in its sizing, with an emphasis placed on the fact that this entire six capsule series is inclusive for «All Women placing importance on body positivity and inclusivity. Sizing ranges from XXS-4XL or FR34 – FR48.

MyBody ribbed stretch-knit mini dressicon and MyBody paneled stretch-knit leggingsicon

MyBody
The essence of the MyBody capsule is bodycon styles made from a technical weave fabric that sculpt the female form. The AnatoKnit technology provides hugging tension that shapes your natural curves. The boning at the back supports your posture and the ergonomic design features allow for movement and breathability. The idea behind this is functional fashion that has been made for «women on the move» and Alber wanted to encourage us to wear these with their sneakers. I think they’d look perfectly splendid with heels too.

Your Body color-block ribbed stretch-knit mini dressicon and Your Body striped stretch-knit leggingsicon

MyBody 2.0
The sporty edition of MY BODY. This additional story features colourblock designs paired with matching leggings. It’s the next level of athleisure.

Pijama Valentine printed silk-twill shirticon and Pijama Valentine printed silk-twill wide-leg pantsicon

Switchwear Pyjamas
Uplifting printed silk pyjamas are equally suited for sleep or for styling your look day or night. Made in collaboration with several artists and designers, which Alber found on Instagram due to the pandemic, these touching visuals reflect the emotions of our times and the wish to spread messages of hope, love and togetherness.

Switchwear recycled duchesse-satin maxi skirt
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Switchwear
From bed, Zoom, to yoga, to the supermarket, to couch, to date night – Switchwear takes you from cozy to couture (and back!) in under 60 seconds. Upgrade your supremely soft Switchwear Prime-layers with the iridescent, satin-like Switchwear Duchesse Add Ons.

Neoprene and mesh sneakers
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Pointy Sneakers
Hybrid footwear that combines the comfort and function of a sneaker with the elongating benefits of a pointy-toe shoes. Performance sneaker construction so you don’t have to trade off all-day comfort and stability.

In light of this, I was invited by Alber Elbaz and NET-A-PORTER to a live launch celebration for AZ Factory in the end of January. I also received a spectacle in a box to open during the event that included sweets, a puzzle, ….

Alber is such a sweet human being. He told us that he started his new venture by thinking: «How can I hug women? Who’s my customer? Is she an architect, who’s her mother, does she have kids?» He went on: «I wanted to create something for all of them. I never had one muse. I have never understood how to design for only one woman. It is the variety that counts. The world doesn’t exist of one song, one book or just one woman. Life is not black and white. I wanted to find something in the middle without being mediocre. I thought due to my own body shape that you have to hide who you are if you are a plus size. And the tiny women are sent to the children’s department. I wanted to change that. I also created the long zip opener so that women are not dependent on a man to open their dress. My sneakers are hybrid footwear, pointed like pumps to elongate the legs with all-day comfort. SwitchWear plays a key role for me. For example you wear leggings for travel and once you arrive, you just put a skirt over it. It’s modular dressing and also includes pyjamas. It is comfort, technology and a couture dream in one

Creativity? «The moment I feel and don’t be asked…» Az Lazy, Az Crazy

Thank you, Alber, for your creativity, your positivity and for making us dream… you will never be forgotten!

TO SHOP AZ FACTORY, CLICK HERE PLEASEicon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © AZ Factory, Net-à-Porter, © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My Look: Paisley

After my master detox program at Clinique La Prairie I feel so full of energy which translates into my choice of fashion. Vibrant, colorful, full of life, for Gucci‘s «Epilogue» collection Alessandro Michele takes inspiration from the bohemian styles of the ’60s and ’70s. «Epilogue» was conceived as a vibrant rejection of fashion’s more «traditional» guidelines. It reveals all of the elements that have guided the Gucci aesthetic over the last six years. This brightly coloured paisley print ensemble speaks to the narrative used throughout the collection. It’s cut for a figure-skimming fit from breathable cotton and linen-blend canvas printed with a rainbow of swirling paisleys.

My look: Paisley-print canvas crop topicon, and matching paisley-print cotton-blend canvas maxi skirticon, Angel leather platform sandals, all by Gucci, oversized gold-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Gilda super mini crystal-embellished lamé toteicon by Amina Muaddi, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken on the terrace of my suite at Clinique La Prairie.
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We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Stylish Water Bottles

Designer water bottles are a thing now. Sustainable fashion is trending and designers have been getting a bit more creative by offering accessories that help to reduce and prevent plastic waste.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to say so long to single-use plastics and opt for a reusable water bottle. And while you’re at it, why not take it to the next level with one of these stainless-steel designer versions?

Don’t forget, hydration will never be out of style…

LoL, Sandra

Fredy cotton-canvas water bottle holder by Chloé

SIGG salamander-print metal water bottle by Loewe Paula’s Ibiza


iconLogo-print 750ml stainless-steel water bottle by Adidas by Stella McCartney

The Quench logo-print bottle holder by Kurt Geiger London


iconFF-logo suede water bottle holder by Fendi

Crystal-embellished water bottle by Rosantica

Bottle holder by Louis Vuitton

Vintage Check bottle holder by Burberry

iconSet of two More Joy-print aluminium water bottleicon by More Joy by Christopher Kane

Logo-embossed moiré holder and bottleicon by Marine Serre

1994 structured chain-link bottle holder by CHANEL Pre-Owned

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My Look: Girls’ Night

I am so happy that finally restaurants are allowed to open at least their outdoor terraces. Switzerland has been pretty soft in terms of lockdown compared to other countries. However, bars, night clubs and indoor restaurants are still closed. I miss my girls’s night out so much, dressing up and enjoying a great evening is something that makes me happy. As I think that it will still take a while, I already planned wearing boots. Just choking, or probably not.

My look: Studded ruched plunge-neck jersey mini dressicon by Alexandre Vauthier, Desida leather knee bootsicon by Manolo Blahnik, Barbie embroidered appliquéd canvas clutchicon by Olympia Le-Tan, Egyptian style necklace by CHANEL (Métiers d’Art Pre-fall 2019 Paris – New York collection).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at Baur’s in Zurich.
DISCLOSURE:
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Pet-à-Porter

Great news for all pet and handbag lovers. On the one-of-a-kind Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pet tote, your darling plays protagonist. With a hand-painted portrait of the cutie in question and an initial of your choice, artist Riccardo Cusimano transforms this bag into a forever favorite.

To add a bold touch to your pet-à-porter, discover the genderless Valentino Garavani N/S totes with new black ruthenium studs available exclusively online. Crafted with lots of affection, the new tote goes oh-so adorable and extra personal, with a unique handmade print of your pet by the incredible illustrator Riccardo Cusimano.

To create your own or gift it to someone special, begin by selecting a model, colour and your initial, then upload the photos of the cutie in question here. You can request customisation for maximum two pets per bag. Once the work of art is ready, you’ll receive it wherever you wish in a very special box. There are four different styles of Rockstud bags to choose from which will be available in five different color variations.

New standout studs preciously update the way to personalise the Valentino Garavani N/S totes in black or tan. The black ruthenium finishing adds boldness, enriching Riccardo Cusimano’s pet portraits. These genderless styles are available online and in boutiques. Shipping times for customized Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pet bags are approximately 8-10 weeks.

 As part of the #RockstudPet initiative, Valentino will also launch an exclusive collection of leashes and dog collars in a matching color palette so you can complete the look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino