LV Driver

Created by Virgil Abloh and part of his Pre-Fall 2022 collection silhouette, this male wardrobe essential has been refreshed for Louis Vuitton. Available in two versions, the aptly-named LV Driver is the most contemporary driving moccasin yet.

Two material combinations are offered. The first model boasts Monogram grained calfskin, creating a play on contrasts between the Maison’s traditional motif and the bright colour of the sole, which matches the LV branded lace tips (white, orange, green, Ébène or Éclipse). A second design is available in suede embossed with the Monogram, in either navy blue or mocha. On the rubber sole, traditional nubs have been transformed by pads. While based on the Monogram flowers, their design was also inspired by the unique harmony found in French gardens.

As the very first driving moccasin by Virgil Abloh, the LV Driver is the perfect embodiment of Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire. On each pair, no less than one hour is required for the stitching of the vamps, done entirely by hand. The shoe’s tubular design, ultra-flexible rubber outsole and lack of insole guarantee unparalleled comfort. With a hint of Italian elegance, the LV Driver is above all the epitome of urban modern fashion.

LoL, Sandra

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

LA MER The Lip Polish

Meet LA MER‘s new The Lip Polish, a sensorial buffing balm that gently smooths and retextures the lips.

Formulated with Miracle Broth™ and a blend of sugar crystals, marine minerals and sea-sourced exfoliants, The Lip Polish deeply refines the lips – exfoliating, comforting and conditioning the surface for a perfectly plush pout. The Lip Detailing Wand boosts microcirculation and lips have a natural-looking rosy radiance.

You know that I am a huge fan of the brand and can absolutely recommend this new addition to the line that is available now for CHF 85.00. I use The Lip Polish continuously now to help prevent roughness.

LoL, Sandra

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

Olympia Le-Tan x Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot is one of our favorite Parisian style icons. This season, the legendary actress graces the covers of the latest Olympia Le-Tan book clutches.

With four designs, the Maison pays tribute to Brigitte Bardot’s cultural impact, from her glamorous signature choucroute hairstyle to her eye-catching winged eyeliners to her escapades in St. Tropez to even her role in Jean-Luc Godard’s Le mépris’ (Contempt).

TO SHOP THE LIMITED EDITION BOOK CLUTCHES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Limited Edition Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge

For nearly 20 years, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has worked hard to help empower women and girls beyond makeup. By partnering with non-profit organizations that fight for gender equality through education, the Pretty Powerful Fund continues to support the creation of new possibilities around the world. Since its launch in 2019, it has donated over $1 million.

So behind the new Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge stands more than just a makeup with a positive design, it represents the brand’s commitment to empowering women. This limited edition product brings together a creamy versatile formula with a new shade that adds a natural touch of color to cheeks and lips, making them look pretty rosy.

Press onto the apples of cheeks with fingertips, blending out toward the hairline. Dab onto lips with fingertips or a lip brush. Available online for CHF 44.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Louis Vuitton – Spring in the City

Exuding the energy of a California spring, the Spring in the City collection delivers the perfect seasonal wardrobe, from city break to coastal getaway.

Adopting a colour gradient inspired by the vibrant palette of a spring sunrise, the new pieces feature Monogram-printed silk and Damier Graphite-printed denim. The collection is ideally complemented by Monogram Flower Louisette earrings. Guided by freedom and comfort, Louis Vuitton’s emblematic designs exude a sunny California glow. Iconic pieces such as the Papillon, Petit Sac Plat and Onthego bags dazzle in the collection, updated with a glossy 3D effect. The designs are dressed in shades of warm beige, powder pink and blush, colours reminiscent of a leisurely day at the beach.

From deserts to lush gardens, t-shirts printed with palm trees contrast with the collection’s high-waisted cargo pants and safari shorts, while raffia and embossed leather are a call to sit back and unwind. Like a second skin, the ultra-lightweight gradient nylon jacket complements the collection’s beachy silhouettes and warm sandy tones.

The designs, with their delicate yet striking colours and graphic lines, herald a radiant spring. Bright, urban and sunny, the collection is an invitation to a spring escape.

LoL, Sandra

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

My Look: Hope

Until Easter Monday, you can enjoy in Zurich those rose filled fountains, an initiative of the city’s Altstadtkirchen. Originally presented for the first time last year, when the pandemic was in full swing, it is a message of hope with the slogan «without thorns there is no rose». This year, with the war in Ukraine taking place, we need a message of hope more than ever.

For me, dressing up during those sad times, always gives me hope and joy. I am a huge fan of Zimmermann, the designs are feminine, comfortable and romantic.

My look: Pink Botanica Butterfly gown by ZimmermannCHANEL No.5 parfum box evening bag, and bi-color tweed ballerinas, both by CHANEL (S/S 2021 Collection Act 2), floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

Let’s hope, everything is coming up roses! Happy Easter!

LoL, Sandra

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

A Provocative Easter Egg at the Dolder Grand

This year, Jani Leinonen, a world-renowned artist, is responsible for the impressive floral Easter egg in the Steinhalle of the Dolder Grand. The installation «Seed in Their Pocket» can be enjoyed alongside it, whereby Leinonen implemented themes of current social issues for both the installation and the Easter egg design. The Finn has a long-standing relationship with the traditional Zurich hotel, which made this art coup possible.

Jani and the finished floral egg installation.

He is one of the most sought-after artists in the world and his works always captures the pulse of the times. The Finnish artist has recently completed a particularly special project for the Dolder Grand – he created the design for the annual 2.5-meter-high Easter egg, which can be enjoyed at the main entrance.

Decorated with over 12,000 carnations by the in-house florist team of four ladies over several days of craftsmanship, it bears the incomparable signature of the artist.

«When the Dolder Grand approached me with this Easter project, I was amazed by the fact that it was made of real flowers. These colourful and beautiful organisms are of great cultural importance,» says Leinonen.

Inside the Dolder Grand on display: «Chapel of Remorse» by Jani Leinonen.

120 famous works of art, including Dalí, Murakami and Tinguely, enhance the ambiance of the Dolder Grand. The Finnish artist’s works have been exhibited at the hotel since 2009, and there are currently six pieces on display. Getting the 44-year-old artist to design the Easter egg this year was a major coup, not least because Jani’s unmistakable style and his unique ability to create pieces that reflect societal issues in a provocative way have made him famous across the globe.

«I’m not particularly religious, but I live in a Christian culture and grew up with stories from the Bible,» says Leinonen.

For him, the story of Easter is one of the most fascinating. For Jani, Jesus’ last words on the cross are the most important aspect: Forgive them, for they know not what they do.

«These words are as relevant today as they ever were, as he says these words to the soldiers who are blindly following orders from their superiors.»

He therefore decided to bring across this message on the Easter egg with just a single word: FORGIVE.

The «Seeds in Their Pockets» installation is also on display alongside the egg. It comprises dried flowers the artist collected in war zones, each with a tag bearing the name of the country in which Leinonen found it. On the day Russia invaded the Ukraine, the Finn read a newspaper article and wrote a poem. It is the story of a Ukrainian woman who meets a Russian soldier and tells him to put sunflower seeds in his pocket so that flowers grow at the place where he dies. «For me, this is a really strong image of war. I discovered that flowers grow on many of the battlefields in these war-torn countries, and it’s mostly the national flowers of the countries

With lovely Christina (NewInZurich) and Laura (PR/TICULAR) at the lunch.

I had the pleasure to explore Jani’s works and the making of the installation life at the Dolder Grand this week, followed by a lovely luncheon on the terrace in the presence of the artist.

The egg installation will be on display until Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dolder Grand and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My Look: It’s Easter Time

Happy Easter weekend to everyone! I am wishing you a successful Easter egg hunt. I found my treasure already. This beautiful Simone Rocha egg-shaped bag is for me a true «objet d’art» – it will also look so striking standing on my coffee table when I am not using it.

My look: Double-breasted knit coat with floral pinwhite blouse with long wide sleeves, A-line mini wrap skirt, suit vest with chain detail, all by Louis Vuitton, burgundy embellished wool-felt haticon by Philip Treacy, acrylic and faux pearl-embellished leather toteicon by Simone Rocha, and burgundy mesh boots by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

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

Bunnylicious

Ladies, are you ready for Easter? Throw away your comfy old bunny slippers for a bunnylicious upgrade. Meet STREETZIES High Heel Bunny Slippers that are fun, glamorous, and definitely sexy.

Sometimes it is good to discover your inner child and to play dress-up. Those shoes are synonymous with all the endearing qualities of innocence, youth, fun, whimsy, and personal charm.

Those heels also come as Kitty and Panda slippers.
Bad taste? Yes, maybe. Great fun? Yes, definitely.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @ Streetzies @ KhrystyAna
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Les Eaux de CHANEL Paris – Paris

Inspired by the places that were significant to Gabrielle Chanel during her lifetime, LES EAUX DE CHANEL collection features six fresh fragrances that offer an escape and invite you on a journey.

«I was inspired by the destinations that have a strong connection to CHANEL. Each of them has left its mark on one of these fragrances» explains Olivier Polge, CHANEL’s In-House Perfumer-Creator.

Seemingly simple at first, LES EAUX DE CHANEL leaves a fragrance trail that gradually reveals their extraordinary complexity. Each composition is part of the same olfactory score that has resonated through every CHANEL fragrance since the creation of N°5 in 1921.
Having followed the paths of PARIS-BIARRITZ, PARIS-DEAUVILLE and PARIS-VENISE in 2018, enjoyed a sunny getaway with PARIS-RIVIERA in 2019, and set off on an adventure to the Scottish moors with PARIS-ÉDIMBOURG in 2021, CHANEL has dreamed up a new journey in 2022: PARIS-PARIS.

Some trips we take in real life, others we dream about. Those offered by LES EAUX DE CHANEL collection allow us to do both: they take place in our imaginations, as a stationary form of travel.

PARIS-BIARRITZ
An active, revitalizing getaway in Southwest France, with an ocean view. A burst of grapefruit and mandarin, drenched with an aquatic note and a lily-of-the-valley accord and escorted by vetiver, all of which lend the fragrance an invigorating quality.

PARIS-DEAUVILLE
A stroll along the coast of Normandy, surrounded by the sharp green of the tall grass. Invigorating orange peel and basil give way to a softer accord of rose and jasmine and a patchouli base.

PARIS-VENISE
An evocation of both the baroque city and the Orient Express route, cushioned in comfort. Berry, iris, and geranium notes are warmed up by the softness of cedar, leaving a warm, enveloping fragrance trail.

PARIS-RIVIERA
A radiant, floral fragrance par excellence. A sunny escape to the Côte d’Azur. Mediterranean jasmine and neroli, as brilliant as a ray of sunlight, are infused with the freshness of orange peel and petitgrain before giving way to a subtle sandalwood and benzoin base.

PARIS-ÉDIMBOURG
A woody, aromatic fragrance. An immersive ramble through the rugged Scottish countryside that is vividly fresh. Crisp, intense, aromatic notes of juniper berry and cypress are paired with warm tones including cedar and vetiver, which impart their smoky, slightly peaty qualities.

Photo François Kollar © Ministry of Culture – Médiathèque du Patrimoine, Dist. RMN

PARIS-PARIS
A vibrant olfactory journey imbued with freshness and lightness.
To experience PARIS-PARIS is to find oneself in Gabrielle Chanel’s Paris, a timeless city full of life, authentic character, and modern spirit. It is the Paris of our dreams, one that has been idealized through fleeting images. The allure and inimitable style of the Parisian women. A leisurely morning spent at the terrace of a Parisian café. A fresh, spicy rose with natural, elegant charm.

«With PARIS-PARIS, I created a sparkling floral composition inspired by the effortless elegance of Parisian womenOlivier Polge

To embody the essence of this new destination, Olivier Polge chose to use Damascena rose, a rose full of character that reveals a multitude of facets, which are bolstered by fresh citrus accents and heightened by the sharpness of pink peppercorn extract and an elegant patchouli base.

PARIS-PARIS is housed in the same refined, curved bottle as the other fragrances in LES EAUX DE CHANEL collection. While quite sophisticated in composition, it simultaneously echoes the lightness of the fragrances created by Olivier Polge. It is crafted from high-quality materials that are used in their simplest form. The thin, lightweight glass bottle reveals a rose-colored fragrance inspired by the glistening stone facades of Parisian buildings in the early morning sun. It is topped with a black bio-based cap engraved with a double C. The corrugated cardboard packaging, which is usually not visible, has been transformed into a pared-back sleeve that lacks a laminated or gloss finish, making it easier to recycle.

PARIS-PARIS is available as an enveloping mist that offers lavish, generous fragrance application, which makes using fragrance throughout the day even more enjoyable.

LES EAUX DE CHANEL PARIS-PARIS Eau de Toilette Vaporisateur 125 ml CHF 160.-
LES EAUX DE CHANEL PARIS-PARIS Lait pour le Corps Flacon 200 ml CHF 68.-

Available starting in the beginning of May 2022.

LoL, Sandra

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