I am in love, yes IN LOVE! This is definitely the  chicest bag you could add to your summer wardrobe, DIOR‘s embroidered Book Tote! A veritable invitation to travel by the House’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, an evocation of sunshine, inspired by Mexican crafts, it is the perfect luxury staple piece to rock throughout the season. First seen at the DIOR S/S 2018 runway show, it sports geometrical motifs and requires more than thirty-two hours of work and over one million two hundred thousand stitches to create an interplay of arrestingly lovely patterns in mesmerizing shades of green, orange, red, fuchsia, violet and blue. It’s crafted in the fashion house’s studio in Paris.

Rihanna sporting her personalized DIOR book tote

Although the tote has just been released this season, celebrities all over are sporting the brand in a range of colors and customized names.

Check out the photos below to see how the elegant piece is made:

If you are dreaming of a limited edition piece, I recommend visiting DIOR’s pop-up store on the Greek island of Mykonos this summer at the upscale Nammos shopping village until Oct. 15, 2018.

There you can find exclusive pieces, including DIOR Book Tote bags featuring the name of the island woven into the canvas as well as striped bodysuits and sweaters, silk cravats and cotton pareos bearing the slogan «J’adior Mykonos.»

Great news is that the DIOR book tote is here to stay and has been designed in many different versions for F/W 2018 as well as for Cruise 2019.

DIOR Book Totes for F/W 2018

DIOR Book Tote for Cruise 2019

Such a great bag – my favorite is still the S/S 2018 in vibrant shades.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Aren’t we all about a two-for-one kind of a deal?! That’s why I would like to show you the It-piece of the S/S 2018 season, the hybrid piece, that is pretty exciting for me. Spotted on the runways of the likes of Alexander Wang, Balenciaga and Sacai to name a few, the designers layer two separate items and are selling them as one. A blouse attached to a cardigan, a crepe dress with another overlay dress, even a cashmere sweater with a lingerie top.

Cotton and pleated checked satin cardigan by Sacai

Though the idea of letting a brand choose how you should style clothes might sound limiting, all of the pieces below feel surprisingly versatile and entirely stylish. And after all, these designers know a thing or two about how to put together an outfit—why not let them do the work?

Check out my favorite hybrid picks below, and good news is they are all on sale. So you can really try the trend for yourself without feeling guilty! Don’t forget you are getting two for one!

From left to right: Layered lace-trimmed satin and jersey dress, Stack Tie tie-front distressed high-rise straight-leg jeans, and paneled wool-blend, lace and satin sweater, all by Alexander Wang.

From left to right: Cotton-twill and denim coat,  and layered printed crepe de chine and silk midi dress, all by Balenciaga.

From left to right: Printed striped cotton-poplin shirt, and printed striped cotton-poplin bandeau top, both by Prada.

From left to right: Layered straight jeans, and layered oversized jeans, both by Natasha Zinko.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

For a long time, the sun was the celestial body to be avoided. But, defiant and liberated from convention, Gabrielle Chanel decided that bronze would be her colour: one of freedom, leisure, and in a word, life. In Deauville, then in Biarritz and Cannes, the designer opened boutiques, located a few steps from the beachside. In love with the coast and outdoor life, a few years later in 1928 she acquired some land in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin on which she had her villa La Pausa built and where she welcomed her family and artist friends.

Coco Chanel, Misia Sert and Mme Philippe Berthelot on The Beach, Lido Venice.

Gabrielle Chanel had started creating collections calibrated for the dolce vita of beachside resorts, jersey outfits in Deauville from 1912 and fluid knits with supple lines in Biarritz from 1915. Among them the silk blouses with wide collars, inspired by sailors and worn by the designer herself, become a signature of this lifestyle. With its view over the Mediterranean and vast Provencal garden, La Pausa was a home port, a stopover between stays on one of the yachts belonging to the Duke of Westminster and the perfect setting for this casual chic outdoor wardrobe.

Coco Chanel, wearing «beach pyjamas», with Duke Laurino of Rome, in 1930 – a great example how Breton tops and nautical style sailed into our wardrobes.

Today Karl Lagerfeld honours this art of living, so dear to Gabrielle Chanel. The designer gives it a renewed vision, infused with youth and stylish energy. While in every collection there’s been surf and paddleboards, ping pong bats and other summer sport accessories, now COCO BEACH DE CHANEL sees the light of day, a ready-to-wear and accessory collection conceived for the beach and seaside resorts.

Chanel S/S 2018

For S/S 2018, swimming costumes and two-pieces, dresses, playsuits and terrycloth shorts but also outfits in fringed denim or belted striped sailor tops in ecru and burgundy silk make up this sporty line. Buttons are stamped with marine anchors while the iconic quilting is printed on jersey, and red, pink or black denim. Sailor’s bags held with the classic chain interlaced with leather, bowling bags, camera cases and clutches, coloured espadrilles with black toe caps complete this collection of swimwear and beachwear.

Another look from Chanel’s  S/S 2018 runway. 

Dedicated to life by the sea, this COCO BEACH DE CHANEL collection will only be available in a selection of CHANEL boutiques, naturally located in beachside resorts: Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Cannes and Nice for France, then Barcelona and Capri for Europe. Other holiday resorts drenched in sun all year round like Palm Beach, Santa Fe, Honolulu and Dubai as well as certain spots in Australia, Brazil, Japan, China, Singapore, Korea and Turkey will also receive the collection, available from mid-June through to September.

Chanel’s pop-up boutique in St. Tropez

From that first dive into the ocean at dawn to toes buried in the sand at dusk, this collection encapsulates the sun, life by the beach and the great outdoors. It’s the signature of a lifestyle dedicated to sunlight.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Ultra violet may be the Pantone Color of the Year 2018, but this S/S 2018 season is all about lilac. The fresh pastel shade was all over the runways shows, starting at Victoria Beckham to Tibi to Roland Mouret. Needless to say that other purple shades were also featured, but the light version is the hue that won everyone over.

It looks so beautiful on dresses and I like wearing it head-to-toe.

Diana ruched satin maxi dress by Alice + Olivia

Felcourt one-shoulder silk-crepe dress by Roland Mouret

Ruffled plissé-satin midi dress by Tibi

Aria ruffled chiffon maxi dress by Preen Line

Gathered silk midi dress by Pushbutton

Top from left to right: Solar patent-leather ankle boots by Petar Petrov and jacquard clutch by Dries Van Noten.

Buttom from left to right: Pigalle Follies 100 patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin and Mini Half Moon Box shoulder bag by Victoria Beckham.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via design-seeds

Instead of a runway show this year, creative director Demna Gvasalia headed to the streets to recruit fellow citizens of Zurich (he moved his headquarters to Switzerland  last year – for the previous post click here), to model for VETEMENTS‘ S/S 2018 lookbook. The casting was done by Swiss agency streetcasting.ch. Everyone seemed enthusiastic about the idea, with models including sulky teenagers, an accountant, an heiress and a motorbike enthusiast, to name a few.

Each “model” struck a pose in the designer’s latest creations and was photographed by himself, including various logo-printed pieces such as jeans and plateau ankle boots, and stand-out styles from the label’s latest collaborations with DHL, Tommy Hilfiger and Umbro. Try mixing one of the long dresses with a pair of oversized sneakers and a cap for a lookbook-worthy style. Oh, and don’t forget socks. To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transfered to the respective online shop.

Vetements x DHL, from left to right: DHL printed cotton shirt dress and DHL printed cotton T-shirt.

Vetements x Tommy Hilfiger, from left to right: Oversized hoodie in red and white.

Vetements Zürich, on her from left to right: Hooded contrast-panel emoji-print dress and embroidered cotton-blend sweatshirt.

Vetemens x Reebok, from left to right: Hooded emoji-print crepe de Chine dress, Granny small bag and x Reebok cotton-blend socks.

Vetements x Umbro: long-sleeved cotton-jersey top.

THE VETEMENTS STORY

VETEMENTS is the tongue-in-cheek design collective that shot to world renown and cult status thanks to its reputation as the ultimate «fashion disruptor». Led by creative director Demna Gvasalia, the troupe of talents are putting a new spin on chic. Having honed their friendship as well as their craft at Margiela, they are using VETEMENTS to question the very essence of fashion.

Even that I haven’t understood it yet, meaning I have not even one VETEMENTS piece in my closet, I think, Demna is a genius and I adore his work for Balenciaga incredibly.

TO SHOP VETEMENTS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
VETEMENTS IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN SWITZERLAND AT TROIS POMMES.

Enjoy some more photos of the S/S 2018 lookbook below. I am just wondering how foreigners will picture Swiss people after having seen this.

LoL (this week for the second time laughing out loud literally), Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of VETEMENTS, © Demna Gvasalia

Launched for the first time as a limited-edition capsule collection directly after the Pre-fall 2017 runway as a see-now-buy-now movement, Alberta Ferretti‘s so-called «Rainbow Week» consists of seven wool and cashmere sweaters in mood-boosting hues, each dedicated to a day of the week. Some come in cropped versions, others such as «Friday» in a more comfy oversized look.

I am sure that you do remember this «days of the week underwear» that probably many of you wore as a child. I actually loved those and here is the adult version. Now, the Italian designer takes its successful idea to new heights with a re-issue of the «Rainbow Week» in different vibrant or pastel colors as well as striped pieces that say «Today», «Tomorrow» and «Yesterday». Moreover there are now bathing suits, T-shirts, cropped tops, hats and fake fur jackets available in matching shades.

You can mix and match the colors and style the must-have pieces with your favorite pair of jeans for the perfect off-duty look or dress them up with a sexy lace skirt as Alberta Ferretti has shown it on the runway. I love all combinations!

YOU CAN SHOP THE COLLECTION AT LUISAVIAROMA AND FARFETCH.
Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

HAPPY FRIDAY SWEATER DAY!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alberta Ferretti and via design-seeds

Nowadays, there is a new style that utilizes angel wings as a fashion statement most likely thanks to the Victoria’s Secret Angels who are sporting their wings on the famous lingerie runway.
Personally speaking when it comes to an angel-wing piece, I feel a terrible obsession to go for it… it is somehow innocent and seductive at once.

1 Evangeline wing leather sandals by Sophia Webster
2 Wings heart leather shoulder bag by Niels Peerarer
3 Wing ring by Garrard
4 Winged ballerina bustier dress by Moschino
5 Wing 18-karat gold, agate and diamond earrings by Noor Fares
6 Wings ring by Elise Dray
7 Samotresse 100 metallic leather sandals by Christian Louboutin

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

In collage: Printed satin-jacquard midi dress by Marni, velvet platform ankle boots by Prada and swimsuit by Eres.

«The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.» – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

Each year PANTONE, the global color authority, chooses one Color of the Year, like a snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. For 2018, it is a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade: PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Purple Rain: Prince performing in 1985

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Ultra violet on the S/S 2018 runways: Gucci – Balenciaga – Moschino

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.

To shop ULTRA VIOLET, have a look at those fantastic pieces and get ahead of the fashion trend:

Belted asymmetric silk-mousseline blouse by Balenciaga

Spandex pumps by Balenciaga

Nail Polish in Ultra Violet (Pantone Collection) by Butter London

Embellished-leaf satin pouch by Attico

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Pantone

S/S 2018 TREND 1: SILK ROAD
Céline – Hermès – Versace

S/S 2018 TREND 2: ART LOVERS
Akris – Prada – Missoni

S/S 2018 TREND 3: IN FULL BLOOM
Rochas – Erdem – Marni

S/S 2018 TREND 4: FRINGES
Balmain – Calvin Klein 205W39NYC– Dior

S/S 2018 TREND 5: MARABOU
Proenza Schouler – Saint Laurent – Nina Ricci

S/S 2018 TREND 6: LAVENDER
The Row – Michael Kors – Tom Ford

S/S 2018 TREND 7: LIFE IN PLASTIC
Chanel – Burberry – Valentino

S/S 2018 TREND 8: WORKOUT
Gucci – Louis Vuitton – Marc Jacobs

S/S 2018 TREND 9: PLAID PLEASE
Fendi – Prabal Gurung – Balenciaga

S/S 2018 TREND 10: 80’s DENIM
Max Mara – Stella McCartney – Oscar de la Renta

S/S 2018 TREND 11: THE TRENCH
Gabriela Hearst – Maison Margiela – Victoria Beckham

S/S 2018 TREND 12: SHOW YOUR UNDIES
Christopher Kane – Miu Miu – Alessandra Rich

S/S 2018 TREND 13: RAINBOW
Peter Pilotto – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Vionnet

S/S 2018 TREND 14: WHITE AT NIGHT
Jil Sander – Alexander McQueen – Etro

S/S 2018 TREND 15: MISE-EN-SCÈNE
Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana – Comme des Garçons

Photos: via Vogue.com

Part of the S/S 2018 collection and available to shop straight after last week’s runway show, Jeremy Scott just brought My Little Pony to the Moschino catwalk. The brand’s creative director, who never strays far from popular culture when it comes to inspiration, has described himself as a full-blown Brony – for those who are a little unsure, it means an unexpected fan of My Little Pony. 

So cute: My Little Pony Lunchbox printed leather shoulder bag

Made in collaboration with the cult ’80s equestrian series, these pieces are part now of the see-now-buy-now capsule collection. For me an absolute must –  so reminiscent of my childhood dreams…

My favorite piece of the capsule collection: My Little Pony intarsia wool sweater

TO SHOP THE MOSCHINO + MY LITTLE PONY S/S 2018 CAPSULE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moschino