Every year, I am curious to see who is designing the iconic Christmas tree at Claridge’s Hotel in London. Capturing the glamour, romance and timeless traditions of the festive season, this year’s tree is the work of legendary designer – and long-time friend and guest of the hotel – Christian Louboutin
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This immersive installation invites guests on a journey, transforming the lobby into a frosted forest. At its heart is a traditional tree in gold and red, dressed with fairy lights and gingerbread stilettos – and topped with a gold-leaf crown.
Alongside the tree, The Loubi Express is stationed in the lobby. Passengers are invited to step aboard this enchanting red carriage and take a seat in restful red velvet interiors, where just four tables create an intimate setting. Enjoy a glass – or share a bottle – of Laurent-Perrier, or try one of an exclusive collection of cocktails specially created with Christian Louboutin. Accompanying the drinks are canapés and a selection of Claridge’s Bar sharing dishes – all served to your lamplit table by our Cocktail Conductor.
«I wanted to bring a little bit of Paris to London, and for this year’s design to capture the excitement of journeys, whether to new destinations or homecomings.»
Christian Louboutin
The unveiling of the 2019 tree heralds the beginning of Christmas in the British capital. Christian Louboutin’s unique installation also marks the 10th year of this creative collaboration between a visionary designer and Claridge’s. In 2018, it was Diane von Furstenberg who designed the Tree of Love. For past installations, click here please.
I will be in London next weekend and cannot wait to see the tree with my own eyes…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s Hotel and Christian Louboutin
My avid readers know that I mostly travel with hand luggage and never without my beloved Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow by Nurse Jamie
.
In March 2016, I introduced you for the first time to this amazing anti-ageing helper. For the previous post, click here please.
Today, I would like to show you the newest addition to the brand’s line-up: the advanced version is made from memory foam that offers optimum support while you rest – the signature U-shaped design conforms to the curves of your neck and lumbar muscles. The satin cover minimizes wrinkles caused from sleeping, and prevents night creams or the skin’s natural oils from transferring onto the case.
TO SHOP THE Beauty Bear Age Defy Pillow – Memory Foam Edition, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
I am about to board my flight from Abu Dhabi to London… of course with my beloved pillow!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the Brand and © Sandra Bauknecht
Gold leaves in autumn, on a beautiful fall sunny day in Austria – during my stay at Vivamayr Maria Wörth, I went on several walks and explored the area nearby. Right next to the deluxe detox destination is the famous Gothic pilgrimage church dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the highest plateau of the island. It was built as early as around 875 and is one of the loveliest pearls of the landscape in the garland of Carinthian beauty, with the neighbouring Winterkirche beneath it.
After a week in sweatpants, I felt like dressing up. Isn’t it amazing how one brooch and a corset belt can change a black dress completely?!
My look: Wool-blend long sleeve dress by Alaïa, velvet and leather-trimmed Prince of Wales checked wool-blend corset belt by Miu Miu, Studwrap leather pumps
by Valentino, waist bag with chains and pearls and logo pearl brooch, both by Chanel
.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Hello from beautiful and sunny Austria where I arrived on Sunday evening at VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth. At this famous holistic health clinic that combines modern complementary medicine with traditional diagnostics and therapies according to F.X. Mayr, I will indulge for one week in a healthy lifestyle to detox and recharge my batteries.
Here you see me outside on the first day at the hotel’s private shore enjoying the warm fall weather. Stay tuned for more… right now I will take everything a little slower.
My look: Allia floral cross-stitch linen-blend top and matching Allia floral cross-stitch linen-blend shorts, both by Zimmermann, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, Ace sneaker with crystals, and square-frame glitter sunglasses, all by Gucci.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
#feel_vivamayr
This week, I spent an amazing four days with Net-à-Porter at the romantic 5-star luxury resort Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscan countryside. Situated near Siena, the hotel offers an incredible experience with a holistic spa, cooking school, Michelin-starred restaurant, 270-acre organic farm, vineyards and 13-acre beautifully manicured gardens where we shot the photos in this comfortable yet stylish crochet look. More coming up soon from Borgo Santo Pietro …
My look: Open-back paneled crocheted cotton-blend midi dress by Alexander McQueen, Tess small embossed two-tone leather shoulder bag by Chloé, 
beaded leather sandals by Saint Laurent, embellished square butterfly sunglasses by Celine, and letter gold-plated crystal necklace by Oscar de la Renta.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Andrea Sampoli @andrea_sampoli_fotografo
On the occasion of Paris Fashion Week, RIMOWA has teamed up with legendary hairstylist John Nollet to create an unforgettable salon experience at the RIMOWA Paris Flagship.
Open to the public by appointment from September 28 until October 5, 2019, the visionary French hairdresser transforms the 2nd floor of the RIMOWA store into an unforgettable safari camp themed pop-up hair salon.
Inspired by the romantic mid-century safari camps, John Nollet’s Travel n’ Style Salon will offer an unique styling experience with bespoke luxury treatments created exclusively for this event including manicure by Dior.
As part of the salon pop-up, RIMOWA and John Nollet will be exhibiting a collection of unique custom cases built exclusively for the collaboration with the hairdresser’s tools of the trade in mind. Alongside the bespoke collection RIMOWA will also offer a limited number of its RIMOWA x John Nollet Classic Cabin S – the brand’s first ever titanium coloured RIMOWA Classic embellished with brown Italian leather accents. This mini capsule collection which also features a special leather luggage tag will be made available exclusively at the RIMOWA Paris Flagship for a limited time.
Event location:
RIMOWA Store Paris, 2nd Floor, 73 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
Pop-up Hours:
10 AM -7 PM
Bookings:
+33 (0)1 55 80 71 50
Gosh, I love these pieces! Bravo, John Nollet and congrats, Rimowa for this collaboration!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © BOE, © Federico Torra
In exactly one week, Zurich will have a new hot spot. Say hello to Baur’s – the new brasserie and bar is part of the famous hotel Baur au Lac.
For the last two decades, the Baur au Lac Grill Room was known as Rive Gauche, and one of Zurich’s most popular restaurants. But at the iconic hotel change is part of its DNA, and Baur’s, an all-new dining concept, inspired by the classic European brasserie, will open on September 20th.
The stunning interior design is blending contemporary chic with international grace in an artful, inviting ambience while the menu offers a fine selection of grill room-inspired dishes, modern takes on culinary classics and plant-based delicacies, paired with a sophisticated wine list, curated by the world’s best sommelier.
Opening hours Brasserie:
Monday – Sunday
Lunch 12 pm – 2:30 pm
Dinner 6 pm – 10:30 pm
Opening hours Bar:
Sunday – Thursday 3 pm – 12 am
Friday – Saturday 3 pm – 1 am
Visit baurs-zurich.ch for more information and to book your table.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Baur’s, Instagram ©baurszurich
When you come to London, I don’t want you to miss this season’s Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, the legendary designer afternoon tea inspired by the world of fashion, that sees the iconic designs of Christian Dior take to the cakewalk for an unprecedented solo show inspired by the exhibition I told you about earlier this week – Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams at the V&A Museum.
The Dior Couture Collection transforms landmark pieces into exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. From the Junon Dress worn by Theo Graham at Le Pré Catalan in Paris 1949 to the Bar Jacket which has been synonymous with Dior since it took to the catwalk in 1947 as part of the «New Look,» each piece this season takes inspiration from Dior’s fashion history.
Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose a loose leaf tea from the hotel’s extensive collection.
Email: dining@the-berkeley.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)20 7107 8866
Please note that the Dior Couture Collection will be served until 29 September 2019.
Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £60.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £70.00 per person.
Signature Mocktail Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of a refreshing Mango & Rooibos mocktail, £70.00 per person.
Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, Bollinger Rosé or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, £76.00 per person.
We had such a great time and I hope that you will enjoy it as well!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
If you’ve been to Verona and you’ve fallen in love with the city like me, you will like today’s outfit post. Besides the famous Arena di Verona Opera Festival, the picturesque Italian town has a lot to offer, from beautiful restaurants, little piazzas and many historic monuments to visit. Furthermore, Verona still feels like its Shakespearean legacy, and it is possible to recall the main moments of the timeless love story of Romeo and Juliet. When you overlook the city, you realise that there really could have been no other place more perfect than Verona to have set the story.
My look: Appliquéd denim jacket, Ace embroidered low-top leather trainers, and square-frame glitter sunglasses, all by Gucci, Allure ruffled silk-chiffon blouse by Temperley London, printed stretch-cotton wrap skirt by Mira Mikati, Kan I leather shoulder bag, flower fur key fob, ABClick letter key charm and embellished leather bag strap, all by Fendi.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
This dress is one of my favorites from the S/S 2019 runway collections that I wore to several occasions. It reminds me of a ballet gown and Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic outfits – the way the pleated skirt of this dress moves calls to mind, the famous scene in ’50s film, The Seven Year Itch. Here you see me shooting it on the terrace of my suite at the COMO The Halkin hotel in London. Located in the city’s Belgravia district, it is an amazing place to stay. The healthy food, the yummy ginger tea infusion (not to be missed!), the service and the beautiful rooms make it an absolute insider tip.
My look: Lace and pleated chiffon maxi dress by Christopher Kane, cropped blazer by Saint Laurent, silver-tone, satin and crystal choker by Miu Miu, Cha Cha crystal-embellished suede pumps by Alexandre Vauthier, printed metallic leather box clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, and cuff by Chanel.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
