Fashionistas love fashionable and oh-so practical tote bags. Whether classic or reinvented, this handbag shape should be atop your must-have accessory wish list. A keeper forever!

1 Monogramme Cabas medium leather tote by Saint Laurent
2 Bamboo Shopper medium textured-leather tote by Gucci
3 Liberty leather tote by Victoria Beckham
4 Paloma small spiked leather tote by Christian Louboutin
5 Le Dix Cabas textured-leather tote by Balenciaga
6 Intrecciato leather tote by Bottega Veneta
7 Joy medium textured-leather tote by Tod’s
8 The Rockstud medium leather tote by Valentino

My avid readers have seen me a gazillion times with my Bamboo Shopper large textured-leather tote by Gucci. I adore this bag, so practical, stylish and easy to carry. Perfect for travelling!

More than 30 years after it was introduced, it is still one of the most exclusive tote bags in the world: the Hermès Birkin Bag, a true classic.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here they are: the most important trends for the S/S 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. Let’s be honest, there is nothing really new, but that is the beauty of our century. Everything is possible!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2016 TREND 1: SWEET GIRLS
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dries Van Noten

S/S 2016 TREND 2: SLEEPWEAR
Balenciaga – Loewe – Alexander Wang

S/S 2016 TREND 3: ARM CANDY
Dior – Fendi – Céline

S/S 2016 TREND 4: OFF THE SHOULDER
Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

S/S 2016 TREND 5: ROMANTICISM
Alexander McQueen – Saint Laurent – Etro

S/S 2016 TREND 6: TRIBAL
Balmain – Prada – Valentino

S/S 2016 TREND 7: JUNGLE
Roberto Cavalli – Versace – Bottega Veneta

S/S 2016 TREND 8: TIE-DYE
Narciso Rodriguez – Altuzarra – Paco Rabanne

S/S 2016 TREND 9: FINE LINES
Salvatore Ferragamo – Stella McCartney – Tommy Hilfiger

S/S 2016 TREND 10: STARS & STRIPES
Lacoste – Marc Jacobs – Max Mara

S/S 2016 TREND 11: BOYISH OVERALLS
Louis Vuitton – Isabel Marant – Ralph Lauren Collection

S/S 2016 TREND 12: NEW DENIM
Derek Lam – Chloé – Chanel

S/S 2016 TREND 13: DISCO SPARKLE
Lanvin – Vetements – Nina Ricci

S/S 2016 TREND 14: SILVER
Victoria Beckham – Tom Ford – Courrèges

S/S 2016 TREND 15: TRANSPARENT EMOTIONS
Dolce & Gabbana – Emilio Pucci – Burberry Prorsum

Photos: Via Vogue.com

Since its launch last year, Bottega Veneta KNOT has become a huge success and once you smell it you will understand why. It is so airy and abounds in floral sparkling notes. After my first spritz, I have been hooked ever since.

The name is an homage to the Italian brand’s beloved KNOT clutch and the cap of the bottle echoes the bag’s iconic knot-shaped closure. Being one of the brand’s signature pieces, it has been a «collector’s item» since its launch in 2001.

Bottega Veneta KNOT is inspired by the amazing fresh air of the Italian Riviera, the scent of flowers, such as peonies from the garden and clementine trees from the hills nearby and clean laundry whose scent comes through the open windows.

As KNOT wears, you will explore the dry and crisp dimension of orange blossom that ends in a richer dimension thanks to tonka bean and musk.

BOTTEGA VENETA KNOT
Top notes: Clementine tree accord (based on mandarin, lime, neroli and orange blossom)
Middle notes: Peony, white rose and lavender
Base notes: Musk and tonka bean
Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 98.00), 50ml (CHF 145.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 72.00)

Great news is that there is a new flanker to be launched this month: Bottega Veneta KNOT EAU FLORALE that will be available now exclusively at Marionnaud.

The new floral scent conjures the next chapter of the Mediterranean interlude, this time set in the villa’s flower garden where fragrant roses and peonies transport their visitors into a private sanctuary that gives comfort and relaxation. “I wanted the fragrance to capture an awakening of the senses though an escape to the garden,” says Tomas Maier, Creative Director Bottega Veneta. “It is these quiet moments of respite that I believe are the ultimate luxury.”

BOTTEGA VENETA KNOT EAU FLORALE
Top notes: Mandarin orange, neroli and lavender
Middle notes: Rose and peony
Base notes: Tonka bean and cedar
Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 140.00) and 75ml (CHF 165.00).

Personally speaking, Bottega Veneta KNOT EAU FLORALE is the perfect way to take a little bit of summer into fall.

Steeped in the traditions of Italy’s master leather craftsmen and renowned for its extraordinary leather goods, Bottega Veneta stands for individuality and self-confidence, a philosophy expressed in its famous motto, “When your own initials are enough”, and of course in the highest quality materials.

TO SHOP THE LATEST KNOT CLUTCHES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

This post is also available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last December, GUCCI revealed the breaking news that their Creative Director Frida Giannini and CEO Patrizio di Marco both stepped down.

Being also a couple in real life – they have one daughter Greta together – they had both joined the Kering group almost at the same time, Di Marco 13 years ago as the CEO of Bottega Veneta before moving to Gucci in 2008 and Giannini 12 years ago, when she left Fendi for Gucci, at this time still under the creative direction of Tom Ford.

Marco Bizzari

Marco Bizzarri has been appointed the new CEO of Gucci, having joined Stella McCartney in 2005 before moving to Bottega Veneta in 2009. Seems like Bottega Veneta is the “stepping stone” for Gucci CEOs.

Alessandro Michele

Yesterday, the new Creative Director of GUCCI has been officially appointed and it is probably not someone you would have thought of: Alessandro Michele, a longtime Gucci employee, is responsible for all of the brand’s collections and global image.

Born in Rome in 1972, Alessandro studied at the prestigious Academy of Costume & Fashion in Rome. He forged his early design career inside Fendi where he was Senior Accessories Designer. A rising talent, he was tapped by Tom Ford in 2002 and moved to Gucci’s London-based Design Office. Over his 12-year tenure inside the Gucci design studio, Alessandro held a variety of roles. In 2006 he was named Leather Goods Design Director and promoted in May 2011 as Associate to then Creative Director Frida Giannini. Passionate about interiors and décor, Alessandro in September 2014 took on the additional role of Creative Director of Richard Ginori—the fine Florentine porcelain brand acquired by Gucci in June 2013. He immediately reimagined the product offering and branding of the 280-year-old brand, repositioning it for the luxury market with new collections and a new store design template.

It was during the Gucci Men’s F/W 2015 runway show where Alessandro first revealed a contemporary new direction for the House. His full vision for Gucci will emerge during the Women’s F/W 2015 runway show. I am wishing him only the best, a great start and of course lots of creative ideas!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci and Indigital

How hard is it to find your perfect black clutch? Depending on your own taste, it has to meet different criteria: from sophisticated, fashionable to functional or timeless. Such a little black bag is essential to complete your closet! Here is my selection of the best ones available right now.

1 PURE LUXURY Patent-crocodile clutch by Bottega Veneta
2 FASHIONISTA’S MUST-HAVE Monogramme leather clutchby Saint Laurent
3 ROCK CHIC Rockstud leather clutch by Valentino
4 INTO THE WILD Embellished suede fold-over clutch by Roberto Cavalli
5  ALREADY A CLASSIC Falabella faux brushed-leather clutch by Stella McCartney
6 LADYLIKE Chandra chain-embellished shimmer-suede clutch by Jimmy Choo
7 FOR EVERYDAY USE Antigona envelope clutch in black grained leather by Givenchy
8 GREAT WITH JEANS Broadway fringed suede clutch by Gucci

UNDERSTATED AND TIMELESS Marche leather and suede clutch by Nina Ricci
My personal favorite is accented with gold hardware and has three internal compartments – perfect for keeping your belongings organized. Carry it cross-body by day, swapping to the hand strap after dark.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

In summer I love long dresses with a bohemian vibe. Perfect for a stroll through the city.

My look: Printed layered maxi dress, green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag, coin earrings and cameo coin necklace, all by Dolce & Gabbana, wedges by Bottega Veneta, ring by Etro and sunglasses by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Fringe — it’s everywhere! Swingy fringed bags are making a huge comeback this S/S 2014 season. Of course, the trend never really goes away for long. Now, it is time to decide wether you will go for a boho version (Gucci) or opt for extreme sophistication (Fendi).
The variety of fringe is endless:

1 Fringed macramé and leather clutch by The Row
2 Scarab fringed textured-leather clutch by Valentino
3 Fringed suede shoulder bag by Gucci
4 Fringed intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta
5 Sella small fringed leather bowling bag by Tod’s
6 Fringe detail velvet Baguette bag by Fendi

Which one is your favorite? I couldn’t resist the Valentino one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here is your ultimate S/S 2014 runway trend guide. This season, there is fashion for every personality. It’s about tribal details, the power of pleats and the beauty of flowers, whether they’re luxurious embroideries or bold statement prints. Take cues from your favorite gallery and wear something artful. Don’t forget to add something shiny and to work on your waistline to sport the new must-have cropped tops. Sportswear has made its way into our daily wardrobe and bermudas should be worn layered with a skirt or dress.

I hope that this little summary will inspire you to look for the right new season pieces that will instantly update a look. Enjoy your new task!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2014 TREND 1: TRIBAL
Akris –  Givenchy – Donna Karan

S/S 2014 TREND 2: WEARABLE ART
Prada –  Chanel – Céline

S/S 2014 TREND 3: BERMUDAS
Chloé –  Alexander McQueen – DKNY

S/S 2014 TREND 4: CROPPED TOPS
Balenciaga –  Louis Vuitton – Salvatore Ferragamo

S/S 2014 TREND 5: SPORTSWEAR
DKNY –  Gucci – Marc by Marc Jacobs

S/S 2014 TREND 6: LACE
Valentino –  Stella McCartney – Nina Ricci

S/S 2014 TREND 7: SHIMMER & SHINE
Lanvin –  Versace – Etro

S/S 2014 TREND 8: PLEATS PLEASE
Dries Van Noten –  Proenza Schouler – Victoria Beckham

S/S 2014 TREND 9: PASTEL
Miu Miu –  Burberry Prorsum – Christian Dior

S/S 2014 TREND 10: SUMMER BLACK
Bottega Veneta –  Saint Laurent – Dolce & Gabbana

S/S 2014 TREND 11: FLOWER POWER
Giambattista Valli –  Mary Katrantzou – Christopher Kane

S/S 2014 TREND 12: BOLD NIGHT
Emilio Pucci –  Alberta Ferretti – Ralph Lauren Collection

Photos: Via style.com

For S/S 2013, the designers have come up with some outstanding accessories. The ones I put together for you are like pieces of art, highly collectibles that probably belong more in a vitrine than to be worn. At least, it is fun to look at them.

THE SEASON OF EYE-CATCHING CLUTCHES

Lego clutch by Chanel

Butterfly clutch by Bottega Veneta

Clutch bag with Madonna print by Givenchy

Enameled resin perfume clutch by Lanvin

Jewel plexiglass butterfly clutch by Valentino

THE SEASON OF THE STATEMENT SHOE

Mink pumps by Céline

Magic square slingback pump by Louis Vuitton

Cherie poodle patent sandals by Charlotte Olympia

Strappy sandals by Alexander Wang

Patent-leather ankle-cuff sandals by Gucci

THE SEASON TO INVEST IN FASHION JEWELRY

Necklace by Christian Dior

Ruthenium-plated Swarovski crystal flamingo necklace by Roberto Cavalli

Metal circle earrings by Balmain

Large pom pom and raffia earrings by Dolce & Gabbana

Cuff by Erickson Beamon

I hope that you have enjoyed my little accessory report for S/S 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

Part Two of my “Flankers Are Fun” story is dedicated to the seductive and floral aquatic new scents that can surely be pretty addictive. (For Part 1 click here please).

FAN DI FENDI Eau Fraîche by Fendi

The famous Italian fashion house launches every season its iconic Baguette bag in new interpretations. The same goes for its iconic scent that is scheduled to be released in a fresher version, the new edition of the Fendi perfume this spring.

FLORAL AQUATIC
Top notes: Bergamot, lemon and cardamom
Heart notes: White flowers and green tea leaves
Base notes: Leather and woody notes
Eau Fraîche CHF 93.50 (50ml) and CHF 114.00 (75ml) 
Available in Switzerland from March 1, 2013, exclusively at Marionnaud.

ACQUA DI GOIA Eau Fraîche by Giorgio Armani

Introducing a new experience of radiant and natural femininity, the new scent is a fresher, luminous and more delicate version of the iconic fragrance.

FLORAL AQUATIC
Top notes: Grapefruit, Primofiore lemon and mandarin zest
Heart notes: Ylang-ylang, water jasmine and a jasmine tea accord
Base notes: Cedarwood, brown sugar and musk
Eau Fraîche CHF 91.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml) 
Available in Switzerland from April 2013.

EAU LEGERE by Bottega Veneta

This year, a new version of the self-titled debut fragrance from 2011, the Italian fashion house’s second scent Eau Légère will be coming out, which will offer more freshness and clarity.

LEATHERY FLORAL CHYPRE 
Top notes: Bergamot and pink pepper
Heart notes: Gardenia and jasmine
Base notes: Oak moss and musk
Eau de Toilette CHF 79.00 (30ml), CHF 109.00 (50ml) and CHF 134.00 (75ml) 
Available in Switzerland from March 4, 2013, exclusively at Marionnaud.

HYPNOTIC POISON EAU SECRETE by Christian Dior

Hypnotic Poison was introduced in 1998 (one of my favourite fragrances); and this year, the lighter version Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrète will see the light of day, smelling of fatal attraction, extreme sensuality and seduction.

ORIENTAL VANILLA 
Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin and orange
Heart notes: Neroli and jasmine
Base notes: Vanilla
Eau de Toilette CHF 105.00 (50ml) and CHF 149.00 (100ml)
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills and Ad Campaign Photos: Courtesy of the Brands