My Look: Dream On

Viktor & Rolf launched the Tulle capsule collection on the occasion of their 25th year anniversary last year, a reinterpretation of their iconic couture collections. Made in soft tulle fabrics, the garments serve as contemporary layering pieces available in a multitude of vibrant colour variations with kitsch slogans for the ultimate fashion statements. As the designer duo stopped doing ready-to-wear in 2015 to focus only on couture, this is for everyone who still wants to wear their amazing designs in daily life.

My look: Red sheer tulle cape, and Dream On. Icon 1.2 T-shirt, both by Viktor & Rolf Tulle,  «Paris Cosmopolite» Pré-fall 2017 Métiers d’Art Gabrielle bag, cuff and earrings, all by Chanellace flared pantsicon by Givenchy, Bianca leather sandals by Saint Laurent, and embellished aviator sunglasses by Alexander McQueen.

Stay tuned for a full report coming up from Viktor & Rolf’s outstanding Haute Couture show last week in Paris to which I wore this look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Best Summer Make-up Products

From bright sparkling eyes to bronzers, here are the key must-haves for summer 2019 to get on your radar. My beauty mantra for the hot season is simple: the less work I have to do, the better. As it turns out, we should all be embracing the fact that wearing a ridiculous amount of makeup in sweltering temperatures is never a good look. I recommend some sparkle for your eyes and the right amount of bronzer for a sun-kissed complexion. Enjoy!

NARS Exposed Cheek Palette (top left)
Cheeks are up front and versatile with a limited edition palette of six universally flattering shades in a breakthrough formula that delivers unparalleled color. LOVE! CHF 66.60

CHANEL Bronzer and Highlighter Duo in 317 Medium (top right)
Part of the Maison’s Cruise 2019 collection, this two face powders palette, consisting of a matte bronzer and a pearlescent highlighter, fits in every bag for immediate touch-ups. CHF 78.00

TOM FORD Soleil Contouring Compact in Bask (center left)
Blush, highlighter and bronzer in one for the perfect complexion. CHF 100.00

NUXE Multi-Usage Compact Bronzing Powder (center right)
Beautifying and long-lasting, this multi-usage powder with its yummy Huile Prodigieuse® fragrance (orange blossom, magnolia and vanilla) provides an immediate «healthy glow». CHF 35.00

ESTÉE LAUDER Desert Heat Eyeshadow Palette (bottom)
Turn up the heat with 9 silky shadows to emphasize, customize and dramatize your eyes. Matte and shimmer finishes, limited edition. CHF 72.00

BOBBI BROWN Molton Drama Eye Shadow Palette
Brighten your eyes with these ten highly pigmented colors in four different finishes, including 5 Chrome Metal Eye Shadows for a hypnotic glow. My favorite this summer! CHF 84.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: An Evening with Ballet

On Thursday I flew to London as guest of UBS to watch the UK premiere of «The Mother», a powerful narrative dance production based on Hans Christian Andersen‘s dark tale, choreographed by Arthur Pita and starring super ballerina Natalia Osipova, principal of the Royal Ballet, alongside multi-award winning dancer Jonathan Goddard, that was accompanied by an amazing original live music performance.

My look: Tempest ballet dress by Zimmermann, vintage shocking pink quilted heart-shaped vanity case and key necklace, both by Chanelicon, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent and  Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

With my lovely host Gabriel Cohen, UBS Wealth Management, …

… and with primaballerina Natalia Osipova at the gala dinner.

After the ballet, I was invited by UBS to join the gala dinner at Skylon restaurant in the presence of the two dance superstars. A true pleasure to meet those outstanding talents in person, especially for me as I used to dance ballet professionally when I was younger.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Karl For Ever

On Thursday evening, the Houses of CHANEL, FENDI (LVMH) and KARL LAGERFELD all came together at the Grand Palais in Paris to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld at a celebration designed, directed and staged by Robert Carsen.

The many facets of this extraordinary man were evoked through a tapestry of videos filmed throughout his life, interspersed with testimonials from people who knew him, as well as the generous «live» contributions of highly talented actors, musicians, dancers who interpreted some of the music and literature Karl loved so much.

Charlotte Casiraghi, H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, Andrea Casiraghi and Madame Emmanuel Macron paying tribute to Karl Lagerfeld.

Actresses Tilda Swinton, Fanny Ardant, Cara Delevingne and Helen Mirren, friends of Karl Lagerfeld, recited and read excerpts from works by his favourite authors, such as Virginia Woolf, Stéphane Mallarmé, Colette and Edith Sitwell.

Pianist Lang Lang at Karl Forever at the Grand Palais in Paris.

The extraordinary Jookin dancer Lil Buck, the brilliant violinist Charlie Siem (who played Paganini, one of the favourite composers of Karl Lagerfeld’s mother Elizabeth), Argentinian choreographer German Cornejo, accompanied by his troupe of 17 tango dancers and his 7-piece orchestra from Buenos Aires (Carlos Gardel was Karl Lagerfeld’s favourite singer and the tango was his favourite dance), the celebrated pianist Lang Lang (who played Chopin on the grand piano designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the 150th anniversary of Steinway), and American artist Pharrell Williams were also on stage to pay homage to the man who had deeply marked them and who was their friend.

The Steinway designed by Karl Lagerfeld on display.

These artists – as well as the 2,500 guests present at the Grand Palais to celebrate Karl Lagerfeld – were immersed in a spectacular exhibition of 56 giant enlargements of portraits taken throughout his life by some of the most famous photographers in a setting designed by Robert Carsen, inspired by Karl’s favourite colours: black and white enhanced with a touch of red.


In turn, the participants also paid tribute to the aesthete, this man of culture, photographer, creator… in an exceptional moment as grand as his talent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld, © Luc Castel and Julio Piatti

Barrettes Speak Louder With Words

Since last year, barrettes have been trending crazily (for the previous post, click here please). But this season, hair clips with a message are making the humble hair accessory the piece of choice this party season. I mean, it’s not hard to see the charm in this trend, spotted everywhere on the streets of fashion week.

And who have we to thank for introducing this new frontier of self-expression? London designers are leading the party barrette trend. Ashley Williams’ diamante clips tap into the general mood of the fashionistas. Bestsellers this summer include the «fuck» and «witch» designs.

TO SHOP ASHLEY WILLIAMS HAIR CLIPS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Kitsch‘s collab with influential hairstylist Justine Marjan, is another one to watch and will literally make your hair scream «glam».

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TO SHOP KITSCH x JUSTINE MARJAN HAIR CLIPS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

My personal must-have barrette screams CHANEL. Presented at the final collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld shown at Paris Fashion Week in the beginning of March, this incredible CHANEL pearl hair clip used by hairstylist Sam McKnight will surely be among «2019’s most Instagrammed accessories».

Crystal Interlocking G hair slide by Gucci

 Whichever word appeals to your personal truth, I can almost guarantee there’s a hair slide that says it. And if there is none, create your own. It is time for your statement hair!

LoL, Sandra

iconPhotos: Courtesy of the Brands

CHANEL J12 – It’s All About Seconds

This week, I followed CHANEL‘s invite to explore and celebrate the new J12 watch models first with a cocktail reception at the boutique on Bahnhofstrasse, followed by a flying dinner and party at at Barfussbar at Frauenbadi. With this beautiful weather finally arriving in Zurich, it was the perfect night for the occasion.

We were spoilt to bubbly champagne, great food, a water ballet show and experienced real magic when discovering the new watches. Later, we danced the night away.

Personally speaking, I have always been a big fan of the J12 watch, especially the white versions. the material is so resistant, you can play tennis or golf with it, it won’t break. Furthermore, the white colour doesn’t change after time. It stays as crisp white as from the beginning.

For the campaign, CHANEL invited nine muses to share their personal experiences about a second that changed their lives. Among them Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Ali MacGraw, just to name a few. Everything has always been about seconds for a House created by a woman who knew how to follow her instincts. The instinct of the moment when everything is decided.

The lovely CHANEL team

Whether it is the longest second of a lifetime on the day of an important decision, or preparing a soft-boiled egg with perfect culinary precision, catching an airplane or missing a taxi, our existence is a succession of milestones that are of no coincidence. The new J12 is the watch for these milestones, and the perfect accompaniment for every second.

Everything is a story of seconds for a woman who is in touch with her life and with this intimate timepiece that can shape destiny in a few seconds. The new J12 is the watch for this woman.
To find out more, click here please. And in the meantime, enjoy those perfect seconds of last night captured on the photos…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
#TheNewJ12 #ItsAllAboutSeconds #CHANELWatches

CHANEL New Eye Make-up Collection

For 2019, Lucia PicaCHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer — has created a collection inspired by female individuality and designed to encourage self-expression.
Eyes make the first impression: they need to reflect a woman’s character and convey her nuances, to amplify her personality rather than mask it.

«It is not about covering them; it is about beautifying them,» reflects Lucia Pica. «I am very attracted to style and character. I feel like women should still look polished, just not too overly done and old-fashioned.»

THE NEW «SECOND SKIN SMOKY»
4 HARMONIES, 3 PRODUCTS
Inspired by the «blurry» effect, and based on the three pillars of CHANEL eye products (LES 4 OMBRES, STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF, LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL), Lucia Pica has created four universal harmonies with a distinctive colour signature for all women, regardless of their level of makeup expertise. Four ways to dress a look in the most personal and intuitive way, with ease and freedom.

Each palette’s elegant colour combinations can be endlessly mixed and layered, by varying and blending shades and finishes. Their blurry effect creates a foolproof «second skin smoky» look.

LES 4 OMBRES – CHF 77.00 each
Four palettes designed to offer infinite results. Silky concentrated pigments gently glide over the eyelid, their emblematic shades universally appealing, their diffusive, blurry textures seamlessly blendable. On application, effects can range from natural definition to intense drama.

THE SHADES
318 Blurry Green a dusty antique gold; a satin golden green;
a warm rosy bronze; a deep dark green
322 Blurry Grey a smoky grey; a dusty platinum;
a deep aubergine; a matte stone beige
324 Blurry Blue a lightly rosy grey; a matte blue grey;
a taupe grey; an intense dusty blue
328 Blurry Mauve a terracotta tile red; a light dusty rosewood;
a bronze, satin taupe; a deep greyish lilac

LUCIA’S TIP
Playing with texture and finish ensures modern impact: when both lips and eyes are enhanced, keep the skin fresh for a contemporary finish.

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF – CHF 35.00 each
A waterproof eye pencil created to enhance the eyes with intensity and depth. A retractable tip and integrated sharpener encourage easy and spontaneous use. Whether tracing the contour of the upper lash line for a natural effect, or thickening its application for sophisticated drama, the smooth, gentle formula offers profound impact.

THE SHADES
943 Brun Agapé a luminous bronze
944 Noir Énigmatique a sparkling blue grey
945 Black Wood a deep brown
946 Intense Teal a duck blue
948 Jungle Green a forest green

LUCIA’S TIP
For an effortless but dramatic effect, apply the liner a little heavier and smoke out the colour using a small brush, blending out and upwards. Then, re-apply liner close to the lashes for extra depth and definition.

LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00 each (limited edition colours)
The first ever 3D-printed mascara brush, LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL offers a revolution through its unprecedented precision and immediate, extreme volume. This uniquely high-tech innovation ensures perfect, even application with every stroke — and with no clumps in sight.

THE SHADES
17 Jungle Green an emerald green
27 Deep Eros a bright burgundy
37 Intense Teal a sparkling green blue
91 Volcan a deep blue grey

LUCIA’S TIP
Apply extra mascara to the centre of the lashes, and remove a little from the outer edges, for a wide-eyed effect.

In stores Mid June 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Summer Classics: Espadrilles

Espadrilles are a summer classic, a comfortable choice for exploring local markets on vacation or when you’re running errands back in the city. Today’s post is dedicated to the most sophisticated designer versions for the ultimate luxury.

Happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Red and black leather espadrilles by Chanel


iconLogo-embossed metallic leather espadrilles by Saint Laurent


iconMetallic intrecciato leather espadrilles by Bottega Veneta

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Leather-trimmed floral-print canvas espadrilles by Gucci

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Lauren scalloped suede espadrilles by Chloé

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Kenda crochet-knit espadrilles by Castañer + Missoni

Tabitha leather-trimmed logo-detailed canvas espadrilles by Burberry


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Canaee leather-trimmed denim espadrilles by Isabel Marant


iconGrosgrain-trimmed textured-leather espadrilles by Brunello Cucinelli
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The Rockstud Double textured-leather collapsible-heel espadrilles by Valentino

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

My Look: Where the Wild Things Are

Saint-Tropez is definitely the place where the wild things are happening. After yesterday’s post about CHANEL’s ephemeral summer boutique in the picturesque Riviera hot spot, I thought you might like this outfit shot in the harbor last Saturday. CHANEL accessories are always a fashion-forward addition to create some pretty daring looks. Here you see me wearing some new S/S 2019 pieces combined with vintage ones that elevate the all black outfit into new heights.

My look: Feather capeicon by Balmain, Natalie keyhole mesh jumpsuiticon by Hervé Léger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, mini boxy flap bag, lambskin belt with rhinestoneslogo earrings, and pearl bracelet, all by Chanelicon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Black & White Photo: © Rian Davidson

CHANEL in Saint-Tropez

My favorite way to fight the rainy weather last weekend in Saint-Tropez was a visit to CHANEL‘s seasonal summer boutique at the La Mistralée townhouse that is such an eye-catcher in an exclusive décor inspired by the codes and the spirit of the House. The S/S 2019 ready-to-wear collection, the COCO BEACH de CHANEL line, the accessories, the perfumes and pieces of jewelry and watches are displayed in a serene atmosphere bathed in natural light.

This season, CHANEL has chosen to combine classic interior design with ultra-modern furnishings. A floor paved with beige travertine welcomes the visitors and accompanies them with every step through the different spaces of the boutique. The unity of the floor is reinforced by a sense of infinity created by a game of antique mirrors positioned like high skirting boards, climbing walls painted in an understated white. Large black rugs contrast with this luminosity all while alluding to CHANEL’s signature black and beige two-tone.

On one side of the entrance hall, almost like a prelude, a lobby presents a selection of eyewear and perfumes. The following room opens onto two series of large frames in a rust-hued metal. Set up in a chevron pattern, they carry the elegant yet casual S/S 2019 ready-to-wear silhouettes, inspired by the theme of the beach. In the midst of these frames we find large mobile panels, also in rust-coloured metal and double sided: their perforated plates dressed with a diamond quilting on one side and a mirror on the other.

Bathed in sunlight, the conservatory is home to the accessories, the bags and the shoes of the season. As if in a dressing room, two large cabinets furnish the room. Quilted and perforated, through the transparency you can guess at the accessories displayed there: their shadows encouraging you to open each door and to peacefully discover each accessory. A blue suede sofa, poufs in tweed or suede are there for comfortably trying on the summer mules and sandals. Finally, several alcoves exhibit the CHANEL watches, including the J12 and the BOY.FRIEND watch as well as one of CHANEL’s iconic jewelry lines: the COCO CRUSH collection.

The garden at the La Mistralée is a veritable haven of tranquillity. Large black and white rugs are installed around the swimming pool. A long bench and big scatter cushions in black, navy and white tweed are an invitation to enjoy some farniente. Chairs, tables and big poufs in tweed covered with cushions in leather add to this ambiance of summer-time lounging. The pool house, painted entirely with a layer of thick blue rendering, illustrates a Mediterranean summer. Inside, the white walls, the blue of the floor and the floating lacquered furnishings, as well as the resin console tables all add their nuance to this palette caught between the sky and the sea. Here, once again, a dressing room has been installed: its sophisticated drawers opening to reveal pieces from the COCO BEACH de CHANEL collection, swimsuits, espadrilles as well as straw hats…

Like a breath of air in the heart of the effervescent village of Saint-Tropez, the new CHANEL seasonal boutique embodies all the relaxed elegance of the House, serene and radiant beneath the Riviera sunshine.

CHANEL’s seasonal boutique in Saint-Tropez will remain open until October 2019.
CHANEL BOUTIQUE
1, avenue du Général Leclerc
83990 Saint-Tropez, France
+33 4 94 49 07 47
Monday to Sunday: 10am – 1.30pm / 3.30pm – 8pm (4.30pm to 9pm in July and August)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL / Marie Liskay