Here they are: the most important trends for the F/W 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. From statement furs to velvet everything, from extra long sleeves to oversized down jackets, the choice is yours – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2016 TREND 1: VELVET
Akris – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Giorgio Armani

F/W 2016 TREND 2: CHECKMATE
Chanel – Vivienne Westwood Red Label- Marni

F/W 2016 TREND 3: ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Alexander McQueen – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

F/W 2016 TREND 4: BIKER GIRLS
Courrèges – Chloé – Louis Vuitton

F/W 2016 TREND 5: BEIGEMANIA
Céline – Hermès – Max Mara

F/W 2016 TREND 6: ON DUTY
Prada – Maison Martin Margiela – Miu Miu

F/W 2016 TREND 7: SHINY TRENCH COATS
Proenza Schouler – Tod’s – Burberry

F/W 2016 TREND 8: PUFF DADDY
Sacai – Balenciaga – Stella McCartney

F/W 2016 TREND 9: ’80s POWER ONE-SHOULDER
Lanvin – Saint Laurent – Isabel Marant

F/W 2016 TREND 10: CAPES
Elie Saab – Temperley London – Gucci

F/W 2016 TREND 11: BUBBLEGUM
Kenzo – Simone Rocha – Carven

F/W 2016 TREND 12: EXTRA LONG SLEEVES
Marc Jacobs – Michael Kors Collection – Vetements

F/W 2016 TREND 13: TURTLENECKS WITH ZIPPERS
Versace – Dior – Emilio Pucci

F/W 2016 TREND 14: BONDAGE
Gareth Pugh – Loewe – Alexander Wang

F/W 2016 TREND 15: LONG SCARFS
Etro – Missoni – Roberto Cavalli

F/W 2016 TREND 16: PINSTRIPE SUITING
Calvin Klein Collection – Tibi – Trussardi

F/W 2016 TREND 17: TINSEL
Marco di Vicenzo – Jeremy Scott – Emporio Armani

F/W 2016 TREND 18: FUR STOLES
Dries Van Noten – Vionnet – Givenchy

F/W 2016 TREND 19: STATEMENT FURS
Fendi – Salvatore Ferragamo – Mary Katrantzou

F/W 2016 TREND 20: MODERN NYMPHS
Alberta Ferretti – Valentino – Rodarte

I have fallen in love with all the shades of Chloé’s S/S 2016 collection from the first moment I saw it. Inspired by the youthful optimism of the ’90s, Clare Waight Keller embraced an interesting color spectrum for her must-have pieces. My favorite top combines two trends, rainbow colors and off-the-shoulder. It is cut from airy silk-georgette and detailed with dip-dyed tassels. Emulate the runway styling by wearing yours with love-worn denim shorts as I did.

My look: Off-the-shoulder striped silk-georgette top by Chloé, mid-rise cut-off denim shorts by Saint Laurent, woven straw visor by Stella McCartney, nouveau python clutch, metallic fabric sandals and ruthenium-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, all by Gucci, Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, cuff by Chanel and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Fashionable women in action sports, such as surfing or swimming, need functional and stylish clothing  in one. This post is dedicated to some fun pieces for the water as well as some beauty products that especially protect your hair. Be sure to pack those must-haves on your next vacation!

Citrus Sunshine Swimcap Cream, 75ml by Philip Kingsley
This product is absolutely amazing.  It was originally developed for the first US Olympic synchronized swimming team to protect their hair from dehydrating chlorine and salt water. This intensely hydrating formula is for use on wet hair and suitable for sensitive scalps, overly processed and damaged hair.

Vanishing Point Yosemite swim cap by Eres
Another way to protect your hair in the water, is a traditional swim cap. This Italian-made piece is crafted from the label’s signature shape-retaining peau douce fabric – it won’t move or slip when wet. Moreover it won’t pull your hair like many swim caps do.

Surf Infusion, 100ml by Bumble and Bumble
I adore creates soft beach waves. Enriched with sea salt and nourishing oils, this formula instantly adds texture, body and shine. UV inhibitors ensure tresses are protected from the drying effects of the sun.

Printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Mikoh
The brand’s founding duo – Californian sisters and designers Oleema and Kalani Miller – are keen surfers who grew up on the sun-kissed beaches of Orange County. This classic crew-neck T-shirt is cut for a relaxed fit from soft cotton-jersey. Slip on this piece at the beach or team it with summery pants when you’re in the city.

Printed neoprene rashsuit by Perfect Moment
This rashsuit is cut from insulating 1.8mm neoprene that’s UV-protective and stretch-resistant so it holds its shape in water. This streamlined style has flatlocked seams to reduce irritation and feels super lightweight and flexible. The striped monochrome panels contour and flatter your figure.

St Tropez striped perforated neoprene backpack by Duskii
Store your beach essentials or a change of clothes in the roomy interior, adjusting the rope straps for comfort.

Saint Tropez striped neoprene swimsuit by Duskii
Matching your beach backpack, this swimsuit is crafted from sculpting neoprene, this comfortable style molds to the body for a flexible fit.

Surfboard by Chanel
And last but not least, you need a stylish surfboard and why not opt for one by Chanel. In 2010, the fashion house created luxury surfboards in the original Chanel classic aesthetic. I am sure you can still find them somewhere or ask for a special order in stores.

Who said surfing wasn’t chic?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The CHANEL F/W 2016 handbags and small leather goods collection revisits the great classics of the House of CHANEL.

Karl Lagerfeld reinterprets several fundamental elements of CHANEL’s stylistic vocabulary, starting with the emblematic quilting of the House that we discover here as an ultra-light version on the flap bags, the shopping bags and even a backpack, uniting comfort with elegance.

The designer has also reinvented the iconic CHANEL bag and in particular the 11.12 which, this season appears in a laser treated faded denim.

The 2.55 is attached to a clip hanger with a discreet little mirror. It comes in aged or metallic leather as well as overstitched beige suede split calfskin inspired by the toiles used in the ateliers to make the handbag prototypes. This same material covers the drawstring, flap and bowling bags, plus the clutches and a camera case.

Meanwhile the BOY CHANEL bag appears to be patterned with pins. The Montex Atelier has created a special embroidery composed of silver tube beads and multi-coloured round beads, and which required more than 20 hours of work. Another version is embellished with precious braiding.

A key detail in the collection, the lacing inspired by corsetry that cleaves the dresses and boots, is also present on handbags in leather or combined with tweed.

The Girl bag adopts a clutch format in quilted leather or united with tweed. Functional thanks to its numerous pockets, its leather-interlaced chain is detachable at one end allowing it to be hand held or worn over the shoulder.

For evening, the clutches in leather, lizard or python play the ultimate luxury card with chains made of leather, metal and fantasy pearls.

As a tribute to the ateliers and their treasures, the resin minaudières adopt the shapes of a dual compartment sewing-box or a bobbin of golden thread.

Karl Lagerfeld has also conceived a line of accessories dedicated to Smartphones and tablets: the cases covered with tweed (including two versions woven by the House of Lesage) or with quilted or exotic leathers are designed to accommodate the devices in style. On certain models the iconic chain alternates gold and silver links.

The CHANEL F/W 2016 handbags and small leather goods collection will be available in boutiques from September 2016 onwards.

I cannot wait for those beauties to arrive!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Recently, I flew to New York to attend the opening celebrations of HUBLOT‘s new Fifth Avenue flagship store. As you can imagine everything was superlative and I cannot wait to show you all the details. Here you see me on my way to the ribbon cutting ceremony.

My look: Sarai signature essentials dress by Hervé Leger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, boy bag with chains by Chanel and Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Lily-Rose Depp is officially the face of CHANEL’s newest fragrance CHANEL N°5 L’Eau, created by Olivier Polge. She’s following her mother’s footsteps.

Lily-Rose starring in CHANEL’s eyewear campaign 

 Directed by Johan Renck, this campaign is slated for Fall 2016. A young, up-and-coming actress, Lily-Rose Depp is already the face for the CHANEL Pearl eyewear collection launched in September 2015. She embodies her generation and its values of freedom and boldness to perfection, bringing to the iconic fragrance of the House her youthful freshness and beauty.

Lily-Rose Depp on Instagram

On Instagram, Lily posed with a giant version of a CHANEL N°5 L’Eau perfume bottle and expressed her excitement about the news. She captioned the photo: «I am so excited to announce that I am the face of the new Chanel Chanel No.5!»

Vanessa Paradis for CHANEL Coco 1991, © Chanel

Famous parents: Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp

Lily-Rose looks so much like her famous mom. Like mother like daughter…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel, © Getty Images, via Instagram

While being in Cuba with Chanel I attended a dinner party at Atelier restaurant. This is an iconic restaurant in Vedado with great food and decorated by original art.
Calle 5ta., No. 511 altos, entre Paseo y 2 | Vedado, Havana 10400, Cuba, + 537 836 2025

My look: Floral print dress with lace ruffles by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, black cardigan by Miu Miu, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag, gold-tone crystal bracelet, double wrap ring with tiger heads, Tiger head ring with black enamel, wide band in metal, all by Gucci and pearl earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I had come back from Havana right on time for Mother’s Day. My daughter really spoilt me on Sunday and I am so proud to be her mum. To celebrate the occasion, I chose this outfit as Dolce & Gabbana’s collections are often celebrating the Italian famiglia and the print on my skirt is based on drawings by the designers’ nieces and nephews.

My look: Neon pink silk top by Balenciaga, printed silk-satin midi skirt and Sicily medium appliquéd embellished textured-leather tote, both by Dolce & Gabbana, feather-winged suede sandals by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo, feline earrings with crystals by Gucci, bangles by Chanel, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One week offline… internet in Cuba is characterized by a low connections, limited bandwidth, censorship, and high cost. But now I am back from Havana and filled with amazing memories that I cannot wait to share with you. The city is full of beautiful colors and the vibrant walls were the perfect background to shoot this beautiful Temperley London dress that was inspired by Cuba.

My look: Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London, fringed tweed bag, candy necklace and bracelet, all by Chanel, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen, Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Cuba as guest of CHANEL. I am totally excited about this trip as the Maison’s highly-anticipated Cruise 2017 collection will be presented in Havana on El Paseo del Prado upcoming Tuesday,  May 3rd, 2016.

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL is also presenting the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana in Cuba, from April 28th to May 12th 2016. The opening reception will take place this Sunday.

This exhibition, divided into three sections representing the designer’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes – brings together more than 200 of Karl Lagerfeld’s photographs. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object.

It’s no secret that the travel media and fashion houses are thrilled about the loosening of restrictions between Cuba and the United States. Dubbed a “trend” for Resort and S/S 2016, Cuba was the theme of other collections as well: Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Temperley London among others.

Stella McCartney for example transformed her Resort 2016 presentation in NYC into a Havana-inspired scene, complete with chocolate cigars, cocktails, street performers, a live band and caricatures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Cassie tiered silk gown by Stella McCartney
(inspired by the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress)

The clothes were of course also inspired by the Cuban theme: models donned citrus-hued gowns, wildflower prints, ruffled hemlines, and even an updated version of the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress.

Proenza Schouler’s Resort 2016 collection also referenced the culture of the Caribbean nation, an homage that came from a recent trip to the country that designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez did. The latter is of Cuban-American origin and saw his relatives for the first time.

Drop-waist printed silk-crepe mini dress by Proenza Schouler

The collection was subtle with its references to Cuba. Ruffles and floral prints were reminiscent of the native costumes.

The vivacious spirit of Havana, Cuba underpinned also Temperley London‘s S/S16 runway collection which is filled with an exuberant sense of colour, pattern and rhythm. The mood reflects Cuba and the forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life – its decadent cultural heritage and the nonchalant and mysterious attitude of its capital city Havana.

Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London

This is a collection that encompasses day to evening in a vivacious and animated manner whilst being confident, joyful, and ultra feminine.

As internet is said to be very slow in Cuba, I hope that I will be able to post live on here on my blog and on instagram (@sandrascloset) but it is not sure. Those are the two hashtags to follow: #ChanelCruiseCuba, #FactoriaHabana.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: J Grassi/PatrickMcMullan via AP Images, Courtesy of the Brands, © Chanel