Christian Dior himself praised the timeless aura of polka dots: “they offer charm, elegance, relaxation and are always casual.“

Joyous, elegant and timeless, polka dots are at the heart of DIOR‘s summer make-up collection with  confetti-strewn nails that are an invitation to dive into a fantasy-filled world.

APPLICATION TIPS
Step 1: apply a coat of polish
Step 2: dip the Dotting Tool into the second polish in the set
Step 3: dab polka dots onto the base coat

SHADES

Pastilles: an azure blue punctuated with nude beige

Confettis: a bold melon heightened with cherry red

Plumetis: a petal pink dotted with lavender mauve

DIOR Vernis with «dotting tool» (one shot) is available now for CHF 44.50.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

“Behind the symbol of travel, we find Christian Dior’s star and the idea of a good luck charm, but also the rose, his favourite flower.” – Victoire de Castellane

From Christian Dior’s garden at Granville to the discovery of faraway lands, with Paris’ 8th arrondissement cropping up along with way, the Rose des Vents collection from Dior Joaillerie, designed by Victoire de Castellane, is a voyage on the four winds through the House’s history. It features Christian Dior’s good-luck star and the rose, his favorite flower.

The new campaign, photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, reveals a Dior woman with a natural, timeless beauty wearing the Rose des Vents creations.

This year, the medallion comes in versions with a pavé of diamonds, as well as rose gold and onyx, and has been joined by four pendants and five rings embellished with a little rope of gold that twists around the finger and follows the outline of the jewel. Being reversible, they can be worn either star or stone side out.

I love this fine jewelry collection. It is so much fun to mix and match them… and I really appreciate the craftsmanship behind that you can explore below.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

DIOR has become synonymous with its trendy must-have fashion items—the Tribale double pearl earrings, the So Real mirrored sunnies favored by celebrities around the world. And now the buzz is about the new DIORESSENCE – the French Maison’s most perfect pump!

The flattering décolleté and the pointed extremity elongate the leg and underscore the arch of the foot; the heel, done entirely in leather, which accentuates its delicateness, height and pitch elongates the silhouette and highlights the curve of the leg. Slightly impertinent, Dioressence is the new Dior stiletto.

Making of the new Dioressence pump

Made a few kilometers outside of Venice, Italy, where shoemaking know-how is a story of passion and regroups more than 100 manufacturing steps, Dioressence heels come in a variety of materials – in satin-finished lamb, patent or iridescent calf leather –, and a wide array of colors, including two essential shades closely associated with the Maison: Black, which Christian Dior considered the most elegant of colors, and pale pink, which he considered “the color of happiness and femininity.”

For the more daring, this shoe comes in ochre, military green, cognac, Trafalgar red, bronze, white, anthracite gray and shades of blue from ink and azure to navy and midnight.

The colorful Dioressence signs a silhouette and elevates it, making it even more sublime.

“A touch of color can be enough to change your appearance. Heels go with everything.”
Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

The House of Dior has written history. It was 1985, I was a little girl and absolutely fascinated by that gorgeous green box and the curvy aubergine bottle: POISON. Either you have loved it or you have hated it.

I wanted it so badly but I was obviously too young. My time would come. 1998, HYPNOTIC POISON was launched. A rebel on the perfume market. The first so to say aphrodisiac scent. A vanilla oriental, tempting and with so much sex appeal, lush and beautiful.

2016 marks a new chapter in the Poison story: POISON GIRL. A bitter sweet floral, scandalously delicious. Camilla Rowe is the face, a young femme fatale. She is a party girl full of power. She is a pop-feminist who seduces and fulfills her dreams. Enjoy this short interview with Dior’s newest face:

Did you know the mythical Poison perfume universe?

I’m too young to have experienced the Poison “phenomenon,” but entering a house as legendary as Dior already means so much!

Do you like the Poison Girl scent?

Yes, I really like sensual, assertive perfumes. I really like the idea of noble raw materials. You need to know how to strike a balance with this type of perfume, but I adore its instant personality.

Your favourite music?

Difficult!! I have so many. At the moment I’m listening to Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra’s album again and again.

The Stones or the Beatles?

Oh I hate that question! But I do have an answer. In fact, I love all the Stones’ albums but I don’t love all the Beatles’ albums. But, in my opinion, the Beatles’ music that I do I like beats everything else!

A director you like?

I like Jim Jarmusch for the way he derides her characters. They are very funny, without being in a comical register. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen “Down By Law”!

An unforgettable journey?

Definitely Iceland. I went there one day on a sudden impulse. Since then I’ve been back several times. I adore the country and I adore the Icelanders. They are incredible and genuine. Today they are still steeped in their magical folklore. They don’t have any problem talking to you about trolls! I love that capacity for imagination, and for keeping a fresh open mind.

Any particular diet?

I eat everything in moderation, but I don’t follow any particular diet. I avoid fast food because I don’t like it, but I allow myself everything else.

Any particular sport?

I do Yasa Yoga every morning in New York. I also go surfing in Montauk and Rockaway near New York.And a close friend and I have got into the habit of going “speed” walking, and we cross the Williamsburg bridge together. Generally I like to stay active.

Best Shopping?

I like really comfortable clothes. I love Jane Birkin’s style: jeans and a shopping basket. I have a pretty impressive collection of jeans and t-shirts.

Best Make-up?

When I go out, just a beautiful red lipstick. And Diorskin Star foundation by Dior, which I love. I really like their concealer too.

Skincare?

In the plane before a shoot I hydrate my skin enormously as it is hyper-sensitive and reacts to everything. In fact I have adopted Dior’s “Hydralife” line which I love.

Regarding your online life (you have thousands of followers), do you think it would be so intense if you weren’t a top model?

My Instagram is mostly personal. The fact that my name doesn’t appear proves it – I use my pseudonym, “Fingermonkey.” I’ve never wanted to use my real name, even when Victoria’s Secret asked me to so that I would have even more followers.

I hardly ever post anything work-related unless it’s something I really care about. All the content is very personal – I’m not looking for the perfect photo. I don’t think my followers are the same ones that follow other models. My Instagram is coherent with who I am, and that also enables me professionally to attract houses that appreciate who I really am.

Why the name “Fingermonkey” for your Instagram account?

Matt Jones, a photographer with whom I work a lot, has always called me “Monkey” because I’m very… boisterous!

One day, on set with him, I had just discovered this new app – it was in the early days of Instagram. I wanted to create my account immediately with the nickname “monkey” but it was already taken, so we came up with “Fingermonkey”! So this weird name began as a joke, but today there are lots of people who only know me through my “Fingermonkey” account!

POISON GIRL will hit the shelves in Switzerland on January 27, 2016.

Eau de Parfum 100ml (CHF 187.00), 50ml (CHF 133.00) and 30ml (CHF 85.00).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

This is one of those days. I am totally jet-lagged as I just got back from New York City and in between travels which means emptying one suitcase and filling the next one. I hoped for an relaxing evening on the couch when I heard the big and very unexpected news that I had to get out to you in case you haven’t read it yet.

After three and a half years as Creative Director at Christian Dior, fashion designer Raf Simons has announced today that he will be leaving the French Maison. His S/S 2016 collection he showed during Paris Fashion Week in the beginning of October will be his last.
Here some of the beautiful looks:

Here is a statement that Simons released  to ​WWD: «It is after careful and long consideration that I have decided to leave my position as creative director of Christian Dior’s women’s collection. It is a decision based entirely and equally on my desire to focus on other interests in my life, including my own brand, and the passions that drive me outside my work. Christian Dior is an extraordinary company, and it has been an immense privilege to write a few pages of this magnificent book. I want to thank Mr. Bernard Arnault for the trust he has put in me, giving me the incredible opportunity to work at this beautiful house surrounded by the most amazing team one could ever dream of. I have also had the chance over the last few years to benefit from the leadership of Sidney Toledano. His thoughtful, heartfelt and inspired management will also remain as one of the most important experiences of my professional career.»

Raf Simons with me in 2014

It will be interesting who will succeed Simons as ​Dior’s sales increased dramatically under him. I truly loved what he did.

Tomorrow I will be on a trip with Dior ​so let’s see if I can get some insights.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chloé Le Drezen, © Yannis Vlamos / Indigitalimages.com, © Sandra Bauknecht

Every year, I am curious which shade will be announced by global color authority Pantone as the official color of the year. For 2015, it is a soothing and comforting tone, which could be an inspiration for a balanced and more fulfilling life: MARSALA. Much like the fortified wine that gives it its name, this tasteful hue with its grounding red-brown roots embodies a satisfying richness and a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

A hearty yet stylish tone, the impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors. I like it extremely in combination with mint green. It’s time to fill your wardrobe with the new It-shade!

Leather bustier by Kiki de Montparnasse

Fringed suede trench coat by Valentino

Textured-leather travel wallet by Smythson

Marsala, a slightly muted wine shade. It’s much deeper and more winter-friendly than last year’s bright, showy purple, Radiant Orchid, which means it’s kind of perfect to start wearing right now. If you’re into it, here are a some great beauty products in the hue:

Marsala for Nails: Chanel‘s Le Vernis in “639 Exception“, CHF 35.00

Baume De Rose Nutri-Couleur – Bloom Berry by By Terry

Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks in 11 Prune Impertinente by Yves Saint Laurent

5-Colour Eyeshadow in 876 Trafalgar by Christian Dior

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog. Check it out – there are more interesting products available.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Pantone, Etsy, Valspar Reserve, pica4u.ru – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

As always, I would like to keep you ahead of the game and put together the most important S/S 2015 runway trends! Scroll through my forecast to see what will stay and which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season.

S/S 2015 TREND 1
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Tom Ford – Saint Laurent – Louis Vuitton

Sequins and metallics are here to stay and will surely make you feel sexy under the disco ball next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 2
PRIMA BALLERINA
Valentino – Giorgio Armani – Vionnet

Soft and pastel, the long tutu tulle skirts and dresses seen gracing the runways were inspired by ballerinas. A must for your next red carpet moment.

S/S 2015 TREND 3
LUXURIOUS HIPPY 
Chloé – Emilio Pucci – Etro

70s inspired looks seemed like a common theme throughout the fashion weeks. Long, light and flowing dresses or lace materials are the way to work the luxury bohemian trend. My favorite!

S/S 2015 TREND 4
JUMPSUITS 
Christian Dior – Céline – Sonia Rykiel

Fashion-forward utilitarian looks, the jumpsuit might not be the most comfortable piece of clothing but next summer definitely the the most up-to-date one.

S/S 2015 TREND 6
KIMONO GIRLS 
Gucci – Marni – Alexander McQueen

Ethnical prints and long silhouettes tied at the waist, the kimono was a huge source of inspiration for a number of fashion houses this season.

S/S 2015 TREND 7
KHAKI – THE HUE TO STAY 
Chanel – Marc Jacobs – Ralph Lauren

Call it haute safari gear for the wilds of the shopping streets. Khaki has become a fashion classic and is here to stay. It is up to you if you opt for for a safari-style or military-inspired look.

S/S 2015 TREND 8
DENIM – HEAD TO TOE 
Prada – Burberry Prorsum – Fendi

It is all about denim head to toe. Next season the beloved fabric is reinvented in in all sorts of blues and with eye-catching stitchings.

S/S 2015 TREND 9
POP ART
Peter Pilotto – Balmain – Junya Watanabe

Some of the world’s leading pop-artists, such as Roy Lichtenstein, Mondrian and Sonia Delaunay were the force behind a lot of collections. Circle motifs, bright colors and bold, intersecting stripes gave the runway an energetic vibe.

S/S 2015 TREND 10
POLKA DOTS
Marc by Marc Jacobs – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

A simple and extremely joyful print, the polka dot, hasn’t lost its impact over the last seasons.

S/S 2015 TREND 11
ANDROGYNOUS & ASYMMETRIC TAILORING
Anthony Vaccarello – Jean Paul Gaultier – Maison Martin Margiela

Conquering the male wardrobe, the designers used the codes of masculine suits, but added a touch of sexy. The trend reveals itself in the asymmetric cuts which are a must next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 12
PATCHWORK BABYDOLLS
Rodarte – Stella McCartney – Mary Katrantzou

The babydoll makes its comeback in an array of fabrics and lace patterns. Patchwork is the key to success!

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK MESH
Balenciaga – Akris – Proenza Schouler

Worn all-over or a as a single piece, mesh is next summer’s answer to sportswear. The sheer fabric works day and night and has been spotted all over the catwalks.

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK AND WHITE
Narciso Rodriguez – Givenchy – Thakoon

Black and white – the probably most classic color combination. This season, designers set about experimenting with the codes of femininity through black and white suits and used this ultra-refined palette for maximum optical effects.

S/S 2015 TREND 14
MIX AND MATCH
Giambattista Valli – Fausto Puglisi – Prabal Gurung

Conceptual and experimental, the next season silhouettes take center stage with pieces in an array of different colors and all sorts of materials. The probably most modern trend of all.

S/S 2015 TREND 15
HEMLINES
Matthew Williamson – Versus Versace – Elie Saab

Business in the front, party in the back, the new hemlines play with length.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com

With ten times the amount of active lip-care than a classic lipstick, the latest Dior beauty creation is a makeup revolution, DIOR ROUGE BAUME, a beautiful melding of colour with breakthrough ingredients for intense hydration. The star component here is a rare, natural crystal oil which forms a light, protective film, plumping and rejuvenating for lips that are visibly more nourished.

Natalie Portman is the face of Dior’s new line of lipstick that features the brand’s signature blue lacquered casing with the initials on the cap, the silhouette is leaner here, making ROUGE BAUME highly portable.

For a rosy glow, you’ll find the highly pigmented, deep care formula in many blushing hues for CHF 51.50 each: 128 Star, 258 Kew Gardens, 288 Bleuette, 468 Spring, 488 Primerose, 538 Boréale, 558 Lili, 568 Rose Rose, 640 Milly, 660 Coquette, 688 Diorette, 730 Fleur d’Automne, 740 Escapade, 758 Lys Rouge, 760 Garden Party, 788 Fleur Bleue, 855 Sweetheart, 910 Park Avenue and 988 Nuit Rose. The highlighted ones are the 4 It-shades of the collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

This summer, fashion designers all around the globe have been showing off their origami skills, crafting skirts that ripple with razor-sharp pleats. Best played out in shimmering metallics as seen at Proenza Schouler, cut to midi length, this style has felt the freshest to me. Don’t you think that the color combination of black, white, rose gold and purple is just a dream?!

My look: Foil-paneled pleated cloqué maxi skirt by Proenza Schouler, black cropped knitted sweater and Dance metallic ballet slippers, both by Saint Laurent, purple pashmina scarf by Christian Dior, bar cuff in rose gold by Balenciaga, nylon python print satchel with bows by Prada and Manuale thin 46mm rose gold plated watch by GaGà Milano.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Sunday evening, the 2014 Golden Globe Awards were held in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton. American Hustle was responsible for the most wins (three, including best movie in the comedy/musical category); other multiple-category winners were Dallas Buyers Club, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Breaking Bad and Behind the Candelabra. But of course, we all might be even more interested in the gowns spotted on the red carpet.

One of my favorite looks was worn by Sandra Bullock. The brunette actress went for a bright gown, sporting a striking pink, black and blue Prabal Gurung dress teamed with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry with her hair pulled into a side ponytail.

YOU CAN ORDER SANDRA BULLOCK’S COLOURFUL DOUBLEFACE SATIN V-NECK GOWN HERE.

Fellow nominee Cate Blanchett took home the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role in Blue Jasmine and striked a pose in amazing lace backless Armani Privé couture gown. Personally speaking, this is how a winner should look like!

Her makeup was done by Jeanine Lobell who used NARS Love Blush from the Final Cut Collection along with Eyebrow Perfector and Brow Gel.

NARS Final Cut Collection for Spring 2014 (coming out in February).

Bringing world class sustainable luxury centre stage, the blonde actress paired her couture gown with a pair of earrings from Chopard’s Green Carpet Collection, featuring marquise-cut white diamonds (11 carats) set in a laurel design, crafted in 18-carat Fairmined white gold. She also selected a white diamond line bracelet (35 carats) set in platinum, and a white diamond ring featuring three stacked rows of brilliant-cut diamonds (6 carats) set in 18-carat white gold.

Founder of the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC), Livia Firth says, ‘Cate Blanchet is both a fashion icon and a woman with an intuitive grasp of the issues that matter. By choosing to wear Chopard jewels for the Golden Globes, she is supporting a profound and dynamic shift toward sustainable luxury that affects change right at the beginning of the supply chain among artisanal miners.’ If you like to find out more about the dynamic project, please click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Steve Granitz/WireImage – © Jason Merritt/Getty Images – © Getty – Courtesy of Nars