This week, I was in London for Fashion Week and treated myself to the legendary Prêt-à-Portea designer afternoon tea experience at the Berkeley Hotel which is inspired by the world of fashion. I had already done it once 6 years ago (for the previous post click here please) and was curious to see the Collins Room after it had undergone renovations.

You might be wondering what is Prèt-à-Portea exactly? It is a menu of couture cakes especially designed for the respective season gets a makeover every six months to reflect the latest catwalk trends, colours and designs. For F/W 2017-18, Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat has sent out a brand new collection of exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. It takes inspiration from an array of distinguished fashion and accessory designers, and the latest creations shown on the international fashion runways.

YOUR FASHIONISTA’S TEA INCLUDES
A delicate collection of cakes and fancies inspired by the world’s finest designers:

Gucci’s kimono, complete with a charming parasol, transformed into a pomegranate and grenadine bavarois, with cassis and apple compote topped with a crystallised edible flower and a chocolate parasol.

Balenciaga’s effortlessly luxe black-and-white flouncy dress reimagined as a moist chocolate cake, layered with white chocolate Grand Marnier mousse, crunchy ganache and a sexy orange leg.

Gianvito Rossi’s red-heeled boots, recreated as a fennel seed biscuit iced with burgundy red royal icing.

Bottega Veneta’s daring mustard-coloured suit, gracing the cakewalk as an iced speculoos chocolate biscuit.

Anya Hindmarch’s orange leather clutch as a dulce and ginger cake sandwiched within foxy orange chocolate.

Burberry’s sleek white feathered cape, recreated as a tonka bean cheesecake with cinnamon crumble base, covered with glossy white glaze and finished with a curvy white chocolate feather.

Miu Miu’s luxuriously warm coat transformed into a bûche of pistachio crémeux set on hazelnut sable and topped with waved meringue.

Christopher Kane’s ‘LBD’ taken to another level with stunning flowers and transformed into a chocolate moelleux cake with lacte café and Bailey’s cream, finished with sugar flowers.

Dolce & Gabbana’s stand-out dress, now an almond génoise complete with a mango & passion fruit insert and a cocktail caraibe mousse, topped with a rainbow of chocolate disks.

Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose from a large selection of loose leaf teas (I personally recommend the Ceylon & Rose tea) from the hotel’s extensive collection and treat yourself to a glass of bubbly like I did. Raise a toast in style!

Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £52.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £62.00 per person.
Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, Bollinger Rosé or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, £70.00 per person.
A 12.5% discretionary service charge will be added to your bill.

Bookings
Email: dining@the-berkeley.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)20 7107 8866

THE PRET-A-PORTEA BOOK
There is also a great coffee table (I meant tea table book :-)) that I can recommend: «Prêt-à-Portea: High-Fashion Bakes and Biscuits» was published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Berkeley’s iconic afternoon tea with 20 recipes and baking techniques from the hotel’s Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat. To buy the book, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Runway Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
Photos Cover: Courtesy of the Berkeley Hotel

Who would have thought that the ugly shoe trend will be so successful over several seasons that it will be reaching its peak for S/S 2018. While Christopher Kane was the first designer to collaborate with Crocs for S/S 2017 – Balenciaga is taking the ubiquitous gardening shoe to new heights this season.

Christopher Kane S/S 2018

If you have kids, you have been there and surely decorated the iconic rubber shoes with princesses or or other little gadgets. For S/S 2018, Christopher Kane wants to prove his love for Crocs again and re-upped his own commitment by making shoes out of the rubbery material and adorning them with Swarovski crystal embellishments.

Balenciaga S/S 2018

For Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia made a Croc version definitely a standout one with a 10 cm foam platform that is branded with Demna’s newly redesigned Balenciaga logo. But will this design change the world’s problem with Crocs? As he said at Vogue’s Forces of Fashion conference, “I think it’s very interesting, the definition of ugly. I think it’s also very interesting to find this line where ugly becomes beautiful or where beautiful becomes ugly. That’s a challenge I like. I think that’s a part of what fashion stands for and I like that people think my clothes are ugly; I think it’s a compliment.”

Balenciaga S/S 2018 Runway

Do both designers, Kane and Gvasalia, just hate feet? Or did they legit think that glitter and a gigantic platform take the prize. I mean, all of these shoes are probably comfortable to wear, but when it comes to looks, you have to admit they hardly have the refined elegance of a pair of high heels. Anyway, I am sure that I will go for them in the end… or not, we’ll see! If I buy them, I will definitely get a nasty bashing from my daughter who had to convince me over months many years ago to get her a pair of Crocs… haha, and now Mummy is considering them. How twisted it this?

Crystal embellished Crocs by Christopher Kane
New customers get 10% off with this CODE: 10FF18. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga and Christopher Kane

After this weekend’s summary about the 15 most important runway trends for S/S 2018, I thought you might enjoy a look also at the must-have accessories for next summer. The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season! Many things are here to stay or will even take it up a notch. Sneakers are trendier than ever and have taken center stage. The ugly shoe phenomenom explores new heights as seen at Balenciaga‘s collaboration with Crocs. And we can deny it no longer: the fanny pack is here to stay. Earrings and straw hats are bigger than ever and bags are most beautiful in an array of patterns.

S/S 2018 TREND 1: FANNY BAG
Givenchy – Balenciaga – Marc Jacobs

S/S 2018 TREND 2: STATEMENT STRAW HAT
Missoni – Giorgio Armani – Jacquemus

S/S 2018 TREND 3: CLEAR VISION
Tibi – Chanel – Valentino

S/S 2018 TREND 4: SURREALISTIC SUNGLASSES
Dolce & Gabbana – Prada – Gucci

S/S 2018 TREND 5: SNEAKERS RELOADED
Loewe – Louis Vuitton – Céline

S/S 2018 TREND 6: THE UGLY SHOE
Balenciaga – Christopher Kane – Miu Miu

S/S 2018 TREND 7: GLOVES
Olivier Theyskens – Calvin Klein 205W39NYC – Erdem

S/S 2018 TREND 8: BIG EARRINGS
Saint Laurent – Stella McCartney – Isabel Marant

S/S 2018 TREND 9: PATTERNED BAGS
Dior – Chloé – Prada

S/S 2018 TREND 10: SUMMER OVERKNEE BOOTS
Fendi – Balenciaga – Versace

Photos: Via Vogue.com

The ugly shoe phenomenon has been around for a while but this season it is getting truly serious, even Crocs have hit the catwalk. Reactions were mixed when the models appeared in those resin-moulded clogs on the runway at Christopher Kane, who told Vogue about this partnership the following: “I always work with unexpected items and combinations, transforming the everyday into desirable luxury. I wanted to bring my own stamp and DNA to Crocs’ classic clog shoe and achieve something really special. The marble print feels very earthy and I often think of Crocs in a very grounded way, worn with either an evening dress or with jeans, and adding the rock crystals brings a bit of luxury to this everyday style. Crocs are arguably the most comfortable shoe, I love that they are slightly awkward and might be perceived by some as ‘ugly’. They have a very naïve and childlike shape which I especially like when they look extra clunky on the foot.”

Embellished printed crocs by Christopher Kane

Also Alexander McQueen is jumping on the orthotic shoe trend along with no other than Balmain, who would have ever thought that?! What do you think of that trend? Yay or nay?

Floral-print leather sandals by Alexander McQueen

1 Canvas, leather and rubber sandals by Prada
2 Glittered leather platform sandals by Miu Miu
3 Faux leather platform sandals by Stella McCartney
4 Strappy suede sandals by Balenciaga
5 Laser-cut textured-leather slides by Simone Rocha
6 Phoebe printed leather slides by Sophia Webster
7 Laser-cut metallic leather sandals by Marni
8 Lace-up metallic-trimmed leather slides by Balmain

Blame it on the Birkenstock, but the must-have of the season is bringing ugly shoes out into the light of day. Complete with orthopedic-style soles, pool slide straps and ultra-utilitarian fastenings like Velcro, they may not be for everyone, at least they are comfy and make your orthopedist happy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here they are: the most important trends for the S/S 2017 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. From dresses in brilliant shades of fuchsia, strawberry, rose, and bubble gum to buzzy words on slogan tees. Don’t expect the high-volume sleeve to disappear anytime soon, the choice is yours – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2017 TREND 1: THINK PINK
Hermès – Valentino – Céline

S/S 2017 TREND 2: HIGH-VOLUME SLEEVES
Dolce & Gabbana – Marc Jacobs – Kenzo

S/S 2017 TREND 3: 80’s LAMÉ
Saint Laurent – Isabel Marant – Gucci

S/S 2017 TREND 4: OP ART
Akris – Mary Katrantzou – Louis Vuitton

S/S 2017 TREND 6: 70’s FLOWER POWER
Prada – Chloé – Christopher Kane

S/S 2017 TREND 7: SQUARE-SHOULDERED
Jil Sander – Balenciaga – Jacquemus

S/S 2017 TREND 8: SWIM ADDICT
Max Mara – Fendi – Miu Miu

S/S 2017 TREND 9: SLOGAN TOPS
Dior – Paco Rabanne – Stella McCartney

S/S 2017 TREND 10: BRALETTES
Victoria Beckham – Alexander McQueen – Alexander Wang

S/S 2017 TREND 11: SPORT SPIRIT
Moschino – Courrèges – DKNY

S/S 2017 TREND 12: DEEP SEA METALLICS
Maison Margiela – Chanel – Balmain

S/S 2017 TREND 13: GRAPHIC STRIPES
Mulberry – Lanvin – Tory Burch

S/S 2017 TREND 14: MODERN RUFFLES
Givenchy – Erdem – Loewe

S/S 2017 TREND 15: TRANSPARENT
Alberta Ferretti – Giambattista Valli – Emilio Pucci

 Photos: via Vogue.com

If you are asking yourself what is the furse? It is this season’s fashion curse!

A marriage of fur and a purse. First furry shoes stormed the runways, now it is time for the bags to get in action. These must-haves will vamp up even the most modest of your looks. And moreover they feel like a cuddly toy in your hands.

1 Box fur-embellished leather cross body bag by Christopher Kane
2 Fur shopper by Marni
3 Love Power shearling and textured-leather shoulder bag by Diane von Fuerstenberg
4 Fur bag by Alexander Wang

I love fur bags especially in colourful shades. I think that they look the most fun:

Lockett Envelope Mini fur shoulder bag by Jimmy Choo

Lock Mini mink fur and leather shoulder bag by Valentino

Badia fur and leather cross body bag by Salvatore Ferragamo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This season, individuality plays an important role in fashion. Unfortunately, David Bowie has died but his inspirational looks will stay alive forever. Being a sartorial chameleon, he used clothing to create a wide variety of different personas. Instead of adhering to conventions, he pushed boundaries and trail-blazed trends that influenced fans, runways and celebrities. In order to remember his iconic presence, I put together this amazing outfit. It’s Friday, let’s get inspired!

Get the look:  Embellished striped wool and linen-blend and leather bomber jacket by Saint Laurent, guipure lace and mesh-paneled cotton-blend poplin shirt by Christopher Kane, Dysart metallic stretch-leather skinny pants by Isabel Marant, embellished metallic leather sandals and Dionysus supreme embroidered bag, both by Gucci.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

The S/S 2016 catwalks have provided us with the beautiful colours of the rainbow. To work the trend, you preferably include the full spectrum, from yellows to sharp shots of orange and pink, and beyond. Call it the rainbow connection — loveliness wins!

Get the look: Metallic-striped cotton-blend terry jacket by Sonia Rykiel, appliquéd cady mini dress by Red Valentino, Set of 10 stretch-lace Brazilian briefs by Hanky Panky, Rainbow leather shoulder bag by Anya Hindmarch and amber lace-up suede peep-toe ankle boots by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo.

Enjoy some of the best runway looks below.

LoL, Sandra

Mara Hoffman S/S 2016

Chloé S/S 2016

Christopher Kane S/S 2016

Photos: Via Vogue.com and Courtesy of the Brands

This February 14th, surprise your better half with one of these creative Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
Rosebud set of 12 stretch-lace thongs by Hanky Panky
MY FAVORITE!!! How cool is this? Presented in a long white box with a red bow, twelve of the brand’s signature claret thongs are wrapped onto stems to resemble a bouquet of a dozen red roses.

Rosaviola scented oval, 35g by Diptyque + Olympia Le-Tan
Diptyque and French fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan team up to create the playful ‘Rosaviola‘ collection. With its soft notes of rose, traces of lipstick and rich leather, this unique fragrance captures the allure of the inside of a woman’s purse. It’s encased in a small oval with a printed hanging cord, letting you fill small spaces or even your closet with the warm, powdery scent.

Love gold-tone Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin
There is nothing more powerful than love and it is nice to carry the statement around your neck. Lanvin’s necklace is cast from gold-tone brass and is embellished with a sizable Swarovski crystal that’s faceted to catch the light.

Maharani stretch tulle-trimmed embroidered Leavers lace chemise by La Perla
La Perla’s describes the Leavers lace from its ‘Maharani‘ collection as, “an enchanted garden of thread where large flowers blossom across the body.” Trimmed with stretch-tulle, this embroidered claret chemise is characterized by its glamorous V-back and scalloped neckline.
Doracora 100 neon-trimmed patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin says these eye-catching ‘Doracora’ pumps “steal glances wherever you wear them.” They’re crafted from super glossy blush patent-leather decorated with a cute neon-pink heart at the toe.

Liz Taylor embellished guipure lace-trimmed stretch-crepe dress by Christopher Kane
I LOVE!!! This off-the-shoulder dress is inspired by an amazing love story and named after Hollywood screen siren Elizabeth Taylor – the decorative crystal embellishments are inspired by the Taj Mahal diamond gifted to her by Richard Burton. This elegant piece is cut from stretch-crepe and trimmed with pretty guipure lace, playfully patterned with love hearts.

Heart Falabella embellished cross-body bag by Stella McCartney
An array of sparkling white crystals brings glamour to Stella McCartney’s black heart-shaped Falabella bag. It’s crafted from glossy faux-suede in Italy and features a recycled bottle-lined interior and a cross-body ruthenium-chain strap.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here is the outfit that I wore to La Prairie‘s exquisite Golden Hour dinner. The dress code said a touch of gold and this is what I came up with.

My look: Gold leather jacket «Votez Coco», black sweater with gold details and clutch bag «Je ne suis pas en solde», all by Chanel, pleated magenta silk-blend lamé skirt by Christopher Kane, Heloise leather lace-Up boots by Gucci, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht