A hijabista is the Muslim equivalent of a fashionista, a trend-loving Muslim woman or girl who dresses stylishly while conforming to the Islamic modesty code. This market is still untapped but for sure very lucrative. Muslim shoppers spent $266 billion on clothing and footwear in 2013 according to a report by Thomson Reuters. That’s more than the total fashion spending of Japan and Italy combined and the number is expected to almost double to $484 billion by 2019.

Dolce & Gabbana has realized the potential and is launching a collection of hijabs and abayas for their Middle East customers. The modest garments have all the flair and iconic details such as lace or prints of any other Dolce & Gabbana collection. They are styled alongside the label’s fantastic accessories like fashion jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and statement bags. I am absolutely convinced that Muslim customers with a taste for luxury fashion will adore this new line.

It will be interesting to see if the collection will only sell in the Middle East or if online platforms such as NET-A-PORTER, MATCHESFASHION and LUISAVIAROMA will take this opportunity as well.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

The fall colors were amazing this year. Yes, it was that beautiful. The leaves were crunching under my feet as I strolled along on these crisp Zurich days, enjoying the sunshine.
Fall 2015- we wished you would never leave us…

My look: Tweed jacket, tweet print cardigan and matching dress, all by Dolce & Gabbana, suede boots by Prada, wool-felt trilby by Gucci, tricolor tote bag by Céline, necklace by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, «Sidereal 2» sunglasses and earrings, both by Dior and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

If you have enough space to store your clothes, I always recommend keeping as much as you can. Most of the pieces can be worn again. Sometimes it can take many years but those vintage pieces will add that certain twist to your look. On the other hand, one of the biggest trends of today is that designers keep their iconic looks for many seasons, as Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent for example or Dolce & Gabbana. Their recent S/S 2016 collection shown Mid September in Milan seemed like a potpourri of their famous styles.

So personally speaking one of the biggest trends is that there is no trend. It is about investing in great pieces that will last and not be out of fashion after one season. I thought it would be fun for you to see how well I can wear those vintage Dolce & Gabbana pieces that I had been collecting during the last seasons next summer.

 For those of you, you would love to be ahead of the game, I recommend DOLCE & GABBANA’S PORTOFINO CAPSULE COLLECTION that is available now at NET-À-PORTER exclusively.

LoL, Sandra

TREND 1: THE PRINTED SHIFT DRESS

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 67

My Look: MCM Store Opening in Zurich (May 2013)

TREND 2: THE LEMON PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 83

My Look: NYFW (September 2013)

TREND 3: THE STRIPED TOP AND A-LINE SKIRT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 24

My Look: City Girl (August 2013)

TREND 4: THE ICONIC PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 73

My Look: Bohemian Rhapsody (June 2014)

TREND 5: SHORTS MATCHING YOUR TOP

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 74

My Look: Tropical Vacation (December 2014)

TREND 6: THE FLORAL PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 42

My Look: Enchanted Forest (April 2015)

TREND 7: THE TRANSPARENT BLACK DRESS

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 31

My Look: Transparent (July 2015)

TREND 8: THE ITALIAN POSTCARD PRINT

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2016 Look 87

My Look: One Day in Siena (October 2015)

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
© Sandra Bauknecht, © Andrea Monica Hug (Chic in Zurich)

«Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.»
– Marilyn Monroe

As you know, I love shoes and I have to admit that I stopped breathing for a moment when I spotted those embellished patent-leather Mary Jane pumps on the Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2015 runway. The lipstick embellishments at the toes and inside the heels are to die for. Finally, these beauties are in stores, unfortunately quite expensive. So if anybody is looking for a surprise for me, I wear a 36.5…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

One month ago, I went to Siena, one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, Italy, with a historic centre that has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. The Duomo, the Siena Cathedral (photo below), is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture and definitely worth the visit. The Piazza del Campo (see photo above), the shell-shaped principal public space that is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, is filled with nice restaurants and bars. I loved strolling through the tiny medieval streets in my comfy flats. Sometimes, it feels great just to wear a little bit of mascara and be casual.

My look: Multi-coloured printed cotton dress and  green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag, both by Dolce & Gabbana, studded sandals by Alaïa, sunglasses by Céline, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond necklace, both by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Funnily enough, this look seems like being part of Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2016 collection that is inspired by the most famous landmarks of Italy. Don’t forget, the trunkshow ends today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A love letter to Italy, Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2016 runway show was styled by Tabitha Simmons. The collection evokes the glories of Italy through the eyes of tourists, highlighting the country’s most famous landmarks—Venice’s gondolas, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Michelangelo’s David—came decadently embroidered and beaded atop trademark fluted shifts and lace separates.

The collection’s colorful brushstroke dresses were inspired by the work of Italian artist Lucio Fontana, seen on everything from curve hugging sheaths to generously flared ’50s dresses.

In step with the sightseeing theme, this season’s new Dolce Box was an actual camera (bag). Additionally, the Adelina bag makes its debut. The top handle silhouette that references the1950s is offered in raffia, tweed, and luxurious crocodile. The country’s most iconic landmarks trickled down to the accessories.

There were slippers shaped like gondolas from Venice, handpainted heels that nodded to the ceramics found in Naples, and shopper totes emblazoned with postcard prints in the same tune as the finale dresses. Back again are the most extravagant headphones in four styles…now that’s amore!

“To work on this Dolce and Gabbana show was so much funI loved how Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana celebrated the idea of stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn on holiday in Italy. The energy around the show was infectious, the models were so excited to take selfies backstage and on the catwalk (like any respectable tourist would do!) and then project them around the world. It goes without saying, but the clothes and accessories were brilliant, I have my eye on the long chiffon dress with a humming bird and flower print.” Tabitha Simmons, stylist.

Please find the collection highlights below, to preorder just click on the product description:

Italia Is Love Embellished Shift Dress

Pom Pom Headphones

Dolce Box Bag Camera Case

Caretto Printed Poplin Dress

Orange Mule

Wool Crepe Embellished Skirt

Red Leather IPhone Case

Embellished Net Long Sleeve Dress

Adelina In Crocodile Top Handle Bag

Maiolica Tile Print Short

Be the first to preorder the Italian house’s next summer collection straight from the runway. The DOLCE & GABBANA S/S 2016 TRUNKSHOW is live until October 13, 2015. So hurry up and get the new looks for your best selfies.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, Moda Operandi, © Kevin Tachman, Venturelli/WireImage

If you are going to say good-bye now to summer, then you are supposed to greet the fall in the prettiest way possible. Therefore I recommend to champion the new season’s essential over-the-knee boots – an instant look-changer whatever you are wearing. Take a high level approach to fall dressing in boots that offer extended coverage and style for days.

1 Sweet Revenge stretch-suede legging boots by Tamara Mellon
2 Embellished leather thigh boots by Saint Laurent
3 Kensington leather over-the-knee boots by Aquazzura
4 Suede and leather over-the-knee boots by Proenza Schouler
5 Doma elaphe-paneled suede over-the-knee boots by Jimmy Choo
6 Carnaby degradé-heel suede over-the-knee boots by Nicholas Kirkwood

My personal favorites are the following:

Suede thigh boots by Chloé

Suede over-the-knee boots by Saint Laurent

Stretch-lace thigh boots by Dolce & Gabbana

Which ones are your favorites?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The last days I travelled quite a lot through Switzerland, from Zurich to Zuoz, from St. Moritz to Gstaad, always amazed by the beauty of the country I am living in.

Today is Swiss National Day and I am so happy to celebrate this holiday with friends and fireworks. August 1st is to the Swiss what July 4th is to Americans, or July 14th to the French. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

Here you see me in the picturesque town of Zuoz in the upper Engadin last Saturday.
My look: Tweed jacket and shoulder bag, both from the Paris – Dallas collection, sneakers and «Blow in Case of Fashion Emergency» necklace, all by Chanel, distressed grey jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, cotton-jersey T-shirt by Saint Laurent and aviator-style metal sunglasses by Gucci.

To all my Swiss readers wishing you a Happy Swiss National Day and a great weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Transparent trends took the runway for a whirlwind this summer season. While this might not be one of those looks you can easily adapt for, I took the challenge and sported this see-through dress in St. Tropez for a great night out.

My look: Lace and silk-blend chiffon midi dress (40% off on sale) by Dolce & Gabbana, laser-cut leather and suede platform sandals by Alaïa, high waisted shorts and  patchwork clutch, both by Prada, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Tiffany T bracelet in rose gold by Tiffany & Co., necklace and earrings, both from the Paris-Dubai collection by Chanel, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht