The retro one-piece swimsuit feels so right again. Better than ever, those new offerings are really fun, and could double as bodysuits. You can style them with pants or tailored jackets to the office or with hot pants to the next festival.

In the end, they will accompany us through the summer, reminding us of beaches we’ve lain on, and boats we’ve jumped off. Enjoy and channel your own Baywatch moment.

LoL, Sandra

One-shoulder ruffled printed swimsuit by Johanna Ortiz

Wrap-effect button-embellished printed swimsuit by Balmain

Printed swimsuit by Gucci

Lacy swimsuit by Cynthia Rowley

Amari Swiss-dot tulle-paneled ruffled swimsuit by Zimmermann

Old Smoky Moonshine embellished cutout swimsuit by Johanna Ortiz

Scared Heart print swimsuit by Dolce & Gabbana

Printed swimsuit by Balmain

Printed swimsuit by Fendi

Leopard-print swimsuit by Dolce & Gabbana

Sparkling swimsuit with zebra print by Gucci

Mare striped sequined swimsuit by Missoni

Dakotta slashed swimsuit by Agent Provocateur

One-shoulder button-embellished cutout swimsuit by Balmain

Printed swimsuit by Versace

Ruffled swimsuit by Emilio Pucci

Allia floral print swimsuit by Zimmermann

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Norwegian designer Peter Dundas trained at Parsons in New York before moving to Paris in the early 1990s. He then moved to Italy where he worked his way to the top of Italian fashion, helming some of the country’s biggest design houses, such as Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci and Emanuel Ungaro.

With Peter Dundas

 So it was only a matter of time before he gave fans what they wanted by launching his own eponymous label. He made the announcement in such a cool yet unconventional way, debuting his first designs with three custom-made looks for Beyoncé at the 2017 Grammy Awards, who was pregnant with twins at that time.

Beyoncé in Dundas at the 2017 Grammy Awards

Created with partner Evangelo Bousis, the brand is inspired by the duo’s travels and the glamorous, jetsetting women in their inner circle. Dundas’s designs became a red-carpet favourite thanks to his brand of high-octane glamour that championed feminine silhouettes and intricate embellishments – an aesthetic he carries through to his own label. The selection of thigh-skimming dresses, suits, and separates are a study in dramatic decadence.

You can shop Dundas at NET-A-PORTER, MATCHESFASHION, FARFETCH and MYTHERESA.
Here are some of my favorites available at the moment:

Ruched sequined tulle and lace mini dress by Dundas

Embroidered chiffon mini dress by Dundas

Lace-paneled embellished silk-georgette mini dress by Dundas

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dundas, Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht

We all have this girlfriend that inspires us constantly and that we admire. Mine is Ljuba Manz.

A life full of stories. Her mother’s family lost their hotel and country estate during the revolution in Russia. The father, an Austrian, fled from the Nazis to Kharkov in Ukraine, where Ljuba Manz-Lurje was born in the middle of World War II. She experiences occupied Vienna and the hardships of the previous years of war – and wants only one thing: to leave this poverty behind her.

Today, Ljuba Manz-Lurje is the most famous hotel entrepreneur in Switzerland and leads in third generation othe Manz Privacy Hotels, which also include the «Hotel St. Gotthard» in Zurich.

Ljuba signing her book at the cocktail reception.

This month, her multifaceted biography hit the shelves and we celebrated it with a cocktail reception two weeks ago. It is a good and inspiring read reflecting on her life in all its details, a great gift for a dear friend for Christmas. You can order the book, published by Stämpfli Verlag, by clicking  here.

With Ljuba at the ASW Winter Weekend in 2016.

It shows a woman who first stands on her own feet as a vedette dancer, then becomes a businesswoman in a male-dominated world, marries the Zurich hotelier Caspar E. Manz and fulfills a legacy after his death: to retain and increase the family-owned hotels. Social splendor and human abysses tend to be close together. The great conductor Paul Sacher brings musicians from all over the world to the «Hotel St. Gotthard». At the same time a plot is hatched against the landlord – she is reported to the authorities as a presumably Russian spy.

Pure joie de vivre: Ljuba on stage at the book presentation with her husband since 2014 Marco Conte and presenter Silvia Affolter.

I am proud of my friend, a strong woman full of energy and joie de vivre, who always did it her way. An entrepreneur and a mother of twin brothers who knew how to combine work and private life during times when the term «work-life balance» was still a foreign word. A woman, we can all learn from. Thank you, Ljuba, for being my friend!

LoL, Sandra

So proud to be in her book! What an honour!

Fashion cannot be missing: An Emilio Pucci outfit on display that she once wore to a gala.

What an experience! I was Ljuba’s guest at the famous Vienna Opera Ball this year.

Many famous people came to celebrate Ljuba, here you see her with Alt Bundesrat Merz of the Swiss Federal Council.

With Raquel Marquard at the book premiere.

On display many memories from Ljuba’s past.

Sabine Hirsch-Avram also joined this wonderful occasion.

Proof that Ljuba counts many fashionable ladies among her friends: those Gucci, Dior and Marco de Vincenzo shoes had to be photographed.

Photos: Courtesy of Ljuba Manz, © Zuza Speckert, © David Biedert, © Sabine Hirsch-Avram and Sandra Bauknecht

Last week before the amazing Great Gatsby party, I flew with a small little helicopter from Cannes to Ramatuelle to attend a lovely luncheon at Club Les Palmiers hosted by a great friend from Switzerland. I have to admit that I am a really big fan of the transparent fashion trend – so light and perfect for the hot temperatures!

My look: Layered stretch-jersey dress by Emilio Pucci, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings, hippie-style bag and matching belt with multicolored tassels and coins, all by Etro, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Rose des Vents bracelets by Dior Joaillerie, and Chelsea pilot sunglasses in rose gold with blue mirrored lenses by Michael Kors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From Pucci-wrapped fashionistas to bronzed Tropeziennes, all love the French Riviera for renewal, and amusement at once. An amazing tide of sophisticated influences has defined beach culture in St. Tropez for many years. Transcending time and place, an afternoon spent at Bagatelle Beach Ramatuelle is an afternoon well spent in the South of France. I cannot wait to finally be back for great food, great party and the perfect beach. My favorite swimwear? I love to wear Emilio Pucci‘s polychromatic styles influenced by the Sixties and Seventies. So chic!

My look: Parasol-printed top, matching pareo-style skirt and bikini, all by Emilio Pucci, Rockstud jelly flip flops by Valentino, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, necklace by Roberto Cavalli, sunglasses by Tom Ford, and bum bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Living in Switzerland during the festive season means that you are treated to cheese fondue and raclette almost every evening when you are invited. Those are great meals with friends as they are traditionally for sharing and perhaps some of the most iconic foods that people relate to the Alpine country. But to be honest, those amounts of melted cheese can be quite heavy in your stomach, so you better dress up in something comfortable. I like to call it mountain chic.

My look for the opening of the Chalet au Lac: Suede-paneled embroidered wool coat, high waisted suede skirt, wool and cashmere-blend intarsia sweater, and embroidered bag, all from Emilio Pucci’s F/W 2011 collection, drop flower earrings with green crystals and black fur stole, both by Gucci, embellished choker by Dolce & Gabbana, and Paris ankle boots by Saint Laurent.

A great place to enjoy the warmth and coziness of a mountain cabin in Zurich is the Baur au Lac‘s pop-up CHALET AU LAC which is open Monday to Saturday from 6pm -11pm until December 31, 2017 in the park of the iconic hotel.

Reservations: +41 44 220 50 66, 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Baur au Lac, © Sandra Bauknecht

My favourite time of the year is right around the corner! My dearest readers, today I have a special surprise for you! Warm up your wallets and click through to be transferred to the Friends & Family Sale for 50% off your purchase of beautiful F/W 2017 pieces with code FRIENDS50, only valid until November 19, 2017. And an extra goodie for my British followers, you will receive free UK delivery. If you are off to a warm destination for New Year’s Eve, you will love my selection below…

Happy Shopping! Enjoy my favorite pieces I couldn’t resist…

LoL, Sandra

Pipe Dream Belt Silk Dress by Temperley London

Belted A-Line Dress by Emilio Pucci
M’O Exclusive Mahi Tie Blouse by Johanna Ortiz

Printed Cotton Dress by Peter Pilotto

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Still looking for some glamorous daytime beachwear? Emilio Pucci’s instantly recognisable kaleidoscopic designs have always been favoured by those in the know, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon, making any Pucci printed piece an intelligent buy – whether it’s one of the brand’s iconic bikinis or a chic cover-up. For me, it truly is the ultimate luxe swimwear brand.

My look: Fiore Maya asymmetric printed silk-chiffon dress, Fiore Maya printed triangle bikini and Fiore Maya printed cotton-gauze pareo, all by Emilio Pucci, Candy metallic elaphe platform sandals by Saint Laurent, embroidered brocade drawstring backpack by Gucci, woven straw visor by Stella McCartney, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline and pearl necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A huge thank you to my daughter for taking the pictures!

Just a casual Friday chilling and relaxing at the beautiful Villa Stéphanie in Baden-Baden.

My look: Printed cotton tunic and matching printed reversible triangle bikini, both by Emilio Pucci (also available at Eden Being), leopard printed Beatrice shopper by Dolce & Gabbana, metallic fabric sandals by Gucci, floral sunglasses by Chanel, and beaded necklace by Etro.

The perfect way to relax for me is to indulge in a book. My favorite author at the moment is Berlin based Sebastian Fitzek. His thrillers are so captivating, you won’t be able to put them down.

Here I am standing in the garden of the Villa Stéphanie next to the statue «Gold Candy» by Laurence Jekell that is available for purchase through the Eden Being boutique located on the ground floor of the Brenner’s Park Hotel for around € 40.000.

I am wishing all of you a happy and relaxing weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This F/W 2017 season is all about having fun and exploring new territories! With fashion in a maximalist mood, accessories have kept their center stage. On the runways, fishnets are back, boots sparkle, and this winter you definitely need three bags at once. Red is the color to buy and don’t store your overknee boots, they are hipper than ever.

The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2017 TREND 1: FISHNET STOCKINGS
Lanvin – Jason Wu – Cinq à Sept

F/W 2017 TREND 2: GLITTER BOOTS
Oscar de la Renta – Chanel – Saint Laurent

F/W 2017 TREND 3: FURRY HATS
Marni – Prada – Miu Miu

F/W 2017 TREND 4: CRAZY HATS
Emilio Pucci – Moschino – Maison Margiela

F/W 2017 TREND 5: STUFFED ANIMALS
Dolce & Gabbana – Loewe – Jeremy Scott

F/W 2017 TREND 6: WIDE BELTS
Tod’s – Bottega Veneta – Michael Kors

F/W 2017 TREND 7: LOGOMANIA
Proenza Schouler – Christian Dior – Balenciaga

F/W 2017 TREND 8: COMBAT BOOTS
Altuzarra – Rodarte – Hermès

F/W 2017 TREND 9: HEEL ART
Mary Katrantzou – Salvatore Ferragamo – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2017 TREND 10: TRIPLE THREAT
Coach – Gucci – Fendi

F/W 2017 TREND 11: OVERKNEES
Balmain – Nina Ricci – Ellery

F/W 2017 TREND 12: WHITE OUT
Victoria Beckham – Marc Jacobs – Narciso Rodriguez

F/W 2017 TREND 13: FOCUS ON THE JEWELRY
Isabel Marant – Alexander Wang – Céline

Photos: Via Vogue.com