Arriving perfectly dressed for the new season, the F/W 2021 Prêt-à-Portea collection at The Berkeley Hotel in London showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Ganni to Gucci. A contemporary twist on afternoon tea, this playful and stylish edit is set to become another favourite for sweet-toothed fashionistas.

This season’s collection opens with a striking ensemble from Balenciaga Couture – reimagined as a velvety mandarin cheesecake, topped with an oversized chocolate hat. While a delicately spiced and intricately iced biscuit – complete with red lipstick and oversized glasses – is our pastry team’s fitting tribute to fashion icon Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday.

Seasonal flavours are firmly on the menu, with the cassis mousse with blackcurrant jelly, depicting Stella McCartney’s psychedelic jumpsuit. A Pink Lady apple pavlova is a refreshing nod to Giambattista Valli’s avant-garde look, and a hazelnut dacquoise with salted caramel sees cult Danish brand Ganni make its Prêt-à-Portea debut.

The season’s centrepiece is a made-to-share red velvet mascarpone mousse, finished with a chocolate truffle riding hat – straight from Gucci’s 100th anniversary collection.

As always, your tea also includes elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from our extensive collection.

Until 2 January 2022, festive Prêt-à-Portea will be served only, from £79 per person. This will include our fashion-inspired delicacies, as well as festive treats and your choice of a mocktail, a glass of champagne or a glass of mulled wine.

From 11 – 14 Feburary, 26 & 27 March and 15 – 18 April 2022, the seasonal Prêt-à-Portea will be served only, from £79 per person. This will include our fashion-inspired delicacies, as well as seasonal treats and your choice of a glass of champage or a mocktail.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Berkeley and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

Breaking news at today’s amFAR gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc where H&M is announcing their newest designer collaborator Giambattista Valli. Ladies, you have to be ready this weekend. The flash collection, consisting of limited edition party dresses for his Valli girls, and, in a first, tailoring for Valli boys, will already hit the shelves in select H&M stores around the world and on the H&M website on Saturday, May 25. Speaking of firsts, never before has the Swedish clothing brand released a designer collaboration so close to the announcement; typically there’s been six months between the news breaking and the clothes arriving in stores, and never before have they worked with someone doing couture.

Kendall Jenner and Chiara Ferragni tonight at the amFAR

Personally speaking, I find these designer collaborations quite over and fully understand that H&M was looking for new ways to promote this so-called Project Love. Therefore tonight at the amFAR gala, Kendall Jenner, Chiara Ferragni, Bianca Brandolini, Chris Lee [Li Yuchun], H.E.R., and Ross Lynch are wearing the new pieces, transforming the red carpet into a fashion runway. With Kendall’s 111 million Instagram fans and Chiara’s 16.5 million watching, the launch is off to a great start.

H.E.R. in Giambattista Valli x H&M

The larger collection will follow on November 7, 2019. Stay tuned! In the meantime enjoy the looks below. You will see how beautiful the dresses are, quite pricey for H&M though, but better think twice wearing it to the next gala as you might spot many ladies in the same dress.

LoL, Sandra

Look 1 – CHF 349.00

Look 2 – CHF 649.00

Look 3 – Top CHF 179.00 and Skirt CHF 129.00

Look 4 – CHF 649.00

Look 5 – CHF 249.00

Look 6 – CHF 499.00

Look 7 – Blazer CHF 249.00 and Pants CHF 119.00

Look 8 – Blazer CHF 249.00 and Shorts CHF 79.95

Look 9 – Top CHF 49.95 and Shorts CHF 79.95

Photos: Courtesy of H&M

Here is my outfit that I wore to the Gruner + Jahr Spa Awards in Baden-Baden. The photos were taken in the beautiful park of Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa where the cherry blossom trees were stunningly blooming going hand in hand with the arrival of spring.

My look: Off-the-shoulder ruffled silk-georgette dress by Giambattista Valli, Cassandre small suede shoulder bag, Bianca leather sandals, and python embossed leather belt, all by Saint Laurent, pearl earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This took me by surprise. Moncler announced that the house will discontinue its GAMME BLEU and GAMME ROUGE runway collections after the S/S 2018 season, announcing a new strategy in the coming weeks. Because of this development, they also part ways with Thom Browne and Giambattista Valli, who designed the fashionable sub-labels of the outerwear brand that has more than a $1 billion revenue per year. Browne was in charge for GAMME BLEU, the line for men, since 2009. Valli partnered first with Moncler in 2008 for GAMME ROUGE, the womenswear collection.

TO SHOP MONCLER GAMME BLEU FOR MEN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

TO SHOP MONCLER GAMME ROUGE FOR WOMEN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Moncler is highly successful at the moment with high growth rates. This, of course, brings competitors in the game, trying to get on the gravy train as well. So, Moncler might prepare itself for a new consumer behavior, faster and more volatile.

While I was in Milan a few weeks ago, the Italian outerwear brand opened its new 800-square-metre flagship on Via Montenapoleone with a fantastic party. They even transformed the famous shopping mile into a winter wonderland and fake snow was falling from above the windows. Inside, products from their different lines, still including the Gamme collections, are presented next to each other and not divided into different departments.

I am curious to hear more about the brand’s new strategy. The wheels in fashion are turning, and obviously faster and faster…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moncler, © Sandra Bauknecht

Always on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala takes place and its 150-foot-long red carpet is probably one of the most-watched fashion events of the year with a gazillion of celebrities walking it in the most exquisite gowns. This year, it celebrated the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” that will go on until September 4, 2017.

Today I would like to share my personal list of best-dressed (and worst-dressed) celebrities that made their way last night into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur for the party of the year. The dress code called for avant-garde black tie, either you go big or go home, enjoy!

My favorite look on the red carpet: Lily-Rose Depp‘s pink Chanel look detailed with oversized silver camellias and a creeping vine.

Who did meet the dress code the best? The answer is clearly Rihanna. She showed up once again in a full-on fashion fantasy from the Comme des Garçons F/W 2016 runway that was also an architectural miracle, paired with Rihanna Loves Chopard jewelry.

As 2017 Met Gala cochair of the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” exhibition, Pharell Williams wore ripped denim by Comme des Garçons Jeans with a black biker jacket, and plaid shirt. His wife, Helen Lasichanh, paired her straight-off-the-F/W-2017-runway red onesie with a blonde topknot. Not showing any arms, it looked like a fashionable straightjacket.

Cara Delevingne appeared as a sci-fi fashion fantasy wearing an embellished pantsuit from Chanel‘s Spring 2017 Couture collection. I love how she always surprises.

One of my favorites! Even that Zendaya rejected the theme of the night, she ensured all eyes were on her wearing a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda ball gown covered in a tropical parrot print.

Two thumbs up for bringing glamour to the red carpet. Jennifer Lopez looked gorgeous in a Valentino dress and Harry Winston jewelry.

Lily Collins showed up with a graphic dark bob and black lipstick, juxtaposing her sweet Giambattista Valli gown and her fierce Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Plus-size model Ashley Graham channeled her inner flamenco dancer in a fabulous custom H&M dress. So pretty!

I am in love with Blake Lively’s Atelier Versace gown that featured a draped gold beading at the bodice, giving way to a plumed train in shades of blue. She had the best accessory of the night with her … her husband:-)! Couple goals I would say!

Another one arrived with her handsome husband who might have thought looking at his wife Gisele Bündchen in Stella McCartney, of Ed Sheeran singing «I’m in love with the shape of you» …

If you don’t have a husband to bring, bring the designer of your dress! That was Dakota Johnson‘s motto of the night, as she appeared in a stunning ruffled black Gucci gown with Alessandro Michele at her side.

Radiant like a sun goddess, actress Jessica Chastain in a yellow fluid Prada gown paired with some stunning Piaget jewelry.

Lupita Nyong’o also dazzled in Prada, pulling off the vibrant orange shade with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Gigi Hadid looked amazing in a nude, asymmetrical Cinderella-esque Tommy Hilfiger dress. I am just not so sure about the stay-up.

Showstopper! Leave it to Bella Hadid to steal the show in a glittering catsuit by none other than Alexander Wang. She looked so fabulous!

Priyanka Chopra did not disappoint in a bold Ralph Lauren trench coat gown with an unbelievably long train. Very different, something I like. I am just not a big fan of her booties in combination.

Like it or not, the award for most nude goes to none other than Kendall Jenner, whose slinky La Perla Haute Couture dress will absolutely go down in Met Gala history.

When it comes to Gwyneth Paltrow‘s understated Calvin Klein dress, I love the cut and the color, but I am not fond of the ankle length.

Katy Perry was unfortunately not among my favorites last night. The custom red tulle gown by Maison Margiela, designed by John Galliano himself, was topped with a heavy-looking wool coat covered in adornments like tulle flowers and plenty of beads. On the veil, a cryptic message across her eyes spelling “Witness” was embroidered, nevertheless it was truly one of the night’s most creative looks.

My favourite picture of the night! Have a look at Sarah Paulson dressed in a beautiful classy Prada gown. Her facial expression says everything! The American Horror Story actress seemed to have a heart attack after bumping into Madonna with the designer of her camouflage Moschino dress by her side, Jeremy Scott. Declaring war on fashion in camouflage, the famous singer was definitely not going incognito. I am not a fan of her look.

Swiss power at the Met Gala… Roger Federer in Gucci. I adore this snake embellishment on his back!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue.com, © Getty Images, © Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock, © Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The 12th of April marks the International Day of Pink this year, it is always held on the second Wednesday of April. Take a stand against discrimination and bullying with the season’s hottest shade. Seen all the runways (in a myriad of shades) for both, spring and fall you’ve no good reason not to get on board.

Get the look (in the collage): Off-the-shoulder Chantilly lace gown by Giambattista Valli, Word Image appliquéd cotton-faille clutch by Olympia Le-Tan and bow-embellished satin wedge sandals by Prada.

SHOP ALSO A GREAT SELECTION OF PINK ITEMS AT MODA OPERANDI HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: 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

The rarefied world of couture and the refined ease of premium denim are an unexpected combination. Unlikely matches, however, produce powerful results. 7 For All Mankind teams up with Giambattista Valli to create a decisively contemporary capsule collection that marries Valli’s own attention to cut, proportion, construction and posture with 7 For All Mankind’s quest for perfect shape, immaculate fit, luxurious fabric.

The collection is divided into two deliveries. The first one, out in mid February, revolves around the intense glamour of red, one of Valli’s definitive hues, and the graphic seduction of animal prints, culled from his couture animalier motifs. True to the number so synonymous with the brand itself, the high-waisted skinny will be offered in 7 different shades of matte-coated red denim, from pink to rouge noir, in texture cunningly akin to lipstick and several animal prints. A mini dress, sleeveless top, flared top, shorts and jacket are also offered in similar fabrications.

Denim in 7 different shades of blue, a handful of bright neon hues and sprinkles of sangallo lace make up for the second delivery, out in May, which also includes high-waisted flares, a playsuit, a bomber and a peplum top.

Priced from €240 to €600 the collection has been launched globally last Friday at 10, Corso Como Concept Store in Milan during Women’s Fashion Week and is now available at 7 For All Mankind retail stores, top department stores and multibrand stores worldwide, as well as online.

TO SHOP GIAMBATTISTA VALLI PRÊT-À-PORTER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brand

Now, that we just got our fingers on the highly anticipated Prabal Gurung collection for MAC Cosmetics, we have something else to look forward to: Giambattista Valli is the next designer to collaborate with the beauty brand. To celebrate the French fashion house’s 10th anniversary, Valli is bringing his signature florals to a limited edition lipstick collection.

The lineup features five shades, that are done with a matte finish and encased in a colourful version of MAC’s traditional black bullet tube. The collection will launch in stores worldwide in Summer 2015. OMG!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

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