Yesterday was Chinese New Year and from now we are in the Year of the Monkey, which will be ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

What is the Year of the Monkey? The monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle that means every 12 years there is a Monkey year.

2016 is a Fire Monkey Year — What does ”Fire Monkey” means? In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one the five elements: gold (metal), water, wood, fire, or earth. Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years:

Fire Monkey … 2016, 1956, … Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
Wood Monkey … 2004, 1944, … Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn
Water Monkey … 1992, 1932, … Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty
Gold Monkey … 1980, 1920, … Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn
Earth Monkey … 1968, 1908, … Frank, optimistic, and fearless.

As China is still an important market for the luxury goods industry, many designers have come up with some special editions dedicated to the Year of the Monkey.

Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani is joining the celebrations, launching an exclusive and limited-edition Year of Monkey Face Palette for 2016.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Gucci presents a monkey key chain with glass pearls.

Prada launches a capsule collection of accessories for a prosperous Lunar New Year with a primate key rings, luggage tags, gold trinkets, and furry charms.

Givenchy makes a bold statement with this monkey print sweatshirt.

Lucky charm at your finger: Amedeo‘s three monkey ring.

Bring the good vibes of 2016’s Monkey Year to your house with Seletti‘s monkey lamp shade.

To a prosperous and wonderful Chinese Year! If you like to find out more about your own Chinese sign,  click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

To celebrate the end-of-year holidays, Giorgio Armani Beauty has chosen to pay tribute to 30’s and 40’s film legends.

Queens of Hollywood Glamour, the enigmatic Marlene Dietrich, platinum bombshell Jean Harlow and flamboyant Rita Hayworth captivated millions of film-goers with their undeniable chic. Typical of the glamour of the era, their sophisticated style fascinates to this day: translucent complexions, radiant eyes highlighted with a subtle dash of eyeliner, and scarlet mouths to complete the look.

Giorgio Armani’s oversized Luxe Is More Face & Eye Palette features ten harmonious eyeshadow shades, a silky compact powder and two shades of cream foundation.
CHF 169.00

The now famous Giorgio Armani Eye Tint is available in three light-infused nude shades. The classic formula for this product has been enriched in ‘Mirage Bright Silver’ pearl particles and pigments to create dashes of silvery light to intensify the gaze:

N°16 Rose Platinum, N°17 Hollywood, N°18 Silver Mirage
CHF 52.00 each

Combined, mix and match-style with the Luxe Is More eyeshadows, the Eye Tint fluid can be used like an eyeliner or layered for a sophisticated look.

More sophisticated than a lip gloss, and more radiant than a matte lipstick, the must-have Lip Maestro lip lacquer is more desirable than ever before with a ‘Fire Spectral’ pearl- enriched formula. Iridescent pearl particles have been added to the classic formula for the first time to enhance the original matte finish with unique luminosity. And let’s not forget the velvety-soft feeling upon contact with the lips, and the unparalleled comfort even after several hours of wear.

N° 405 Orient, N° 406 Sultan, N° 414 Pure Red, N° 507 Boudoir, N° 508 Pearly nude, N° 509 Ruby Nude, CHF 51.00 each

The collection is in stores now. I am absolutely in love with these products!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

There’s something really beautiful about a powerful lip color. This season, it is time to wear a statement lip shade. A new product that has caught my attention immediately is the new Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Lacquer. Its formula is moisturizing and hydrating like a lip balm while delivering an intense color and a shiny finish, available in two different versions (metallic and varnish). Promising to last over 8 hours, its non-sticky formula is surely hard to resist to. I love the dark reds and purples so my wishlist is getting bigger and bigger…

200 Night Berry (metallic effect)
201 Leather (varnish effect)
300 Tangerine (varnish effect)
302 Amber (metallic effect)
400 Four Hundred (varnish effect)
401 Red Chrome (varnish effect)
402 Red-To-Go (lacquer effect)
500 Vintage (metallic effect)
501 Uptown (varnish effect)
502 Boudoir (metallic effect)
503 Fatale (metallic effect)
504 Pink-Out (metallic effect)
505 Crescendo (varnish effect)
506 Maharajah (metallic effect)
600 Adrénaline (metallic effect)
601 Plum Vinyl (varnish effect)
602 Vertigo (varnish effect)
603 Night Viper (varnish effect)

In stores now. Available for CHF 48.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Don’t we all love to play around with fashion jewelry? This summer, it’s a tough job to choose which pieces you will be getting: from Chanel’s slogan bracelets and Valentino’s ring stack; to Fendi’s feather watch and Saint Laurent’s dainty hearts, they are all just fabulous. Enjoy my edit of the new must-have jewelry pieces of which some are already available in stores. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

The heart charm by Saint Laurent

Make love no war – the dainty necklace makes its comeback! Saint Laurent is one of the hottest tickets of the season – and so is this jewelry must!

The dreamcatcher necklace by Etro

A ’70s inspiration with folky fabrics blend with talisman jewelry, something fashionistas around the globe will want this summer.

The choker necklace by Balmain

It’s not the first time, Balmain has sent chokers down the runway, but this summer they are extremely outstanding, playing with email, transparency and architectural lines.
Pre-order the enameled choker by Balmain here.

Layered gold chains by Moschino

Cheesy and tacky, the Moschino girl pays tribute to the plastic superstar Barbie, and Jeremy Scott vamps us up with a multitude of gold chains.
Pre-order some statement gold chains by Moschino here.

Multiple earrings by Dior

Back to the ’80s when multiple earrings were all the rage! Dior combines long hair tucked back behind the ears with many  piercings – a look that is to become cult again.

Disc hoop earrings by Louis Vuitton

Inspired by the flair of the ’70s, Camille Miceli created retro hoop disc earrings for the French Maison that will complement the hippie luxe trend perfectly.

The safety-pin earrings by Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani celebrates the luxurious punk and sends stylized safety-pin pendants down the runway along with his iconic silk ensembles.

The cross earrings by Dolce & Gabbana

The designer duo took advantage of summer’s inherent punk rock potential and brought the cross earring to La Dolce Vita.
Shop Dolce & Gabbana’s cross earrings here.

Slogan bangles by Chanel

Inspired by Chanel’s finale fashion manifestation, the must-have bangles in silver and vibrant colored leather  come with some  demo slogans such as “Make Fashion Not War” and “Ladies First“.

Wide lacquer cuff in black by Céline

How fabulous are tanned arms accented with a glossy black PVC cuff – something that you will definitely wear a lot next season.

The horsebit bracelet by Gucci

A true classic and a great investment, the golden age of the Seventies was brought back by Gucci with the iconic horse bit bracelet.
You can shop the beautiful horse bit bracelet by Gucci here.

Multiple rings by Valentino

Mix and match this season, Valentino offers the right selection to get really creative.

Stacked cuffs at Lanvin

With 125 years design history to draw on, Alber Elbaz plays with the amount of cuffs you will wear. The more the merrier – that is his style motto for S/S 2015.

Statement piercings by Rodarte

Seeking inspiration from the punk-era, the Mulleavy sisters created a row of faux piercings along each brow for an eye-catching effect.

The feather watch by Fendi

Fendi watches have been on my watch list since some time and this delicate feather version is just breathtaking.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com and 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

Last Wednesday, a secret event took place in the city of Zurich to launch Samsung‘s newest mobile phone GALAXY ALPHA, emphasizing the brand’s foray into the fashion crowd.

Ready-to-wear has laid its focus from the runway also to the world of high technology as many renowned fashion houses scramble to stamp their coveted logos on mobile handsets and other personal devices. Samsung for example collaborated in one-off projects with the likes of Giorgio Armani, Alexander Wang, Nicholas Kirckwood and Moschino. Therefore, I was very curious to arrive at the secret event …

Inside an unspectacular backyard at Kanonengasse, I was guided by a bouncer to the basement. There a room, reminiscent of an underground club in New York, awaited me.

When I entered, I was handed my very own new Samsung GALAXY ALPHA phone as a gift. It had a prepaid card so that I could use it immediately to read the text messages the guests were sent during the event.

Only 80 people were invited and I spotted among the illustrious crowd Swiss supermodel Nadine Strittmatter who had flown in from Paris where she is living.

Other highlights were the melting ice bar and different performances.

Ezgi Cinar, the brainchild of the secret event with me.

Menswear designer Julian Zigerli, one of Samsung’s ambassadors, had created 80 personalized mobile phone covers to choose from. As you see in the collage above, I went for the little mouse…

… and my friend Mel Guenthardt (photo below) for the cute owl.

The GALAXY ALPHA phone is available in Switzerland from the beginning of September 2014 in the colors Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver and Scuba Blue for CHF 749.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug, © Ezgi Cinar, © Melanie Guenthardt and © Sandra Bauknecht

Giorgio Armani‘s beautiful ROUGE & BLACK ECSTASY collection is inspired by two of the most prominent colors: red and black. Strong and seductive, those shades are made for the Femme Fatale inside you.

I love the Rouge Ecstasy lipstick collection with its lightweight yet pigment-rich texture. Now there are three bold and vibrant new shades, all with oriental names.

ROUGE ECSTASY CHF 56.00
#404 Spice – #405 Orient – #406 Sultan (pictured) – (all Limited Edition).

All shades are also available as matte lip lacquers – LIP MAESTRO CHF 51.00 (#404 Spice pictured).

Part of this elegant collection is the new Black Ecstasy Mascara. Its high-tech technology that contains a black hosting polymer helps you to achieve thicker, longer and intensified lashes in a single stroke. Available in 4 different shades.

BLACK ECSTASY CHF 51.00
#01 Obsidian Black (pictured) – #02 Armani Navy (Limited Edition) – #03 Wood – #04 Tadzio (Limited Edition).

In Switzerland, the new collection will be launched in September 2014. The perfect products for sensual red lips and dramatic black lashes. Love this collection and I am sure that you will, too!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Do you suffer from serious eyebrow envy looking at Cara Delevingne?! Here is your cure: Giorgio Armani‘s new EYE & BROW MAESTRO, a cream to create the perfect natural brow that lasts for over 20 hours. It can even be used as eyeliner, eyeshadow and even sculpt the face or colour the hair line.

Linda Cantello, International Make-Up Artist, Giorgio Armani, “I wanted to offer women an innovative product inspired by my needs backstage on Giorgio Armani fashion shows, a product that does all, that would be fast and faultless when applied, long lasting, and fault proof.”

The promised results are amazing, EYE & BROW MAESTRO is easy to blend and work with. Available in nine shades worldwide, of which six are in stores in Switzerland: 01 Black, 02 Drak Brown, 03 Red (One Shot), 04 Medium Brown, 05 Light Brown and 06 Blond for CHF 46.00 each.

There’s a fabulous brush for application which is essential for sculpting the brows that can be bought separately. EYE & BROW BRUSH, CHF 43.00.

For a Brow Know How Guide with Anastasia, the Queen of Eyebrows, please click HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Giorgio Armani Beauty

It’s a men’s post but looking into Chris Pine‘s amazing blue eyes, I am sure that my female readers will get inspired by this code of seduction as well. The handsome Hollywood star is the new face to embody the charisma of the timeless seducer, this magnetic charm which symbolizes Armani Code, one of the most successful Giorgio Armani fragrances for the past decade.

Armani Code Ice is a new, fresher and brighter limited edition interpretation of the original, developed by Alberto Morillas, Master Perfumer at Firmenich.

AROMATIC
Top notes: Mint, lemon and spicy ginger.
Middle notes: Geranium and lavender.
Base notes: Woodsy notes.

ARMANI CODE ICE (50ml) CHF 89.00 and (75ml) CHF 117.00.
Available in Switzerland from May 2014 exclusively at Import Parfümerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

Gucci dressed Beyoncé for her Mrs Carter show, Lady Gaga had the most amazing wardrobe for her Born This Way Ball tour created by Giorgio Armani and now it is Roberto Cavalli‘s turn to provide Miley Cyrus with the most dazzling costumes for her upcoming ‘The Bangerz World Tour’ that will commence on Feb. 14 in Vancouver. Here is a sneak preview:

Black knitwear jumpsuit all over embroidered recreating a zebra pattern.

Nude jumpsuit in stretch silk tulle all over embroidered with Swarovski crystals creating a nude effect on the body.

Washed denim with leopard print jacket, shorts and bra embroidered with a dégradé of blue crystals.

Washed denim with python print jacket, shorts and bra embroidered with a dégradé of blue crystals.

Over washed denim sleeveless jacket,shorts and bra with an all over ombré embroidery of metallic studs and crystals.

As the singer has announced she will include animals in her show, she couldn’t have gone for a better designer to create her outfits than the king of animal prints, Roberto Cavalli. Even that I am not the biggest Miley fan, I really like her looks for the show.

LoL, Sandra

Sketches: © 2014 ROBERTO CAVALLI SPA All rights reserved.