Fashion can be quite challenging as it likes to back and forth between faux-pas and the ultimate trends. What was an absolute no-go is now the must-have of the season. This summer it is the combination of heels and socks that shows the trendsetter. Grab a pair of heels, a pair of great socks and off you go. Here are the best ones available:

From left to right: Bow-embellished stretch-lace socks by Gucci, striped cotton-blend knee socks by Marc Jacobs, lace-up ribbed cotton knee socks by Prada and intarsia knitted socks by Vetements + Reebok.

From left to right: Striped sequined stretch-mesh socks by Gucci, Little William embellished ribbed cotton-blend socks by Gucci, ruffled wool-blend socks by Alexander McQueen and star-intarsia knitted socks by Givenchy.

I am embracing the trend with those lace socks by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: via Pinterest and © Sandra Bauknecht

Pink is trending this summer and I love it combined with burgundy. It is an unusual color combination that I wore to the dinner I recently had with Frédéric Malle (for the previous post about it, click here please).

My look: Fox fur cape by Givenchy, wool and silk dress by Valentino, embellished satin pumps by Miu Miu, cat eye metal mirrored sunglasses by Fendi, flower resin necklace by Gucci, velvet Boy Bag in burgundy by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was breaking news this week, Riccardo Tisci is leaving Givenchy after 12 years with the brand and the house won’t show during Paris Fashion Week. His F/W 2017 menswear collection and S/S 2017 Haute Couture collection, shown together on the runway in Paris on January 20, were his last for the label.

Riccardo Tisci with Beyoncé photographed by Anton Corbjin for Vogue September 2015.

If you are one of Riccardo Tisci’s 1.8 million Instagram followers, then you probably already know that the Givenchy designer is loved by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna and many more… Ticsi’s exit finishes one of the fashion industry’s longest and most successful appointments.

Givenchy sequin dress and fox fur cape in US Vogue April 2014.

In the last year and a half, Dior, Valentino, Lanvin, Chloé, Saint Laurent, and more have seen their designers leave, which seems to lead to the fact that the short-term position for the creative director of around 3 to 4 years is becoming the new normal.

At the moment, the industry is changing anyway dramatically…

Givenchy ad campaign 2015 featuring Donatella Versace.

Concerning Tisci’s future, rumors are out that he will move to Versace, a brand that he has long expressed his admiration for, especially for the work of the late Gianni Versace. Ticsi has built up a close friendship with Gianni’s sister, Donatella, whom he invited to pose in a Givenchy ad campaign in 2015. Donated herself called Tisci’s F/W 2011 collection an homage to her brother. For a previous post, click here please.

To pay tribute to this fabulous designer, let’s indulge in some of his most amazing fashion moments, such as his famous Bambi sweater, his love for Rottweilers, and the most beautiful floral prints.

Have a look at some of my personal Givenchy highlights of the last years…
TRIBAL – WILD FLOWER – ON THE RED CARPET IN CANNES – DANCING ON MULHOLLAND DRIVE – DINNER AT L’ARC IN PARIS

For Riccardo Tisci, I think it is time to move on. Personally speaking, I have always been a great Givenchy fan, but change means new inspiration! And that is always good…

The fashion wheel is spinning again… let’s stay tuned!

TO SHOP TISCI’S LAST COLLECTION FOR GIVENCHY, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vogue, Givenchy and © Sandra Bauknecht

Nothing has changed since last winter… more is more is still the motto, this is what the S/S 2017 season is all about! With fashion in a maximalist mood, accessories have kept their center stage. On the runways, kitten heels are back, earrings were bigger than ever, and one bag is definitely not enough. New? The marriage of socks and boots. The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2017 TREND 1: EXTRAVAGANT SUNGLASSES
Céline – Dolce & Gabbana – Gucci

S/S 2017 TREND 2: SOCK BOOTS
Fendi – Balenciaga – Emilio Pucci

S/S 2017 TREND 3: WRAP BELTS
Balmain – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Isabel Marant

S/S 2017 TREND 4: STATEMENT EARRINGS
Delpozo – Alexander McQueen – Altuzarra

S/S 2017 TREND 5: KITTEN HEELS
Chloé – Prada – Dior

S/S 2017 TREND 6: ONE BAG IS NOT ENOUGH
Stella McCartney – Valentino – Marni

S/S 2017 TREND 7: THE BIGGER THE BETTER
Givenchy – Chanel – Loewe

S/S 2017 TREND 8: FLATFORMS
Salvatore Ferragamo – Versace – Miu Miu

S/S 2017 TREND 9: SUPERSIZED BAGS
Sonia Rykiel – Mulberry – Ports 1961

S/S 2017 TREND 10: ARM CUFFS
Roberto Cavalli – Louis Vuitton – Rodarte

Photos: via Vogue.com

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

Somehow I always find the time before the holiday season extremely stressful, getting everything ready for the family, the gifts, the food, the decoration, preparing the travels and getting all the business work done. Running around the city in those freezing temperatures doesn’t make it any better. Then, it is always time to put on some superwoman powers…

My look: Black double-breasted wool coat with gold bars by Givenchy, Superman jumper by Valentino, Skin 5 mid-rise skinny jeans by Acne Studios, Joyce embellished leather shoulder bag by Loewe, wool scarf by Bottega Veneta, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and red leather boots by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A little party never killed nobody... especially if it is a shopping party. HARVEY NICHOLS celebrates today our favorite hobby with a discount up to 25% on amazing F/W 2016 fashion pieces, accessories and beauty products, for both men and women.

Below are some of my favorites to wet your appetite:

Great for the day with jeans and amazing at night with a pencil skirt:
Black cape-effect jersey blouse by Givenchy

Those heels will vamp every outfit!
Classic red suede pumps by Gianvito Rossi

You cannot go wrong with these shades!
Dior So Real clubmaster-style sunglasses by Dior

Practical and always needed…
Ociroe charcoal fur-trimmed shell coat by Duvetica

Already a classic – on sale in black, grab it!
Falabella black faux suede shoulder bag by Stella McCartney

Start looking for Christmas gifts early, especially when they are on sale…
Orientalist large scented candle by Tom Dixon

FOR HIM! A little surprise for your hubby, boyfriend or crush…
Navy checked wool blazer by Giorgio Armani

Happy Shopping Party!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This was my look that I wore to the de Grisogono gala «Folies in Cannes» during the 69th Cannes Film Festival at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. I love wearing Hervé Léger gowns as they are comfortable, sexy and ladylike at once and the best is that they are great to pack in a suitcase as they don’t wrinkle.

My look: Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, Isidora emerald green gown by Hervé Léger, leather clutch by Prada, leather platform pumps by Gucci, rose diamond ring by Piaget, earrings by Chanel, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Clutches are small, fine and compliment every feminine outfit just perfectly. This season, a statement bag gets a whole new meaning and can be taken literally. Only your personal taste and your style decide, which one will be your favourite. With these quotes, the stage is all yours and you set a point right from the start.

LoL, Sandra

Dolce embellished printed leather shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana (my favorite)

Speech Bubble embroidered leather clutch by Sophia Webster

Iconic Print leather clutch by Givenchy

Love Pill confetti Perspex clutch by Sarah’s Bag

Superstar Vanity croc-effect leather clutch by Charlotte Olympia

Flavia Gangster glittered acrylic box clutch by Edie Parker

Leather and fabric embellished pouch by Gucci

Wifey For Lifey beaded cotton clutch by Sophia Webster

Candy printed acrylic clutch by Jimmy Choo

Everything I Do Makes Me book clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here they are: the most important trends for the F/W 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. From statement furs to velvet everything, from extra long sleeves to oversized down jackets, the choice is yours – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2016 TREND 1: VELVET
Akris – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Giorgio Armani

F/W 2016 TREND 2: CHECKMATE
Chanel – Vivienne Westwood Red Label- Marni

F/W 2016 TREND 3: ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Alexander McQueen – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

F/W 2016 TREND 4: BIKER GIRLS
Courrèges – Chloé – Louis Vuitton

F/W 2016 TREND 5: BEIGEMANIA
Céline – Hermès – Max Mara

F/W 2016 TREND 6: ON DUTY
Prada – Maison Martin Margiela – Miu Miu

F/W 2016 TREND 7: SHINY TRENCH COATS
Proenza Schouler – Tod’s – Burberry

F/W 2016 TREND 8: PUFF DADDY
Sacai – Balenciaga – Stella McCartney

F/W 2016 TREND 9: ’80s POWER ONE-SHOULDER
Lanvin – Saint Laurent – Isabel Marant

F/W 2016 TREND 10: CAPES
Elie Saab – Temperley London – Gucci

F/W 2016 TREND 11: BUBBLEGUM
Kenzo – Simone Rocha – Carven

F/W 2016 TREND 12: EXTRA LONG SLEEVES
Marc Jacobs – Michael Kors Collection – Vetements

F/W 2016 TREND 13: TURTLENECKS WITH ZIPPERS
Versace – Dior – Emilio Pucci

F/W 2016 TREND 14: BONDAGE
Gareth Pugh – Loewe – Alexander Wang

F/W 2016 TREND 15: LONG SCARFS
Etro – Missoni – Roberto Cavalli

F/W 2016 TREND 16: PINSTRIPE SUITING
Calvin Klein Collection – Tibi – Trussardi

F/W 2016 TREND 17: TINSEL
Marco di Vicenzo – Jeremy Scott – Emporio Armani

F/W 2016 TREND 18: FUR STOLES
Dries Van Noten – Vionnet – Givenchy

F/W 2016 TREND 19: STATEMENT FURS
Fendi – Salvatore Ferragamo – Mary Katrantzou

F/W 2016 TREND 20: MODERN NYMPHS
Alberta Ferretti – Valentino – Rodarte