“I want to become so famous that Damien Hirst’s mother knows me.”
– Jani Leinonen

The Baur au Lac garden is one of my favorite places in the city of Zurich. And at the moment there is an exhibition in the parc that you definitely should not be missing. Two weeks ago, Gigi Kracht, wife of hotel owner Andrea, opened her 14th Art in the Park (photos of the opening will be coming up shortly) that will be going until the 7th of August, 2016. This year, she is presenting the work of one of my favorite artists, Finnish shooting star, Jani Leinonen. The 38-year old plays with logos and symbols of the luxury goods industry in such an ironic way that it makes you think and laugh at once.

Let’s take for example the work “The most terrible things, war genocide and slavery, have resulted not from obedience, but from disobedience”. This outdoor installation reimagines boldly appropriated corporate logos of the globe’s most powerful brands to put emphasize on social injustice and corporate hegemony. I love Jani’s way of expressing himself. He is criticizing society with his colorful and fun art that makes you happy looking at it at the same time.

Jani presented me his book with a personal dedication (Would be a nice tattoo, wouldn’t it?).

Check out these previous posts that I wrote over the last years concerning Jani’s art: Fashion Meets Art (2010),  Jani Leinonen and a Fashionable Tombstone (2011), Shoe Liberation Army Takes Over (2012).

My look: Striped blazer by Givenchy, silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, superskinny mid-rise jeans by Victoria, Victoria Beckham, jacket quilted leather shoulder bag by Moschino, embellished leather mid-heel loafers by Gucci, beaded gold-tone rosary necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sending you many kisses with today’s outfit post! Wear your lipstick not on your lips, but on your clothes and accessories. Too cool… and at least a little fun in this rainy weather.

My look: Wool toggle coat by Gucci, printed silk crepe de chine shirt and Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, ankle boots with zipper by Prada, pearl earrings by Chanel and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last fall, I was invited to a really fun party in London. The invite said to wear an accessory or a full look dedicated to the X-Men movies. I went through my closet – as I hate real costumes – to put an outfit together that would come as close as possible. And I think I succeeded pretty well.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, plunge-neck stretch-jersey jumpsuit and metal and leather wide belt, both by Balmain, fringed Monogram bag in gold by Saint Laurent, Chiki stretch-lace plunge bra and Chiki stretch-lace briefs, both by Agent Provocateur, brass eagle and cross earrings by Emilio Pucci, cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and suede overknee boots by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

One week ago, David Bowie died at age 69, just two days after his birthday. As tributes flood the media, the fashion world mourns the star who had the power to express himself through versatile ways of dressing, hairstyles, makeup, and performance. His shape-shifting styles inspired generations of teenagers and adults, especially in the ’70s and ’80s. He was the one who first empowered gender-bending androgyny and was a huge inspiration for the world of music and fashion. In 2013, the V&A Museum opened the “David Bowie Is” exhibition with great success, which toured the world.

Enjoy this little tribute and see some looks inspired from his quirky and amazing style:

Aladdin Sane, 1973

US Vogue reports: «The Ziggy red mullet that launched a million imitators was inspired by a fashion shoot on the cover of Honey magazine of a model wearing Kansai Yamamoto. Bowie went around to his mother’s hairdresser, Suzy Fussey, who worked in a salon on Beckenham High Street, to do the cut and color. He was wearing it the day he walked into Brian Duffy’s studio to shoot the cover of the Aladdin Sane album in 1973. Celia Philo (Phoebe Philo’s mother), who was art directing, remembers the spontaneous moment when Bowie conspired with his favorite makeup artist, Pierre La Roche, to paint on the lightning flash.»

David Bowie dressed by Kansai Yamamoto, 1973

Bowie on tour in 1973, from The Rise of David Bowie 1972-1973.

And here is how the fashion world got inspired by the musical genius in many ways:

Kate Moss‘ covers for Vogue U.K. in 2003 (right) and Vogue Paris in 2011 (left).

Jean-Paul Gaultier S/S 2013

Hedi Slimane said once to AnOther magazine: «I was literally born with a David Bowie album in my hand.» Here some looks inspired by David Bowie from his men’s S/S 2014 collection.

To the right, you can see one of the geometrically striped black and white outfits from Givenchy‘s S/S 2010 collection. It looked like a rendition of the one Bowie wore in 1973 during his Aladdin Sane phase.

Candice Swanepoel on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk in 2009 in an asymmetrical jumpsuit reminiscent of the infamous Ziggy suits designed by Kansai Yamamoto for David Bowie who was one of the first ones to collaborate with fashion designers to create his costumes.

Miuccia Prada‘s F/W 2012 collection for Miu Miu was basically a remake of the 1971 music video “Life On Mars?”.

The same could be said for Gucci‘s S/S 2016 collection. I am convinced that the new Dionysus bag would have been loved by the legendary David Bowie.

Here is a funny one: there’s a website of cult fans that believe Tilda Swinton and Bowie are the same person. Check out Tilda Stardust, it is hilarious.

David Bowie print T-shirt by R13

Jeremy Deller God Bless David Bowie tote by House of Voltaire

His legend lives on in both industries, music and fashion, as David Bowie himself does today, in immortality. Rest in peace and thank you for all your inspirations!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Vogue Paris, Vogue UK, Mick Rock/Taschen, Brian Duffy / David Bowie Archive, Getty Images

This season tells a story of multiple influences in celebration of personal style with acid leopard prints, punk elements and an Eighties comeback.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, leopard print dress, tulle mini petticoat skirt, Janis pumps with studs, chain belt and small California leather bucket bag with stars, all by Saint Laurent, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, necklace by Matthew Williamson.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Looking for a last minute Halloween costume? Craft yours out of pieces that will have a place in your closet throughout the year. I am sure that you have something black that is reminiscent of the ongoing Victorian trend. The F/W 2015 catwalks were full of Halloween-style looks. I prefer a stylish high end of-the-moment ensemble instead of the predictable animal ears or plastic mask.

Get the look: Ruffled silk-blend lace dress and embellished suede gloves, both by Alexander McQueen, embellished flocked brocade cape by Simone Rocha, Madison lace-up suede sandals by Paul Andrew, 2Jours embellished textured-leather shoulder bag by Fendi and nose ring in gunmetal-tone and crystal by Givenchy.

F/W 2015 TREND: NEW VICTORIANS
Givenchy – Alexander McQueen – Gareth Pugh

To a boo-worthy fun Halloween! If the broom fits, jump on it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Yesterday, just one night after the world premiere in London, I attended the Swiss preview of the latest James Bond thriller SPECTRE in the presence of actors Naomi Harris and Dave Bautista at Zurich’s Hallenstadion as guest of Omega.

I have to admit that the product placement of Bond’s Omega watch is fabulous and funny. Once you watch it, you will know what I am talking about.

Last night’s event marked the largest Swiss premiere ever with almost 4500 guests attending the cinematic happening. After the screening, I enjoyed the VIP party in the foyer with my best friend.

My look:  Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, blue Aleah bandage gown by Hervé Leger, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, black leather pumps by Saint Laurent, clutch bag by Prada, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

ABOUT SPECTRE

A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization Spectre. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis (Lea Seydoux), he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of Spectre, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks.

The movie is definitely worth watching and I will do so again this Friday before it will officially hit the Swiss cinemas on November 5, 2015 at the ASW Top Secret Dinner, Pre-Screening and After Party. Hope to see you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht
SPECTRE © Danjaq, LLC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. 

Goth glam with a quirky twist – this Halloween we’re all about velvet, flowy 70’s dresses and fun accessories. H&M offers a great selection of dress-up pieces for adults and kids (see below):

Such a cute Halloween collection for kids at H&M.

Use Halloween as an excuse to bring out your inner glam goth. (Not to be confused with glam rock.) For inspiration, turn to fictional style icons like Morticia Addams, Jessica Lange in «American Horror Story: Coven» or Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer in «The Witches of Eastwick».
Or just Cher, period.

Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon and Cher floating in style in «The Witches of Eastwick».

This season’s It-item – the 70’s maxi or midi dress – is the perfect hero of the glamoween look, and don’t forget to top it off with the perfect shade of “blood” red for lips and nails.

If you are more opting for an investment in something you could wear all year, I recommend brands such as Balmain and Givenchy this season. They have great velvet dresses with that certain goth attitude that could be transformed with the right accessories into the perfect Halloween outfit. And then it is truly time for GLAMOWEEN!!!

Get the look: Feather and raccoon jacket and velvet ruffle midi dress, both by Givenchy, satin belt by Balmain, embroidered collar by Vivetta, «Black Spider» hairband by Caterina Capelli, double feather-embellished silk-trimmed leather tickler and My Tie leather and silk-charmeuse cuffs, both by Kiki de Montparnasse and Horatio leather and jacquard platform sandals by Paul Andrew.
Glamore Lipstick – Virgin by Illamasqua.

LoL, Sandra

Photo (Cover): Magnus Torsne, Styling: Emma Elwin
Photo «The Witches of Eastwick»: All Over Press
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

This was my outfit that I wore on Tuesday evening in Paris. One sentence: I love VALENTINO! Everything gives you such a feminine aura, never vulgar always classy and stylish.

My look: Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, lace and wool and silk-blend crepe mini dress, Spring Garden brocade knee boots and camouflage fold over clutch, all by Valentino, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht