The ugly sneaker trend is everywhere right now, and available at all price points. And now it looks like it’s even more trending as one of the world’s most influential fashion designers, Nicolas Ghesquière, put a ton of futuristic runners on his S/S 2018 runway for Louis Vuitton. Consider the so-called LV Archlight Sneakers one of high-fashion’s biggest style musts this season.

I love this model: LV Archlight Sneakers

V.N.R. Sneaker – available in four colours

For men, this month, the V.N.R. (Vuitton New Runner), a full knit sneaker, is launching in four new colour ways, combining classic, elegant design and the House’s signatures with ultimate technical innovation.

V.N.R. Sneaker in blue

Twelve months of meticulous research and development have led to a shoe that is light and flexible. In total, each pair of shoes requires three hours to be assembled with keen attention to detail. Now in stores.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Last night the 90th Annual Academy Awards ceremony took place, the most prestigious event of the Hollywood awards season. «The Shape of Water» won Best Picture and Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman won both the award for a Leading Role. But who were the winners of the red carpet, who stunned in her gown? Below are my favorites and some that I personally didn’t like. Enjoy!

My personal winner: Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Chopard jewelry. Such a beautiful look!

The most elegant of the night: Nicole Kidman stepped out with definitely one of the highest leg slits at the Academy Awards in a sweetheart-neck, cobalt column gown by Armani Privé with a giant bow!

Another dream in blue: Jennifer Garner stunned in this cobalt hued gown by Atelier Versace that she combined with Piaget jewelry.

This woman is a stunner: Jane Fonda, 80, looks amazing as she wows Oscars 2018 with youthful appearance in a white pearl-dust beaded gown from the 44 François Premier collection, the new eveningwear capsule by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain on par with couture, with Chopard jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Perrin Paris bag. The only thing that I would add is a little of lip color.

One of my personal highlights: Disney Star Sofia Carson kicked off her first Oscars appearance in a stunning red gown from Giambattista Valli‘s Resort 2018 collection. The cape style is just breathtaking.

Not nominated this year but definitely but dress-wise a winner: Jennifer Lawrence brought the sparkle in a metallic Dior gown which she paired with red-carpet curls that gave the look a modern appeal.

Another metallic option: Wonder Woman Gal Gadot wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that she combined with a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., that is part of the Blue Book High Jewelry Kollektion (aquamarine/61 carat and diamonds), and which will officially be launched in October 2018.

Let the jewels talk: Helen Mirren looked breathtaking in this elegant blue style by Reem Acra. She wore more than $3.8 million worth of Harry Winston sapphires and diamonds including: a cushion -cut sapphire and diamond necklace (115.27 carats), cushion-cut sapphire and diamond earrings (25.22 carats).

Safe option: Margot Robbie wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an elegant train.

An unexpected color that stood out from the rest: Greta Gerwig in a Rodarte custom made gown.

The most beautiful curves: Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci lilac sequins gown with ruffled tiered skirt, jeweled chandelier embroideries, metallic high heel shoe and clutch with crystal butterfly closure. The only thing I am not sure about is her hairdo of which I am really not a fan.

Definitely elegant but not my favorite: Saoirse Ronan in a pink silk faille strapless dress with a voluminous bow by Calvin Klein by Appointment was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in the film Lady Bird.

Golden Girl: Lupita Nyong’o in a golden mesh dress with black and gold embellishments by Atelier Versace.

Absolutely gorgeous like a Grecian goddess: Zendaya wowed in a one-shoulder, chocolate-colored billowing gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Back after her last Oscars appearance in 2014: Sandra Bullock walked the red carpet in a custom silk gown from Louis Vuitton which I personally find very beautiful. But! What has happened to the actress’ face please?

My personal biggest disappointment: Emma Stone showed up in a silky Louis Vuitton suit with a hot pink sash. She finished off the look with a deep side part and sparkly drop earrings. I don’t have anything against a great pantsuit on the red carpet but it has to fit perfectly and really be black tie perfection. This ensemble doesn’t do good for Emma. What a pity!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, Courtesy of Armani, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Piaget and Chanel.

Today is my birthday and good news is that I’m one year younger than I’ll be next year… If I had a wish list granted from the birthday fairy, it would look like this…

Definitely anything Gucci makes me happy. I adore Alessandro Michele‘s designs so much and fell in love with this «Soave Amore Guccification» denim jacket (1). Such a cool piece!

Me at my first day of school matching the Gucci jacket and the Dolce clutch on my wish list :-)…

Then I adore crazy sunglasses like these chain-embellished D-frame acetate sunglasses (2) by Stella McCartney. Even that I am turning 43, I am still feeling like a little girl and this Dolce box clutch pencil case (3) by Dolce & Gabbana reminds me of my first days at school. A fun bag can kick-start a conversation at every dinner party as well as a pair of Etro‘s statement earrings (5). Then talking business, since quite some time, I have been looking for a laptop case and really like this Masters LV x Jeff Koons one (4) featuring Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Dear Birthday Fairy… I have been a good girl… just saying!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week I spent an amazing 48 hours in Antwerp. The Flemish city in Belgium has so much to offer and I cannot wait to tell you all about it! Here you see me exploring the city in a comfy yet stylish outfit. Drawing inspiration from Disney’s film «Fantasia» released in the 1940’s, this cute dress by Mary Katrantzou is the height of whimsy.

My look: Quilted nylon coat with mink by Gucci, Iven Blue Centaur dress by Mary Katrantzou, lavender cashmere wrap cardigan by Ralph Lauren Black Label, graffiti classic city tote bag by Balenciaga, crystal embellished biker boots by Miu Miu, teddy necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and leopard print scarf by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In 2016, Louis Vuitton ventured into new creative territory: perfume (for the previous post, click here please). Seven singular fragrance trails came into being. Seven compositions conceived like so many invitations on a journey. Seven concentrates brimming with emotion, composed in Grasse at Les Fontaines Parfumées, the creative atelier of Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, Louis Vuitton Master Perfumer.

Today, this collection of exquisite perfumes welcomes a new unprecedented creation. Composed by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, this fragrance radiates luminous optimism. The name of this new olfactory celebration: Le Jour Se Lève, which means literally «the day begins itself». So this what a brand new day smells like… The notes for the fruity floral include mandarin, blackcurrant, jasmine, magnolia, osmanthus and musks.Louis Vuitton Le Jour Se Lève will be available from March 2018 in 100 and 200 ml Eau de Parfum, and in a set of travel sprays (four x 7.5 ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

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

Ronan Keating‘s wife Storm is not only one of the most stylish woman I know – she was nominated for Great Britain’s VIP Style Award for Most Stylish Woman in 2016 – but also an absolute sweetheart. She works as designer, brand ambassador and TV producer. During SIHH 2018 she was an absolute eye candy in her very upscale outfit – sporting the transparent trend in perfection.

Get the look: Perforated stretch-knit maxi dress (70% off – in case your size is missing, it is also available here for 50% off), Aurore leather-trimmed stretch-knit sock boots (40% off), both by Balmain, corset stretch bodysuit by Live The Process, and gold Louise clutch by Louis Vuitton.

I have the same dress and cannot wait to wear it soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos © David M. Benett/Dave Benett and Chris Jackson/Getty Images for IWC 

Marking 15 years of fine watchmaking, the French Maison launches its first all-black Tambour, contributing to an industry-wide «noir moment». Created in 2002, the Tambour marked Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking debut. The timepiece is identifiable by its unique shape and design, engraved in the steel, the 12 letters of the name Louis Vuitton encircle the case like the 12 hours on the dial. The watch itself appears to be sculpted directly from a block of metal, evoking a sense of strength and solidity.

The new entirely matte black timepiece comes with a noble aesthetic, the perfect accessory for men (or ladies) who travel, for men who love refined, contemporary, urban objects. The Tambour All Black comes in two versions with interchangeable straps fitted with Louis Vuitton’s innovative patented system. At twelve o’clock, the dial bears the famous V signature invented by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1901 to adorn the famous Steamer Bag.

The Tambour All Black Chronographe gives the watch a sporty feel while retaining its elegance: a new instrument housed in an imposing 46 mm case, driven by a self-winding caliber. The crown is in steel, overmoulded with black rubber for more drive.

The Tambour All Black Petite Seconde has an understated, sophisticated look. The small second function nestles at 6 o’clock, at the heart of a 41,5 mm case powered by a self-winding movement.
Raised to the ranks of an icon fifteen years after its creation, the Tambour remains on-trend with this All Black version presenting a restrained, contemporary and masculine design.

Those two models would be a great choice to join the powerful trend towards all-black watches. Enjoy the last day of the year…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

After several months of renovation work, Louis Vuitton celebrated the reopening of its Zurich store located in the historic Peterhof building last September.

The store presents a complete restoration of the historic ceiling as well as the work of the Swiss painter Otto Pilny entitled «Seidenzucht im XVI. Jahrhundert» that was hidden behind wood panels before. The gentlemen’s universe now also extends to ready-to-wear, in addition to leather goods, accessories and shoes; the first floor of the store, featuring the historic mezzanine, is dedicated to women’s ready-to-wear and shoes.

My look was colorful and bold: Linen coat by Delpozo, Corely cold-shoulder ribbed-knit midi dress by Roland Mouret, yellow, magenta, powder pink leather Rockstud tote and matching pink Rockstud heels, both by Valentino. Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and earrings with pearls and tiger heads by Gucci.

On my wrist: THE SILVER LOCKIT by Louis Vuitton
This fall, Louis Vuitton has launched a new version of its Silver Lockit with color bracelets (yellow, blue unicef, pink, purple and black) in effort to continue raising awareness and funds for Syrian children facing the world’s most challenging humanitarian crisis. For each sale of the Silver Lockit Bracelet, $100 will be donated to UNICEF. For more information, click here. A great gift for a loved one for Christmas!

As a treat for the guests of the opening, French illustrator Yohann Propin drew them in the most fun way you can imagine. Personally speaking, I loved watching him as he finished its illustration in no time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me outside of the store: © Céline Luetolf – all others © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos of the store: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

After this weekend’s summary about the 15 most important runway trends for S/S 2018, I thought you might enjoy a look also at the must-have accessories for next summer. The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season! Many things are here to stay or will even take it up a notch. Sneakers are trendier than ever and have taken center stage. The ugly shoe phenomenom explores new heights as seen at Balenciaga‘s collaboration with Crocs. And we can deny it no longer: the fanny pack is here to stay. Earrings and straw hats are bigger than ever and bags are most beautiful in an array of patterns.

S/S 2018 TREND 1: FANNY BAG
Givenchy – Balenciaga – Marc Jacobs

S/S 2018 TREND 2: STATEMENT STRAW HAT
Missoni – Giorgio Armani – Jacquemus

S/S 2018 TREND 3: CLEAR VISION
Tibi – Chanel – Valentino

S/S 2018 TREND 4: SURREALISTIC SUNGLASSES
Dolce & Gabbana – Prada – Gucci

S/S 2018 TREND 5: SNEAKERS RELOADED
Loewe – Louis Vuitton – Céline

S/S 2018 TREND 6: THE UGLY SHOE
Balenciaga – Christopher Kane – Miu Miu

S/S 2018 TREND 7: GLOVES
Olivier Theyskens – Calvin Klein 205W39NYC – Erdem

S/S 2018 TREND 8: BIG EARRINGS
Saint Laurent – Stella McCartney – Isabel Marant

S/S 2018 TREND 9: PATTERNED BAGS
Dior – Chloé – Prada

S/S 2018 TREND 10: SUMMER OVERKNEE BOOTS
Fendi – Balenciaga – Versace

Photos: Via Vogue.com