«Working with Les-Ottomans has been a dream project. I love the homeware products they make and was thrilled to be asked to collaborate.» – Matthew Williamson

Former fashion designer Matthew Williamson has joined forces with Les-Ottomans to design a collection of tableware. Launched last fall at Maison & Objet, the collection includes porcelain plates, trays and textiles, each drawing on motifs and designs of peacocks and moons, long associated with Matthew’s design DNA.

The six dinner plates are crafted from porcelain and printed in Portugal. They were inspired by jewellery worn by the Sultans from the Ottoman Empire and updated with a contemporary twist. Rich tones of blue Ikat are the perfect background for the hand drawn, encrusted jewel-like peacocks, moons and stars finished with a delicate gold trim.

Peacocks, Matthew’s signature, are carried through on the trays. The motifs were hand-painted by artisans in India onto serving plates and trays made of iron. The peacock feathers are strikingly rendered in bright, contrasting tones and finished with fine ikat-like brush strokes. Those plates double as fabulous wall decoration.

«Our worlds, references and tastes are similar and the collection that he designed for Les-Ottomans is, not only stunning, but contemporary in the re-interpretation of Les-Ottomans world.»
Bertrando Di Renzo, Founder, Les-Ottomans

Bringing the collection together are the textiles. Uniquely hand drawn and painted textiles have always been a central characteristic of the Matthew Williamson and the Les-Ottomans collection includes cushions, tablecloths and napkins created in a range of mix and match prints for a maximalist and contemporary approach to table dressing.

SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE ON MODA OPERANDI.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Matthew Williamson / Moda Operandi

Last Saturday, I was invited by a dear friend from Munich to a very special celebration, the Great Gatsby party, held at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jan-Cap-Ferrat, France. The decoration and the ambiance were divine. It is definitely one of the most beautiful villas on the Côte d’Azur, located between Nice and Monaco. The villa of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild is also a museum, a pleasant daytrip destination, that houses a rich fine and decorative arts collection in a Belle Époque Italian-style palazzo.

My look: Vintage nude silk dress with plissé by Ralph Lauren Black Collection, feather stole, satin evening bag with fake fur trim, choker and earrings, all by Dior, long pearl and feather necklace by Lanvin, t-bar spectator shoes by Yves Saint Laurent (S/S 2004), feather-embellished velvet headband by Prada, brooch (worn in my hair) by Matthew Williamson and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honor as you are asked to play an important role in your friend’s special day. Two years ago, one of my closest sweethearts asked me to be her bridesmaid. She was dreaming of this celebration for a long time and had a clear vision as she wanted all of us to wear a different pastel shade.

A rainbow of colors

So first, we divided the different hues among us bridesmaids and each of us got her own dress (fabulous idea – I hate these typical bridesmaid dresses in polyester that force you to wear something you would never ever touch otherwise). The only promise we had to give was to look for a flowing fabric like chiffon.

My look: Embellished pleated silk-chiffon gown by Matthew Williamson, laser-cut leather and suede platform sandals by Alaïa, diamond necklace and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

A true friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words and who carries you back to dinner when your Alaïa heels would be ruined otherwise… and I will always be a bridesmaid for her in my heart!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Jan Geerk/Kantlicht.ch

The first ever designer colouring book, perfect for fashion and colouring fans alike. From inspiration to reality, Matthew has selected from his collection of iconic prints and shares the inspiration, research sketches, and behind-the-scenes creation. Follow the journey of his idea, and then colour and create your own version with exclusive versions of Matthew Williamson prints for you to colour yourself.

Prints include the Butterfly Wheel, Peacock Heart and Pineapple Paisley. Matthew is signing the first 100 copies of the book for customers of our online boutique.

Matthew Williamson with me

If you get a chance, check out also Matthew’s first range of gift cards, notebooks and journals using prints from the brand’s 20-year history. To shop, click here please.

Such beautiful notebooks.

I love the wrapping papers. Pictured here the Peacock Heart print.

With Matthew Williamson in his London shop that has the most beautiful interior design.

You can shop the brand’s wallpapers that transform every room into something magical.

From wallpapers to dresses – discover the new fashion collections from Matthew Williamson by clicking HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Matthew Williamson and © Sandra Bauknecht

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

This weekend, the 11th Zurich Film Festival came to an end. I was invited by Etihad Airways to attend the Award Night at Zurich’s opera house, followed by a dinner and the after party. To honor my host of the night, I went for an oriental look combined with some vintage Chanel accessories that I got many years ago in Monaco. Red is always a great choice for an evening gown, are you RED-y or not?

© Adityans Photography

My look: Jewel-embellished stretch-crepe gown by Alexander McQueen, wide studded belt by Matthew Williamson, vintage clutch and earrings with eagle embellishments, both by Chanel, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and laser-cut leather and suede platform sandals by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images / Luca Teuchmann, © Getty Images/ Andreas Rentz, © Adityans Photography, © Zurichsee Connections, © Sandra Bauknecht

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

This summer, you should take inspiration from sportswear for your beach attire and spice it up with some tribal details. Just make sure that your approach is completely luxurious. I recommend straps wrapped around your waist and vibrant prints. Accessories such as sunglasses, hats or embellished hair slides take your day in the sand to the next level of style. Use some bronzer for a sun kissed glow and add texture to your beach waves. Below is your shopping list:

1 Wings printed jersey maxi dress by Matthew Williamson
2 Leopard-print bandeau bikini by Matthew Williamson
3 Cat eye filigree gold-tone sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana
4 Surf Bomb sea salt spray by Original & Mineral
5 Printed flip flops by Givenchy
6 Mesh bra top by Gucci
7 Gold-tone and tortoiseshell-effect hair slide by Dolce & Gabbana
8 Shell Shocked gold-tone clutch by Charlotte Olympia
9 Mesh-trimmed silk crepe de chine dress by Gucci 
10 Spotlight Groupie macramé-trimmed swimsuit by Eres
11 Number 7 cotton-terry beach towel by Karl Lagerfeld
12 Straw hat by Mulberry
13 Matte Radiance Baked Powder by Laura Mercier

LoL, Sandra

As you know, I was recently in Los Angeles with Piaget. It has been one of the best trips ever to my favorite city in the world. I have so many amazing impressions to show you. At the moment, I am working my way through the millions of photos. Here is a teaser post of the outfit I wore to the cocktail party Piaget hosted at the Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica.

My look: Blue bandage gown by Hervé Leger, Tribute sandals by Saint Laurent, embellished clutch with peacock feathers by Matthew Williamson, statement necklace by Lanvin, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

At the Piaget cocktail reception with Mousse Jacquier and Miss Switzerland 2005 Lauriane Gilliéron whom you might recognize from the recent Nespresso commercial with George Clooney and Matt Damon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Radiant Orchid, the color of 2014, belongs to one of my favourite shades since many years. It embodies everything I love and looks amazing on most skin tones. Moreover, purple hues complement green in perfection.

My look: Edith double-breasted wool coat, Oleg fluted stretch-cady dress, green cloche hat, all by Stella McCartney, embroidered bib necklace by Matthew Williamson, heels by Gucci and So Black Kelly bag by Hermès.

Today, I am on my way to Los Angeles with Piaget, stay tuned for some fun events…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht