Capes appeared on the fashion radar last year in full force, when an array of designers put their high-fashion spin on this classic cover-up. Personally speaking, I have been a fan of capes since forever because they are the perfect pieces to wear over voluminous shoulders, big sleeves or embellishments. The trend is thankfully still going strong and giving us good incentive to go hands-free when we wrap up this season. My advice, opt for a statement piece that will make heads turn. It can be inspired by the current ’70s bourgeoisie trend, come with a military vibe, be vibrant or knitted. Here are my favorite ones available with the power to elevate even the plainest of outfits.
LoL, Sandra
Eureka double-breasted camel hair cape by Max Mara
Pleated cashmere cape by Loewe
Asymmetric leather cape by Saint Laurent
Two-tone wool-blend cape by Chloé
Button-embellished double-breasted wool and cashmere-blend cape by Balmain
Reversible wool and silk-blend cape by Gucci
Double-breasted scalloped houndstooth wool-blend bouclé cape by REDValentino
Long single-breasted wool cape by Prada
Leather-trimmed wool-blend cape by Burberry
Organza-trimmed wool and silk-blend crepe cape by Valentino
Wool-blend cape by Valentino
Embellished silk-crepe cape by Givenchy
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
Here is your green card for the next season. Military coats have been trending since quite a while but this winter they are making a full comeback. This time with the ultimate feminine touch.
1 Double-breasted appliquéd wool coat by Gucci
2 Wool-trimmed waxed-cotton coat by Miu Miu
3 Oversized shearling-trimmed cotton parka by Burberry
Opt for a jacket with a tailored waist, a belt or a ruffled peplum. Wear it with cropped pants and high heels to join fashion’s battalion.
Get the look: Wool-felt jacket by Alexander McQueen, one-shoulder cropped stretch-jersey top by Helmut Lang, cropped nubuck-paneled leather tapered pants by Chloé, suede pumps by Tom Ford and Ames leather-paneled suede shoulder bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim.
LoL, Sandra
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
A statement in khaki with strong military influences, the parka is back this winter. Lined with fur and extremely practical, it is truly fun to battle the elements in style this season.
My look: Cotton parka with fur trimmed hood by Saint Laurent, loose knit cardigan and striped velour tunic camisole, both by Rodarte, leather leggings by Gucci, fringed python bag by Chanel (Paris-Dallas collection), Janis embellished suede ankle boots by Saint Laurent, leopard-print scarf by Balmain, rose diamond necklace by Piaget, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Today’s photos were taken at the East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany. The probably largest and longest-lasting open air gallery in the world is actually an international memorial for freedom. With 1.3 km, it is the longest remaining part of the Berlin Wall, located near the city centre on Muehlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, next to the river Spree.
The East Side Gallery consists of 105 paintings by artists from all over the world, painted in 1990 on the east side of the Berlin Wall.
Inspired by yesterday’s post about Rihanna who’s sporting the military trend for our September 2014 cover of L’OFFICIEL Schweiz/Suisse, here is a gun salute to the revival of military chic fashion this fall. Therefore I went through my closet to look for my S/S 2010 Balmain pieces – the season when it had been up-to-date the last time.
My look: Military shirt and khaki tank top, both by Balmain (from the S/S 2010 collection, for the new F/W 2014 pieces, please click HERE), pants by Alexander McQueen (similar ones HERE), sneakers by Prada Sport, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring by Piaget, sunglasses by Valentino and Boy Bag with chains by Chanel.
LoL, Sandra
Hitchhiking with Chanel
One of the most impressive paintings at the East Side Gallery: Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing by Dmitri Vrubel.
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Own a piece of fashion history with McQ Alexander McQueen‘s debut runway collection, available for private order only for two more days. Sarah Burton‘s debut collection of sculptured dresses and refined military silhouettes is dramatic and darkly glamorous. Burgundy and green, the two must-have colours for the F/W 2012 season, will add a stylish touch to any wardrobe.
Until Wednesday, May 23rd, you as my readers have the chance to place a private order made especially for you at the Alexander McQueen atelier in Italy. These exquisite, limited edition pieces – that you can explore below – are available exclusively at NET-A-PORTER and will arrive in time for fall.
“A love story, a love of McQueen and a love of great British style — from military coats to overblown ball gowns,” the show notes explained.
To place your exclusive private order, please click here.
LoL, Sandra
With the fashion week craziness and all my travelling, I am a little behind posting as I have so much to show you. Thank God, it is all about F/W 2012, so that we have plenty of time to prepare us for this season.
During New York Fashion Week, I went also to the Tommy Hilfiger F/W 2012 Women’s Show. The location and the ambiance was the same as for the men’s show but instead of little tables with chairs, there were the typical fashion show rows to be able to host more people. Among the famous guests were Uma Thurman, Elisa Sednaoui, Petra Nemcova and the Courtin-Clarins sisters.
The Courtin-Clarins sisters looking for their seats.
From left to right: Sisters Jenna and Prisca and their cousins Virginie and Claire.
Model Petra Nemcova
Enjoing the show front row: Tommy Hilfiger’s wife Dee Ocleppo, Elisa Sednaoui and Uma Thurman.
TOWN AND COUNTRY
“The women’s collection is inspired by the preppy sporting life reconsidered with city sophistication. She is as much at ease at the hunt club as she is on Park Avenue. Championing classic looks with a modern spirit, versatility is key with A-line, mod shapes in rich colours and fabrics.”
Coats are the season’s must-have. Pea coats and trench coats are renewed in printed shearling, bonded leather and Melton wool with a nod to a 60s military influence (as seen earlier at the men’s show). Menswear patterns are reinterpreted in silk dresses with riding and cable knit prints and pleated backs. Heritage colours – Burgundy, Midnight Navy and Caramel, carry throughout, as do penny loafer inspired riding boots.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger, © Sandra Bauknecht
The last days that I spent with the Gucci crowd were amazing. I have so much to show you and I am still far behind with my New York adventures…
This was my outfit that I wore to the Gucci F/W 2012 show. It was quite difficult to pick something as we had to go straight after to the train station leaving for Florence. I am completely in love with the colour combination of emerald, blue and red. Isn’t it so chic?!
Midnight blue long military-style coat, red belted dress, emerald fur stole and shoes, all by Gucci, ring Diorette by Dior Haute Joiallerie and blue Boston python bag by Céline.
LoL, Sandra
Photo: Courtesy of Snappylifestyle
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
My Gucci adventure started on Wednesday with the F/W 2012 show in Milan. Just one word. Amazing! Frida Giannini created a dark glamour, opulent looks that were sensual and sophisticated at once, recalling the Victorian era mixed with a certain vampire allure. She even used masculine accents such as oversized shoulders and military-style coats and capes. Her very dark vision might be a welcome change after all the vibrant colour-blocking of the last seasons.
„This is modern-day romanticism. A dramatic sensuality, a dark glamour. With subtle tones of provocative intellect.“
– Frida Giannini
The materials were rich. Opulent brocade, devoré velvet and floral prints on jacquard fabrics plus beautiful 3-D embroideries on the long flowing evening gowns. Exotic animal prints on silk looked great on the runway. My favourite were the pieces that were made completely out of beautiful shimmering dark green feathers.
Colours are dark, black paired with green in different shades, plum tones and burgundy.
The accessories had a lot of equestrian references. The new Stirrup bag, roomy as well as classy, has a revisited metallic spur closure (mark it on your F/W 2012 wish list, a season’s must).
Footwear is either flat (those crocodile boots, OMG!) and masculine or slipper-like with a sharp high heel.
I am a big Gucci fan and this collection has just made me love it even a little bit more…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Gucci
I am so busy here in NYC that I barely have time to post. During the last days, I saw many beautiful shows. So please stay tuned for many photos to follow.
Let me get you started with the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 show that took place inside the Park Avenue Armory. An amazing set that was surely high-budget was waiting for the fashion crowd. In the little park complete with trees surrounded by a brick-style runway were little tables with chairs.
It wouldn’t be Tommy if there weren’t celebrities. (Remember the last season when I met Ed Westwick and James Marsden, for the previous post, please click here).
This time, it was sexy actor Bradley Cooper (I am not sure about his moustache) and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz that were sitting front row. Please click here for a photo of Bradley and me together at the show, in case you haven’t seen it yet.
The main inspiration for the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 collection „CADET ACADEMY“ was obviously the military. Its theme ran through nearly every piece, from four stripes at the wrist cuffs of coats to peacoats with chain embroidery. Reminiscent of West Point, the models walked the runway in lots of leather pieces, in rich tones of burgundy, midnight navy and forest green. Pants tucked into boots and suiting for every occassion gave an interesting twist to the collection. Below you can see some of my favourite looks:
„It is inspired by the lifestyle of a young cadet whose uniforms range from military prep to the sporting life, all infused with hints of rock influence. His academy look is sophisticated in its modernity, a touch rebellious but still buttoned up. The hybridization of his pursuits creates a youthful take on classic traditions, reinforcing that functionality and spirit coexist.“
– Tommy Hilfiger
I loved the collection and Tommy’s red socks… and you?
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
