«Every trip is experienced three times: when you dream it, when you live it and when you remember it.»

Last week, I attended the FALCONERI show in Verona, which took place at the Calzedonia Headquarter. The group auditorium turned into a real airport for the event, transporting us – the audience – into the waiting atmosphere of the departure.

Amazing atmosphere before the show.

Front row with my German colleagues: Annette Weber and Viktoria Rader, both of Glamometer.

The music started and the models walked, some accompanied by dogs, next to treadmill baggage, suitcases trolleys and chairs reminiscent of a boarding situation. A beautiful journey through the new F/W 2018 color palette of the brand which goes from neutral beige and grey to colorful hues of pink, lilac, sky blue and turquoise. The collection is perfect for travelling and everyday life, comfortable but stylish, modest but luxurious. Perfect looks to fly to the destinations where FALCONERI is present today, such as Milan, Rome, Moscow, Athens, Munich, Vienna, Bern and now opening Lisbon.

The collection is divided in three parts:

• «Natural Performance» is dedicated to sportswear, as cashmere meets the active world.
• «Knitwear Lovers» is for the customer who is looking for warmth and softness in comfortable sweaters and coats to wear both, day and night.
• «Orient Express» celebrates Asian elegance by presenting coats and jackets with natural textures and kimonos in precious paisley fabrics. The most trending part of the collection.

On the men’s runway, there were lots of noble and sophisticated materials for sweaters and warm, enveloping jackets – a modern and dynamic look for today’s jet-setting connoisseur, a new concept of clothing created for all situations from daily commitment to leisure time.

Located in Avio, Trentino region, FALCONERI was acquired in 2009 by the Calzedonia Group. In 2013, the production has been brought back to Italy. Since 2014, thanks to the cutting-edge Shima Whole Garment technology, the brand can directly produce a complete item without seams.

For more information about FALCONERI, I invite you to visit the brand’s homepage.

After the show, lovely Elena Ciuprina sketched me in my FALCONERI outfit. What a beautiful and fun memory. Then, it was time to kiss and fly back home to Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Falconeri and © Sandra Bauknecht 

Burberry Prorsum were key in setting the blanket poncho trend for F/W 2014 and have left us spoilt for choice. I think these are a great alternative to a full-on coat. Wear yours thrown over the shoulder, as a coat or belted at the waist. These super-luxurious pieces are effortlessly chic and just perfect for when you need an impromptu cover-up should the weather suddenly become chilly in the evenings. The body-wrap rugs are designed with modern art references and are crafted in Scotland from lambswool and cashmere.

TO SHOP THE MUST-HAVE BURBERRY PRORSUM CAPES, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Cara Delevingne wore this checked wool and cashmere-blend cape as the closing look of Burberry Prorsum’s F/W 2014 runway – it cemented the global-luxe mood of the show. (The personalized version that has been spotted on many celebrities was only available right after the show until the beginning of March 2014 from the Burberry website.)

Don’t miss one of the hottest must-haves of the season!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Burberry Prorsum and Alex Huckle/FilmMagic

As we all know, fashion trends can be difficult to keep up with. In an industry where one color, fabric or print can be crazily hot one season and totally out the next, there’s no doubt that following is no easy task. Not to worry, I am here to help you looking chic all year long! Scroll through my forecast for what styles will be on everyone’s shopping list this F/W 2014 season.

Capes, ponchos, fur, feathers and shearling, the collections are all about wrapping up against the cold. Get ready to ward off Winter’s grip in khaki hues, Sixties prints and flashes of shining gold. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2014 TREND 1: SWEET SIXTIES
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dsquared²

F/W 2014 TREND 2: SUITS
Hermès – Christian Dior – Ralph Lauren Collection

F/W 2014 TREND 3: MILITARY KHAKI
Calvin Klein Collection – Isabel Marant – Balmain

F/W 2014 TREND 4: HEAD TO TOE KNITS
Stella McCartney – Céline – Marc Jacobs

F/W 2014 TREND 5: ARGYLE SWEATERS
Louis Vuitton – Maison Martin Margiela – Tommy Hilfiger

F/W 2014 TREND 6: FELINE
Carven – Givenchy – Sportmax

F/W 2014 TREND 7: OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
Matthew Williamson – Bottega Veneta – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2014 TREND 8: TEAM PLAYERS
Tom Ford – DKNY – Jeremy Scott

F/W 2014 TREND 9: SHEARLING
Anthony Vaccarello – Prada – Christopher Kane

F/W 2014 TREND 10: FANCY FURS
Versace – Emilio Pucci – Chloé

F/W 2014 TREND 11: PONCHOS
Roberto Cavalli – Burberry Prorsum – Etro

F/W 2014 TREND 12: CAPES
Dolce & Gabbana – Elie Saab – Valentino

F/W 2014 TREND 13: GOLDEN GIRLS
Just Cavalli – Saint Laurent – Moschino

F/W 2014 TREND 14: BIRDS
Emanuel Ungaro – Marni – Alberta Ferretti

F/W 2014 TREND 15: BLACK VELVET
Emporio Armani – Chanel – Nina Ricci

Photos: Via Style.com

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli are a dream team and their S/S 2014 collection for Valentino is a divine piece of art (You can still watch the video here).

Like last season, when I had been already overwhelmed by their designs, they showed craftsmanship, sophistication, elegance and beauty in their 72 (!) looks on the runway. After an impromptu visit to the Rome Opera workshops, the duo was compelled to create a glamourous and opulent repertoire. The collection is a journey admits elements borrowed from imaginary ethnic groups. Embroideries, lace, capes, ponchos, fringes, leather, veil-like dresses, take all part in this outstanding collection.

Combining ancestral austerity and sensual opulence, the designer duo has created an amazing and ever-changing look based on today’s modern woman that we will surely spot everywhere on the streets next summer!

Light Cuir Vachetta Medium Stamped

Great news is that you can PRE-ORDER THE AMAZING VALENTINO ACCESSORIES STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY for the next 5 days. I included the best ones in this post.
Happy pre-shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Gold Gryphon Miniaudiere

Black Vitello Fringe Ankle Boot

Light Emerald Patent Croc Scarab Finger Clutch

Black Rete Embroidered Bootie

Light Cuir Vitello Scarab And Gryphon Wrap Bracelet

Chocolate Vitello Gryphon Sandal

Rubin Studs Crown Hair Band

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

Net-à-porter UK has started the end of season sale with up to 50% off officially today.

I put a selection of great classic pieces for you together, all under £200. All of them are perfect investments, versatile basics that you cannot go wrong with. To be transferred directly, please just click on the highlighted text.

1 Crochet-knit wool-blend poncho by Missoni, £122.50 (was £250)

2 Cotton-twill shirt-style bodysuit by Tibi, £115 (was £230)

3 Cotton and modal-blend turtleneck top by Splendid, £30 (was £60)

4 Silk-satin trimmed jersey top by Miu Miu, £136.50 (was £195)

5 Camino metallic-knit sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs, £132 (was £220)

6 Satin-jersey wrap-effect dress by Halston Heritage, £175 (was £250)

7 Appliquéd wool cape by Emma Cook, £ 137.50 (was £275)

Below you find a selection of pieces that work day and night. All of them could be combined in different ways.

1 Moldave ruffled silk blouse by Paul & Joe, £147 (was £245)

2 Python platform pumps by Alexandre Birman, £145 (was £290)

3 Quinn leather envelope clutch by Michael Kors, £ 197.50 (was £395)

4 Silk-trimmed stretch-lace dress by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, £160 (was £320)

5 Chevron velvet and twill clutch by Marc by Marc Jacobs, £150 (was £250)

6 Python and suede ankle boots by Alexandre Birman, £170 (was £340)

7 Cropped jersey jacket by Alice by Temperley, £122.50 (was £245)

8 Stretch-bouclé pencil skirt by Vince, £ 119 (was £170)

Happy Shopping! Hurry, those pieces will sell out fast…

LoL, Sandra

Newly launched for F/W2011, Claudia Schiffer’s luxurious cashmere line perfectly encapsulates the legendary supermodel’s insouciant style. Schiffer sourced the finest fabrics for this collection of model must-haves – you’ll find everything from cozy cardigans in rich earth tones to slinky color-pop tube dresses.

The range will be manufactured, produced and distributed in partnership with luxury German 
cashmere label Iris von Arnim.

Available from today at www.net-à-porter.com.

LoL, Sandra