Today, I would like to wish you with all my heart a wonderful Christmas Eve. Despite all different traditions, some of you might not be celebrating this Christian celebration, others might unwrap their gifts tomorrow, some of us, like me, tonight. Nevertheless, what we all have in common is love and this is what I am wishing you, a night surrounded by the ones you love.
As I adore the magic of this time of the year, I attached some photos of different designer installations to get you in the right mood. Enjoy!
London’s famous hotel Claridge’sannual Christmas tree has been designed by long time guests and friends, designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
(Do you remember the trees in 2009 and 2010 by John Galliano?!)
This amazing installation depicts iconic elements from a traditional Christmas tree reinterpreted with Sicilian elements that draw on the Italian heritage of the designers: hand-crafted Sicilian puppets known as ‘pupi’, hand-painted Italian festive glass baubles and a bespoke multi-coloured ‘luminarie’ framework created in southern Italy.
This Christmas in London, on the streets of Old Bond Street and Sloane Square, Tiffany & Co. has been going back in time with horse-drawn carriages, loaded with small blue Tiffany boxes, which reiterates its message that “The Perfect Christmas Comes Wrapped in Blue.”
And of course, this message is spread around the world with the house’s global shopping window displays.
In Paris, Prada gave French department store Printemps holiday windows with a high-fashion touch. The display, entitled “A Joyful Obsession,” is a colorful creation that is classically Christmas with visual elements inspired by the Italian brand. As part of the collaboration, Prada designed an exclusive collection with apparel, handbags, accessories and footwear.
Here comes my favorite tree installation that can be found in front of the Palace of Arts inBudapest. Made out of 365 wooden sleighs, the 11-meter-tall tree is a sustainable design endeavor which channels the true spirit of Christmas.
After the end of the holiday season, it will be dismantled and the sleighs will be donated to kids living in the SOS Children’s Village homes in Hungary.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Claridge’s, Inhabitant
Last month, during those last days of summer, I had the chance to shoot this fun project with Tiffany & Co. for their new Atlas collection. The beautiful Baur au Lac Hotel in Zurich was the perfect backdrop to showcase this infinity jewelry.
My look: Dotted silk shirt and dress, both by Prada, pumps in pale pink cracked leather by Miu Miu, Lady Dior bag by Christian Dior, cat eye embellished mirrored acetate sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, all jewelry pieces in white gold and watch by Tiffany & Co..
This outfit that I wore to the Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2014 show in NYC created a huge buzz among the street style photographers as you can see at the end of this post.
My look: Teleport raffia double layer dress by Mary Katrantzou, green suede sandals and Rasoir sunglasses by Miu Miu, Bamboo leather shopper toteby Gucci, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Atlas silver bangles by Tiffany & Co., Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.
Some of you might remember this dress as I wore it to theMCM store opening in Zurich last May. It has been one of my favourite looks this summer and I loved changing the accessories for it. When I wore it during New York Fashion Week to the Ralph Lauren Collection S/S 2014 show, it created a huge buzz among the street style photographers as you can see below and even Stefano Gabbana in person twittered and liked it on Instagram. What an honor for a Dolce & Gabbana lover like me!
My look: Printed crepe dress by Dolce & Gabbana, green suede sandals and Rasoir sunglasses by Miu Miu, Bamboo leather shopper toteby Gucci, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Atlas silver bangles by Tiffany & Co., Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.
Yesterday, Saturday, 12 o’clock in the “Schottenhamel” beer tent: By tapping the first barrel of beer and saying into the microphone “O’zapft is!” (which means: “It is tapped!”), Munich’s mayor, Christian Ude started the 180th Oktoberfest. My avid readers know, I love the Bavarian city and its “Wiesn” – this is how the locals are calling their annual party, after the colloquial name of the fairgrounds (Theresienwiese) themselves.
The fashionable crowd started a little earlier in the morning and followed the invitation of Gitta Gräfin Lambsdorff and Alexandra Freifrau von Wangenheim to the famous legendary Breakfast at Tiffany’s, from which guests were transported around 11.30am to the Oktoberfest directly. This is the place to be!
An exceptional investment for your Wiesn outfit infiltrated with legendary charm, Lanz contrasts rich tradition with cosmopolitan elegance. Every woman looks good in a dirndl! Dirndl by Lanz, exclusively available at mytheresa.com
As it can get a little chilly at night, it might be a good idea to bring a fancy cardigan with you. Oktoberfest jacket ‘Odelia’ by Iris von Arnim, exclusively availableonline and in the German flagship stores in Munich and Sylt.
€ 1095.00
Adored by the fashion elite, French designer Olympia Le-Tan‘s artisanal collection showcases beautiful hand embroidery and eye-catching designs. Shop the clutch bags by Olympia Le-Tan here.
To celebrate the 180th Oktoberfest, Jimmy Choo has launched a limited edition collection that is exclusively available in the German flagship stores in Munich and Frankfurt. Pumps ‘Bavaria’ by Jimmy Choo
€ 695.00
In collaboration Milka, designer Lola Paltinger (for a previous post about her, please click here), has created some amazing outfits for the Oktoberfest season all in the famous chocolate brand’s iconic purple colour. You can shop the looks exclusively at the Milka Welt at Schrannenhalle in Munich and online at Lodenfrey. My absolute favourites this season!
And last but not least, even that you are not allowed to smoke in the beer tents, I am sure that you would like to light a fire in style! The small size (55 x 31 x 12 mm) lets it easily fit in your pockets or clutch. S.T.Dupont MiniJet Dallmayr No. 1 Oktoberfest-Edition
€ 109.00
Don’t forget to have some traditional Bavarian delicacies such as Obatzda (a spiced cheese-butter spread), Weisswurst (a white sausage) and Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock).
It’s easy to forget in the daily madness of Fashion Week that New York is about more than fashion. But the party never stops in the city that never sleeps. So to kick off the S/S 2014 season, many amazing events took place. Here is one ordinary Tuesday night to give you an idea how busy it can get but of course how much fun it is at the same time. I still enjoy those days and nights very much and couldn’t agree more with Holly Golightly in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” : “I’ll never get used to anything. Anybody that does, they might as well be dead.” Speaking of which…
The evening started with a cocktail hosted by bloggers to celebrate the new Atlas collection at Tiffany & Co.’s famous flagship store on Fifth Avenue, which has been a magnet for the famous and fashionable. I mean who can resist those diamonds sparkling from streamlined showcases that surround pedestals of granite and burl wood. A place where dreams come true…
Around 7.30 pm, I was heading down to 37th street in the dynamic, up-and-coming Midtown West Hudson Yards neighborhood to see the Narciso Rodriguez S/S 2014 runway show in an intimate surrounding. A study in minimalism, those clean cuts and feminine chiffon fabrics showed that sex appeal doesn’t need much.
Next stop: 711 Greenwich Street. The Stephan Weiss Studio with their spacious, two-level event space were the perfect location to host the launch party for Dom Pérignon’s new collaboration with famous artist Jeff Koons (photo with me below). A detailed post will be coming up shortly.
One thing is always missing at those events, food! So very late at night, I went with a friend to Buddakan to finally eat dinner…
Last Tuesday morning during New York Fashion Week, I started the day off with a head to toe look from Tory Burch to see her S/S 2014 show (post coming up soon). This amazing print along with the neutral bag is an iconic Tory look, something so beautiful that could easily work for a business meeting, to run around after the kids or to go out at night.
My look:Jade silk tunic with matching skirt, frame bag, all by Tory Burch and suede shoes by Gucci, Hapi leather barcelet by Hermès, Atlas sterling silver bangles by Tiffany & Co. and rose ring by Piaget.
Today has been such a busy day and I have barely had time to blog. So, I thought to keep you posted, you might enjoy one of the outfits I wore today.
My look: Printed silk jumpsuit, matching satin sandals, transparent belt, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Bamboo shopper leather toteby Gucci, Limelight Gala watch, diamond rose necklace and ring, all by Piaget, Atlas sterling silver bangles by Tiffany & Co. and Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès.
Get ready to add more jewelry pieces to your Tiffany & Co. wish list. Trendsetter and fashionista Olivia Palermo couldn’t resist the little turquoise box neither and sports the new Atlas collection already on her wrist.
The new line offers all the power and magnetism that made this celebrated design a fashion icon. Introduced in 1995, the collection is named for the mythic Greek god who holds aloft an enormous globe – an apt symbol for a collection that makes an impact around the world. The Atlas collection explores the raised Roman numerals of its archetype, the Atlas watch that was launched in 1983 and that was granted a rare U.S. patent for its originality.
The latest options continue the evolution of Atlas, with its classical Roman numerals styled in jewelry that is eternally modern, chic and sophisticated.
The clean-cut numerals assert their timeless beauty in the prime asset to own now: an Atlas bangle of spirited versatility. Tiffany circles the numbers in cutouts of 18 karat yellow, pink or white gold, defining style in lean, confident strides. Bordered with sparkling diamonds, this major design statement makes for bold band rings, as well, circled with diamonds or shaped in smooth, polished metal.
Other options that figure prominently include narrow bracelets with fine chains that drape the wrist and a great open medallion in gleaming sterling silver. Altogether the jewelry generates a sensuous play of light that casts a luster over dressing day and night.
Every variation on the theme shines with a chic sophistication that is the essence of Tiffany. Definitively American in its bold simplicity, Atlas embodies the strength of the brand, and of the stylish women who wear it all over the world. A true fashion statement of its own…
The Tiffany Atlas jewelry collection is available now at Tiffany & Co. locations worldwide.
Last night, the premiere of THE GREAT GATSBY marked the official opening of the 66th Cannes Film Festival with such fanfare Jay Gatsby would be proud. Unfortunately, I couldn’t accept the exclusive invite to attend this amazing event (Remember last year?) because of another ongoing project but great news is that I will be flying to Cannes next week to live once more this gorgeous red carpet feeling with Chopard.
It’s definitely one of the biggest movies of 2013, directed by Baz Luhrmann. The film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s famous The Great Gatsby stars Leonardo DiCaprio as 1920s millionaire Jay Gatsby in the part that Robert Redford portrayed in the 1974 version of the film. The 2013 edition is narrated by Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) and Carey Mulligan plays Gatsby’s obsession Daisy Buchanan, along with Joel Edgerton as her husband.
THE STORY
„The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without of the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.
The new blockbuster is the perfect example that there is ongoing dialogue within the worlds of fashion, art, film and architecture. The lavish throwback to the “Roaring Twenties” has already been a huge trend for S/S 2012 (for the previous post please click here).
Harrods in London has taken inspiration from the new adaptation with a 1920s jazz-themed cocktail bar to celebrate the release of movie. At the famous department store, you can also shop ‘The Twenties’ return with a roar, as fringing and Art-Deco detailing add edge to architectural shapes. As Gatsby fever hits our screens with its champagne towers and shimmering wardrobe, has there ever been a better time to celebrate the beginning of the summer season?
Keeping this in mind, it is time to take a closer look at the magnificent costumes and jewels in Luhrmann’s film adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic.
Total pairs of stockings/pantyhose/garterbelts from Fogal: 1,080 Total number of Prada party dresses: 40 Total number of crystals provided by Swarovski: 288,000 Most number of hair and make-up applications on any one day, for party scenes: 76 Total items of men’s formalwear and daywear produced for background talent by Brooks Bros.: 2,291
TIFFANY & CO.
Tiffany & Co., who counted F. Scott Fitzgerald himself amongst its clientele, was responsible for the spectacular jewels in the film. The cinematic collection is inspired by pieces from the brand’s archive, genuine products of the creative prosperity of the 1920s which have also inspired a new Gatsby-esque line for Tiffany & Co., the recently launched Ziegfeld range.
The Great Gatsby Savoy Headpiece Tiffany designers crafted a magnificent headpiece in platinum for The Great Gatsby, bringing Daisy Buchanan to life. It features a detachable brooch, freshwater cultured pearls, 3.6-6.9 mm and round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight 25.04. $200,000
PRADA
Miuccia Prada was behind the flappers dresses and ballgowns for the cast. The Italian designer teamed up with costume designer Catherine Martin to create a bespoke collection of 40 Roaring Twenties-style pieces, inspired by selected runway looks from the last 20 years. The glittering re-imagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s jazz-age classic stars. In the film the costumes take a leading role: shimmering silk gowns embroidered with crystal and sequins; velvets, furs and dancing fringing; flickering shades of emerald, jade, topaz and gold.
“Our collaboration with Prada recalls the European flair that was emerging amongst the aristocratic East Coast crowds in the 1920s” says Martin. “The fashions of the time saw the development of a dichotomy between those who aspired to the privileged, Ivy League look of wealthy Long Island and those who were aspiring to European glamour, sophistication and decadence. Our collaborations with Prada reflect the collision of these two aesthetics.”
The beautiful costumes will be on display in New York, Tokyo and Shanghai:
May 1 – 12, 2013 at the Prada New York Epicenter at 575 Broadway in New York City.
June 14 – 30, 2013 at the Prada Tokyo Epicenter store and following until mid-July at the IFC Mall in Shanghai.
FOGAL
I am in love with Fogal‘s limited edition hosiery collection made exclusively for The Great Gatsby movie. This pure 20’s glamour is now available in all Fogal stores.
Excited to see Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire in The Great Gatsby? I am inviting you to join today’s contest where you can win four amazing movie-inspired giveaways. A tee, a perfume bottle, a book mark and the movie tie-in book.
This contest is open to everyone. To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “The Great Gatsby” to . All entries must be received until May 25, 2013. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.
The Great Gatsby hits theatres today in Switzerland. Check out the trailer below!
