On the S/S 2016 runways, oversized florals burst into full bloom. Large in scale, the blossoms have been seen in all ways, preferably on wide-leg pants and tops. Here you see me wearing the trend on a business trip in Bali last month. Comfortable and stylish in one.

My look: Jessie poppy-print top and Maude printed crepe de chine wide-leg pants, both by Stella McCartney, Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag and suede and metallic peep-toe sandals, both by Gucci, T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co,
pearl earrings by Chanel, diamond ring by Cartier, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“I want to become so famous that Damien Hirst’s mother knows me.”
– Jani Leinonen

The Baur au Lac garden is one of my favorite places in the city of Zurich. And at the moment there is an exhibition in the parc that you definitely should not be missing. Two weeks ago, Gigi Kracht, wife of hotel owner Andrea, opened her 14th Art in the Park (photos of the opening will be coming up shortly) that will be going until the 7th of August, 2016. This year, she is presenting the work of one of my favorite artists, Finnish shooting star, Jani Leinonen. The 38-year old plays with logos and symbols of the luxury goods industry in such an ironic way that it makes you think and laugh at once.

Let’s take for example the work “The most terrible things, war genocide and slavery, have resulted not from obedience, but from disobedience”. This outdoor installation reimagines boldly appropriated corporate logos of the globe’s most powerful brands to put emphasize on social injustice and corporate hegemony. I love Jani’s way of expressing himself. He is criticizing society with his colorful and fun art that makes you happy looking at it at the same time.

Jani presented me his book with a personal dedication (Would be a nice tattoo, wouldn’t it?).

Check out these previous posts that I wrote over the last years concerning Jani’s art: Fashion Meets Art (2010),  Jani Leinonen and a Fashionable Tombstone (2011), Shoe Liberation Army Takes Over (2012).

My look: Striped blazer by Givenchy, silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, superskinny mid-rise jeans by Victoria, Victoria Beckham, jacket quilted leather shoulder bag by Moschino, embellished leather mid-heel loafers by Gucci, beaded gold-tone rosary necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news, it is this time of the year: the sale has officially started and you can find amazing pieces that are marked down up to 50%. Below you can find my selection of my favorite 10 with a little explanation why I have chosen them.

Ruched knitted sweater by J.W.Anderson (40% off)
A great sweater for every day in a stunning colour combination.

Embroidered denim clutch by Marc Jacobs (30% off)
You will be the star at every 4th of July party.

Bandage mini dress by Hervé Léger (50% off)
A true classic in dark blue.

Embroidered wool-blend cardigan by Saint Laurent (30% off)
A fun cover-up for those rainy days and later for fall.

Suede knee boots by Gianvito Rossi (50% off)
Already an investment for the upcoming winter season.

Icon medium leather tote by Tom Ford (40% off)
If you get a Tom Ford bag on sale, you better do not hesitate.

Henrietta rabbit-fur felt hat by Maison Michel (30% off)
Couture millinery Maison Michel was founded in 1936 and is now owned by Chanel, do I need to explain more?

Embellished printed brocade pumps by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off)
With this discount, it feels good to add some color to your wardrobe.

Embellished bomber jacket by Saint Laurent (40% off)
A treasure from the runway.

Crystal embellished ring by Gucci (30% off)
Fashion jewelry by Gucci will stay a huge trend next season. This is an amazing opportunity to get it on sale.

I hope that I could inspire you a little… have fun shopping the sale!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

So extremely pretty. When I received the box with the press material, I was immediately taken by TOM FORD‘s new summer products.Unexpected. Sultry. Addictive. Remote private islands where summer lasts all year.
Tom Ford has a history of beautiful summery scents and this new addiction doesn’t disappoint as well. SOLEIL BLANC embodies everything you might be looking for in a scent for warm temperatures. It is an addictive solar flora amber fragrance, seductive, decadent and refreshing at once. It excludes the endless pursuit of sun. I was immediately drawn to it and can only recommend getting it, especially the Shimmering Body Oil.

SOLEIL BLANC

Top notes: Cardamom, Pink Peppercorn, Bergamot and Pistachio
Middle notes: Ylang Ylang, Egyptian Jasmine, Tuberose and Orpur™
Base notes: Amber, Tonka Bean and Coconut Milk

In stores now as Eau de Parfum Spray 50ml (CHF 250.00), 100ml (CHF 380.00) and Eau de Parfum Decanter 250ml (CHF 660.00)
Shimmering Body Oil 100ml (CHF 113.00)

When you are at the counter, check out the new make-up products as well. Especially the ones pictured.

Soleil Conturing Compact CHF 98.00
The Afternooner

Bronzing Powder (Large) CHF 93.00 and (Small) CHF 79.00
Available in three shades: Terra, Gold Dust and Bronze Age

Moisturecore Lip Color – CHF 65.00
Available in Scandola, Mustique, Otranto, Cala Di Volpe, Pipa and Carriacou

Ultra-Rich Lip Color – CHF 62.00
Available in Temptation Waits, Le Mèpris, Aphrodite, Solar Affair and Revolve Around Me

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

Give your wardrobe a new season update with a denim bag. An array of different choices is waiting for you. I am in love with those classics that are re-interpreted with embroidered butterflies or flowers. For a night out, denim clutches are perfect when you only want to carry your essentials.

1 Natalia medium leather-trimmed denim shoulder bag by Tom Ford
2 Monogramme medium denim shoulder bag by Saint Laurent
3 The Falabella mini embroidered denim shoulder bag by Stella McCartney
4 My Rockstud embroidered denim and textured-leather tote by Valentino (my favourite!)
5 The Pashli mini denim and textured-leather trapeze bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim
6 Milla denim clutch by Jimmy Choo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Oversized sweaters worn as dresses add a certain coolness to your look. I couldn’t resist Christopher Kane’s “Lovers’ lace” – entwining bodies in coral and cream lace, that are inspired by life drawing lessons. Worn on the F/W 2015 runway, this oversized style is woven from a luxurious blend of wool and cashmere guaranteed to keep me warm when the weather cools here in Zurich.

My look: Hooded camel-wool wrap coat with belt by Chloé, lace-paneled wool and cashmere-blend sweater dress by Christopher Kane, fringed checked cashmere scarf by Burberry Prorsum, leopard-print Boston tote by Céline, Rockstud leather-trimmed knee boots by Valentino and Linda round-frame acetate sunglasses by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here they are: the most important trends for the S/S 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. Let’s be honest, there is nothing really new, but that is the beauty of our century. Everything is possible!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2016 TREND 1: SWEET GIRLS
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dries Van Noten

S/S 2016 TREND 2: SLEEPWEAR
Balenciaga – Loewe – Alexander Wang

S/S 2016 TREND 3: ARM CANDY
Dior – Fendi – Céline

S/S 2016 TREND 4: OFF THE SHOULDER
Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

S/S 2016 TREND 5: ROMANTICISM
Alexander McQueen – Saint Laurent – Etro

S/S 2016 TREND 6: TRIBAL
Balmain – Prada – Valentino

S/S 2016 TREND 7: JUNGLE
Roberto Cavalli – Versace – Bottega Veneta

S/S 2016 TREND 8: TIE-DYE
Narciso Rodriguez – Altuzarra – Paco Rabanne

S/S 2016 TREND 9: FINE LINES
Salvatore Ferragamo – Stella McCartney – Tommy Hilfiger

S/S 2016 TREND 10: STARS & STRIPES
Lacoste – Marc Jacobs – Max Mara

S/S 2016 TREND 11: BOYISH OVERALLS
Louis Vuitton – Isabel Marant – Ralph Lauren Collection

S/S 2016 TREND 12: NEW DENIM
Derek Lam – Chloé – Chanel

S/S 2016 TREND 13: DISCO SPARKLE
Lanvin – Vetements – Nina Ricci

S/S 2016 TREND 14: SILVER
Victoria Beckham – Tom Ford – Courrèges

S/S 2016 TREND 15: TRANSPARENT EMOTIONS
Dolce & Gabbana – Emilio Pucci – Burberry Prorsum

Photos: Via Vogue.com

This cardigan has truly reinvigorated my wardrobe. It works perfectly day and night and it is a comfy way to wear sequins. I wore this outfit to the Hilfiger dinner that I posted about recently.

My look: Sequined polka dot cashmere cardigan and Janis suede platform pumps, both by Saint Laurent, white leather dress by Tom Ford, satin clutch and earrings, both by Prada, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Twenties stockings by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When I was in Los Angeles for the TOM FORD Ford F/W 2015 show, I was invited to visit the brand’s presentation of the upcoming beauty launches at the Sunset Tower hotel. The moment I entered the suite, my eyes were immediately drawn to two clutch bags placed above the fireplace.

This amazing piece of art is finished with a lipstick holder at one side and comes with the ‘Vanilla Suede‘ shade from the brand’s beauty collection (you can use every TOM FORD lipstick shade of course). It’s lined in leather and has a zipped pocket, so you can keep your essentials neatly organized inside. The concealable snake chain strap offers an alternative way to wear this elegant Italian-made piece.

Those clutches are highly limited and only available at selected retailers. Therefore I am so happy that a few are now available online. Just click on the highlighted links below to be transferred directly to the store. Those bags will literally be on everyone’s lips!

LoL, Sandra

Gold glitter-finished Plexiglas® clutch

Silver glitter-finished Plexiglas® clutch

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Tom Ford

As the London men’s collections came to a close, a fashion show with a difference took place. The master of ceremonies, Mister Tom Ford himself, presented his Fall/Winter 2015 Menswear collection at Howick Place. Like a trouper on stage, he took the microphone to explain his new looks that were shown in groups of extremely handsome male models.

Ford mixed in an interesting way sportswear and suits, by adding sneakers to the formal looks. Houndstooth and leather, dufflecoats and psychedelic patterns, all elements reminiscent of the ’60s signed off the younger attitude of this F/W 2015 collection.

Being a gentleman of taste and class, he knows how to strike a pose. His designs are admired by both, men and women. His manners seem so British, the Texan boy is rarely seen. When he entered the room to start his show, he spotted me wearing one of his key looks of the season. With a big smile, before greeting everyone, he said: «Nice dress!». He is witty, he is funny and so handsome.

In the evening, the trendy, exclusive «Chiltern Firehouse» was the site of Tom Ford’s celebration for his latest men’s fragrance, NOIR EXTREME. A stylish crowd, among them Lily Allen, Alexa Chung, David Gandy, came to experience his new scent.

«With NOIR EXTREME, Tom Ford aims to capture that exact moment when a man reaches extreme new heights: his sophistication becomes magnetic, transfixing the world at large.»
Being known for decadent and opulent ingredients, this deep woody oriental scent offers a base of amber-drenched accords that give rise to citrus notes of mandarin oil and neroli, adding heat from spiced cardamom and nutmeg. At the heart of the fragrance is the tantalizing Indian Kulfi—an accord inspired by the ancient royal concoction prepared for 16th century Mughal Emperors. This milky creation, which traditionally consists of Himalayan snow combined with hints of pistachio, is delivered unexpectedly into the core along with floral notes of rose absolute, jasmine and orange flower. Elegant sandalwood and a melting vanilla ember, enigmatically sustaining the masculine fire finish off Tom Ford’s new fragrance creation.

Wearing many hats and managing them all with perfection, fashion designer, movie director, model or master of his own fragrance empire, he himself seems like the perfect «Noir Man» in an extreme version, contemplating his own American dream. The one we all would like to live…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford and © Sandra Bauknecht