Apple Watch Hermès – New Colors for Spring

Around 18months ago, the first Apple Watch Hermès hit the shelves. Now for Spring 2017, it presents itself with a new collection of bands in 3 different colours:

• 38 mm Double Tour in Bleu Zéphyr Epsom calfskin

 • 42 mm Single Tour in Lime Epsom calfskin


• 42 mm Single Tour in Colvert Swift calfskin

The collection now features a new model that pairs Apple Watch with the 38 mm Double Buckle Cuff in Fauve Barénia calfskin and includes an exclusive Hermès Sport Band in signature orange.

Availability
• New Apple Watch Hermès and Apple Watch Hermès bands are available to order on apple.com and hermes.com beginning today in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, UK and USA, a well as in select Apple and Hermès stores, select specialty stores and department stores.
• New Apple Watch Hermès models and bands will be available at Apple Galaxy Macau and at Hermès in Taipei Bellavita in late March.

Pricing
Single Tour is $339 (US) – €349
Double Tour is $489 (US) – €499
Double Buckle Cuff is $689 (US) – €749

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, © Jonas Lindstroem/Hermès

Eden Rock St Barths – Eden Being

My avid readers know how much I am in love with St. Barths. It is truly my favorite place for beach holidays as it combines both, the beauty of the Caribbean with the allure of the South of France – but without being so pretentious as St. Tropez can be from time to time.

My view of the EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS when landing on the island last month.

When I am going, I like to rent a house with my friends. But undoubtably besides that, there is not a better place to stay on the island than the EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS, which is ‘beyond perfect’.

Impeccable attention to detail, the hallmark of Oetker Collection hotels, creativity and sheer art de vivre, make it one of the most desirable resorts in the world for the travelling elite. And the location is stunning, perched on a rocky promontory that sheers the white sands of St Jean Bay in two; there is nowhere to match EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS for luxurious relaxation and play.

Impressions of the beach-side VILLA ROCKSTAR – a huge, ultraluxe, multi-faceted house which is being described as resembling ‘a hundred million dollar yacht on land.’

Rooms, suites and villas are steps away from the ocean and all are individually decorated in the unique style of owners David and Jane Matthews.
Live the island dream: relax in the sun or participate in water sports on the fully serviced beach; make music in VILLA ROCKSTAR’s recording studio or be a fashion icon in the ROCKSHOP boutique… and if you are staying somewhere else, please at least enjoy a drink at the Rock Bar or a delicious dinner at the On the Rocks restaurant with its exceptional setting on the top of the Eden Rock, with unforgettable views over St Jean Bay.

Dining at the On the Rocks restaurant with a spectacular view.

Both spots are places of choice to meet and mingle with adventurous and discerning connoisseurs and of course to run into many celebrities.

David Matthews with me

At star of its own is the owner David Matthews, whom I met for drinks at the famous Rock Bar to discuss a very special collaboration which I proudly announce today in this post further down. But before that, I would like to tell you a little bit more about this adventurer and true visionary who arrived on the island of St. Barths with his wife Jane and their four children in September 1995.

Hotel on the rocks

The family had purchased Eden Rock from legendary island aviator and local adventurer Rémy de Haenen, moving the family from London to the Caribbean to start a new more adventurous life. Wishes were granted two days after moving into the rundown buildings of Eden Rock when the powerful category four Hurricane Luis struck the island. While the storm raged the family was occasionally driven to seek shelter under the concrete sinks in the old kitchen, whilst reinforcing the old doors and windows using anything from bed frames to their recently arrived suitcases.

EDEN ROC – ST BARTHS beach facilities

Twenty years later, and transformed over that time by the Matthews family, EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS continues to flourish and is regularly voted amongst the Top 100 hotels worldwide. The family puts this down to passion, hard work by a dedicated, loyal team and a good dose of luck too.

Family values remain at the heart of EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS and this spirit is further strengthened by the recent partnership made with Oetker Collection who offers the greatest guest experiences at iconic masterpiece hotels around the world. David Matthews says: «It was pure luck that I met Frank Marrenbach, CEO Oetker Collection, three years ago. Now we are partners and work with the same passion to keep the very essence of this beautiful space.»

The ROCKSHOP boutique

David Matthews is very charismatic man and could have listened to him for hours but I wanted to quickly pass by the hotel’s ROCKSHOP boutique which is part of EDEN BEING, the new lifestyle and luxury retail brand from the Oetker Collection with physical boutiques in most of the resorts as well as now an online store. The idea behind this new venture is about capturing memories of your travels with a range of bespoke items and exquisite products, all carefully curated and inspired by the famous hotels.

Match made in heaven: a curated selection of CHLOÉ is also available at EDEN BEING.

Hand-painted backgammon board exclusively made for EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS by Alexandra Llewellyn.

A commited custodian of the artisan, EDEN BEING supports craftsmen local to the Oetker Collection hotels. From watchmakers to sculptors the talented artisans produce pieces of singular beauty to capture memories gathered on your travels. And I am very proud to be a new ambassador for this beautiful lifestyle brand.

My beautiful new cuff by ADELINE GERMAIN for EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS.

Before David took off with his Harley like a rock star himself, he gifted me with this special edition seven seas cuff by ADELINE GERMAIN that also can be found at Rockshop boutique. It is crafted with 7 rows of silver plated brass with eel and salmon leather representing the 7 world’s oceans. Lucky me to be taking a piece of paradise home!

The legendary Matthews family

His next venture? His son’s wedding in May. And guess who is going to be his daughter-in-law? No other than beautiful Pippa Middleton. A legend hotel and a legendary family!

And I am very proud to be now an EDEN girl as well…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of EDEN ROC – ST BARTHS 
© Sandra Bauknecht

S/S 2017: Slip-On Sandals

Casual days at the pool, comfy evenings at home, today I would like to present you the most exquisite versions of the basic slip-on sandals.

Embellished slip-on sandals by Chloé
2 Ode embellished slip-on sandals by Fendi
3 Slidy Viv leather slip-on sandals by Roger Vivier
Kerenn flat shearling mule by Chloé
Egg shearling and mink fur slip-on sandals by Anya Hindmarch
6 Velvet slides by Dolce & Gabbana
Beth slip-on sandals by Ganni
Isle Slide embellished slip-on sandals by Tory Burch
9 Printed slides by Givenchy
10 Embellished slip-on sandals by Fendi

Aren’t those Dolce & Gabbana velvet hotel slides hilarious? A funny sense of humor…

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

In Love with the Fendi S/S 2017 Collection

«Techno Rococo – Airy Spring Confections from Fendi», that was the title for the brand’s S/S 2017 show. When a collection is designed by Karl Lagerfeld, you can always count on perfection. For the Italian house, he mixed references of the 18th century with athletic details that would not only appeal directly to very cool Japanese girls but to every fashion lover around the globe.

Just have a look at this hybrid of boots and socks that is so stunning for me. Moreover, the bags are also too die for. Laced, embellished, flower embroidery, heavily accessorized, everything is intensely, gloriously spring-like that screams MUST-HAVE!

Here are my favorites:

Floral-embroidered striped-heel sock boots


iconDouble Micro Baguette leather shoulder bag

Kan I striped-leather shoulder bag, Strap You circle-appliqué bag strap iconand Witches fur bag charm

Stretch-knit ankle boots

Kan I leather shoulder bag iconand Strap You ribbon-whipstitched leather bag strap
iconPeekaboo mini whipstitched embroidered python shoulder bag

Isn’t one more beautiful than the other? I am so in love with these pieces…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

International Day of Pink Is Coming Up

The 12th of April marks the International Day of Pink this year, it is always held on the second Wednesday of April. Take a stand against discrimination and bullying with the season’s hottest shade. Seen all the runways (in a myriad of shades) for both, spring and fall you’ve no good reason not to get on board.

Get the look (in the collage): Off-the-shoulder Chantilly lace gownicon by Giambattista Valli, Word Image appliquéd cotton-faille clutchicon by Olympia Le-Tan and bow-embellished satin wedge sandalsicon by Prada.

SHOP ALSO A GREAT SELECTION OF PINK ITEMS AT MODA OPERANDI HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

My Look: One-Shoulder Dress

I always like to explore new designers. One that has caught my eye is Esteban Cortazar who is inspired by his formative years in Miami’s South Beach in the ‘90s, as well as his time working alongside couture seamstresses as Emanuel Ungaro’s Creative Director. “It is a very personal vision; one that empowers women by making them feel beautiful,” he says of his collections.

My look: Asymmetric one-shoulder ribbed stretch-knit dress and ruffled cotton-trimmed ribbed stretch-knit leggings, both by Esteban Cortazar, Elephant striped leather shoulder bag by Loewe, goat hair-trimmed leather pumps by Guccismiley emoji black pearl crystal long necklace, carved pearls necklace and wide cuff, all by Chanel.
icon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

LG Styler – A Dry Cleaner for Your Home

Here is an addition to your closet with which your life will never be quite the same without: the LG Styler. The new, slim-design system offers a convenient way to freshen up hard-to-maintain clothes that you bring in general to the dry cleaner (which costs a fortune… doesn’t it always feel as you have to buy your clothes back?!).

Have a look at what the LG Styler can do for you:

REFRESH

Revitalize your finest garments with the gentle power of steam. Just the press of a button will have your clothes looking fresh and ready to go when you are. It improves also smell of your clothes, a great feature for smokers, that are tired of running to the dry cleaner all the time. 

SANITIZE

Easily sanitize fabrics and items that are difficult or impossible to wash using 100% water with no  chemical additives. (It is even verified to sterilize 99.9% of E.coli and S.epidermidis and has been tested for reduction in exposure to house dust mite allergen.)

GENTLE DRY

Dry fragile garments without worrying about shrinkage or damage.

PANTS PRESS

The LG Styler not only helps steams away wrinkles but can also create pant creases, as well as keep them crisp.

In Switzerland the LG Styler is available at Kaufsignal.ch for CHF 2999.- (instead of CHF 3999.-).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LG Styler and via The Coveteur

My Look: Hello from Lugano

Hello from Lugano that is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland for me. Ticino’s lush, mountain-rimmed lake isn’t its only worth visiting asset. Walking along the flowery promenade on a sunny day is absolutely stunning and the perfect backdrop for a wonderful meeting. Here you can feel how close Italy is…

My look: Embellished striped wool and linen-blend and leather bomber jacket and Paris ankle bootsicon, both by Saint Laurentjacquard-knit mini dress by Alexander McQueenJoyce embellished leather shoulder bag by Loewegrosgrain bow brooch iconand aviator-style metal sunglasses, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades

Louis Vuitton enriches its collection with 10 new items Objets Nomades that will be presented during Salone del Mobile in Milan from April 4th to 9th 2017.

Created in 2012, the Objets Nomades collection keeps alive Louis Vuitton’s long tradition of beautifully crafted travel objects. Some of the world’s most renowned designers have since imagined stunning travel-inspired Objets, which have then been made by Louis Vuitton. This year, two new designers have joined the collection: India Mahdavi and Tokujin Yoshioka.

Design is about giving function a form.”
India Mahdavi

I always try to invent something beyond forms.”
​ Tokujin Yoshioka

Bed trunk for explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza

The limited editions and experimental prototypes that make up the Objets Nomades collection all pay homage to the House’s special orders of the past – such as the iconic Bed Trunk produced in 1874 for French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza – and add the defiantly contemporary visions of creative designers from around the world: Atelier Oï, Maarten Baas, Barber and Osgerby, the Campana Brothers, Damien Langlois-Meurinne, Nendo, Gwenaël Nicolas, Raw Edges, Patricia Urquiola, Marcel Wanders, and, most recently, India Mahdavi and Tokujin Yoshioka.

Hammock by Atelier Oï

Today, there are 25 Objets Nomades, from a hammock to a deckchair, a swing chair to a foldable stool. Each project has been an opportunity for the designers and Louis Vuitton’s creative artisans to combine their savoir-faire to interpret the idea of travel in their own imaginative ways. Each Objet embodies their shared ideals: a love of the beauty of fine materials, the possibility of forms and carefully balanced proportions, complex and meticulous craftsmanship, and close attention to detail.

These values are clearly present in the 10 Objets Nomades recently added to the collection,

such as the Campana Brothers’ playful sofa, inspired by clouds and the shell Botticelli painted for Venus;

Atelier Oï’s stunning chair, with its repurposed straps resembling leather belts;

Marcel Wanders’ modern, richly malletage-leather rocking chair;

India Mahdavi’s talisman-inspired nomade side table with its remarkable leather marquetry;

and Tokujin Yoshioka‘s blossom stool, that has been inspired by the idea from the motif of quarto foil, a stool with natural structure that symbolizes the Louis Vuitton Monograms of petals.

Some more of the 10 newly added Objets Nomades.

 ​Over 160 years after Louis Vuitton began exploring new territories and ideas of travel, the Objets Nomades collection can be seen as proof that the House has lost none of its sense of adventure.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Must-Haves: Balenciaga’s Knife Boots

At the top of everyone’s must-have list: ultra-wearable leg-lengthening boots. Spotted on Balenciaga’s S/S 2017 runway were incredible boots in fabric that everyone liked but thought those are impossible to pull off. Inspired by 80’s sportswear and fetishism, this spandex footwear, that is shiny and stretchable with a thin heel and no zip at all, is available in three versions: as a hybrid of pants and boots (so-called Cosmetic Pantashoes available on the Balenciaga homepage, but extremely difficult to wear), as over-the-knee boots and as overly cute ankle booties.

Balenciaga S/S 2017

Fact is that during Paris Fashion Week, street style stars were obssesing over Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga Knife over-the-knee boots. Have a look at all the must-have models that are available now (just click on the highlighted link below to be transferred directly to the shop).

Knife over-the-knee boots in purple

iconKnife point-toe floral-print ankle boots

iconKnife over-the-knee boots in beige

Knife point-toe over-the-knee boots in pink

And great news is that those boots are here to stay as they were seen on Balenciaga’s F/W 2017 runway again!

Balenciaga F/W 2017

I am in love with them… stay tuned how I style them and first of all, which color I got for myself!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: via Harper’s Bazaar, @WhoWhatWearAU, @lailamagazine, @weworewhat/instagram, @moeeztali/instagram, @Popphotos