Balmain x Evian

The power of water… Drinking plenty of water is a simple yet vital part of maintaining good health, especially as we get older. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your health. It can help with everything from healthy heart function and skin elasticity to making you happier and more productive. And good news is that you can drink water in style and also get dressed for it.

Evian is partnering with historic Paris fashion house Balmain. With a unique baroque motif designed by Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, this limited edition 75cl glass bottle reflects a shared commitment to embracing our heritage. Paying homage to the fashion house’s founder, Pierre Balmain, who grew up in the small mountain village of Saint Jean de Maurienne, not far from evian’s iconic source in the Alps, its design combines the universes of both houses, with delicate light blue lace features and aqua-like droplets inspired by evian’s pure natural mineral water, enhanced with Balmain’s signature embellished details and gold lettering.

The collaboration also includes the launch of a capsule collection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessoriesClassic sportswear silhouettes with the shades of soft pastels that one immediately associates with Balmain runways, the evian universe and, above all, refreshing joys of summer.

Relying on a wide variety of eco-friendly practices, materials and innovations, the collection of laid-back styles and accessories places the collaboration’s focus squarely on the powerful possibilities of a future world of fashion sustainability, all grouped under the distinctive tagline of «Together, change is beautiful

The Balmain team undertook the task of integrating a diverse range of materials, such as GOTS-certified organic cottons, sustainable viscose, and various recycled materials, to craft an extensive range of clothing items, including swimsuits, tees, hoodies, bombers, trucker jackets, and jeans.

Through this collaboration, evian and Balmain demonstrated a shared dedication to eco friendly practices, even in the minutest details, such as the recycled polyester labels and composition stickers, paper packaging made from pulp derived from sustainably managed FSC-certified forests, and the use of recycled plastic hangers and bags.

As an extension to the collection, evian and Balmain collaborated with Solaris, a recycling innovation industry leader to highlight the new opportunities presented by recycling plastic waste not suitable for circular economy in the fashion industry. Together, they developed a surprising new spin on the popular Balmain B-It slider: a sleek and transparent B-It that is entirely crafted from plastic waste that is typically judged to be unsuitable for reuse within the circular product cycle. Solaris also assisted Rousteing’s accessory design team, helping create an unexpected take on the house’s luxury Blaze handbag, using a 45% plant-based resin mixture to 3D-print the body and cover of the Blaze. The bag’s handle and lock logo were also 3D-printed, relying on a 100% rPET material created from recycled evian bottle waste (evian rPET flakes) that doesn’t meet circularity standards.

The «Together, Change is Beautiful» campaign was shot by filmmaker and photographer Carlota Guerrero, an artist who aims to portray beauty in a natural and frank way.

Guerrero’s film features the highly acclaimed La Marche Bleue dance troupe performing an original dance piece choreographed by founder Leo Walk. «The sequence was choreographed so that the movements would be impossible to perform alone,» noted Walk. «Instead, the dancers achieved their goal together, supporting each other and making it clear, through dance, that together, change is beautiful.»

Stay hydrated, stay in touch.
TO SHOP THE BALMAIN x EVIAN SPORTSWEAR COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balmain x evian, © Sandra Bauknecht #evianwater
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Dior Lady D-Lite Bag

The Lady D-Lite bag combines classic elegance with the modernity of the House of Dior and has immediately become one of my new season favorites. For the F/W 2020, Maria Grazia Chiuri revisits Lady Diana’s favorite bag. Textural and soft, it comes with a tone-on-tone motif in muted shades, embroidered in vibrant hues, in tie-die or in warm velvet. The result is a timeless and elegant collectible to love for years to come.

My new beloved medium Lady D-Lite bag in Lights embroidery.

It also features a «Christian Dior» signature on the front and thick pale gold-finish metal «D.I.O.R.» charms. Equipped with a wide, reversible and removable embroidered shoulder strap, the medium bag can be carried by hand, worn over the shoulder or crossbody, pairing easily with other matching Dior creations of the season.

Treat yourself to a moment of zen with this lovely little video of the making of Dior’s new «Lady D-Lite» bag, and see the level of detail and precision involved in its design and creation.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

Shakira & Jennifer Lopez Super Bowl Show

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira dazzled audiences during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show wearing bespoke Swarovski crystal outfits by fashion designers Versace and Peter Dundas.
Two of the world’s biggest musical icons, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, took to the famous Super Bowl stage at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium for a unique performance elevated with bespoke Swarovski-crystallized looks.

Shakira opened the show in a sparkling three-piece set with fringe details featuring fiery red Swarovski crystals, created by Norwegian designer Dundas, with boots crystallized by The Dan Life. Over 123,000 crystals in three shades of red were incorporated into the look and applied by hand, while 70,000 jet hematite Swarovski crystals encrusted Shakira’s Gibson guitar to add a glamorous rock ‘n’ roll feel to the show.

Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Bad Bunny made a surprise appearance during Shakira’s set, wearing a Swarovski crystal outfit by Berlin-based designers Last Heirs featuring the artist’s iconic third eye logo.

Jennifer Lopez lit up the Hard Rock stadium in two bespoke Versace looks embellished with over 75,000 Swarovski crystals. The singer’s 11-year old daughter Emme was also one of the 60 young girls who joined Lopez on stage wearing outfits with Swarovski crystal.

The dazzling duo closed the show with Lopez in Versace’s Swarovski crystal-encrusted costume and the Columbian star wearing a gold crystal embellished two-piece set and matching bomber jacket designed by Dundas along with Swarovski-covered Adidas Superstar trainers.

Jennifer Lopez’s stylist and long-time collaborator of Swarovski, Rob Zangardi commented: «Swarovski has always been top of mind for any Jennifer Lopez performance. For this year’s Super Bowl, we are extremely excited to collaborate once again

Shakira’s stylist Nicolas Bru, who enlisted Swarovski to add the sparkling touch, commented: «Shakira embodies the word ‘superstar’ so Swarovski crystals were an obvious choice. The crystals are the perfect balance between sophistication and playfulness, just like Shakira».

With a long history dressing the world’s most legendary musical talents, Swarovski has recently added trademark crystal embellishment to costumes for Jennifer Lopez’s It’s My Party Tour, the Spice Girls’ Spice World’s Tour and Beyoncé’s On the Run Tour.

Please have a look at the video below to enjoy the show of the two Latinas. I watched it now many times, it just puts me in an amazing mood…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Swarovski

The Oetker Collection

«Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.» – Dalai Lama

The quote by Dalai Lama is something I have been doing all my life. Every year, I have to see at least one new place on this planet. In 2019, it was São Paulo. So many destinations are still on my bucket list.

Need some inspiration planning your next luxurious adventure? I recommend a stay at one of The Oetker Collection hotels, where you can experience award-winning service and everything you can dream of. The most iconic hotels belong to the collection, from the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc to Le Bristol Paris. I’ve rounded up all of their amazing holiday or city destinations – from tropical Caribbean islands to vibrant London. Some places will take your breath away.
It may be a stunning natural setting, remarkable architecture and landscaping, or a sense that somehow you feel at home. In each destination, the teams dedicate themselves to ensuring your stay is an experience you will treasure forever, because endearing experiences start with the people who make the place. Let the journey begin, discover the Masterpiece Hotels #endearingplaces below and don’t miss the video at the end of the post…

LoL, Sandra

L’Apogée Courchevel / SWITZERLAND
Your stylish alpine home

Relax in effortless style at our alpine retreat on Courchevel 1850’s prettiest peak. L’Apogée Courchevel was created for lovers of snowy mountain beauty in Jardin Alpin, and is acclaimed with Palace Distinction. High above an historic Olympic ski jump, the views are spectacular, while ski in-ski out facilities open onto the world’s finest slopes, heaven for both families and super schussers.

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa & Villa Stéphanie / GERMANY
A fairytale in the Black Forest and your House of Wellbeing

Centrally located in the renowned German spa town of Baden-Baden, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa is an urban oasis set in a private park facing the famous Lichtentaler Allee. A harmonic combination of elegance, tradition, and innovative future concepts are the hallmarks of this city resort.
At their House of Wellbeing Villa Stéphanie expert hands are ready to tune up your body’s health and beauty, while the kitchens at our renegade restaurant, Fritz & Felix, is brimming with seasoned dishes made for sharing, with plenty from the charcoal grill.
FOR A DETAILED TRAVEL REPORT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Le Bristol Paris / FRANCE
Historic grandeur and gastronomic excellence

Since 1925, Le Bristol Paris has been celebrated for its unique definition of luxury, and for offering service of the highest order. The world’s most discerning travellers choose Le Bristol for a first-class Parisian experience, and this illustrious palace has become a benchmark for luxury hotels all over the world. Le Bristol Paris, honoured to receive the «Happy Guest Award 2019» discerned by the Leading Hotels of the World.
READ MORE ABOUT MY STAY AT LE BRISTOL HERE.

Château Saint-Martin & Spa / FRANCE
Hilltop retreat amidst nature and art

Immerse yourself in blue skies and olive groves, fabulous views of the Côte d’Azur and a legacy of art. Our style entwines contemporary elegance with historic charm, and we have been awarded both «Palace Distinction» and «World Luxury Romantic Hotel». Come for culture too, with sculptures by Manolo Valdés, Nuits du Château concert series, and Les Canthares wine tastings. The new Riviera season begins 1st May 2020.

Eden Rock – St Barths /FRENCH WEST INDIES
Home away from Home

With its spectacular location in St Jean Bay, Eden Rock – St Barths has been the byword for one-of-a-kind hospitality ever since mercurial French Caribbean aviator adventurer and occasional treasure-seeker Rémy de Haenen first welcomed guests to his Eden Rock home on the ocean, during the 1950s. The place quickly established itself as the preferred private and discreet bolt-hole of many glamourous Hollywood characters who quickly became friends of St Barths. Howard Hughes, Greta Garbo, Robert Mitchum, Baron Rothschild David & Peggy Rockfeller, Princess Lee Radziwill… amongst numbers of other fine beautiful and talented men and women… A sense of safety and freedom was established… and of style… and of casual elegance… and of spirit… and of ambition… and all of which continues to this day and is strengthened now with the regular welcoming of very many current and similarly interesting and brilliant celebrity guests and friends of modern times.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOTEL, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc /FRANCE
A thoroughly modern Grand Dame

Secluded behind statuesque pines is the most stylish playground of the Riviera, exuding Gatsby glamour. Generations of families and friends reunite for the season at this legendary Palace, voted Best European Hotel by Condé Nast Travelers and Best Grande Dame Hotel by Tatler. Revealing her seasonal revamp, our Grand Dame opens on 17th April 2020, join it for stylish celebrations, fresh new designs and an exhibition by the great expressionist Manolo Valdés.
FOR SOME MORE PHOTOS FROM MY STAY, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Jumby Bay Island & Jumby Bay Private Residences / ANTIGUA – WEST INDIES
A private island paradise

Touch down in Antigua, jump on board of the private yacht and breeze across turquoise seas. In two miles and less than ten minutes you are on your island home, one of the most desirable, all-inclusive retreats in the Caribbean. Jumby Bay Island is a haven of carefree pleasures, stroll barefoot along three stunning white sand beaches, fringed with swaying palms, inhale and revive in the lush landscapes that enrich our 300 acres.
The private residences at Jumby Bay Island offer access to a secluded Caribbean paradise in discreet, modern luxury. Each family home possesses a unique character and vantage point for experiencing the private island’s exquisite nature and elegant amenities.

The Lanesborough
The quintessence of graceful London living

Awarded No. 1 Hotel in London in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, on the doorstep of Hyde Park, just a short walk from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and London’s most exclusive shopping district; Sloane Street and Knightsbridge, this grand luxury mansion has undergone an inspired renovation by the famed interior designer Alberto Pinto. The hotel is home to 93 luxurious suites and bedrooms, Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, the vibrant Library Bar and Garden Room and the magnificent Lanesborough Club & Spa.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MY VISIT TO THE HOTEL, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Palácio Tangará
An extraordinary urban oasis in the heart of São Paulo

Palácio Tangará is exceptionally located in the heart of São Paulo, surrounded by the lush greenery of Burle Marx Park, with easy access to the main business, leisure and culture districts of the city. Palácio Tangará brings the refined European hospitality combined with Brazilian art de vivre to the biggest city of Latin America. Guests are welcomed with a refined contemporary décor, bathed in natural daylight throughout its spacious rooms and suites, variety of culinary venues signed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten as well as the state of the art recreational and well-being facilities. A peaceful retreat in a vibrant city.
FOR A TRAVEL REPORT ABOUT SAO PAULO, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

«I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.» – Susan Sontag

Photos/ Video: Courtesy of The Oetker Collection and © Sandra Bauknecht

Rouge Dior for Halloween

Looking for some Halloween make-up inspiration? Here you go! Bella Hadid reveals her mischievous side for DIOR MAKE-UP with ROUGE DIOR for HALLOWEEN. A spellbinding look in tribute to the most emblematic House of DIOR colour.

Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for DIOR MAKE-UP, audaciously celebrates red, the «colour of life» according to Mr. Christian Dior and creates a captivating make-up look that is both chic and enigmatic, that works for Halloween and for daily life.

With ardent lips dressed in striking red, glittering eyelids heightened with elegant eyeliner, and a velvet complexion sporting a vivid blush, Bella is transformed into a mesmerizing femme fatale. The Hitchcockian tension between her and the young man Ludwig Wildsdorff is captured by photographer Richard Burbridge.

LoL, Sandra

Photos © DIOR #DIORMAKEUPHALLOWEEN
@DIORMAKEUP @PETERPHILIPSMAKEUP @DIORBEAUTYLOVERS 

Prints On: Fendi x Nicki Minaj

Queen of Rap and style icon, Nicki Minaj collaborates with Fendi to create the coolest capsule collection. «Bentley tints on/ Fendi prints on» the singer rapped in her buoyant single «Chun Li.» And with that, a fashion collaboration was born. Eagerly awaited by the rapper’s fans, known as the Barbz, Minaj’s Fendi Prints On, a 127-piece collection that fuses Fendi’s playful character with Minaj’s bold sense of style, is available now on fendi.com and in selected stores.

The collection features house staples like the Baguette, Peekaboo, and Kan U bag, and more in a range of textures—among them, space-like metallics, shearling and lots of pink Lycra. Even though the designs were overseen by Fendi creative director Silvia Venturini Fendi, it seems as though Nicki had free reign throughout the entire process, whether it was choosing the body-skimming silhouettes and 90s-inspired jewelry or the Pinkprint-inspired hues.

On her latest single, «Fendi», that launched last month, the rapper shouts out the Italian fashion house by declaring «it’s Fendi, it’s poppin’, and we on and poppin’». The song comes just in time to celebrate the launch of this fabulous capsule collection for women and men. Even if you are not a Barbz, there will be something for you, promised!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi, Steven Meisel for Fendi

Rouge Dior Ultra Care 2019

This month, Dior is releasing an all-new Rouge Dior Ultra Care lipstick line that is supposed to be longer lasting, more nourishing and better than ever. For the first time, actual flower oil is infused in this range that offers two textures.

Thank you, Dior, for my personalized lipstick!

I had the chance to try them before the official launch date and love that the result of both of them. Providing hydration and comfort for the lips while offering long lasting colour makes them the perfect go-to for anyone looking for everyday radiance. It’s so lightweight that you’ll probably forget you’re wearing it!

Rouge Dior Ultra Care Lipstick (21 shades) – CHF 51.50
Flower oil radiant lipstick – weightless wear

Rouge Dior Ultra Care Liquid (25 shades) – CHF 51.50
Flower oil radiant lipstick –  weightless wear and petal velvet finish

In the new promo clip below, Dior Makeup’s Creative and Image Director Peter Philips, the mastermind behind the collection, breaks down the formula of the new products and gives us an insight into what inspired them. Enjoy and happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos / Video: © Dior

Loewe x Knot On My Planet

Today, I would like to show you a project that is very dear to my heart. One of my favorite animals on the planet are elephants. There are so many beautiful facts about this strong and beautiful creatures. Just like humans they can communicate through sight, smell, sound, and touch. They live in a strong family unit and the mothers are very protective of their babies, spending all day teaching and loving them. Being highly social animals, they meet every day and console each other in times of stress by «hugging». Elephants even mourn their dead.

They are highly intelligent and have a strong memory. If you do something bad to an elephant, he will always remember. One of the cutest facts is that baby elephants suck their trunks in the same way that human babies suck their thumbs. Unfortunately, elephants are highly endangered. Given all this evidence about the awesomeness and sensitivity of these animals, it’s obvious that taking them away from their families and locking them up is wrong, which is why we need to speak out for them when they are abused and exploited. Moreover killing them for ivory is just cruel.

When supermodel Doutzen Kroes visited Kenya, she fell in love with these animals. Coming back home, she was determined to make a difference and became the global ambassador of Knot On My Planet, a campaign to support the Elephant Crisis Fund.

To support this amazing campaign, LOEWE has joined forces with Knot On My Planet and its global ambassador Doutzen Kroes, to launch an exclusive limited edition version of its iconic ELEPHANT BAG (click here for a previous outfit post), that is featuring beadwork by the women of the Samburu Trust from Northern Kenya.

LOEWE will donate all proceeds of the sales to the Elephant Crisis Fund, helping to provide rapid, catalytic support for projects designed to stop the killing of elephants, thwart traffickers and end the demand of ivory.

Embellished with safety pins bursting with cascades of multicolor beads. Due to the handcrafted nature of the beadwork, each bag could vary, making every purchase unique and is exclusively available to buy on loewe.com.

So worth supporting! Bravo LOEWE and Doutzen!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Loewe
#LOEWEkomp – #KnotOnMyPlanet

Emilia Clarke for Dolce & Gabbana The One

Only two weeks ago, I cruised around the beautiful Amalfi Coast and enjoyed the flamboyant and vibrant lifestyle on the streets of Naples. Now, I have found the perfect fragrance that is dedicated to this South Italian lifestyle and pure femininity: DOLCE & GABBANA THE ONE Eau de Toilette.

Such a beautiful scent, a new fresh version of the celebrated fragrance classic that is available now. It is more powdery than the 2015 launched THE ONE ESSENCE Eau de Parfum and the original THE ONE Eau de Parfum from 2006. I am a big fan and needless to say… don’t we all wanna be THE ONE?!

DOLCE & GABBANA THE ONE Eau de Toilette
Oriental Floral

Top Notes: Lily, Bergamot, Mandarin, Lychee and White Peach
Middle Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Orange Blossom and Honeyed Broom
Base Notes: Vanilla, Vetiver and Musk

30ml : CHF 69.00  –  50ml : CHF 93.00  –  100ml : CHF 121.00

The talented British actress Emilia ClarkeGame of Thrones») is the face of the campaign, the new ambassador, gifting the beautiful photos with her irresistible smile and genuine warmth. She’s the one!

Shot in the streets of Naples, with real people living their daily life, the new advertising campaign for The One was directed by the Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone.

Combining swing and jazz, the Neapolitan joyful soundtrack “Tu vuò fa’ l’americano” (“You want to be an American”) conveys even more happiness and togetherness while celebrating the genuineness and the charm of the Italian culture.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana Beauty
#DGBeauty #DGTheOne Follow @DGBeauty

Erdem x H&M

Today H&M announced its big secret: the next exclusive designer collaboration will be with ERDEM, the London based must-have designer loved by celebrities and fashion insiders alike.

H&M is also pleased to reveal that the visionary film maker Baz Luhrmann will bring the collection to life through his unique storytelling. ERDEM x H&M will be available in selected stores as well as on hm.com, November 2.

For H&M, Erdem has designed a brand-new collection for women and, for the first time ever, a collection for men. Erdem believes in the power of beauty, exploring historical references and personal narratives in every piece he makes. For ERDEM x H&M he’ll reflect and reinterpret the design themes from some of his most celebrated collections, playing with the prints, textiles and delicate craftsmanship that have made his name.

Erdem with me

I am so happy to collaborate with H&M, and to explore my work on a whole new scale including a menswear collection which I have never done before. It’s also such a thrill to work with Baz Luhrmann, one of the most important storytellers of our time,” says Erdem.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Creative Advisor, to the left, Erdem in the center, and Baz Luhrmann.

For me fashion is always about more than just clothing, it is a form of expression – a stand alone art form. I am excited to be collaborating with ERDEM and H&M to reveal the story of this unique collection,” says Baz Luhrmann.

From the moment we started talking with Erdem about the collaboration, I was captured by his vision. For ERDEM x H&M he has created an enchanting world full of beauty, delicacy and rich details. These are special pieces you will want to wear forever,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Creative Advisor.

Have fun watching the video below and start dreaming!
LoL, Sandra

Photos/Video: © H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht