Without doubt, one of my absolute favourite collections for F/W 2013 is DIOR. Raf Simons takes the French Maison to new heights with this literally speaking very artistic collection. It is the story of affinities between the founder, Monsieur Christian Dior, and the designer himself.

I have fallen in love with the new looks already on the runway and during my re-see in the showroom during Paris Fashion Week, I have been completely taken by all the beautiful details that I will share with you today.

This season, Raf Simons focuses on this notion of memory and how it shapes the nature of design at the house; how this works for himself and how it once worked for Christian Dior.

“This collection is more connected to passions we share,” says Raf Simons. “Like a real interest in art – Christian Dior started his career as a gallerist and represented both Dali and Giacometti early on. The connection to certain periods of time is also significant, his obsession with the Belle Époque in his case, the Mid-Century modern in mine. Here the connections made are important, the very idea of them rather than what they are made to; the attraction and obsession is the significant part.”

The collection functions in the form of a visual scrapbook, a collage of clothing containing significant moments in time both for Raf Simons and the house of Christian Dior. A Dior coat can function easily alongside a further exploration of the Bar jacket in wool denim, itself teamed with a new take on Oxford bags.

Dior’s iconic houndstooth motif is explored and transposed, emerging frequently as a wool bustier. A notion of asymmetry, begun in the haute couture collection, can be seen throughout, resulting in a abundance of permutations in the silhouettes that can go from short to long in one look. The collection is full of unexpected juxtapositions and visual non sequitur; a free association, like a personal scrapbook, both playful and profound, it embraces idiosyncrasy, culminating in what Simons refers to as “memory dresses.”

Here, a typical twenties shift shape (Think of the The Great Gatsby’s influence!) is embroidered and appliqued with motifs that point to parts of the personal history of Dior; a Surrealist style free association culminates in these clothes and is up for open interpretation. They also display the new graphic sensibility that is introduced in this collection and permeates throughout. This is most significantly displayed in the unique collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts in the collection.

The early hand drawn work from the 1950s of the artist Andy Warhol is found as a recurring motif of the mid-century style printed or embroidered on the clothing and accessories.

“For me Warhol made so much sense,” says Simons of this collaboration. “I was interested in the delicacy and sensitivity in the early work he did, I was drawn to that graphic style naturally in this collection. It was that notion of hand work and personal signature that fitted throughout.”

These notions of Surrealism and Pop are brought together in the dreamscape of the show set. As a Magritte-style cloud path meanders around the gigantic mirrored spheres of the space, the mix of memory and desire in the collection is brought to dream-like culmination.

Below, you can enjoy some of the accessories that are to die for. The embroidered boots are definitely on my must-have shopping list.

Dior’s amazing F/W 2013 collection will hit the stores aproximately end of August, beginning of September 2013. If I have whetted your appetite for some serious shopping, you should have a look at the house’s extremely beautiful Pre-fall 2013 collection which has started to arrive.

A collection which shows the new juxtapositions in perfection: a billowing very couture-like skirt that is tied at the waist and reaching to the floor in back is paired with a cashmere-silk knit tee (see collage below to the right) or a sort of wool fabric belt that elevates the look to a new level of style. I imagine Raf’s casual glamour will become his signature. One thing is for sure, we will see more and more Dior on the streets and the house jacket will be identifiable everywhere. Personally speaking, I am madly in love! My collection for the upcoming season!

LoL, Sandra

Runway photos: Courtesy of Dior, Showroom pictures: © Sandra Bauknecht

Summer will hopefully be coming soon and with its arrival the time to show more skin. Here are some products that help you to achieve super soft skin extremely fast, especially in those dry areas around the elbows or knees. No matter how long you’ve been ignoring these body parts, with those three products to can get rid of those persistent scales and dark patches easily.

Argan Oil Peeling by Arganiae, CHF 17.00
I am in love with its creamy formula that delicately scrubs the skin leaving it smooth and soft.

Argà Velvety Body Cream by Nature’s CHF 24.50 (200ml)
Its fluffy texture makes its application a true please. Great for nourishing and firming the skin.

Argà Pure Argan Oil by Nature’s, CHF 48.50 (50ml)
The perfect addition to your beauty routine that works wonders on extremely dry spots.

Those argan oil cosmetics are entirely organic and contain no substances that can cause allergies, such as nickel, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and have not undergone any type of chemical treatment.

In Switzerland available at FORET VIERGE (Klosbachstrasse 88 in Zurich, Phone +41 43 819 30 19), a wonderful shop that carries all sorts of natural cosmetics.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, let me please apologize for my tardiness in posting. My internet connection in my hotel is a nightmare, so slow that I can barely upload all the amazing photos from the last days. Once I fly back home tomorrow, I will surely show you everything.
But here are some more exciting news. Tonight, I will attend the 20th Cinema Against AIDS to benefit amfAR during the Cannes Film Festival at the beautiful Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes.

To celebrate the occassion, LoveGold will exclusively present the Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show, curated by Carine Roitfeld, that will feature gold looks specially made for the evening by many famous designers. Here are some sneak previews of the likes of Emilio Pucci and Valentino.

“It’s a tribute to Liz Taylor, that’s why it’s gold,” Carine Roitfeld said about her inspiration.

LoveGold, an initiative of the World Gold Council and online community dedicated to gold jewelry highlighting gold as a precious and inspiring metal. As a proud presenting sponsor, LoveGold has worked with a number of prestigious jewelry designers, including House of Waris, Pamela Love, Hoorsenbuhs, Kimberly McDonald to name a few, to create one-off pieces for the show. These will be available to purchase via LoveGold.com following the runway event. You can also watch the livestream here.

A sneak preview of the amazing House of Waris cuffs specially created for the fashion show.

Now, I have to get ready. Can you guess which colour I will be wearing…of course, gold!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via LoveGold, DesignScene

Spotted on the Chanel F/W 2013 runway, this little globe bag has been immeditaly on my wish list. Appearing in black and clear, the it will definitely be the evening bag of winter season. As usual, Karl Lagerfeld’s got the whole world on a string.

Carry this mini globe bag and you run the world of fashion. Better get yourselves on the wait lists now…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

After a relaxing flight over the Alps, I arrived in Cannes where the sky is blue and the sun is shining. What a treat! I spoiled myself with some yummy ice-cream before getting ready now for the red carpet. Tonight, I am attending the fim viewing of “Behind the Candelabras” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who will be both present, followed by the movie party at the Chopard Terrace at Hotel Martinez. Below is a little teaser of my dress… any idea which designer I am going to wear?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am on my way to Cannes with Chopard for the 66th Cannes Film Festival. As some of you might remember, I had this amazing red carpet experience already last year as guest of Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler. Since 1998, Chopard has been enjoying a true romance with the Cannes International Film Festival. 2013 marks the 15th anniversary of this partnership, and of course this is celebrated with several high-profile events, including a “In Love with Cinema” photo exhibition of the most beautiful onscreen kisses and the presentation of its new Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection.

What has truly caught my attention is the brand’ s new eco-conscious initiative. This year’s red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival is turning green. In a collaboration with ARM (Alliance for Responsible Mining), the sculptor of Cannes’ iconic Golden Palm trophy, Chopard, has joined Eco-Age creative director and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC), Livia Firth, wife to Colin, to create ’The Journey’, its journey to sustainable luxury, which already begins at the very start of the production chain and involves issues such as respectful sourcing and traceability of raw materials. Those entirely ethical Haute Joaillerie models will mark the Geneva-based manufacturer’s first Green Carpet Collection.

At the Green Carpet collection press launch: Fan Bing Bing, Livia Firth,Marion Cotillard, Caroline Scheufele, Colin Firth and Laura Bailey

The dazzling beauty of these two Green Carpet Haute Joaillerie models, a cuff bracelet and a pair of earrings in 18ct white gold, finely chased like lacework and entirely set with diamonds, is indeed an adventure in itself. Crafted by the jewelers, gem-setters, polishers and gold casters of the Chopard Haute Joaillerie workshops, they bear exquisite testimony to the exceptional know-how of the Geneva firm.

Stay tuned for many exciting posts coming up from Cannes soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard, © ARM

Et voilà, here is the second part of the MCM Blogger Makeover 2013. Jumpsuits are a huge trend this summer and I definitely couldn’t resist this one. Doesn’t it look lovely with the new MCM bag? All photos were taken in the studio of Christian Dietrich.

My look: Printed jumpsuit with studs, matching chiffon poncho, both by Givenchy, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, Veronika Visetos medium satchel by MCM, raffia and macarmé multi-bead earrings by Dolce & Gabbana and ring by Chanel.

If you haven’t seen the photos of the MCM’s Zurich Grand Opening, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Dietrich for MCM

Here are the first official photos from the MCM Blogger Makeover 2013 and of course all the details on my look. I also included some more behind the scenes pictures and hope that you will like them. A huge thank you to Christian Dietrich for the beautiful shots.

My look: Ziggy printed silk-habotai dress by Mary Katrantzou, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent, earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, luggage and bag, by MCM, ring by Chanel.

Stay tuned… part 2 will be coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Dietrich for MCM

Whether you like floral, fruity, or the scent of the ocean itself, one spritz of these new fragrances will conjure up the sweet or refreshing smell of summer that is desperately needed during those cold and rainy days.

Here are my personal favorites:

CLASSIQUE Summer Fragrance by Jean Paul Gaultier

The design of this year’s summer limited edition of Classique is inspired by tattoos featuring carp motifs or koi tattoos.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Clementine, rose and orange blossom
Middle notes: Jasmine sambac, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley and white iris
Base notes: Vanilla, musk and amber

Available now for CHF 85.00 (100ml)

ROBERTO CAVALLI ACQUA by Roberto Cavalli

The very elegant turquoise successor to the Roberto Cavalli Eau de Parfum from 2012 is inspired by exciting nights in the Mediterranean. The perfect scent for a party on a yacht.

FLORAL AQUATIC

Top notes: Lemon, watery notes and jasmine
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-valley
Base note: Musk

Available now for CHF 63.00 (30ml), CHF 94.50 (50ml) and CHF 123.00 (75ml)

CK ONE Summer 2013 Eau de Toilette by Calvin Klein

This limited edition for 2013 offers an interesting combination of citruses, fruits, aquatic and aromatic notes. A wonderful refreshing scent for a hot summer day, like a splash from a waterfall.

AROMATIC ACQUATIC

Top notes: Citruses and watery notes
Middle notes: Water lily, caraway seeds, watermelon and cucumber
Base notes: Moss, woody notes and musk

Available now for CHF 55.00 (100ml)

J’ADORE Voile de Parfum by Christian Dior

My absolute favourite for summer. Like a gentle veil it leaves a sensual trail on the skin, very elegant and light.

FLORAL

Top note: Damask rose
Middle note: Tuscan iris
Base note: White musk

Available now for CHF 115.00 (50ml) and CHF 165.00 (100ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The June issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column is available now. This time, I am telling you some funny anecdotes about some fashion disasters that happened to me recently.

For further information on the look, please click here. Enjoy your long weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht