Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts, announced that it has taken over the management of CastaDiva Resort & Spa, an existing resort on Lake Como, Italy. The property will be rebranded as Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como in spring 2019 following a refurbishment of facilities. This will be Mandarin Oriental’s first resort in Western Europe and will complement the Group’s Milan hotel.
Located on the shores of Lake Como, and surrounded by lush botanic parkland, the resort is a landmark of historic importance, comprising 76 spacious rooms and suites housed in nine villas, dating from the 19th Century. Two of the villas will be bookable in their entirety giving guests their own private retreat. Almost all accommodation has lake views that can be enjoyed from either a balcony or terrace. The resort features four restaurants and bars, including a lakeside terrace for al fresco dining, a large spa with an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor floating pool on the lake. There is also a variety of social and meeting facilities in the resort’s grounds.
Lake Como has been a popular travel destination for centuries, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful resort areas in northern Italy. The lake is surrounded by villas, gardens and villages and offers visitors a wealth of scenic views, hiking trails, boating and other water activities. It is easily accessed from Milan Malpensa airport.
CastaDiva Resort & Spa was acquired in 2017 by funds managed by Attestor Capital LLP, a value-oriented investment manager with a long-term investment horizon, based in London and primarily focused on investing in Europe.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental
Almost thirty years ago, a nostalgic Bally sneaker quite accidentally became a legendary phenomenon upon the urban American hip hop scene.
Originally launched in 1991 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Federation, the Bally Animals unexpectedly became a status symbol of the growing US hip hop movement and in particular, the youth culture of New Orleans.
Long before rappers were calling out sneaker brands, Slick Rick wore a pair of bright red Bally kicks on the cover of his debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.
Bally’s street style presence had been underlying since the early 1980s with Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick advocating and wearing the brand but the Animals further developed this cult following; worn as a representative status symbol and adored by urban musicians and trend pioneers.
To celebrate its Swiss heritage and continued recognition of the brands mountain roots, Bally has reissued the sneakers alongside a selection of socks, launching in Switzerland this summer.
The collection consists of two replica Animal sneakers in selected derivations of blue, red and black with the familiar cow print procession along the sole and is available exclusively at Bally’s Zurich and Lucerne stores.
Happy Swiss National Day!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Bally
Last week I showed you how to match your dinner invitations to your dress (click here for the previous post please). Now we can take it one step further and match the tablecloth and decoration to our outfits as London based designer Emilia Wickstead is bringing her coveted florals into the home. Exclusive to Moda, this collection of table linens (featuring prints lifted from her most-loved dresses) marks Wickstead’s first foray into interiors—and, better yet, it delivers within the month. Don’t miss it.
TO SHOP THE NEW AND EXCLUSIVE EMILIA WICKSTEAD HOME AND READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
ABOUT EMILIA WICKSTEAD
British-based and New Zealand born, spent her formative years in Milan and gained a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Fashion Design and Marketing at Central Saint Martin’s London with Honours in 2007.
After graduating, Emilia worked at fashion houses Giorgio Armani, Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez and Vogue in New York and Milan. Before returning to London to establish her own label in 2008 by opening her first store in Belgravia. Originally commencing as a made-to-measure atelier, Emilia’s collections are currently seasonal ready-to-wear and showcased at London Fashion Week from S/S 2012.
Emilia Wickstead is stocked in retailers globally including Net-A-Porter, Selfridges, Matches, Harvey Nichols and Moda Operandi alongside of her flagship store which opened in 2014, on London’s Sloane Street.
I am a huge fan of her beautiful feminine designs!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Emilia Wickstead
Times are over that I am a desperate housewife thanks to the DYSON Cyclon V10 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner – the investment to purchase the best in vacuum technology to date. With the V8, you’re getting everything that any elite carpet or hardwood vacuum can and should offer. With no cords, HEPA allergy filtration, the ability to clean all flooring types, and a lightweight body, this vacuum is a cleaning lover’s dream. With the exclusive soft roller cleaning head designed to pick up large and small debris, the V10 is not only going to replace your vacuum, but your broom, too.
My look: Silk floral apron wrap dress by Natasha Zinko
, floral-print silk-satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana, GG Marmont leather belt bag and leather platform pumps, both by Gucci, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring
by Gucci Fine Jewellery and earrings by Chanel.
Happy week – time to clean my shoe closet now!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Peru has been forever on my bucket list and I am planning to go there soon with avid hopes of climbing Machu Picchu and sipping coca tea with locals donning traditional Quechua garb. Before my dreams will come true, I can already indulge in the new OPI F/W 2018 collection that introduces 12 new colors inspired by one of the most ancient civilizations in the world.
An exciting journey for your nails, visiting one of the seven wonders of the world this fall with the Peru Collection by OPI. Seeking natural beauty with a bohemian vibe, inspiration was everywhere, from stunning geological sites like Rainbow Mountain to the magnificent Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. With deep roots in ancient culture visible across the country’s architecture, food and fashion, Peru offers visitors a transcendent, spiritual experience. I am thrilled to share a look at this extraordinary nail polish collection with you today.
From top left to top right: Lima Tell You About This Color! – Suzi Will Quechua Later! – Seven Wonders of OPI – Alpaca My Bags – Don’t Toot My Flute – Grandma Kissed a Gaucho
From bottom left to bottom right: Machu Peach-U – Somewhere Over the Rainbow Mountains – My Solar Clock Is Ticking – I Love You Just Be-Cusco – Come Se Llama – Yes My Condor Can-Do!
In Switzerland the collection will be available from August 14, 2018 for approximately 6 months.
The 12 shades will be launched in three different formulas:
Infinite Shine offers a high-shine finish with up to 10 days of wear and traditional lacquer application.
Nail Lacquer features a highly-pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.
GelColor provides performance with up to 3 weeks of shine-intense wear and stay-true color (in-salon only).
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of OPI
While this isn’t the first time LOUIS VUITTON is releasing small fancy minaudières, you could say that this is their most outstanding and fun piece ever. New for 2018, the Drink-It handbag quenches our desires for pretty little must-have accessories and reveals an innovative soda can form decorated with shimmering Swarovski® crystals.
This futuristic style is made to the House’s high level of craftsmanship with polished metal hardware and luxurious leather trimmings. An elegant lambskin lining and calf leather strap finish the design. No need anymore to carry a Starbucks cup when you can have your own luxe cola to clutch.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
My avid readers know how much I love MARY KATRANTZOU and that I have collected her designs starting from her first season. This summer, she has joined forces with PAPERLESS POST to create some beautiful invitations that are matching many dresses I have.
Cowboys and Princesses Invitation
Her clothes use intricate digital prints as transformative elements of style—and her eye for pattern is a natural fit for elegant party invitations that transcend the envelope.
Click HERE to see the full selection that is available at PAPERLESS POST. Inviting your friends has never been so much fun…
Left: Powder Gun Dress (with Mary Katrantzou) – Right: Sprinter Fritz Invitation
Left: Powdy Dress – Right: Powdy Invitation
Left: Rodizio Clutch – Right: Rodizio Invitation
Left: Expandit Dress – Right: Expandit Invitation
Left: Showmanship Dark Rush Dress – Right: Star Heart Invitation
Left: Harp Hazard Dress – Right: Strip Valley Invitation
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via Paperless Post
Too much lipstick? NEVER!
M∙A∙C Cosmetics celebrates National Lipstick Day which is coming up on July 29 like no other brand due to its authority in lip colour. Therefore lipstick lovers are treated to their lip favourites as M∙A∙C Cosmetics is giving away free lipsticks when you spend more than CHF 35.00.
Lipstick has been popular for thousands of years around the globe. As our ancestors didn’t have the variety of waxes and oils we have today, they had to get creative and made lipstick out of everything from crushed beetles to berries to ground up fish scales mixed with oil. Just be glad you don’t have to wear beetles this July for National Lipstick Day!
M∙A∙C Cosmetics has shades for every day, place and vibe offering a variety of textures, and saturated bold colours. Interesting to know is that the American beauty brand sells more than one lipstick every second around the world with «Chili» being its best-selling lipstick (11 Chili’s are sold per minute globally). The highly recognizable M·A·C Lipstick in «Ruby Woo» is the second best-selling bullet (7 Ruby Woo’s are sold per minute globally).
In Switzerland available on July 28 and 29, 2018 online and at Zurich (Bellevue) store, Lucerne (train station), Jelmoli Zurich, Manor Zurich, Manor Lausanne, Manor Geneva, Globus Geneva, Globus Lausanne, and Manor Lugano.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © MAC Cosmetics
#MACLOVESLIPS
LOUIS VUITTON CATWALK – The Complete Fashion Collections is the first comprehensive overview of Louis Vuitton’s collections, from their debut in 1998 to today, presented through original runway images.
Louis Vuitton S/S 2003 – Marc Jacobs (Bags in collaboration with Takashi Murakami)
Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton launched its first fashion collection in 1998. Unprecedented global fame ensued, as did pioneering high-profile collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, and Stephen Sprouse. Louis Vuitton Catwalk records the hugely influential collections designed by artistic directors Marc Jacobs (1998–2013) and Nicolas Ghesquière, who helms the House today. Every ready-to-wear collection is represented from the arrival of Ghesquière onwards.
Louis Vuitton S/S 2012 – Marc Jacobs
Louis Vuitton Catwalk is completed with an introduction by Jo Ellison and designer profiles and collection texts by Louise Rytter.
Louis Vuitton S/S 2013 – Marc Jacobs
With over 1,350 images, this treasure trove of inspiration will be the musthave reference for all fashion professionals and Louis Vuitton fans.
Launch in store, worldwide, in July 2018.
LoL, Sandra
Louis Vuitton Resort 2017 in Rio de Janeiro – Nicolas Ghesquière
Louis Vuitton Resort 2018 in Japan – Nicolas Ghesquière
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
This summer, CLARINS and SISLEY have come up with the cutest packaging as well as with sweetest products. Get ready for some candy action…
CLARINS
Catch’ Light Stick Rosy Glow CHF 27.00 (6g)
In one easy step, tis smooth, refreshing highlighter stick leaves behind a veil of light. Can be used on its own or over make-up. Lights up the complexion instantly.
Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector Rose Pearl CHF 27.00 (12ml)
The ideal candy-flavored lip perfecto for perfectly smooth, luminous lips with subtle natural-looking colour. This softly textured gel formula moisturizes, repairs and protects day by day.
Hand and Nail Treatment Cream CHF 13.00 (30ml)
My favorite hand cream in general comes now in the cutest travel size packaging in three too-die-for scents (available in Jasmine, Neroli and Magnolia). Acting like an «invisible glove», it protects while leaving hands never sticky.
Bronzing Compact Poudre Soleil CHF 59.00 (17g)
Pink flamingos and palm trees decorated this beautiful limited edition sun compact.
SISLEY
Ecological Compound CHF 231.00 (125ml)
This limited edition glass bottle is embellished with red and pink flowers. Inside is the famous fluid, a rich complex of balancing, toning and stimulating plant extracts that helps to fight environmental damage.
Photo Lip Delight Pretty CHF 50.00 (6ml)
This newly launched light, transparent make-up immediately brightens the lips, highlights their natural beauty and enhances them day after day. Available in three shades, Cool, Pretty and Sweet.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
