Setting out to discover distant horizons can lead to experiences that are as unexpected as they are magical. An aurora borealis rising across a lava desert.
A cloud of fireflies taking flight in a tropical forest.
A shower of shooting stars raining down over the open sea.
Such rare and fantastic phenomena become engraved in the memory forever.
LOUIS VUITTON Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, fascinated by the trace of such fleeting moments that you wish you could keep forever, dreamed up an enchanting composition: a jubilant perfume that stirs all the senses and celebrates our capacity to experience awe. To grasp what is impossible to capture. To photograph the natural mirages we envision constantly. In his quest to embody waking dreams from far-flung explorations, he found the olfactory direction for Attrape-Rêves.
Such a composition would never settle for a conventional beauty. It needed an explosive fragrance trail; one that was vibrant and surprising in equal measure. Inspired by the euphoria one feels when gazing at a burst of shooting stars, he let himself be guided by an African cacao flower of absolute purity. A raw material, treated in Grasse, that distills regressive, animalistic inflections.
To airy cacao, he added a bouquet of peony, delicate flower with thousand petals, fresh and luminous. He reinforced the power of the duo by pairing it with the slightest touch of essence of patchoulol, the noble, modernized heart of patchouli. Even then, settling for a gustatory fragrance was out of the question. Like an olfactory about-face, lychee and Turkish rose absolute created an unexpected and purebred elegance. He also used ginger and bergamot like flavor enhancers, to amplify this extraordinary perfume’s contrasts and freshness.
Eau de Parfum Attrape-Rêves 100ml 210€
In-store refill 100ml 125€
Eau de Parfum Attrape-Rêves 200ml 320€
In-store refill 200ml 250€
Travel Spray 4×7.5ml 210€
Travel Spray Refills 4×7.5ml 115€
Miniature Set 7x10ml 260€
Available as of 13th September at select Louis Vuitton stores and at louisvuitton.com.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
#LVParfums – #louisvuitton
Last week before the amazing Great Gatsby party, I flew with a small little helicopter from Cannes to Ramatuelle to attend a lovely luncheon at Club Les Palmiers hosted by a great friend from Switzerland. I have to admit that I am a really big fan of the transparent fashion trend – so light and perfect for the hot temperatures!
My look: Layered stretch-jersey dress by Emilio Pucci, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings, hippie-style bag and matching belt with multicolored tassels and coins, all by Etro, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent
, Rose des Vents bracelets by Dior Joaillerie, and Chelsea pilot sunglasses in rose gold with blue mirrored lenses by Michael Kors.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Recently, I received new beauty products to try. These two have been helping me to survive the hot weather perfectly. Regardless of where you live, this summer has been a scorcher (and it’s not even close to being over!). I have definitely been in the sun too much. I try to protect my skin, but it is still dried out.
LA MER‘s new TREATMENT LOTION HYDRATING MASK is absolutely amazing. You can hydrate on the go. This innovative supercharged sheet mask is infused with a full ounce (30ml) of The Treatment Lotion‘s energizing vitality in each application. Your skin feels immediately moisturized. Prep with The Treatment Lotion followed by the mask for an healthy glow.
CHF 170.00 (6 sheet masks) #LoveLaMer
To beat the hot weather, I love to put the products in the fridge and apply them chilled. This feels so good and refreshing.
Beauty on the go – also best for travelling. Another amazing product is this one here:
JO MALONE‘s LIME BASIL & MANDARIN BODY & HAIR OIL is a great way to refresh and moisturize after a hot day. Spray it on your dry or wet skin or hair and you will immediately feel invigorated. You will love its summery smell.
CHF 81.00 (100ml) – #DeclareYourScent
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Last Saturday, I was invited by a dear friend from Munich to a very special celebration, the Great Gatsby party, held at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jan-Cap-Ferrat, France. The decoration and the ambiance were divine. It is definitely one of the most beautiful villas on the Côte d’Azur, located between Nice and Monaco. The villa of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild is also a museum, a pleasant daytrip destination, that houses a rich fine and decorative arts collection in a Belle Époque Italian-style palazzo.
My look: Vintage nude silk dress with plissé by Ralph Lauren Black Collection, feather stole, satin evening bag with fake fur trim, choker and earrings, all by Dior, long pearl and feather necklace by Lanvin, t-bar spectator shoes by Yves Saint Laurent (S/S 2004), feather-embellished velvet headband by Prada, brooch (worn in my hair) by Matthew Williamson and
diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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
