I love when the new ad campaigns are released for the upcoming season as I always like to see what the brands have come up with. Louis Vuitton took a cast of mostly young A-list house ambassadors to be featured in the new “Series 7” campaign for the F/W 2017 collection, which takes shape in an industrial world of raw elements and stark lines.

Against this ideal cinematic backdrop photographer Bruce Weber has set a romantic ballet of never-before-seen characters and powerful heroines. Whether massed in groups, paired off, or singled out for solos, these models generate surprise against a multiplicity of décors and visuals. Among the models faithful to Nicolas Ghesquière’s imagination—a feminine cohort that he delights in transforming every season—are some prestigious guests. Riley Keough, Jaden Smith, Sophie Turner, Catherine Deneuve, and Kevin Michel arise like serendipitous interlopers in the photographs’ composition, fitting right in to the modern tale.

I especially like the close-up shot of the fantastic new embellished clutch bag!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton 

What happens when a cigar maker fuses with a watchmaker?!
They create the «Art of Fushion» und come up with something very special. HUBLOT celebrates 20 years of the most sought after cigar “The Fuente Fuente Opus X’’ with a Classic Fusion collection of three limited edition pieces.

«For any cigar connoisseur, the Fuente Fuente Opus X is an absolute reference, as much in terms of its remarkable flavour as in the quality of its execution. A quest for the finest products and for manufacturing excellence with which we at Hublot totally identify. We are very happy to be able to join in the celebrations of the two decades of this exceptional puro through our third collaboration with the Arturo Fuente house.
A partnership that is rolling along nicely!»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO Hublot

“The rarest cigar in the world” according to purists, the Fuente Fuente Opus X is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It started in 1980 when Carlos Fuente set up his cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, near the town of Santiago against everyone’s advice. It was here where, after several attempts, he and his family succeeded in growing tobacco plants that produced wrapper leaf of the highest quality, with a uniquely powerful and rich flavour. He was profoundly confident of achieving this result as the place bore a strange resemblance to the “Pinar del Rio”, the valley in which the best tobacco is grown in Cuba. Thus was born the “Chateau de la Fuente”, the first of the Fuente factories on Hispaniola, the continuity of the Fuente & Cie business that his grandfather had founded in Cuba in 1912.

To celebrate this success, he decided to produce the king of cigars, for which no concession would be made in terms of quality: the Fuente Fuente Opus X. This began with the labour: before being authorised to work on this project, the “torcedores”—the cigar rollers—had to undergo an additional 10 months of specific training.

They had to be capable of meeting Don Fuente’s requirements: the cigar had to be composed of 9 leaves of tobacco, while other factories would make do with 5 for their prestigious models (one for the wrapper, one for the binder and then 3 more leaves for the filler, the heart of the cigar). Once rolled, they were then “laid down” for at least 2 years before export to let their different aromas blend harmoniously through maturation.

Carlitos Fuente in front of the Opus X production room.

Carlos Fuente shares the inspiration that guided him: «I wanted to reproduce something that already existed in my memory. I wanted to go back in time, to my childhood. I wanted to go back to the happiest episodes of my life. I wanted my grandfather to be proud of me, my father too, and for my children to be so too one day. It was something that I owed to myself to do.» 20 years later, the Fuente Fuente Opus X has achieved success among connoisseurs, who fall over themselves to get hold of it.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Carlito Fuente

The partnership between the watchmaker in Nyon and the Arturo Fuente cigar maker first saw the light in 2012, on the occasion of the Fuente Foundation’s centenary. It is the result of a friendship between the men presiding over the destiny of two houses which share common values of meticulousness, manufacture, selection of the finest materials, production organised into workshops and, of course the quest for excellence. This partnership has already produced two horological creations.

It is therefore perfectly natural today for Hublot to choose to join the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Opus X, by launching three commemorative watches in limited editions, marking the third collaboration between the two brands. These three Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Fuente 20th Anniversary Special Edition models will be limited to a production of 20 watches each.

The first has a 45-mm case in satin-finished black ceramic. Its bezel is cut from the same material. Its sumptuous blue dial is adorned with the famous X decorating the rings of the legendary puro, doubled for the occasion to become the number 20 in Roman numerals. It is topped by red gold plated hands and indexes with a “20 Years” mention apposed at 6 o’clock. Its back is engraved with an exclusive illustration of the Fuente family with the “Château de la Fuente, Fuente Fuente Opus X 20 Years” mention, as well the model’s limited edition series number. Its black alligator strap is lined with rubber to provide the wearer greater comfort.

The second version has sublime livery in brushed titanium. Its case and bezel are finely embossed with engravings reproducing tobacco leaf motifs interlinked into the letter X. The engravings on its back are partially lacquered in blue. The strap in grey alligator, with a deployant buckle clasp, is stitched in blue and is also lined with rubber.

The third version is in King Gold, the precious red gold developed by the Hublot house. It has the same engravings and features as the titanium model, while adding a brown strap.

All three feature the HUB1112 calibre, an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. They are delivered in a case that serves as a humidor, a cigar box specially designed by Hublot so as to regulate the humidity and allow the correct conservation of the modules.

I really like this Art of Fushion!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

PRADA presents an original lifestyle collection of T-shirts and sweaters for women. They are characterized by exclusive prints that take inspiration from the fashion house’s F/W 2017 runway show.

Made of white cotton, the t-shirts are short or long and enriched by a special packaging.

The beautiful packaging

Sweaters come with short or long sleeves, with or without hood.
Available in selected Prada stores as well as on prada.com starting from mid of July 2017.

I love! CLICK HERE PLEASE TO SHOP PRADA ONLINE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

You all know LANCÔME‘s powerful youth activating serum ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE that reveals youthful radiance and smoother skin in just 7 days. This September marks the launch of ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE SENSITIVE, a new two-in-one potent serum that not only boots your glow but also calms your skin.

This innovative formula features Génifique’s patented complex with added anti-oxidative biotechnology-derived ingredients, such as ferula acid and Vitamin E. Recommend as a cure for four weeks whenever you have those bad skin moments.

Left: The freshly mixed bottle – Right: The bottle after the ingredients have mixed

The key factor is that you mix the bottle yourself by one click. The blue colored ferula acid oxides to achieve the maximal effect. Important is that you finish the bottle in one month due to its freshness. After the activation, you change the top to the self-loading dropper that delivers the ideal dosage to bring back the light into your skin. ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE SENSITIVE is used at night, in the morning ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE is recommended. This beauty routine works for every age, every skin type as well as multiple ethnicities.

ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE SENSITIVE
Available from September 2017 for CHF 99.00 (20ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Friday, I was invited to a very fun birthday party at Widder Garage in Zurich. The dress code said «stars, stripes and polka dots», so I decided to wear all three.

My look: Striped cotton cropped top (30% off on sale), pleated skirt with polka dots (50% off on sale), and straw hat with appliqué (60% off on sale), all by Dolce & Gabbana, Betty bow-embellished suede platform sandals (40% off on sale) and small California leather bucket bag with stars, both by Saint Laurent, necklace and earrings, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This F/W 2017 season is all about having fun and exploring new territories! With fashion in a maximalist mood, accessories have kept their center stage. On the runways, fishnets are back, boots sparkle, and this winter you definitely need three bags at once. Red is the color to buy and don’t store your overknee boots, they are hipper than ever.

The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2017 TREND 1: FISHNET STOCKINGS
Lanvin – Jason Wu – Cinq à Sept

F/W 2017 TREND 2: GLITTER BOOTS
Oscar de la Renta – Chanel – Saint Laurent

F/W 2017 TREND 3: FURRY HATS
Marni – Prada – Miu Miu

F/W 2017 TREND 4: CRAZY HATS
Emilio Pucci – Moschino – Maison Margiela

F/W 2017 TREND 5: STUFFED ANIMALS
Dolce & Gabbana – Loewe – Jeremy Scott

F/W 2017 TREND 6: WIDE BELTS
Tod’s – Bottega Veneta – Michael Kors

F/W 2017 TREND 7: LOGOMANIA
Proenza Schouler – Christian Dior – Balenciaga

F/W 2017 TREND 8: COMBAT BOOTS
Altuzarra – Rodarte – Hermès

F/W 2017 TREND 9: HEEL ART
Mary Katrantzou – Salvatore Ferragamo – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2017 TREND 10: TRIPLE THREAT
Coach – Gucci – Fendi

F/W 2017 TREND 11: OVERKNEES
Balmain – Nina Ricci – Ellery

F/W 2017 TREND 12: WHITE OUT
Victoria Beckham – Marc Jacobs – Narciso Rodriguez

F/W 2017 TREND 13: FOCUS ON THE JEWELRY
Isabel Marant – Alexander Wang – Céline

Photos: Via Vogue.com

This has been my object of desire for some time and it is so hard to get it: the ‘On A Summer Day’ Constance III – a rare multicolour swift leather bag with palladium hardware by Nigel Peake for Hermès S/S 2017. The vibrant and luminous hues are so perfect for the summer season, it’s definitely a real collectors item! I adore its geometrical and architectural details. If you look closely, you will spot buildings and trees.

Crazy as it sounds, this bag just hit the shelves this spring and has already been auctioned off for around £20000 two weeks ago at Christie’s first sale of designer totes.

 I love the Constance which is in my opinion one of the iconic beauties of the famous French Maison, along with its sisters Birkin, Kelly and Lindy. Here’s some bag trivia for those still not in the know. Created in 1959 by designer Catherine Chaillet, who named it Constance after her daughter who was born in the same year, this bag comes with a H-shaped fastener and a clever adjustable strap so that it can be worn over the shoulder or held by the side.

If you missed the beautiful Constance bag, hope is here. For F/W 2017, Hermès has collaborated with Nigle Peake again.

Look at this beauty: the Birkin bag in printed Swift calfskin leather ‘One Two Three and Away We Go’ – a playful and colorful exploration of the famous bag. I love.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès and via 1stdibs.com

Today I am on my way to Paris with Sisley and I couldn’t be happier to be back in one of my favorite cities in the world. Here everything feels much more chic than anywhere else.

My look: Gaby belted fil coupé dress by Erdem (40% off on sale – here even 50% off), Falabella faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney, Dioressence pumps by Dior, cuff by Chanel, rose diamond necklace by Piaget and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here they are: the most important trends for the F/W 2017 season. Americana vibes, a powerful way to wear red, and vintage-inspired everything. Enjoy this comprehensive look at the pieces you’ll be wearing shortly. Deconstructed clothing is here to stay as well as florals and leisure suits. If you are looking at the new skirts, mid-length is the way to go.

I cannot wait for this beautiful season to arrive in stores.

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2017 TREND 1: POWER RED
Givenchy – Fendi – Max Mara

F/W 2017 TREND 2: FUTURISTIC SILVER
Saint Laurent – Chanel – Comme des Garçons

F/W 2017 TREND 3: NEW TRANSPARENCY
Calvin Klein – Miu Miu – Emilio Pucci

F/W 2017 TREND 4: WILD WEST
House of Holland – Balmain – Alexander Wang

F/W 2017 TREND 5: FOLKLORE
Gucci – Etro – Maison Margiela

F/W 2017 TREND 6: EVENING VELVET
Jason Wu – Alberta Ferretti – Erdem

F/W 2017 TREND 7: RETRO FUR
Louis Vuitton – Michael Kors – Loewe

F/W 2017 TREND 8: ’70s PLAID
Tory Burch – Marni – Hermès

F/W 2017 TREND 9: FEATHERS
Prada – Mary Katrantzou – Elie Saab

F/W 2017 TREND 10: LEISURE SUITS
Chloé – Marc Jacobs – Ashish

F/W 2017 TREND 11: BROAD SHOULDERS
Dries Van Noten – Jacquemus – Isabel Marant

F/W 2017 TREND 12: RECYCLING
Dolce & Gabbana – Moschino – Junya Watanabe

F/W 2017 TREND 13: LACE OVERLAY
Stella McCartney – Burberry – Alessandra Rich

F/W 2017 TREND 14: WALLPAPER FLORALS
Mulberry – Emilia Wickstead – Balenciaga

F/W 2017 TREND 15: DENIM SUITS
Sacai – Christian Dior – Esteban Cortazar

Photos: Via Vogue.com

Recently a new kids concept store opened its doors in Zurich, KARAMELL. A true playground for the little ones (0-12 years) as well as for their moms. The brainchild behind it is no other than Sara Allerstorfer, who worked for 18 years at Switzerland’s renowned fashion magazine BOLERO as fashion editor and director. Through work, Sara and I have become friends and we always had a lot of fun when we travelled together, sharing a passion for Givenchy and being both working mums.

Sara and I working together during a shoot for BOLERO magazine in April 2011.

Sara has an expert eye when to comes to finding treasure from all over the world. Her store is filled with pieces that are produced in limited editions and in a sustainable way. The labels she carries come from all over the world, from Goteborg to Brooklyn to Tokyo and can only be found at KARAMELL in Zurich.

For us, she opened up about the challenges she encountered leaving her old job and how she feels today living her new dream.

You worked for 18 years as a fashion editor at BOLERO magazine. Why did you take the decision to leave such a «desirable» job and start something completely new?

The idea of my own store was a dream that I had already been dreaming for years. After my son’s birth, it was obvious for me that it would be a kids concept store because I could not find cool clothes for him in Zurich. And when he grew older, it even became worth. There were either clothes with allover prints in hideous colors, with tasteless motives or items in poor quality. Chains like H&M and Zara were no option at all, regarding their manufacturing process and quality.

And after 18 years in the print media world I needed a new challenge. Personally speaking, don’t be impressed by the «glamorous» fashion world. It is tough and not at all as glamorous as it sells itself via magazines and social media. All that glitters is not gold!

How long did it take you to get started?

To get KARAMELL on track took me one year. I had to find the right location, which is a challenge in Zurich; write a business plan; sort out financial matters; do research in kids fashion to find brands I liked and which are not distributed in Zurich yet; develop an interior concept, which then I realized with Virginia Maissen Interior Studio; go to fairs and showrooms for buying; etc.

What was your biggest challenge that you have encountered so far?

To have a good work-life-balance. To be a good mother and a good businesswoman.

What was the best moment you have experienced in your new environment?

When a customer came to the store and said: This is Instagram came true.

Once a little girl left her doll in the store. Several weeks later she came with her grandmother to pick it up. You should have seen her face. I have never seen such a happy little girl. You could almost touch the emotion she had in that moment, when I gave her back her beloved doll.

Do you think that your previous job as a fashion editor has helped you for your new task in terms of trends, contacts in the industry etc.?

Yes, absolutely. In the beginning it was not easy to convince brands to sell to me, as I did not have a physical store yet. I could not show any images, only talk about my concept and show moodboards. But I had my (good) name and credibility as a Fashion Director.

My expert eye helps me a lot in terms of trends. Sometimes I am a little bit too fashion forward for the kids world but luckily in the children’s universe fashion trends are not changing as quick as in the adult fashion business. It is also a lot more functionally and practically driven.

What is your favorite item in your store? Do you already have a bestseller?

I have three favorite items: The Jess Brown Rag Dolls, which are handmade from used clothes and old fabrics and therefore each one is unique. The sweaters and hoodies from ABC123me. The colors are amazing! And the jeans from East End Highlanders, a Japanese brand. Japanese are famous for the best denim in the world. I can only agree.

My bestseller so far is the tutu from Atsuyo&Akiko.

Would you do it again? 

This question is maybe too early to answer, as I have opened my store only 6 months ago. But I am very enthusiastic and excited about the project.

Thank you, Sara, for giving us this insight in your world!
I am so proud of you that you have dared to live your new dream and I am wishing you only the best!

KARAMELL is located at Seefeldstrasse 44, 8008 Zurich / Switzerland.
Phone: +41 44 558 25 19, E-mail:
Instagram: @karamellzurich

Opening hours
Monday to Wednesday 09.30 am – 5.30 pm
Thursday and Friday 10.00 am – 7.00 pm
Saturday 10.00 am – 5 pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sara Allerstorfer / Karamell