Supermodel and beauty entrepreneur MIRANDA KERR shared her travel tips for Australia with us. The country where she was born and raised. Surrounded by farmland and wilderness in the small town of Gunnedah, NSW, her love for nature and organic living became an intrinsic part of her life from a very young age.

Your favourite city?
I love SYDNEY. It has everything, beach, harbor and the convenience of a city. It only takes a 20 minutes drive to get to the beach from the city centre.

Your favourite hotel?
The QUALIA RESORT up north. A remote, private and beautiful place to stay on a private island on the Great Barrier Reef.
Whitsunday Blvd, Hamilton Island QLD 4803, Australia +61 7 4948 9222

Your favourite restaurant?
The BOATHOUSE ON BLACKWATTLE BAY in Sydney, yummy food in good atmosphere.
123 Ferry Rd Glebe NSW, Australia +61 2 9518 9011

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
The BONDI TO BRONTE BEACH WALK – it is a wonderful way to see a litte bit of the coast line and experiencing great energy.

Your favourite park?
WOLSELEY PARK IN GUNNEDAH. The park I used to play in as a kid. It brings back a lot of childhood memories. Gunnedah NSW 2380, Australia

Your favourite beach?
SHELLY BEACH AT MANLY – A lovely sheltered cove and one of Sydney’s best aquatic reserves. It is so beautiful there. You can see the harbour from the beach.
Shelly Beach Drive, Manly, NSW, Australia 2095

Your favourite shop?
NATURAL PROGRESSION – A cute natural health and beauty shop located on Bondi Beach.
81 Gould Street, Bondi Beach, NSW, 2026, Australia +61 2 9130 2080

Your must-have accessory?
A SUN HAT to protect the skin, a must when visiting Australia.

Your favourite song?
“LAND DOWN UNDER” by Australian new wave rock group Men at Work. The lyrics are about an Australian traveller circling the globe, proud of his nationality.

Your favorite holiday book?
My favourite book is “SHANTARAM” by Gregory David Roberts, such a captivating story.

Your favourite scent?
JOYFUL BY ESCADA. It encourages positivity and confidence to see the bright part of life and I am happy to be its face.

The smell of Australia?
I think of the SMELL OF FRESH RAIN, the SMELL OF CHRISTMAS, because we have those Christmas beetles that are really strong in the countryside where I grew up.

Thank you, Miranda, for sharing your insider scoop on Australia with us.

LoL, Sandra

Those who have been following me on instagram have got already an impression how fabulous my trip to Dubai was this week. Karl Lagerfeld had chosen the Emirates destination as the place to present the Chanel Cruise 2015 collection. You would imagine that past presentations in St. Tropez, Dallas and the Palais de Versailles among others would be hard to top. Think again. It’s Karl Lagerfeld. It was a feast for the eyes, an amazing experience, like the fairytale of One Thousand and One Nights.

The guests, among them celebrities such as Dakota Fanning, Vanessa Paradis, Freida Pinto and Tilda Swinton, were brought by junks to a manmade island off the coast of Dubai where an enormous golden hangar covered in an interlocking double C’s lattice awaited us. From far away it looked like traditional Islamic fretwork.

We were asked to wear flat shoes (even that flats are trending at the moment, this was a challenge for me) as we walked through the sand. With an outdoor temperature of around 36°C, it felt like a beautiful evening in the desert. We were greeted in the souk tents with refreshing lemonades and Arabic coffee while enjoying the Dubai skyline.

Inside comfy, cushioned seating around the catwalk, yummy hors d’oeuvres, champagne and gigantic fake palm trees awaited us.

In the middle of the location, the food was on display that we enjoyed after the show, from mini pita-shawarmas and falafel with date chutney to pistachio baklava.

The show was beautiful, Karl Lagerfeld dreamed up his “idea of a romantic, modern Orient, a new One Thousand and One Nights.” He mixed precious and costume jewelry and played with the sickle-moon motif. Those pearl crescent-moon hair pieces and Bedouin-inspired cuffs are divine. Aladdin’s slippers, harem pants, ghutra-pattern-inspired jackets, mosaiced skirts, necklines and embroidered leather camellias bring the Arabian culture into the Chanel style in a respectful and culturally sensitive way.

It wouldn’t be Karl Lagerfeld though if he didn’t add some humor to his collection. I adore the tunic tops hemmed in a sequined version of the Dubai skyline and the golden jerrycan bag will surely be on many shopping lists.

After the dinner, we enjoyed a private concert by Janelle Monáe.

Vanessa Paradis with me after the show

Sweet Dakota Fanning

Tilda Swinton giving an interview outdoors

When we walked back to the boats through the candle-lit sandy path, it felt like a million-and-one Arabian nights. Thank you, Chanel, for this beautiful night. In the September issue of L’Officiel Switzerland, you will find an exclusive report and some amazing pictures. Stay tuned!

While you are reading this, I am already on my way to the next adventure. For one evening, I fly to Shanghai with Omega for an exceptional dinner with George Clooney.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Chanel

It’s a men’s post but looking into Chris Pine‘s amazing blue eyes, I am sure that my female readers will get inspired by this code of seduction as well. The handsome Hollywood star is the new face to embody the charisma of the timeless seducer, this magnetic charm which symbolizes Armani Code, one of the most successful Giorgio Armani fragrances for the past decade.

Armani Code Ice is a new, fresher and brighter limited edition interpretation of the original, developed by Alberto Morillas, Master Perfumer at Firmenich.

AROMATIC
Top notes: Mint, lemon and spicy ginger.
Middle notes: Geranium and lavender.
Base notes: Woodsy notes.

ARMANI CODE ICE (50ml) CHF 89.00 and (75ml) CHF 117.00.
Available in Switzerland from May 2014 exclusively at Import Parfümerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

As we all know, fashion trends can be difficult to keep up with. In an industry where one color, fabric or print can be crazily hot one season and totally out the next, there’s no doubt that following is no easy task. Not to worry, I am here to help you looking chic all year long! Scroll through my forecast for what styles will be on everyone’s shopping list this F/W 2014 season.

Capes, ponchos, fur, feathers and shearling, the collections are all about wrapping up against the cold. Get ready to ward off Winter’s grip in khaki hues, Sixties prints and flashes of shining gold. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2014 TREND 1: SWEET SIXTIES
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dsquared²

F/W 2014 TREND 2: SUITS
Hermès – Christian Dior – Ralph Lauren Collection

F/W 2014 TREND 3: MILITARY KHAKI
Calvin Klein Collection – Isabel Marant – Balmain

F/W 2014 TREND 4: HEAD TO TOE KNITS
Stella McCartney – Céline – Marc Jacobs

F/W 2014 TREND 5: ARGYLE SWEATERS
Louis Vuitton – Maison Martin Margiela – Tommy Hilfiger

F/W 2014 TREND 6: FELINE
Carven – Givenchy – Sportmax

F/W 2014 TREND 7: OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
Matthew Williamson – Bottega Veneta – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2014 TREND 8: TEAM PLAYERS
Tom Ford – DKNY – Jeremy Scott

F/W 2014 TREND 9: SHEARLING
Anthony Vaccarello – Prada – Christopher Kane

F/W 2014 TREND 10: FANCY FURS
Versace – Emilio Pucci – Chloé

F/W 2014 TREND 11: PONCHOS
Roberto Cavalli – Burberry Prorsum – Etro

F/W 2014 TREND 12: CAPES
Dolce & Gabbana – Elie Saab – Valentino

F/W 2014 TREND 13: GOLDEN GIRLS
Just Cavalli – Saint Laurent – Moschino

F/W 2014 TREND 14: BIRDS
Emanuel Ungaro – Marni – Alberta Ferretti

F/W 2014 TREND 15: BLACK VELVET
Emporio Armani – Chanel – Nina Ricci

Photos: Via Style.com

While you are reading this post, I am back in the Middle East. This time, I followed Chanel‘s invitation to Dubai. Here, the French house’s Cruise 2015 show will take place tomorrow evening.

The last time I flew with Emirates in their new amazing A380 was in January with Thierry Mugler for the launch of their newest fragrance Alien Eau Extraordinaire. In this post, I will tell you all about this fantastic trip to Oman.

The A380 is an experience in itself. The world’s largest passenger jet has a twin-deck, which means business and first class are on the top floor. Every business class seat has a built-in mini-bar, a personal storage area and a privacy divider. And here comes the best, there is even a real bar on this floor where passengers can mingle and enjoy a drink.

I spent one night in Dubai before leaving on a fun road trip to the Six Senses Zighy Bay resort which is located on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman.

When you arrive on top of the mountain, you will surely be taken by the breathtaking scenery of this hidden gem. The resort is as spectacular as its setting, with the natural beauty of Oman’s rugged mountain landscape on one side and a sandy beach on the other.

I have to say, I was amazed how fast you find total inner peace here through the power of nature. The resort is built on sand and you throw away your shoes in a second. Feeling the sand beneath your toes, you tantalize your senses, you enjoy an exciting remoteness and a barefoot luxury beyond imagination.

The team of Thierry Mugler invited us to “lâcher price” which means to let go and the Six Senses Zighy Bay offers the perfect surrounding. Being committed to environmental responsibility, the resort offers fresh, organic food prepared with ingredients that are cultivated in the region.

I stayed at a private villa with my own pool, 24-hour butler service and my own bike to drive around the resort. The rural charm of the rooms is amazing and I loved taking an outdoor shower in the morning.

One day, we went on a cruise. We had no cell phone coverage to really let go. It was such a beautiful afternoon that I absolutely enjoyed.

Let’s have a closer look at Alien Eau Extraordinaire, the new addition to Thierry Mugler‘s Alien family, created by Dominique Ropion and Veronique Nyberg.

Pierre Aulas, artistic director at Parfums Mugler, explained me more about this beautiful floral fragrance launch. He is very charming and a genius when it comes to both, marketing and fragrance creating.

ALIEN EAU EXTRAORDINAIRE

Delicate floral notes transport a unique freshness and femininity. Exuding pure optimism, this scent is perfect for summer.

Top notes: Tunisian Neroli, Tea and Bergamot
Middle notes: Tiare Flower and Heliotrope
Base notes: Cashmeran and White Amber

It was such an amazing trip… Stay tuned for my upcoming post from Dubai, this time with Chanel!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Of all the special joys in life, the big ones and the small,
a mother’s love and tenderness is the greatest of them all.

Happy Mother’s Day 2014 to all the caring and courageous mums out there! While appreciation for any parent should be every day of the year, I still love to extra appreciate my mom on this special occasion. Dear Mama, I feel blessed to have you in my life, a true inspiration, my best friend, you’re my mother, I would have no other! I love you!

Touch your mum’s heart with a sentimental poem or gift her with a little surprise (If you have forgotten about Mother’s Day, get her a little gift online and hand her a voucher). Your mother will surely appreciate the heartfelt emotions and treasure them forever.

From left to right:
Heart-intarsia cashmere sweater by Chinti and Parker
Heart-print cotton-voile shirt by Chinti and Parker
Heart-print cutout-back bandeau swimsuit by Stella McCartney
Rose, geranium and jasmine pebble soap set by Bamford

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: net-à-porter

Today, I would like to introduce you to my friend Anna who had a fantastic business idea. Catering to all animal lovers, she opens today her first shop in Stuttgart dedicated to our furry friends: LIEBESTIER (Unter dem Birkenkopf 13-15, 70197 Stuttgart, Germany).

Anna Frahm of LIEBESTIER

Similar to Pet Kingdom at Harrods, the store offers everything a canine or feline heart wishes for, but in much more contemporary way, not completely aloof.

Anna showcases the very best pet products in her cute little store reminiscent of a kennel, from dog beds, toys, bowls to the most exclusive and healthy delicacies for cats and dogs. With a permanent gourmet food frontage within the shop, she even sells the finest truffles for dogs.

Speaking of fashion, you can match the collar of your dog to your new leather bracelet. How cool is that? I couldn’t resist and filled my Dorset leather tote by Mulberry with the cutest treats for my parent’s dog.

In the future, Anna is planning to open more stores in other cities. So let’s hope, she will also come to Switzerland one day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Liebestier and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Your best look and a great photograph can be life changing…”, this is Adriana Tripa‘s mission. Based in Zurich, she pursues her passion to make people look more beautiful. Her photo studio LOOX that she founded in 2007 is the place to go if you would like to have a fun photo shoot with great pictures to take home. The charming blonde does your make-up and explains you which facial features you should emphasize. Afterwards, she photographs you in different ways. My photos below are not photoshopped! Adriana does it all with make-up and light.

If you are looking for a self-esteem boost, visit Adriana who will capture your best image!

LOOX Photo Studio by Adriana Tripa – Rämistrasse, 8001 Zürich/Switzerland
Phone: +41 79 354 3053 – E-mail:

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Adriana Tripa

Here is the second look from my photo shoot in Los Angeles with PIAGET. This outfit is one of my favorites this season. The blood lustre rockabilly-inspired satin bomber jacket with the vampire detail on the back is such an eye-catcher while giving an unexpected twist to the feminine Piaget jewelry. An unbeatable combination!

My look:Embellished satin bomber jacket, leopard print blouse, red skinny stretch-leather pants, Betty chain red leather shoulder bag and suede ankle boots, all by Saint Laurent, sunglasses by Céline, jewelry and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Behind the Scene Photos (Collage): © Sandra Bauknecht – Photos: David Shama

The covetable ‘PS1‘, Proenza Schouler’s leather clutch is a must-have accessory and has become already a classic. This iconic style offers enough room for your wallet, smartphone and lipstick, its sleek design is perfect day or night.

My favorite version this season:

PS1 printed leather clutch for S/S 2014
It features a geometric motif and a photorealistic-print lining, epitomizing the label’s collage-inspired vision for spring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Proenza Schouler, Luisaviaroma