When I received those stunning photos today, I fell immediately in love with their mood. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot are behind GUCCI’s amazing F/W 2013 campaign.
Abbey Lee Kershaw as the femme fatale and Adrien Sahores as the male model grab the viewer’s attention in a second. The background shifting from deep blue to saturated black emphasizes this dark and enticing collection perfectly.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Gucci
With fair skin and dark red lips, Michelle Williams made her debut as the new face of Louis Vuitton, sporting the House’s innovative new bag which is on top of my F/W 2013 wish list. Its tight lines, suggesting the penmanship of a W, outline a three-part body, which is enhanced by the blending of various materials. Being the perfect daily companion, the bag has plenty of surprises in store, both visual and tactile, of course all created with the House’s know-how.
Externally, it offers a doubly harmonious character, combining the smooth and silky surface of rare leathers with the emblematic Monogram canvas, or with a velvety tufted effect, embroidery on leather inspired by the art of tapestry. Inside, the intelligently designed space in suede leather features many different pockets, offering a logical place for all the objects which can be found in the intimate compartments of a woman’s life.
Uma Thurman was spotted recently with this new must-have at the Munich airport. Freshness, modernity, and elegance: the latest addition to the Louis Vuitton family has every sort of appeal.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Shoes, bags and champagne… my all time favourites! Charlotte Olympia has launched a limited edition capsule collection for Veuve Clicquot Champagne. So pop the cork, and raise your glass, in fabulous shoes, that personify style and class.
This ‘lovely bubbly’ collection is available both in-store at Harrods (Shoe Salon, First Floor) and online HERE.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Harrods
The last stop of my trip through China was one of my favourite cities in the world: HONG KONG. This cultural melting pot offers a little of everything, from beaches to the best restaurants and nightlife, from culture to art and entertainment. As I know the metropole very well, I refrained from sightseeing and went on a shopping spree.
My look: Printed tee and sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, mid-rise cut-off denim shorts
by Saint Laurent,
coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu and earrings
by Gucci.
I stayed at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Built in 1963, as the famous chain’s first opening, this is one of the few hotels in this futuristic city with a history. Located in the heart of Central’s most fashionable shopping district, The Landmark, Harvey Nichols and many other luxury brands are just within walking distance. An absolute prime location with great service!
In the afternoon, I took the ferry to Kowloon, which is also quite the place for shopping lovers. Next to the Star Ferry pier is Harbour City, a gigantic mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. In the tiny side roads, you can also experience fascinating local shops and markets, such as the Ladies’ Market.
In the evening, I partied at the highest bar in the world – Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The stunning rooftop location provides a stylish venue for a glass of bubbly complimented by a picturesque bird’s eye view of Hong Kong. My absolute favourite spot!
My trip to China has come to an end. I arrived back in Zurich yesterday morning, filled with amazing memories. It was such a great experience but also quite exhausting. But I never stop… next week, I will be off to Iceland. Might not be the place to wear my shorts again though…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
I love smoky eyes, they are always on trend. I have recently tried two new products that are absolutely great. Here are some tips how to achieve this gorgeous look very easily.
SERGE LUTENS FARD A PAUPIERE N°2
Discover the most recent addition to the Les Necessaires de Beauté collection: a palette in pale neutrals and mauves to create a smoky eye that is as easy to wear as black.
Available for CHF 200.00 (at Jelmoli in Zurich for example).
GLOMINERALS SMOKY EYES KIT
This kit includes four essential colors for creating a sultry smoky eye in a sleek, mirrored compact. A five easy steps application guide is also included.
Formulated with glominerals’ exclusive blend of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E and green tea, it provides nutrients that are vital to maintaining skin’s healthy radiance. The colours may be applied dry or wet to increase pigment, which is great if you are using them as an eye liner.
In Switzerland available for CHF 64.00 (at Schminkbar in Zurich or Cosmetic Susan Meier in Lucerne among others).
TIPS & TECHNIQUES
How to create the perfect smoky eye
When creating a smoky eye, always start off with doing the eyes first, as makeup may fall on to the face. Use the lightest shade as a base eyeshadow from lash line to brow. Follow with the second lightest color, applying it to the lid, stopping just beneath the brow bone. Next, apply a darker hue in the outer 3/4 of the crease. Lastly, add definition by lining top and bottom lash lines using the darkest one such as black. Smudge gently for a sexy, smoky look. Blending is the key. Use lighter, more natural tones on the cheeks and lips to let the eyes stand out but not look overdone.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Glominerals and Serge Lutens, © Sandra Bauknecht
So many of you have been asking me for more updates from China. I had been chilling for one week at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya, before I flew yesterday to Hong Kong. Experiencing the power of zen, I have become fully aware, here and now, all of my senses alert. I did a lot of yoga classes and enjoyed many Chinese spa treatments which are truly special, absolutely amazing. This exclusive retreat on the tropical island of Hainan Island has got a location on a private bay that offers no equal. I stayed in one of the huge luxurious villas with my own pool and outstanding service. I found new friends, from monkeys to geckos to grashoppers. What a beautiful spot on earth, a hidden paradise and I am truly thankful for the time and enlightenment! A resort that I can absolutely recommend!
Let me show you a little more…
Me on a beach walk before sunset wearing Juicy Couture and my Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN sunglasses.
A warm welcome in my own two-storied villa. Every day, I received a new basket with fresh fruits.
Diving in my own private pool in a Chanel bikini.
In the outdoor shower
Bath room amenities by Acqua di Parma.
If you are staying in one of the resort’s villas, you are having exclusive access to the Cliff Lounge, where complimentary champagne breakfasts, afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served daily. It feels very calm, relaxed and you are never confronted with too many people.
The food was divine. Here you see my daily breakfast.
Next to the beautiful private beach, you can relax at one of the three gigantic outdoor swimming pools. I preferred staying at my own villa where I met some new animal friends…
The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya is one of the best I have ever been to. I had a lot of treatments and each of them was amazing. Try the Chinese Detox massage where herbs are applied to your body, the Lava Sea Shell massage using self-heated shells together with local coconut oil, and the Oriental Foot treatment for the ultimate wellness experience.
The light was very special in Sanya, especially in the evening… a true paradise.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
The colour vermilion is nowadays commonly called ‘China red’. The perfect hue to be worn in Sanya, where I am at the moment. The South China Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean, is absolutely beautiful and was the perfect backdrop to take the photos.
I have truly enjoyed the last days here in paradise, no make-up, just a little lipstick, my hair not straightened, with my natural waves, just living for the moment.
My look: Louise dress, Fatal sleeves and Lucent belt, all three by Wolford, hat by H&M and Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Looking at those pictures, I have to admit that I am becoming a little homesick. Before I left for China, I was invited by a lovely friend to join a chocolate party at the LINDT factory in Kilchberg, Switzerland. You can rent the chocolate studio for 20 people and more to create some yummy treats.
The Maîtres Chocolatiers, real masters of their craft, were welcoming our group and helped us to make a LINDT chocolate bear and some amazing pralines. Every single detail counts when it comes to creating the finest chocolate and I had a real blast decorating my sweets. Bon appétit!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
In the beginning of July while I was travelling through China, Chloé unveiled at the Hôtel de Miramion in Paris the amazing new fragrance Roses de Chloé, a celebration of the flower of love in the heart of the city of lights. The rose was already a key ingredient of the fragrance signature, launched in 2008.
Now, it has been reinterpreted, in the form of a Damascena rose essence. Reminiscent of a walk down the Parisian rose gardens, the sensual new scent includes bergamot, magnolia, white musk and amber.
In Switzerland available from August 22, 2013.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Chloé (Coty Prestige)
Here is my last look from Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever style lab shot at the bar of the Helvetia Bristol hotel in Florence. I am completely in love with Givenchy’s F/W 2013 collection (think about that gorgeous Bambi sweater…), a little punk, a little grunge all with a certain flair.
To order, just click on the highlighted text.
My look: Wool grain de poudre coat with golden details and sequined printed cotton fleece long sweatshirt, both by Givenchy, So Nice earrings by Reminiscence, calfskin metal plaque booties
by Giuseppe Zanotti and studded backpack
by MCM.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella